His lordship was not one of those who invent circumstantial stories
easily on the spur of the moment. He searched rapidly for something
that would pass muster, then abandoned the hopeless struggle. After
all, why not be frank? He still believed Jimmy to be of the class of
the hero of 'Love, the Cracksman.' There would be no harm in
confiding in him. He was a good fellow, a kindred soul, and would
sympathize.
'It's like this,' he said. And, having prefaced his narrative with
the sound remark that he had been a bit of an ass, he gave Jimmy a
summary of recent events.
'What!' said Jimmy. 'You taught Hargate picquet? Why, my dear man,
he was playing picquet like a professor when you were in short
frocks. He's a wonder at it.'
His lordship started.
'How's that?' he said. 'You don't know him, do you?'
'I met him in New York, at the Strollers' Club. A pal of mine, an
actor, this fellow Mifflin I mentioned just now, put him up as a
guest. He coined money at picquet. And there were some pretty
useful players in the place, too. I don't wonder you found him a
promising pupil.'
'Then--then--why, dash it, then he's a bally sharper!'
'You're a genius at crisp description,' said Jimmy. 'You've got him
summed up to rights first shot.'
'I sha'n't pay him a bally penny!'
'Of course not. If he makes any objection, refer him to me.'
His lordship's relief was extreme. The more overpowering effects of
the elixir had passed away, and he saw now, what he had not seen in
his more exuberant frame of mind, the cloud of suspicion that must
have hung over him when the loss of the banknotes was discovered.
He wiped his forehead.
'By Jove!' he said. 'That's something off my mind! By George, I feel
like a two-year-old. I say, you're a dashed good sort, Pitt.'
'You flatter me,' said Jimmy. 'I strive to please.'
'I say, Pitt, that yarn you told us just now--the bet, and all that.
Honestly, you don't mean to say that was true, was it? I mean--By
Jove! I've got an idea.'
'We live in stirring times!'
'Did you say your actor pal's name was Mifflin?' He broke off
suddenly before Jimmy could answer. 'Great Scott!' he whispered.
'What's that! Good lord! Somebody's coming!'
He dived behind the curtain, like a rabbit. The drapery had only
just ceased to shake when the door opened, and Sir Thomas Blunt
walked in.
CHAPTER XXVI
STIRRING TIMES FOR SIR THOMAS
For a man whose intentions toward the jewels and their owner were so
innocent, and even benevolent, Jimmy was in a singularly
compromising position. It would have been difficult even under more
favorable conditions to have explained to Sir Thomas's satisfaction
his presence in the dressing-room. As things stood, it was even
harder, for his lordship's last action before seeking cover had been
