Hearts and Masks

"You are right," said I. "I am a gentleman. But it was only

consistent that, having been the fool, I should now play the ass.

Here's!"--and I held up my cup.

But neither of us drank; there wasn't time.

For the door opened quietly, and in walked the two men we had seen upon

entering the Inn. One of them gently closed the door and locked it.

One was in soiled every-day clothes, the other in immaculate evening

dress. The latter doffed his opera hat with the most engaging smile

imaginable. The girl and I looked up at him in blank bewilderment, and

set our cups down so mechanically that the warm amber liquid spattered

on the table-cloth.

Galloping Dick and the affable inspector of the cellars stood before us!