The ruffian’s face was flushed, one eye was swollen and discoloured, the collar was torn from his coat, and blood-stains were visible on his hands and linen. His whole appearance was that of a man recently engaged in some sanguinary affray. A pause ensued. Mr. Brown filled a glass of brandy, which the Jew drained to the bottom. “What news, Josh?” said the host, in an under tone. “Is the job done?” “No mistake about it,” returned the bravo. “You had a tussle for it,” remarked the host, as he threw a careless look over the outer man of the dew, which gave ample indication that the affair he had been recently employed in, to him had proved no sinecure. “I tell you what, Mr. Brown, I have been in the general line of bisness these fifteen year; lifted three stiff’uns of a night; been shot at half-a-dozen times; got lagged; escaped transportation; and gone through as much rough work as any man in the trade; and in the course of my practice, 1 never had a tougher trial than to-night. Another drop of the brandy, if ye please.” “But is the thing right, Josh?” inquired Mr. Brown, who always came to business. “Safe as a trivet! I’ll tell you all.” “No, no--curse particulars!” exclaimed Mr. Sloman. “You may mention the thing in confidence to Mr. Brown. I know nothing of what you are alluding to, remember that.” “‘Well, no matter, Slowey; Josh and I will talk it over presently. But where is Frank? No harm done him, I hope. I wouldn’t lose that hunchback for a hundred.” “Is he not here?” was the Jew’s unsatisfactory reply. “Here? No! We have expected him an hour ago,” returned his master. “Then I’m blowed if I know any thing of him.” “But out with it. Tell us how matters went,” said Mr. Brown. “Not in my presence,” exclaimed Mr. Sloman, springing from his chair. “Well, if you’re so devilish leary, you may go into that there closet,” and he rose and opened a door, through which Mr. Sloman immediately retreated; “and Slowey,” continued Mr. Brown, in a lower voice, “you’ll find a slit in the door, and hear as much through it as will suit your purpose.” “I don’t like that’ere chap, he’s so etarnal cautious,” observed the Jew to Mr. Brown, when he returned. “If men mean wots right--as they ought--why be afeard to talk on bisniss?” “Hush!” returned the host, as he applied his finger to his nose; “and now about the job, old boy. Drink slow, Josh; a third glass will smother ye.” The Israelite replaced the brandy he was about to bolt, and then continued his narration, which, though delivered in a low voice, was perfectly audible in Mr. Sloman’s concealment--the fissure in the wood having been cunningly constructed for the purposes of professional espionage.