knocked the servant over. Angrily, he exclaimed:

"What's the matter, Roberts? Didn't you see it was me?"

The butler, who had recovered himself, and now believed he had to do
with a crank or some person under the influence of liquor, again barred
the way. Trying to push the unwelcome visitor out, he said soothingly:

"Come now, my good man, you've made a mistake. You don't live here."

Struck almost speechless with amazement at the brazen impudence of one
whom he had always regarded as a model servant, Kenneth turned round as
if about to make a wrathful outburst. As he turned, the light from the
open door fell full on his face and now for the first time Roberts saw
the visitor's features. With a startled exclamation the man fell
backward. For a moment he was so surprised that he could not speak.
Then, in an awe-stricken whisper, he cried:

"Who are you?"

For a moment Kenneth thought the man had suddenly become insane. For
his own servant not to know him was too ridiculous. At that moment he
caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror of the hat stand. Ah, now he
understood. The beard and emaciated face had made quite a
difference--no wonder the man failed to recognize him. Breaking into
laughter he exclaimed:

"No wonder you didn't recognize me, Roberts. I have changed a little,
haven't I? I've grown a beard since I saw you last and been through a
regular mill. But you know me now don't you--I'm your long lost
master."

The servant shook his head. Still closely scrutinizing Kenneth's face
as if greatly puzzled, he said:

"You're not my master, sir. Mr. Kenneth Traynor left the house some
ten minutes before you arrived."

Kenneth stared at the man as if he thought he had gone clean out of his
mind.

"I went out ten minutes before I arrived," he echoed. "What kind of
nonsense is that, Roberts?"

"I didn't say _you_ went out," replied the servant, beginning to lose
his patience. "I said Mr. Kenneth Traynor went out. You are not Mr.
Kenneth Traynor."

"Then who in the name of heaven am I?"

"I haven't the remotest idea," retorted the man. Condescendingly, he
went on: "I admit you look a little like the master." Impatiently he
added:

"You must excuse me. I want to close the door."

Instead of obeying the hint to withdraw, Kenneth strode further into
the house, the protesting and indignant butler at his heels.

"You must really go," said the servant.

Kenneth turned around.