somewhat broken stream, on the pros and cons of this unhappy subject.

They were not talkative, yet it was a sort of comfort to Guy to have Compton with him, and the young Baronet knew it

was.

An hour had nearly slipped away, when a cab was heard to stop and a sharp, yet indefinite double knock, was performed on the knocker.

"That's some fellow uncertain of his position, but sure of his errand,' said Sir Frederic, and almost as he spoke the detective entered, without asking permission. 'Well, Captain,' he said, ' we have him;

not long about it, eh, sir?'

'What the cab-driver from Waterloo Station?'

VOL. II.

C

'He is below, sir, cab and all, ready to drive us to the house where he took the

lady. He He says he can't direct us, but he can take us there.'

Neville had his hat on, while Pim spoke, in silent readiness.

'Hurrah!' cried the impetuous Baronet. You're on the trail at last! God speed you, old boy, all will go right now.'

'I shall not hope or fear yet,' said Neville, with a deep sigh, 'for if we are baffled here my resources at last are at an end.'

'Well, sir, I think we have a fair course now; the people where she went will put us on her track. Come on, sir. It's over by Kennington way, and we had

better get there before dark. That little Irish warmint has a deal of ingenuity. Lord! what a man he'd make by-and-by for the Force! Come along, sir.'

Sir Frederic shook Neville's hand cordially, and accompanied him downstairs; bid him God speed once more, and stood looking after the vehicle as it disappeared; then remembering the last occasion when he looked after him, and its differing circumstances, he recalled the sudden gloom which then, in so unaccountable a manner, fell upon him. 'I trust my present hopefulness will be equally prophetic,' he thought.

He lingered yet a moment undecidedly, then suddenly throwing away his cigar, said, half aloud,

'Yes, I ought, I must, lose no time in letting her know,' so walked quickly into the Strand, hailed a 'Hansom,' and directed the driver to St. John's Wood.

CHAPTER II.

MEANTIME Neville and Mr. Pim sped away towards Kennington. The former had addressed no question to the driver; an undefinable feeling held him back. Had he been alone with the man he might have cross-examined him, for, in truth, he longed to put a thousand queries, and to hear, perchance, what her lips had uttered, even through the medium of a cab-driver's repetition.

What if they should find her where they were going; sad, lonely, almost penniless! With what rapture he would