Dirk Stroeve agreed to fetch me on the following evening and take me to the caf at which Strickland was most likely to be found.I was interested to learn that it was the same as that at which Strickland and I had drunk absinthe when I had gone over to Paris to see him.The fact that he had never changed suggested a sluggishness of habit which seemed to me characteristic.

　　‘There he is’,said Stroeve,as we reached the caf.

　　Though it was October,the evening was warm,and the tables on the pavement were crowded.I ran my eyes over them,but did not see Strickland.

　　‘Look.Over there,in the corner.Hes playing chess.’

　　I noticed a man bending over a chessboard,but could see only a large felt hat and a red beard.We threaded our way among the tables till we came to him.

　　‘Strickland.’

　　He looked up.

　　‘Hulloa,fatty.What do you want?’

　　‘Ive brought an old friend to see you.’

　　Strickland gave me a glance,and evidently did not recognize me.He resumed his scrutiny of the chessboard.

　　‘Sit down,and dont make a......