Page:The Specimen Case.djvu/159

150 "Is it that they are lax, or the system?"

"They are so well satisfied that they are safe: that, no matter, everything must come right. Ganz sicher—'cock-sure,' as they would say. That is why. Now and then a little subterfuge is necessary, you understand; but it is quite simple. The barrack arrangement I am thoroughly familiar with, and I know all the ins and outs of the Bank of England and the Mint."

"So?" nodded one of the group. "A useful detail."

"Oh, it was very interesting in itself," said Otto modestly. "I am very fond of London—and even of the English to some extent. London has a great charm to me, I confess, and from a sentimental point of view I should be sorry to see it shelled. Also, I have many good Cockney friends."

Cock-sure,' that is to say?"

"No, no, no," corrected Otto; "this is an idiom denoting one who hears certain bells—it is a legend. There is a very agreeable family among whom I boarded in Kensington. I should really regret the demolition of that house in Sinclair Road by any chance."

"There were young ladies, perhaps?" asked another, with respect.

"Not at all," replied Otto; "but they were a very pleasant family and could appreciate Schiller."

"That is very well,” said one; “but I certainly think that I have heard the Fräulein Elisabeth refer to some young English misses."

"Another house Otto would regret to see demolished, evidently," suggested the engineer slyly.

"It is quite true, another house," admitted Otto good-humouredly. "This one was in Highgate, another part of London altogether. The young ladies were four in number, and although we did not discuss Schiller we