He shut the door with a crash, in the faces of the three men, who stood on the lobby.
Mr. Franklin was a little puzzled at these transports, all about a boot. The servants looked at one another without a word. But just as they were going down, the dressing-room door opened, and the following dialogue ensued:--
"See, Charles, it was you who saw and spoke with that man?" said Longcluse.
"Was he tall or short? What sort of figure?"
"Tall, Sir, with a long neck, and held himself straight; very flat feet, I noticed; a thin man, broad in the shoulders--pretty well that."
"Nothing very particular, Sir; a shabby sort of face--a bad colour."
"A bad white, Sir, and pock-marked something; a broad face and flat, and a very little bit of a nose; his eyes almost shut, and a sort of smile about his mouth, and stingy bits of red whiskers, in a curl, down each cheek."
"Black frock coat, Sir, a good deal worn; an old flowered satin waistcoat, worn and dirty, Sir; and a pair of raither dirty tweed trousers. Nothing fitted him, and his hat was brown and greasy, begging your parding, Sir; and he had a stick in his hand, and cotton gloves--a-trying to look genteel."
"And he asked for the right boot?" asked Mr. Longcluse.
"You are quite sure of that? Did he take the boot without looking at it, or did he examine it before he took it away?"
"He looked at it sharp enough, Sir, and turned up the sole, and he said 'It's all right,' and he went away, taking it along with him."
"He asked for the boot I wore yesterday, or last night--which did he say?" asked Mr. Longcluse.
"I think it was last night he said, Sir," answered Charles.
"Try to recollect yourself. Can't you be certain? Which was it?"
"I think it was _last night_, Sir, he said."
"It doesn't signify," said Mr. Longcluse; "I wanted to see that your memory was pretty clear on the subject. You seem to remember all that passed pretty accurately."
"H'm! That will do. Franklin, you'll remember that description--let every one of you remember it. It is the description of a thief; and when you see that fellow again, hold him fast till you put him in the hands of a policeman. And, Charles, you must be prepared, d'ye see, to swear to that description; for I am going to the detective office, and I shall give it to the police."