remember our conversation—instructive and—and enjoyable. Dear me! But I never knew your name."
"I knew yours," said Parslewe, with a grin. "That's just why I wouldn't see you when you came to my house."
Sir Charles stared—this was beyond him. He looked from one to the other of us; finally at Parslewe. There was that in his expression which made me think that he was wondering if Parslewe might not be a little mad.
"But why, my good sir?" he asked soothingly. "Why? Am I so———"
Parslewe laughed and pointed to the panelling over the big fireplace. There, carved in oak, was the Palkeney coat-of-arms, and beneath it the motto that had excited my wonder when I first saw it on the copper box.
"Do you see that?" he asked. "Aye?—well, you see, I have the Palkeney blood in my veins! And what I please to do, that I do!—without caring for or consulting anybody. Family characteristic, Sperrigoe! But I guess you've seen it before, eh?"
