If I, for instance, were to insist that I had brought with me two thousand
pounds in banknotes in my pocket--which, let me hasten to assure you, I
didn't--how could you deny it?"

"My notes," Mr. Rubenstein replied feverishly, "all bear the stamp of
Lloyd's Bank and to-day's date. They can all be recognized."

"In that case," Mr. Parker continued, "I recommend you, Mr. Rubenstein, to
insist upon searching every person here not thoroughly known to you; and I
recommend you, ladies and gentlemen," he added, looking round, "to submit
to be searched. It will not be a very strenuous affair, because no one can
have had time to conceal the notes very effectively. I think you will all
agree with me that we cannot allow our friend, who has provided us with
amusement for so many nights, to run the risk of a loss like this. Begin
with me, Mr. Rubenstein. No--I insist upon it. You know me better than
most of your clients, I think; but I submit myself voluntarily to be
searched."

"I thank you very much indeed, sir," Mr. Rubenstein declared quickly. "It
is very good of you to set the example," he continued, thrusting his hand
into Mr. Parker's pockets. "Ah! I see nothing here--nothing! Notes in this
pocket--ten, twenty, thirty. Not mine, I see--no Lloyd's stamp. Gold! A
pleasant little handful of gold, that. Mr. Parker, I thank you, sir. If
you will be so good as to pass into the next room."

I brought Eve up. We were recognized as having been sitting upon the divan
and Mr. Rubenstein, with a bow and extended hand, motioned to us to pass
on.

"You will visit us again, I trust," he said, "when we are not so