harrowing separation.

"It happened in one of the many thirst parlors that line Market Street.
The bosun and I had stepped in to wet our whistles, and, looking out of
the open door, I was astounded to perceive our truant cookie pass by.
The bosun was occupied at the moment with a nickel poker machine. I
did not disturb him--he is a hasty, straightforward person and unfitted
for a subtle pursuit. I slipped through the door and fell into the
wake of the Jap. But what a metamorphosed sea-cook I trailed!
Resplendent in fine feathers, Ichi looked more like a diplomat or
banker than anything else.

"I trailed him through the streets for an hour. Once he stopped before
a news-stand and purchased a paper, and I was close enough to overhear
him speak perfect English to the clerk. He finally led me into an
office building, up an elevator, and to the office of one Josia Smatt,
Attorney at Law. Ichi entered this office. I, following by the
elevator's next trip, saw him disappear through the door. I applied my
eagle eye to the aperture intended for keys and spying, and saw you, my
dear Blake, direct the Oriental blossom into an inner office.

"Along the hall meandered one of the loquacious brotherhood, book under
arm, conquest in his eye. Inspiration struck me a thump. I fell in
the way of the book agent and became a ready victim of his wiles. For
a consideration, I became owner of the volume. As soon as he had my
money, the agent made for the stairs, evidently fearing I would repent
my bargain. When he had disappeared, I adopted his role and burst in
upon the hapless clerk of Lawyer Smatt with the matchless 'Compendium
of Universal Knowledge.'

"You know what transpired then, for you were that very hapless clerk.
You were very pleasant to the poor book agent, Blake, but you refused
to be seduced by the alluring description I gave my wares."

"By George! You talked like a sure-enough book pest," asserted Martin.
"But I noticed something phony about you--your tanned face, and the
tattoo marks on your arms. I remember, I wondered how a book agent
came by such ornaments."

"Yes, and I noticed you wondered why my eyes were roving around your
office," added Little Billy. "I was looking for Ichi. I placed him in
that inner office, heard his voice, and the voice of your employer. I
was wondering what to do to get past you and attempt to spy upon them,
and then Smatt helped me out by summoning you. Do you recollec