He had to deal with a clever rogue who probably knew something about him and meant to find out more.  In consequence, there was no use in trying to pose as an unsophisticated simpleton; he must, so to speak, play up to the fellow and persuade him that any suspicions he entertained were about the latter’s designs upon his money.  With this object, he disputed some of Telford’s opinions and presently proved a statement of his wrong.

Telford looked embarrassed and Foster thought he did it very well.

“Perhaps I was putting it a bit too high, but the deal ought to turn out a snap if you can wait a while,” he said, and laughed.  “Anyhow I’ve got to give you bedrock facts after the way you caught me out.  Say, you’re pretty smart!”

“You’re apt to get stung over a land deal unless you’re careful,” Foster modestly replied.

It was a relief when Telford said they would stop talking business and proposed a visit to a bar.  Foster felt mentally exhausted and thought a drink would brace him.  He did not see Telford at dinner and kept out of his way during the afternoon, but the man came into the dining-room when supper was served.  The room was large and furnished with separate tables, but Foster thought he knew the faces of the regular customers and noticed that a stranger sat at a table by himself.

Telford made for this table, which seemed natural, since there was most room there, but a few moments afterwards the man whom Foster suspected of watching him left his place.  Crossing the floor carelessly, but in such a way that a pillar hid his approach, he sat down near the other two.  Foster admitted that he might not have remarked this had he not been suspicious and keenly watchful.  The thing looked significant, particularly when a waitress came across, frowning, with some dishes.  The man must have had an object for changing his place after he had given his order, because in the small Canadian towns waitresses deal firmly with troublesome customers.

Telford did not seem to know the stranger and did not speak until the man politely handed him a cruet-stand.  He did not say much after this, but Foster could not see him without leaning forward, because some other people sat down between.  Still he felt a puzzling curiosity about the fellow, and after supper went to the rotunda where the man presently sat down not far off.  He was young and vigorous, but walked with a slight limp as if one knee was stiff.  His eyes were dark and he had a rather engaging smile when one of the rest offered him a newspaper.  Telford was not about, but the other man strolled in.

Foster’s curiosity got stronger.  He could not remember having met the man he was studying, but had a vague feeling that he ought to know him.  The strange thing was that he had not expected him to limp, but this was perhaps accounted for by his athletic figure.  After a time, the fellow put down the newspaper and went off towards the bar, while Foster, who found he had run out of tobacco, went to his room.