He was so near them that Patsy forbore any conversation, knowing he would overhear it.
Suddenly the man turned squarely in their direction and addressed them.
"I hope you will pardon me, Mr.Merrick, if I venture to ask a question," said he.
"Well, sir ?" "I saw you talking with Mr.Jones this evening--A.

Jones, you know, who says he came from Sangoa." "Didn't he ?" demanded the old gentleman.
The stranger smiled.
"Perhaps; once on a time; allowing such a place exists.

But his last journey was here from Austria." "Indeed!" Mr.Merrick and Patsy were both staring at the man incredulously.
"I am quite sure of that statement, sir; but I cannot prove it, as yet." "Ah! I thought not." Patsy had just told her uncle how she had detected this man stealthily watching Jones, and how he had followed the boy when he retired to his room.

The present interview had, they both knew, something to do with this singular action.

Therefore Mr.Merrick restrained his indignation at the stranger's pointed questioning.