“An original, this,” thought Sir Norman, “whoever he is.” Then aloud: “Pray don't trouble yourself about thanks, sir, I should have dome precisely the same for the highwaymen, had you been three to one over them.”
“I don't doubt it in the least; nevertheless I feel grateful, for you have saved my life all the same, and you have never seen me before.”
“There you are mistaken,” said Sir Norman, quietly “I had the pleasure of seeing you scarce an hour ago.”
“Ah!” said the stranger, in an altered tone, “and where?”
“On London Bridge.”
“I did not see you.”
“Very likely, but I was there none the less.”
“Do you know me?” said the stranger; and Sir Norman could see he was gazing at him sharply from under the shadow of his slouched hat.
“I have not that honor, but I hope to do so before we part.”
“It was quite dark when you saw me on the bridge—how comes it, then, that you recollect me so well?”