"Ach! it wass of this young man I wass about to speak."
"I had almost guessed it," said Mr. Torrington, and picking up the patience cards began to lay them out in little packs.
"It is said he iss on the road tonight—wass seen by a man who hass done some works for me."
"Indeed! That must have surprised you very much. After cherishing the belief that he was snugly accommodated at Laurence's house."
Van Diest acknowledged this thrust gracefully.
"A clever idea thiss substitute—a nice fellow too—vonderful determination."
"Hm! Careless of you to lose him."
"Mislay, my friend. I do not know thiss verb to lose."
"So you come to me for instruction? Ah well, it's never too late to learn."
For the first time Van Diest scowled, but quickly controlled his features and waved a hand over the cards.