We had no introduction save the circumstance that we chanced both to
be taking refreshment at the same time--and, after all, is not that a
bond? He did not begin to talk at once, and very likely would not have
done so had not a little man come hastily in, received his drink, laid
his money on the bar without a word, also without a word consumed it,
and hurried out again.
“You might guess a hundred times before you could say what that man
does,” said my neighbour.
I gave it up at once. He might have been anything requiring no muscle,
and there are so many varieties of such professions. An insurance
agent, but he was too busy and taciturn; a commission agent, but he
was alone; a cheap oculist, but he would not be free at this hour. I
therefore gave it up at once.
“He’s a conjurer,” said the man. “Not on the stage; goes out to parties
and smokers.”