Much discomfited by this information, the visitor turned the drowned dog or cat, puppy or kitten, about and about, and looked from one of the Governors Both to the other of the Governors Both, while he deeply considered within himself. At length he decided:

“Then I must be took down.”

“Where?” asked Lightwood.

“Here,” said the man. “In pen and ink.”

“First, let us know what your business is about.”

“It’s about,” said the man, taking a step forward, dropping his hoarse voice, and shading it with his hand, “it’s about from five to ten thousand pound reward. That’s what it’s about. It’s about murder. That’s what it’s about.”

“Come nearer the table. Sit down. Will you have a glass of wine?”