"I would not be sworn to it--but my eyes have certainly played me
false, if he were not in the city at the time referred to," said the
gentleman; "and let me say to you, that if you have important
interests in his hands, which you would regard as likely to suffer
were he really in our city at the time alleged, it will be wise for
you to look after them a little narrowly, for, if he were not here,
then was I never more mistaken in my life."

The man spoke with a seriousness that produced no very pleasing
effect upon the minds of his auditors, who were, to say the least,
very considerably perplexed by what he alleged.

"The best course, in doubtful cases, is always a prudent one," said
Mr. Markland, as soon as the gentleman had retired.

"Unquestionably. And now, what steps shall we take, under this
singular aspect of affairs?"

"That requires our first attention. If we could only be certain that
Mr. Lyon had returned to the city."

"Ah, yes--if we could only be certain. That he was not here, reason
and common sense tell me. Opposed to this is the very positive
belief of Mr. Lamar that he saw him on the day before yesterday,
twice."

"What had better be done under these circumstances?" queried Mr.
Brainard.

"I wish that I could answer that question both to your satisfaction