He realized quite well that the man had come to their corner determined to catechise them and gain what information he could.

Patsy realized this, too.

So, being forewarned, they hoped to learn his object without granting him the satisfaction of "pumping" them.
"I suppose you are friends of this Mr.A.Jones," was his next remark.
"We are acquaintances," said Mr.Merrick.
"Has he ever mentioned his adventures in Austria to you ?" "Are _you_ a friend of Mr.Jones ?" demanded uncle John.
"I am not even an acquaintance," said the man, smiling.

"But I am interested in him, through a friend of mine who met him abroad.

Permit me to introduce myself, sir." He handed them a card which read: "ISADORE LE DRIEUX Importer of Pearls and Precious Stones 36 Maiden Lane, New York City." "I have connections abroad, in nearly all countries," continued the man, "and it is through some of them that I have knowledge of this young fellow who has taken the name of A.Jones.In fact, I have a portrait of the lad, taken in Paris, which I will show you." He searched in his pocket and produced an envelope from which he carefully removed a photograph, which he handed to Uncle John.