The million pound banknote
There was still another guest, an American - but I am a little ahead of my story. While the people were still in the drawing-room, whetting up their appetites for dinner, and coldly inspecting the latecomers, the servant announced a Mr. Lloyd Hastings. The moment the usual civilities were over, Hastings caught sight of me, and came straight with cordially outstretched hand; then stopped short when about to shake, and said, with an embarrassed look:
'I beg your pardon, sir, I thought I knew you. Are you the - the ...'.
'Vest-pocket monster? I am, indeed. Don't be afraid to call me by my nickname; I'm used to it.'