George watched him go, and then looked again at the lady, whose
appearance seemed to fascinate him.
"Well, if that ain't a master one," he said to himself, "and she
called herself his wife, she did, and then drew up like a slug's
horns. Hang me if I don't stick to her till I find out a bit more of
the tale."
Thus ruminated George, who, be it observed, was no fool, and who had a
hearty dislike and mistrust of Mr. Quest. While he was wondering how
he was to go to work an unexpected opportunity occurred. The lady had
finished her brandy-and-soda, and was preparing to leave, when the
waiter swooped down upon her.
"Money please, miss," he said.
"Money!" she said, "why you're paid."
"Come, none of that," said the waiter. "I want a shilling for the
brandy-and-soda."
"A shilling, do you? Then you'll have to want, you cheating white-
faced rascal you; my friend paid you before he went away."
"Oh, we've had too much of that game," said the waiter, beckoning to a
constable, to whom, in spite of the "fair Edithia's" very vigorous and
pointed protestations, he went on to give her in charge, for it
appeared that she had only twopence about her. This was George's
opportunity, and he interfered.
"I think, marm," he said, "that the fat gent with you was a-playing of
a little game.
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