“I allowed I’d just drop in anyway to tell ye that these thar pills you giv’ me did me a heap o’ good so far—though mebbe it’s only fair to give the others a show too, which I’m reckoning to do.” He paused, and then in a submissive confidence went on: “But first I wanted to hev you excuse me for havin’ asked all them questions about that high-toned lady last night, when it warn’t none of my business. I am a darned fool.”
Mr. Kane instantly saw that it was no use to keep up his attitude of secrecy, or impose upon the ignorant, simple man, and said hurriedly: “Oh no. The lady is very well known. She is the proprietress of a restaurant down the street—a house open to everybody. Her name is Madame le Blanc; you may have heard of her before?”
To his surprise the man exhibited no diminution of
