Patsy examined it, too, with a start of surprise.

The thin features, the large serious eyes, even the closely set lips were indeed those of A.Jones.
But in the picture he wore a small mustache.
"It can't be _our_ A.Jones," murmured Patsy.

"This one is older." "That is on account of the mustache," remarked Le Drieux, who was closely watching their faces.

"This portrait was taken more than a year ago." "Oh; but he was in Sangoa then," protested Patsy, who was really bewildered by the striking resemblance.
The stranger smiled indulgently.
"As a matter of fact, there is no Sangoa." said he; "so we may doubt the young man's assertion that he was ever there." "Why are you interested in him ?" inquired Mr.Merrick.
"A natural question," said Le Drieux, after a moment of hesitation.

"I know you well by reputation, Mr.Merrick, and believe I am justified in speaking frankly to you and your niece, provided you regard my statements as strictly confidential.