He quickly subdued it, however, and said in
the same light tone:
'And what does the gentleman require of me? My memory may be at
fault again, but I don't recollect that I ever had the pleasure of
an introduction to him, or that I ever numbered him among my personal
friends, I do assure you, Mr Varden.'
'Sir John,' returned the locksmith, gravely, 'I will tell you, as nearly
as I can, in the words he used to me, what he desires that you should
know, and what you ought to know without a moment's loss of time.'
Sir John Chester settled himself in a position of greater repose, and
looked at his visitor with an expression of face which seemed to say,
'This is an amusing fellow! I'll hear him out.'
'You may have seen in the newspapers, sir,' said Gabriel, pointing to
the one which lay by his side, 'that I was a witness against this man
upon his trial some days since; and that it was not his fault I was
alive, and able to speak to what I knew.'
'MAY have seen!' cried Sir John. 'My dear Mr Varden, you are quite
a public character, and live in all men's thoughts most deservedly.
Nothing can exceed the interest with which I read your testimony,
and remembered that I had the pleasure of a slight acquaintance with
you.
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