Bones and the Warfingers

He knew that blue stood for water, and, twisting his neck, he read
"Thames." He therefore gathered that this was the plan of a property
adjacent to the London river.

"You're a busy man; and I'm a busy man," said the stentorian man
breathlessly. "I've just bought this property, and if it doesn't
interest you I'll eat my hat! My motto is small profits and quick
returns. Keep your money at work, and you won't have to. Do you see
what I mean?"

"Dear old hurricane," said Bones feebly, "this is awfully interesting,
and all that sort of thing, but would you be so kind as to explain why
and where--why you came in in this perfectly informal manner? Against
all the rules of my office, dear old thing, if you don't mind me
snubbing you a bit. You are sure you aren't hurt?" he asked.

"Not a bit, not a bit!" bellowed the intruder. "Honest John, I
am--John Staines. You have heard of me?"

"I have," said Bones, and the visitor was so surprised that he showed
it.

"You have?" he said, not without a hint of incredulity.

"Yes," said Bones calmly. "Yes, I have just heard you say it, Honest
John Staines. Any relation to John o' Gaunt?"

This made the visitor look up sharply.