His manner was perfectly courteous, almost cordial.
"If I did, it made no impression on my mind.

I am extremely busy just now, working up the mayor's next speech." And with a smile and bow in every way suited to his fine appearance, he took his hat from the rack and left the house.
I drew back more mystified than ever.

Which of these two men had told me a lie?
One, both, or neither?
Impossible to determine.

As I try never to waste gray matter, I resolved to spend no further energy on this question, but simply to await the next development.
It came unexpectedly and was of an entirely different nature from any I had anticipated.
I had not retired, not knowing at what moment the mayor might return or what I might be called upon to do when he did.

It will be remembered that one of my windows looked out upon the next house.