I took the opportunity of studying his personal
appearance a little more closely. He was not tall, but he was distinctly
fat. He had a large double chin, but a certain freshness of complexion and
massiveness about his forehead relieved his face from any suspicion of
grossness. He had a large and humorous mouth, delightful eyes and
plentiful eyebrows. His iron-gray hair was brushed carefully back from his
forehead. He gave one the idea of strength, notwithstanding the
disabilities of his figure. He smiled contentedly as he seated himself
once more at my table.
"Really," he began, "I scarcely know how to excuse myself, Mr. Walmsley.
However, thanks to you, we can now dine in comfort. Until now I fear I
have taken your good offices very much for granted; but I assure you it
will give me the greatest pleasure to make your closer acquaintance and to
impress upon you my extreme sense of obligation."
"You are very kind," I replied. "By the by, might I ask how you know my
name?"
"My young friend," Mr. Parker said, eying with approval the fresh portion
of chicken that had been brought him, "it is my business to know many
things. I go about the world with my eyes and ears open. Things that
escape other people interest me.
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