“Why, I’ve heard of you,” cried Mr. Boffin, “I heard of you in the old man’s time. You knew him. Did you ever buy anything of him?” With piercing eagerness.

“No, sir,” returned Venus.

“But he showed you things; didn’t he?”

Mr. Venus, with a glance at his friend, replied in the affirmative.

“What did he show you?” asked Mr. Boffin, putting his hands behind him, and eagerly advancing his head. “Did he show you boxes, little cabinets, pocketbooks, parcels, anything locked or sealed, anything tied up?”

Mr. Venus shook his head.