"Is he from New York too?"
"No, from Philadelphia," answered Bowman cautiously, though he had no suspicion that Fred was other than he represented himself.
"I have never been in Philadelphia," said Fred indifferently. "What is your partner's name?"
"James Sinclair," answered Bowman after a moment's hesitation. "Have you ever heard that name before?"
"Yes."
"Where?" I asked Bowman quickly.
"I had a schoolmate of that name."
"Oh! Yes, I suppose the name is not an uncommon one. Do you play billiards?"
"I have seen it played."
"There is a poor table in the house. Such as it is, it may afford us a little recreation. Will you try a game?"