My first business on returning to this house was to ascertain whether any one bearing his name, or answering to my description of him, had arrived during my absence.

I was relieved by finding that no stranger whatever had put up at the inn since the previous forenoon.

Who may have used the coffee-room is another question, not so easily set at rest.

In the evening a great many people come in and go out; and my friend and patron may have taken his favourite brandy-and-soda, skimmed his newspaper, and picked up whatever information was to be obtained as to _my_ movements without attracting any particular attention.
In the words of the immortal lessee of the Globe Theatre, "Why I should fear I know not ...

and yet I feel I fear!" I found a registered letter from George Sheldon, enclosing twenty pounds in notes, and furnished therewith I went straight to my friend Jonah, whom I found engaged in the agreeable occupation of taking tea.
I showed him the money; but my estimate of the reverend gentleman's honour being of a very limited nature, I took care not to give it to him till he had produced the letters.