'Ogden, old sport,' I said cordially, I think we've both had all we want of this children's party. You're bored and if I stop on another half hour I may be called on to entertain these infants with comic songs. We men of the world are above this sort of thing. Get your hat and coat and I'll take you to a show. We can discuss business later over a bit of supper.' The gloom of his countenance melted into a pleased smile. 'You said something that time!' he observed joyfully; and we slunk away to get our hats, the best of friends. A note for Augustus Beckford, requesting his presence at Waterloo Station at ten minutes past twelve on the following morning, I left with the butler. There was a certain informality about my methods which I doubt if Mr Abney would have approved, but I felt that I could rely on Augustus. Much may be done by kindness. By the time the curtain fell on the musical comedy which we had attended all was peace between the Nugget and myself. Supper cemented our friendship, and we drove back to my rooms on excellent terms with one another. Half an hour later he was snoring in the spare room, while I smoked contentedly before the fire in the sitting-room. I had not been there five minutes when the bell rang. Smith was in bed, so I went to the door myself and found Mr Fisher on the mat. My feeling of benevolence towards all created things, the result of my successful handling of the Little Nugget, embraced Sam. I invited him in. 'Well,' I said, when I had given him a cigar and filled his glass, 'and how have you been getting on, Mr Fisher? Any luck?' He shook his head at me reproachfully. 'Young man, you're deep. I've got to hand it to you. I underestimated you. You're very deep.' 'Approbation from Smooth Sam Fisher is praise indeed. But why these stately compliments?' 'You took me in, young man. I don't mind owning it. When you told me the Nugget had gone astray, I lapped it up like a babe. And all the time you were putting one over on me. Well, well!' 'But he had gone astray, Mr Fisher.' He knocked the ash off his cigar. He wore a pained look. 'You needn't keep it up, sonny. I happened to be standing within three yards of you when you got into a cab with him in Shaftesbury Avenue.' I laughed. 'Well, if that's the case, let there be no secrets between us. He's asleep in the next room.' Sam leaned forward earnestly and tapped me on the knee.