"Look here, you black imp," said the stranger, in a severe tone, "do you mean to say that Max is not in town?"
"I do, for sartin, sar."
"And he has left you to practise law for him in his absence?" returned the visitor, with a grin.
"No sar, I takes care ob de buildin."
"Fudge! Maxwell always shuts up his room when he leaves town;" and the stranger walked round the room towards the private apartment, much to the consternation of Dido.
"No, Massa, he tell me, monf ago, to keep de room in order."
"No doubt he did," returned the stranger, placing his hand on the handle of the door, and attempting to open it, which, by Dido's precaution, was ineffectual.
"Is there no one in this room?" asked the gentleman.
"No sar, de room is locked, and Massa Maxwell hab carry off de key."
The stranger walked several times round the room, and thoroughly scrutinized everything; after which, to the entire satisfaction of the colored lady, he took his departure. Passing out of the building, he crossed the street and entered a coffee-room, at the front window of which he seated himself, as if with the intention of watching Maxwell's office.