For perhaps twenty minutes Randolph Mason talked to the man at the wall. At first the fellow did not seem to understand, but after a time his face lighted up with wonder and eagerness, and his assurance seemed to convince the speaker, for presently they came back together to the fire.
"You," said Mason to the old man, "what is your name?"
"It cuts no ice about de label," replied the old man, pulling at his pipe. "Fur de purposes of dis seeyance I am de Jook of Marlbone."
"Well," said Mason, putting on his coat, "Mr. Barker will tell your lordship what you are to do."
The big blue-eyed man went out and presently returned with the carriage driver. "Mr. Mason," he said, "Bill will drive you to the train and you will be in New York by twelve."
"Remember," said Mason, savagely, turning around at the door, "it must be exactly as I have told you, word for word."
II
I tell you," said Cornelius Rockham, "it is the most remarkable proposition that I have ever heard."