“Are you the landlord?” inquired the gentleman.

“I am sir,” replied the landlord.

“Do you know me?” demanded the gentleman.

“I have not had that pleasure, Sir,” rejoined the landlord.

“My name is Slurk,” said the gentleman.

The landlord slightly inclined his head.

“Slurk, sir,” repeated the gentleman haughtily. “Do you know me now, man?”

The landlord scratched his head, looked at the ceiling, and at the stranger, and smiled feebly.

“Do you know me, man?” inquired the stranger angrily.