"I wish it had been a half-crown instead of that ring!" said Hyde with a
queer flashing glance at his audience. "I could have got a bed for
fourpence, and have lived for three days on the rest. And now--"

Viner made no remark; and Drillford, who was leaning against his desk,
watching his prisoner closely, tapped Hyde on the shoulder.

"Can you describe the man who came out of the passage as you entered it?"
he asked. "Be accurate, now!"

Hyde's face brightened a little, and his eyes became more intelligent.

"Yes!" he answered. "You know--or you don't know--how your mental
faculties get sharpened by hunger. I was dull enough, in one way, but
alert enough in another. I can describe the man--as much as I saw of him.
A tall man--neither broad nor slender--half-and-half. Dressed in black
from top to toe. A silk hat--patent leather boots--and muffled to the
eyes in a white silk handkerchief."

"Could you see his face?" asked Drillford. "Was he clean-shaved, or
bearded, or what?"

"I tell you he was muffled to the very eyes," answered Hyde. "One of
those big silk handkerchiefs, you know--he had it drawn up over his chin
and nose--right up."

"Then you'd have difficulty in knowing him again," observed Drillford.
"There are a few thousand men in the West End of London who'd answer the
description you've given."