"How was that? Was he in the habit of leaving it around where any
one could see it?"

"I cannot say; I can only acquaint you with the manner in which I
myself became aware of its existence."

"Very well, do so."

"We were once talking about firearms. I have some taste that way,
and have always been anxious to possess a pocket-pistol. Saying
something of the kind to him one day, he rose from his seat and,
fetching me this, showed it to me."

"How long ago was this?"

"Some few months since."

"He has owned this pistol, then, for some time?"

"Yes, sir."

"Is that the only occasion upon which you have ever seen it?"

"No, sir,"--the secretary blushed--" I have seen it once since."

"When?"

"About three weeks ago."