require an explanation. The place in which I met you is sufficient proof of the absurdity of what this person alleges."
"How so? I sat next to you at a public dinner. Anyone could go who chose to buy a ticket. It does not require a great effort of the imagination to suppose it possible that one might light upon a doubtful character at such a function."
I liked Mr. Burchell's tone even less than his friend's.
"You scarcely state the case correctly. It was not by any means open to anyone to buy a ticket. However, I will pass on to my explanation."
"We are waiting," murmured the stranger.
"I was this morning at Scotland Yard."
"And they let you out again? I always said the English police were fools."
"Where I saw this pack of cards."
"And pinched it? Under the constable's nose. The man's a genius."
"No, sir; I did not, as you phrase it, pinch it, under the constable's nose."
"Did he give it you?"
"No, sir, he didn't give it me."
"Did he sell it you?"
"He did not"
"How, then, does it come here?"
The stranger, thrusting his hands into his pockets, tilted his hat over his eyes.
"That, unfortunately, is exactly what I am myself unable to understand."
"Hark at that! And that is what you call your explanation? Well, sir, you are the most promising
