"
"I find you an interesting study, Mr. Dingle," said Mrs. Porter
thoughtfully. "I have never met a pugilist before. Do you box with Mr.
Winfield?"
"Sure. Kirk and me go five rounds every morning."
"You have been boxing with him to-day? Then perhaps you can tell me if
an absurd young man in eye-glasses has called here yet? He is wearing a
grey----"
"Do you mean Bailey, ma'am. Bailey Bannister?"
"You know my nephew, Mr. Dingle?"
"Sure. I box with him every morning."
"I never expected to hear that my nephew Bailey did anything so
sensible as to take regular exercise. He does not look as if he did."
"He certainly is a kind o' half-portion, ma'am. But say, if he's your
nephew, Miss Ruth's your niece."
"Perfectly correct."
"Then you know all about this business?"
"Which business, Mr. Dingle?"
"Why, Kirk and Miss Ruth."
Mrs. Porter raised her eyebrows.
"Really, Mr. Dingle! Has Mr. Winfield made you his confidant?"
"How's that?"
"Has Mr. Winfield told you about my niece and himself?"
"Hell, no! You don't find a real person like Kirk shooting his head
about that kind of thing. I had it from Bailey."
"From Bailey?"
"Surest thing you know. He blew in here and shouted it all out at the
top of his voice."
"Indeed! I was wondering if he had arrived yet. He left my apartment
saying he was going to thrash Mr.
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