"Oh, if it's to ask what o'clock it is, or when the coach starts, or any thing like that, I shall be happy to answer you, sir, if I can," replied Mr Clam, whose liking for new acquaintances had not been much increased by the events of the day.
"I should certainly not have taken the liberty of applying to you," continued the stranger, "if it had not been under very peculiar circumstances."
"Are they very peculiar, sir?" enquired Mr Clam.
"Yes—as you shall have explained to you some other time."
"Oh, you won't tell them now, won't you? Here's another mystery. 'Pon my word, sir, so many queer things happen in this town, that I wish I had never come into it. I came down only to-day per coach"—
"That's fortunate, sir; if you are a stranger here, your service to me will be greater."
"What is it you want? My neighbour in No. 5—a very talented woman, but big, uncommonly big—says in her book, never purchase the offspring of the sty enveloped in canvass—which means, never meddle with any thing you don't know."
"You shall know all—but I must first ask, if you are satisfied, will you be my friend in a troublesome matter in which I am a party?"
"Oh, you're in a troublesome matter too, are you?—as for me, I came down from London with such a critter, so pretty, so gentle, such a perfect angel to look at!"
"Oh, I don't wish to have your confidence in such affairs. I am pressed for time," replied the stranger, smiling.