The Rogue had got the clue he wanted, though he held it with a clumsy hand. Looking perplexedly at the passionate face, as if he were trying to work out a sum in his mind, he slowly answered:

“I ain’t set eyes upon her⁠—never once⁠—not since the day of Gaffer’s death.”

“You know her well, by sight?”

“I should think I did! No one better.”

“And you know him as well?”

“Who’s him?” asked Riderhood, taking off his hat and rubbing his forehead, as he directed a dull look at his questioner.

“Curse the name! Is it so agreeable to you that you want to hear it again?”