“‘When will Dabbs be in?’ asked the doctor.
“‘Dunno,’ was the grunt.
“‘Where can he be found?’
“‘Dunno.’
“‘What do you know about Dabbs?’
“‘Nuthin’.’
“‘Come along, Demar—that fellow’s drunk. Maybe we can find some one on the next floor who can give us some information.’
“We had not reached the door when I heard some one behind me call Doctor Vannesse in a most pleasant voice, and turning round, we discovered the sharp-nosed man laughing as if he would shake himself to pieces.
“‘Ha, ha, ha! didn’t know me, did you, doc? thought I was drunk, too, ha, ha, ha! Come back and take seats; what can I do for you?’
“I was filled with astonishment; he was the very man we were looking for, so completely disguised that Doctor Vannesse, who had seen him a thousand times, did not recognize him. I never heard a more pleasant tone of voice, and his manners were those of a well-bred gentleman.