ry along of a young party, s'pose I
am an artist, an' I did sell an old master, that ain't no business of
yours; that don't give you the right to knock me down or interfere with
me, so now then!"

"Finished?" inquired Vermont, pleasantly. "I quite agree with you, Mr.
Wilfer--on some points; but it is greatly my business, as you will see.
Had I not come up at that moment, I wonder if my friend would be as safe
as he is now."

"Your friend," echoed the other. "Is Mr. Adrien Leroy your friend?"

"He is indeed," replied Jasper with a grin. "Now suppose you tell me
what you two gentleman were discussing."

"Suppose I don't?" retorted Wilfer insolently. "You find out for
yourself, if you're so clever, Mr. Know-all; I'm off." He tried to push
past Vermont and thus effect his escape; but he was not to get off so
lightly.

Jasper removed his cigar, which he had been puffing, and dropping his
soft, mocking tone, said sternly:

"Stand back; go and sit on that bench. I haven't done with you yet,
Johann Wilfer."

"I shan't," was that worthy's prompt answer.

"Then I shall call the police," returned Vermont, pulling out his silver
cab-whistle.

Wilfer started back.

"Call 'em," he said defiantly. "I don't care. What's the police to me,
as I should be scared of 'em?"

"A great deal," was the calm answer. "If you are mad enough to disobey
me, I shall whistle for the police; they will find me struggling with a
most villainous-looking ruffian, whom I instantly give in charge for
assault and robbery of my dear friend, Mr. Leroy, who has gone in search
of assistance."

"It's all a lie," shouted Wilfer furiously.

"Appearances would be too strongly against you, my friend. The law is 'a
hass,' as doubtless you have heard before; and when it comes in the
shape of a blue-coated, helmeted and thick-headed policeman, whose word
do you think would be believed, yours or mine?--to say nothing of this
evidence." Stooping, he picked up Leroy's gold watch and chain, which
had fallen from his pocket during his struggle with Wilfer. "I found
this is your hand. A clear case of assault and robbery, with penal
servitude to follow."

Mr. Wilfer, dazed by the thickly-meshed net drawn round him, eyed the
watch and yielded.

"Curse you!" he said. "You're a knowing one an' no mistake."

Jasper smiled.

"Thank you," he said; "a genuine compliment, and a candid one. Now then,
to business. What did you want with Mr. Leroy?"

The man l