Do you know him ?" "Oh, he is a public character.

Keeps 'The Cutlers' Arms,' in Black Street." "I understand he repudiates all these outrages." "He does.

But the workmen themselves are behind the scenes; and what do they call him?
Why, 'Old Smitem.'" "Ah! You are one of those who look below the surface," said the courtier.
He then turned the conversation, and, soon after, went away.

He had been adroit enough to put his questions in the languid way of a man who had no personal curiosity, and was merely discharging a commission.
Mr.Ransome, as a matter of form, took a short note of the conversation; but attached no importance to it.

However, he used the means at his command to find out Little's abode.