his well-known,
apparently indifferent fashion, fix his monocle in his right eye, and
glance at the tall figure in the witness-box.

"The fun is going to begin," muttered Spargo.

The Treasury representative looked from Aylmore to the Coroner and made
a jerky bow; from the Coroner to Aylmore and straightened himself. He
looked like a man who is going to ask indifferent questions about the
state of the weather, or how Smith's wife was last time you heard of
her, or if stocks are likely to rise or fall. But Spargo had heard this
man before, and he knew many signs of his in voice and manner and
glance.

"I want to ask you a few questions, Mr. Aylmore, about your
acquaintanceship with the dead man. It was an acquaintanceship of some
time ago?" began the suave, seemingly careless voice.

"A considerable time ago," answered Aylmore.

"How long--roughly speaking?"

"I should say from twenty to twenty-two or three years."

"Never saw him during that time until you met accidentally in the way
you have described to us?"

"Never."

"Ever heard from him?"

"No."

"Ever heard of him?"

"No."

"But when you met, you knew each other at once?"

"Well--almost at once."

"Almost at once. Then, I take it, you were very well known to each
other twenty or twenty-two years ago?"

"We were--yes, well known to each other."

"Close friends?"

"I said we were acquaintances."

"Acquaintances. What was his name when you knew him at that time?"

"His name? It was--Marbury."

"Marbury--the same name. Where did you know him?"

"I--oh, here in London."

"What was he?"

"Do you mean--what was his occupation?"

"What was his occupation?"

"I believe he was concerned in financial matters."

"Concerned in financial matters. Had you dealings with him?"

"Well, yes--on occasions."

"What was his business address in London?"

"I can't remember that."

"What was his private address?"

"That I never knew."

"Where did you transact your business with him?"

"Well, we met, now and then."

"Where? What place, office, resort?"

"I can't remember particular places. Sometimes--in the City."

"In the City. Where in the City? Mansion House, or Lombard Street, or
St. Paul's Churchyard, or the Old Bailey, or where?"

"I have recollections of meeting him outside the Stock Exchange."

"Oh! Was he a member of that institution?"

"Not that I know of."

"Were you?"

"Certainly not!"

"What were the dealings that y