"You mistook me for my brother.

Many do." "Not I," returned the man, assuming a freedom and a roughness at variance with his evident intelligence.

"I know you for the Honourable Percival Elster." "Ah," said Mr.Elster, a slight curiosity stirring his mind, but not sufficient to induce him to follow it up.
"But I like to do a good turn if I can," pursued Pike; "and I think, sir, I did one to you in calling you Lord Hartledon." Val Elster had been passing on.

He turned and looked at the man.
"Are you in any little temporary difficulty, might I ask ?" continued Pike.

"No offense, sir; princes have been in such before now." Val Elster was so supremely conscious, especially in that reflective hour, of being in a "little difficulty" that might prove more than temporary, that he could only stare at the questioner and wait for more.
"No offence again, if I'm wrong," resumed Pike; "but if that man you saw here on the bridge is not looking after the Honourable Mr.Elster, I'm a fool." "Why do you think this ?" inquired Val, too fully aware that the fact was a likely one to attempt any reproof or disavowal.
"I'll tell you," said Pike; "I've said I don't mind doing a good turn when I can.