“Has Mr. Malkiel sent any reply to my inquiry, Mr. Ferdinand?” asked the Prophet.
“He has not, sir,” replied Mr. Ferdinand, sympathetically.
“Did the boy messenger say he delivered my note?”
“He said so, sir, on his Bible oath, sir.”
“And do you believe him?”
“Oh, sir!” responded Mr. Ferdinand, in a shocked voice, “surely a London lad would not be found to tell a lie!”
“I hope not, Mr. Ferdinand. Still—did he look a nervous sort of lad?”
“He was a trifle pale, sir, about the gills—but a heart of gold, sir, I feel sure. He wore four medals, sir.”
“Four medals! Nevertheless, he may have been frightened to go to Mr. Malkiel’s door. That will do, Mr. Ferdinand.”
Mr. Ferdinand was about to bow and retire when the Prophet, after a moment of hesitation, added,—