"When were you here last, sir?" asked Mr. Wyllys of the sailor, giving him a searching look at the same time.
"About five years ago," was the cool reply, rather to Mr.
Wyllys's surprise.
"Five years ago!—I have no recollection of the occasion."
The rest of the party were looking and listening, with curious, anxious interest.
"You don't seem to have much recollection of me, at all, sir," said the sailor, rather bitterly.
"Do you mean to say, that you were in this house five years ago?" asked Mr. Wyllys.
"I was here, but I didn't say I was in the house."
"What brought you here?"
"Pretty much the same errand that brings me now."
"What passed on the occasion?"