you'd found me in the situation and under the circumstances in which I
found you? Come, now!"

"Yes," replied Lauriston, after a moment's reflection. "I suppose it's
natural that you should suspect me--finding me there, alone with the old
man. But--"

"It's not so much suspicion in a case of this sort, as a wish to satisfy
one's self," interrupted the detective. "You seem a gentleman-like young
fellow, and you may be all right. I want to know that you are--I'd like to
know that you are! It would be no satisfaction to me to fasten this
business on you, I can assure you. And if you like to tell me about
yourself, and how you came to go to Multenius's--why, it would be as
well."

"There's not much to tell," answered Lauriston. "I came from Scotland to
London, two years ago or thereabouts, to earn my living by writing. I'd a
bit of money when I came--I've lived on it till now. I've just begun to
earn something. I've been expecting a cheque for some work for these last
ten or twelve days, but I was running short last week--so I went to that
place to pawn my watch--I saw the young lady there. As my cheque hadn't
arrived today, I went there again to pawn those rings I told you about and
showed you. And--that's all. Except this--I was advised to go to
Multenius's by a relation of theirs, Mr. Rubinstein, who lodges where I
do. He knows me."

"Oh, Melky Rubinstein!" said Ayscough. "I know Melky--sharp chap he is.
He sold me this pin I'm wearing. Well, that seems quite a straightforward
tale, Mr. Lauriston. I've no doubt all will be satisfactory. You've
friends in London, of course?"