And yer it is." He slowly drew from his pocket--what Key was fully prepared to see--the mate of the slipper Key had in his saddle-bags! The fair fugitive had evidently lost them both.
But Key was better prepared now (perhaps this kind of dissimulation is progressive), and quickly alive to the necessity of throwing Collinson off this unexpected scent.

And his companion's own suggestion was right to his hand, and, as it seemed, again quite providential! He laughed, with a quick color, which, however, appeared to help his lie, as he replied half hysterically, "You're right, old man, I own up, it's mine! It's d--d silly, I know--but then, we're all fools where women are concerned--and I wouldn't have lost that slipper for a mint of money." He held out his hand gayly, but Collinson retained the slipper while he gravely examined it.
"You wouldn't mind telling me where you mought hev got that ?" he said meditatively.
"Of course I should mind," said Key with a well-affected mingling of mirth and indignation.

"What are you thinking of, you old rascal?
What do you take me for ?" But Collinson did not laugh.

"You wouldn't mind givin' me the size and shape and general heft of her as wore that shoe ?" "Most decidedly I should do nothing of the kind!" said Key half impatiently.

"Enough, that it was given to me by a very pretty girl.
There! that's all you will know." "GIVEN to you ?" said Collinson, lifting his eyes.
"Yes," returned Key sharply.
Collinson handed him the slipper gravely.