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“Did any one see you coming?”

“Did any one see me?” said the man, laughing. “Of course—plenty; why, I had a pipe and a glass of spirits at the sign of the ‘Jolly Dogs,’ on my way through the village. I am a commercial traveller this time. How do you like the get-up?”

“Admirable, most admirable; I did not know you at first. I really thought you were the character.”

“Yes, I was sure these checks would do it,” said Scrivener, looking down with affection at the hideous pattern of his trousers. “I had a good time at the ‘Jolly Dogs,’ and have ordered dinner there on my return. Oh! I’m all right, but I have only told you one half of what brought me here. We have an important commission for you, Silver, and you are to go up to town to see Long John to-night.”

“What does he want me for?” asked Rowton.

“He wants you to go to Spain with——”

The man bent forward and began to whisper.

Rowton’s brow grew black.

“When does he want me to go?” he asked.

“To-morrow.”

“How long will the business take?”

“That depends on yourself; it ought to be done within a fortnight.”