"How do you come to know it, I say?" repeated the dwarf, in extreme agitation.
"Never mind," rejoined the Tinker, with a cunning look; "you see I does know some cur'ous matters as veil as you, my old file. Yo'll be good evidence, in case ve vishes to prove the fact agin him."
"Prove what?—and against whom?" cried the dwarf.
"One more questin, and I've done," pursued the Tinker. "Should you know this young man agin, in case you chanced to come across him?"
"No doubt of it," replied Old Parr; "his figure often flits before me in dreams."
"Shall ve let him into it?" said the Tinker, consulting his companions in a low tone.
"Ay—ay," replied the Sandman.
"Better vait a bit," remarked Ginger, shaking his head dubiously. "There's no hurry."
"No; ve must decide at vonce," said the Tinker. "Jist examine them papers," he added, handing the pocket-book to Old Parr, "and favour us vith your opinion on 'em."
The dwarf was about to unclasp the book committed to his charge, when a hand was suddenly thrust through the banisters of the upper part of the staircase, which, as has been already stated, was divided from the lower by the door. A piece of heavy black drapery next descended like a cloud, concealing all behind it except the hand, with which the dwarf was suddenly seized by the nape of the neck, lifted up in the air, and, notwithstanding his shrieks and struggles, carried clean off.