"Yes, sir."

"The lady and I were playing hide-and-seek."

"Nice game, sir,"--grinning. "Were you trying to hide under the coal?"

"Oh, no; I was merely exploring it."

"Say 'sir,' when you address me."

"Sir."

"You're a cool hand, sir."

"I am gratified to learn that our admiration is mutual. But what are
you doing here?"

"I was ascertaining if the law was properly observed, sir," shaking
with silent laughter.

"But what puzzles me," I went on, "is the fact that you could gather
the gems in that garb." For I was positive that this was the Galloping
Dick every one was looking for.

"I don't understand a word you say, sir. I'm an inspector of cellars,
sir, not a jeweler. So you and the lady was playing hide-and-seek?
Come, now, what is your graft? Is all the push here to-night?"

"That depends,"--cursing under my breath that I wore a gown which
hampered my movements. For, truth to tell, I was watching him as a cat
watches a mouse.

"Well, sir, we of the profession never interferes with gentlemanly
jobs, sir. All I want of you is to help me out of here."

"I am not a burglar."

"Oh, I understand, sir; I understand completely. A gentleman is always
a gentleman, sir. Now, you can return to that coal-bin. I was just
about to make for it when you lit that candle."