“Don't you know me?” demanded Ralph, abruptly.
Mr. Stanton did not anticipate such a commencement. It had never occurred to him to suppose that his rough visitor was one whom he had ever before met.
“No,” he said, “I never saw you before.”
Ralph smiled a little bitterly.
“So I have passed entirely out of your remembrance, have I?” he said. “Well, it is twelve years since we met.”
“Twelve years,” repeated Mr. Stanton. He scanned the stranger's face with curiosity, but not a glimmer of recollection came to him.
“I dare say I met many persons at that distance of time, whom I cannot remember in the least now, even by name.”
“I think you will remember my name,” said Ralph, quietly. “Your memory of Ralph Pendleton cannot be wholly obliterated.”
Mr. Stanton started, and it was evident from the expression of his face that the memory was not a welcome one.
“Are you Ralph Pendleton?” he asked, in an undecided voice.