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 one time, and ended in an auxiliary chin. He wore a very black mustache whose ends were waxed to sharp points. His eyes were quite as black and almost as sharp as his mustache. He looked foreign, and, indeed spoke with more than a trace of accent, but he was evidently a gentleman, and he impressed the boys very favorably.

"With your permission," he continued, "I will introduce myself." He regarded Laurie. "I have the honor of addressing Mr. Laurie Turner?" Laurie nodded. The guest carefully secured hat and stick, arose, and bowed deeply. "I," he announced then, "am Mr. Goupil."

For an instant silence ensued. Then, "Mister—I beg your pardon," said Laurie, "but did you say Goupil?"

"Goupil," confirmed the gentleman, bowing again and smiling very nicely.

"You mean," stammered Laurie, "the Mr. Goupil? Of Sioux City? Miss Comfort's Mr. Goupil?"

"Surely."

"Why—why, then," exclaimed Laurie, "I'm mighty glad to meet you, sir." He stepped forward with outstretched hand, and Mr. Goupil en