This is the place they have made their headquarters. That
fellow has gone out to fetch somebody. Soon we shall have some
amusement."
In less than five minutes the waiter returned, and there followed him
through the swing doors a man to whom he turned and pointed us out. This
newcomer was of almost aggressively foreign appearance. He wore dark
clothes, a soft slouch hat; his black moustaches were waxed and upturned.
His complexion was very sallow, and he was in a perspiration, as though
with hurrying. He came straight up to us, and bowed politely.
"Is it permitted," he asked in German, "that I seat myself at your table?
There is a little conversation which I should much like to have with
you!"
Both Guest and myself rose and returned his bow, and Guest pointed to a
seat.
"With much pleasure, sir," he answered. "My name is Mayer, and this is my
nephew Schmidt. We have just returned from America."
More bows. The newcomer was exceedingly polite.
"My name," he announced, "is Kauffman. I am resident in London."
"My nephew," Guest continued, "has lived in America since he was a boy,
and he speaks more readily English!"
Mr.
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