The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-08-18

number" said the man who was bearing
Off the unhappy girl.
Keep that cab within sight, and will
give you five pounds!'' said Neville to his
driver; and soon the two cabs-one follow
ing the other-were on their way to the
East End of London in the twilight
What a dreadful sight these streets
presents" said Caroline, with shudder.
Horace, all my love for you cannot blind
me to the fact that have done very
wrong. Oh, what sad bridal mine will
bc-hurried, late, and among strangers!'
Il will make up to you for all" replied
her companion, taking her hands in his.
Caroline trembled without replying, but
he drew her head on to his shoulder with
well-simulated affection, and the cab jolt
ed slowly on-on through the gas-lghted
streets, where miserable women and half
clad children We're to be seen at every
turn, and where drunken men thronged
the doors of the gin shops
"a pretty place he's taking the lady to,
my lord!" said the detective, as they drove
along.
Neville nodded, without avertng his
gaze from the vehicle in front. If they
should lose it for moment! How much
| depended on successful issue to their
| quest!
What an endless drive it. seemed from
Paddington to Poplar! How Neville's eyes
ached, and his heart too! A dozen times
| he thought he had lost sight of the cab he
was pursuing; once it stopped in order that
the driver might ask his way, once again
because of street accident; but through
all nischances Neville never withdrew his
gaze from the cab in front of them.
g, N, l.. y
ing Caroline? Then indeed he must think
it well to keep out of sightn he said to
himself as he got out and watched from
the other side of the street the ill-assorted
couple alight and enter house.
The man had thrown large dark shawl
over Caroline's head and shoulders-per-
haps because he wanted to screen her
from the notice Of passers-by, perhaps be-
cause he did not wish her to be too much
shocked by the quarter to which he had
taken her.
Now, then, my lord" said the detec-
tive, crossing the street.
Without the loss Of moment Neville
put the promised gold into the hands of
the delighted cabman.
'Wait," he said, land you may get a
fare back" Then he FASTENED after his
guide.
A man lettering in the street exchanged
word or two with the detective as they
paused before the house which Caroline
had entered.
"Who is that?' asked Neville, stopping
short.
"a brother officer-there is another in
the background. We may want help, my
lord,' replied the detective, as he knocked
softly at the door.
A woman with unkempt hair and sleeves
turned up presented herself. She stared
at the two men who stood there.
''Wc want lodgings-have you q spare
room?" said the detective, softly advanc-
ing along the passage, followed by Ne
ville-an entrance must be effected at all
hazards.
my rooms are all took for tonight, gen.
tlemen," responded the woman. cts nc
use you stopping. The day after to-mor
row you may come, if SO be you're in want
Of rooms then"
''No; we want them tonight" said the
detective, listening anxiously to a murmul
of voices above.
The woman stepped quickly to the foot
of the stairs.
81 tell you I've no lodging to spare. Be
off OF I'll call my husband she said, men
acingly.
''Hush!' returned the detective, whis
pering in her ear. 81 am police officer
and there are two more outside. Don't
get yourself into trouble, but let me dc
my duty"
The woman turned pale, hesitated, then
stood back, while the detective, followed
by Neville, went up the wooden staircase
three steps at a time, but not before he
had unlatched the house door, admitting
his colleagues, who were in readiness t.
support him.
(To be continued)