In the matter of successfully instituting private inquiries, he was justly considered to be a match for any two Christians who might try to put obstacles in his way.

His name was Moses Jackling.
Entering the cigar-shop, the Jew discovered that he had presented himself at a critical moment.
A girl and a man were standing behind the counter.

The girl looked like a maid-of-all-work: she was rubbing the tears out of her eyes with a big red fist.

The man, smart in manner and shabby in dress, received the stranger with a peremptory eagerness to do business.

"Now, then! what for you ?" Jackling bought the worst cigar he had ever smoked, in the course of an enormous experience of bad tobacco, and tried a few questions with this result.