Pray don't be
alarmed, but I think we are on the brink of a discovery."
Here my enthusiastic devotion to business got the better part of
my tender feelings. I looked--winked--nodded--left her.
When I got back to my observatory, I found Mr. Jay digesting his
mutton-chops in an armchair, with his pipe in his mouth. On his
table were two tumblers, a jug of water, and the pint bottle of
brandy. It was then close upon seven o'clock. As the hour struck
the person described as "Jack" walked in.
He looked agitated--I am happy to say he looked violently
agitated. The cheerful glow of anticipated success diffused
itself (to use a strong expression) all over me, from head to
foot. With breathless interest I looked through my peep-hole, and
saw the visitor--the "Jack" of this delightful case--sit down,
facing me, at the opposite side of the table to Mr. Jay. Making
allowance for the difference in expression which their
countenances just now happened to exhibit, these two abandoned
villains were so much alike in other respects as to lead at once
to the conclusion that they were brothers. Jack was the cleaner
man and the better dressed of the two. I admit that, at the
outset. It is, perhaps, one of my failings to push justice and
impartiality to their utmost limits.
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