"Oh," he said, "so that is how the land lies, is it? I am indebted to the gentle Andrew for the pleasure of your acquaintance, eh? Well, come, come, don't be reticent, my friend; let us have the whole story." Bit by bit, with his eye still on the revolver, Mr. Bates proceeded to relate the incidents of the previous night, from the time of his entry into the inn. The Professor listened to him without interrupting, the same curious, half-ironical, half-good-natured smile playing all the time about his mouth. Once, when he heard of the postman's final remark, he laughed out loud. "So Mercury is evidently a gentleman of penetration," he observed. "What did you think of Andrew yourself, Mr. Bates?" "I didn't like him at all, sir. He seemed to me a shifty, incompetent fellow, and insolent, sir--very insolent." "I dare say you are right," said the Professor. "He was only insolent to me once, but that may have been for lack of a second opportunity. Shifty he certainly was, and as for incompetence--well, look at the state of this kitchen, Mr. Bates." Mr. Bates looked. "Yes, sir," he said warmly, "it's disgraceful. It was the first thing I noticed as I came in. When I was--" He stopped abruptly. "Well, well, well, when you were what? Let us have it, my friend." "I was going to say, sir, that, when I was in service, I should have died of shame if any one had seen my kitchen in such a state." The Professor raised his eyebrows. "When you were in service, eh? So you have risen in the world, Mr. Bates! And how long is it since you have exchanged the livery for the crape and jack-boots?" "I beg your pardon, sir?" "When was your last professional engagement?" "I have been out of a place, sir, since I left Mr. Houghton, eighteen months ago." "And what were you doing for Mr. Houghton?" "Everything, sir. He was a bachelor gentleman, and didn't care to have women servants about the house, so I looked after him entirely." "Dear me! How extremely fortunate!" exclaimed the Professor. "Your visit is what the vicar would call almost providential, Mr. Bates. Before I discharge my duty as a citizen, by handing you over to the local policeman, you will be able to straighten out all this distressing confusion for me. If you do it efficiently, it will doubtless be taken into consideration by the magistrate." "Yes, sir," murmured Mr. Bates dejectedly. "Well, suppose we start upon the boots, then. It will be pleasant to have a pair of boots properly cleaned again. You will find the brushes and some blacking in that cupboard." Mr. Bates opened the door and took out the articles in question. He then collected the three pairs of boots which were scattered about the floor, and silently set to work. The Professor, sitting on a corner of the kitchen table, with the revolver dangling in his hand, watched him with amused interest. When the last boot was finished and laid aside, he got up.