to the road; was wanted by the police at the time of the crime for some
brutal highway work--' But," breaking off, "I am wearying your lordship.
Here is what I was especially looking for, the markings on the arm of
the 'Frisco Pet. Perhaps, however, your lordship doesn't care to listen
further--"

"Go on!" The words broke sharply from the visitor's lips; then he gave a
metallic laugh. "I am interested in this wonderful system of yours."

Mr. Gillett read slowly: "'On the right arm of the 'Frisco Pet, just
below the elbow, appears the figure of a man, in sparring attitude, done
in sailor's tattooing; about the waist a flag, the stars and stripes in
their accustomed colors; crudely drawn but not to be mistaken by noting
following defects and details--' which," closing the book, "I won't
read."

His lordship's head had turned; at first he did not speak. "A good
system," he remarked after an interval. "And a very good description,
and yet--" His voice died away; for a moment he sat motionless. "But my
purpose--the purpose of my visit--I--we have wandered quite from that.
Let us, I beg of you, talk business."

Mr. Gillett started as if to venture a mild expostulation, but thought
better of the impulse. "What _is_ your lordship's business with me?" he
observed in his most professional tone.

"I believe"--the visitor moistened his lips--"I believe I
mentioned--John Steele when I came in?"

"Your lordship did."