“‘Oh, ah!  I did see something about that,’ says he.

“’The thief was described as a well-dressed young man of gentlemanly appearance, wearing a black beard and moustache,’ says I.

“He laughs pleasantly.

“’That will make it awkward for nice young men with black beards and moustaches,’ says he.

“‘Yes,’ I says.  ‘Fortunately for you and me, we’re clean shaved.’

“I felt as certain he was the man as though I’d seen him do it.

“He gives me a sharp glance, but I was busy with the cruets, and he had to make what he chose out of it.

“‘Yes,’ he replies, ’as you say, it was a daring robbery.  But the man seems to have got away all right.’

“I could see he was dying to talk to somebody about it.

“‘He’s all right to-day,’ says I; ’but the police ain’t the fools they’re reckoned.  I’ve noticed they generally get there in the end.’

“‘There’s some very intelligent men among them,’ says he:  ’no question of it.  I shouldn’t be surprised if they had a clue!’

“‘No,’ I says, ’no more should I; though no doubt he’s telling himself there never was such a clever thief.’

“‘Well, we shall see,’ says he.

“‘That’s about it,’ says I.

“We talked a bit about old acquaintances and other things, and then, having finished, he handed me a sovereign and rose to go.

“‘Wait a minute,’ I says, ’your bill comes to three-and-eight.  Say fourpence for the waiter; that leaves sixteen shillings change, which I’ll ask you to put in your pocket.’

“‘As you will,’ he says, laughing, though I could see he didn’t like it.

“‘And one other thing,’ says I.  ’We’ve been sort of pals, and it’s not my business to talk unless I’m spoken to.  But I’m a married man,’ I says, ’and I don’t consider you the sort worth getting into trouble for.  If I never see you, I know nothing about you.  Understand?’

“He took my tip, and I didn’t see him again at that restaurant.  I kept my eye on the paper, but the Westminster Bank thief was never discovered, and success, no doubt, gave him confidence.  Anyhow, I read of two or three burglaries that winter which I unhesitatingly put down to Mr. Joseph—­I suppose there’s style in housebreaking, as in other things—­and early the next spring an exciting bit of business occurred, which I knew to be his work by the description of the man.

“He had broken into a big country house during the servants’ supper-hour, and had stuffed his pockets with jewels.  One of the guests, a young officer, coming upstairs, interrupted him just as he had finished.  Joseph threatened the man with his revolver; but this time it was not a nervous young clerk he had to deal with.  The man sprang at him, and a desperate struggle followed, with the result that in the end the officer was left with a bullet in his leg, while Joseph jumped clean through the window,