“Pray pardon my interrupting:  you are Captain Falconer, I believe.”

The captain looked up, and saw only Philip, for I stood a little to the rear of the former’s elbow.

“I believe so, too, sir,” he replied urbanely.

“Our previous meeting was so brief,” said Philip, “that I doubt you did not observe my face so as to recall it now.”

“That must be the case,” said the captain, “for I certainly do not remember having ever met you.”

“And yet our meeting was no longer ago than last night—­in Dean Street.”

The captain’s face changed:  he gazed, half in astonishment, half in a dawning resentment.

“The deuce, sir!  Have you intruded upon me to insult me?”

“’Faith, sir, I’ve certainly intruded upon you for no friendly purpose.”

Falconer continued to gaze, in wonder as well as annoyance.

“Who the devil are you, sir?” he said at last.

“My name is Winwood, sir—­Captain Winwood, late of the American army of Independence.”

Falconer opened his eyes wide, parted his lips, and turned a little pale.  At that moment, I shifted my position; whereupon he turned, and saw me.

“And Russell, too!” said he.  “Well, this is a—­an odd meeting, gentlemen.”

“Not a chance one,” said Philip.  “I have been some time seeking you.”

“Well, well,” replied the captain, recovering his self-possession.  “I imagine I know your purpose, sir.”

“That will spare my explaining it.  You will, of course, accommodate me?”

“Oh, yes; I see no way out of it.  Gad, I’m the most obliging of men—­Mr. Russell will vouch for it.”

“Then I beg you will increase the obligation by letting us despatch matters without the least delay.”

“Certainly, if you will have it so—­though I abominate hurry in all things.”

“To-morrow at dawn, I hope, will not be too soon for your preparations?”

“Why, no, I fancy not.  Let me see.  One moment, I pray.”

He called a waiter, and asked: 

“Thomas, is there any gentleman of my acquaintance in the house at present?”

“Oh, a score, sir.  There’s Mr. Hidsleigh hup-stairs, and—­”

“Mr. Idsleigh will do.  Ask him to grant me the favour of coming down for a minute.”  The waiter hastened away.  “Mr. Russell, of course, represents you, sir,” the captain added, to Philip.

“Yes, sir; and you are the challenged party, of course.”

“I thank you, sir.  If Mr. Russell will wait, I will introduce my friend here, and your desire for expedition may be carried out.”

“I am much indebted, sir,” said Philip; and requesting me to join him later at the tavern in Dean Street, he took his leave.