Twisden. [Who has listened with extreme attention] Perfectly, Mr Gilman.  I’ll send down for him. [He touches a hand-bell].

     The young Clerk appears at the door, Left Forward.

A gentleman in a taxi-waiting.  Ask him to be so good as to step up.  Oh! and send Mr Graviter here again.

     The young Clerk goes out.

Gilman.  As I told you, sir, I’ve been followin’ this case.  It’s what you might call piquant.  And I should be very glad if it came about that this helped Captain Dancy.  I take an interest, because, to tell you the truth, [Confidentially] I don’t like—­well, not to put too fine a point upon it ’Ebrews.  They work harder; they’re more sober; they’re honest; and they’re everywhere.  I’ve nothing against them, but the fact is—­they get on so.

Twisden. [Cocking an eye] A thorn in the flesh, Mr Gilman.

Gilman.  Well, I prefer my own countrymen, and that’s the truth of it.

     As he speaks, Graviter comes in by the door Left Forward.

Twisden. [Pointing to the newspaper and the note] Mr Gilman has brought this, of which he is holder for value.  His customer, who changed it three days ago, is coming up.

Graviter.  The fifty-pounder.  I see. [His face is long and reflective].

Young Clerk. [Entering] Mr Ricardos, sir.

     He goes out.  Ricardos is a personable, Italian-looking man in a
     frock coat, with a dark moustachioed face and dark hair a little
     grizzled.  He looks anxious, and bows.

Twisden.  Mr Ricardos?  My name is Jacob Twisden.  My partner. [Holding up a finger, as Ricardos would speak] Mr Gilman has told us about this note.  You took it to him, he says, three days ago; that is, on Monday, and received cash for it?

Ricardos.  Yes, sare.

Twisden.  You were not aware that it was stolen?

Ricardos. [With his hand to his breast] Oh! no, sare.

Twisden.  You received it from—?

Ricardos.  A minute, sare; I would weesh to explain—­[With an expressive shrug] in private.

Twisden. [Nodding] Mr Gilman, your conduct has been most prompt.  You may safely leave the matter in our hands, now.  Kindly let us retain this note; and ask for my cashier as you go out and give him [He writes] this.  He will reimburse you.  We will take any necessary steps ourselves.

Gilman. [In slight surprise, with modest pride] Well, sir, I’m in your ’ands.  I must be guided by you, with your experience.  I’m glad you think I acted rightly.

Twisden.  Very rightly, Mr Gilman—­very rightly. [Rising] Good afternoon!

Gilman.  Good afternoon, sir.  Good afternoon, gentlemen! [To Twisden] I’m sure I’m very ’appy to have made your acquaintance, sir.  It’s a well-known name.