.

THE SECRET OF GABRIEL SYME.
THE cab pulled up before a particularly dreary and greasy beershop, into which Gregory rapidly conducted his companion.

They seated themselves in a close and dim sort of bar-parlour, at a stained wooden table with one wooden leg.

The room was so small and dark, that very little could be seen of the attendant who was summoned, beyond a vague and dark impression of something bulky and bearded.
"Will you take a little supper ?" asked Gregory politely.

"The pate de foie gras is not good here, but I can recommend the game." Syme received the remark with stolidity, imagining it to be a joke.
Accepting the vein of humour, he said, with a well-bred indifference-- "Oh, bring me some lobster mayonnaise." To his indescribable astonishment, the man only said "Certainly, sir!" and went away apparently to get it.
"What will you drink ?" resumed Gregory, with the same careless yet apologetic air.