The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-07

transacted itself In his own chambers
only an hour or two before: but he was
reminded of it with great abruptness
when the night came to a close. Sau-
marez and the Baron had disappeared,
and Wilson found himself in converse
with the Chief. who had been his neigh
Dor at the table. The great man had
some recollection Of Wilson's father, and
was pleased to be very gracious about it
for minute or two.
But 1 must be going" he said. "for
have hours of work before me. 1 must
hunt up my host and hostess and say
goodby.''
IF your lordship will allow me- said
Wilson, Il know the house and sau-
marez will probably be here"
The Chief nodded and smiled assent and
Wilson led the way to his friends study.
The door was open. and Saumarez was
speaking.
ST am enormously your debtor" he said
Il have to thank you for the most
fascinating night I have ever spent Per-
NIT me-
AS the last words were uttered, Wilson
and the Chief entered the room with no
idea that they were intruding upon any
private ceremony. But at that very in
slant Saumarez had set a little rouleau
of gold pieces upon the table, and the
Baron with an inclination of the head,
laid>a hand upon the coins and slipped
them into a waiStcoat pocket. AS he did
so. ne turned half round. and saw his
old friends face. The situation was alb
solutely unmistakable. and in spite OF his
trained self-possession. the Baron blushed
crimson to the roots of his white hair.
Then the color slowly surged away from
cheek and brow, and left him pale, almost
oh |I
bled excuse. which nobody understood or
needed. fairly bolted. making a sign to
Wilson as he went. The young man was
about to follow him, but the Baron, with
a sudden movement closed the door, and
stood with his back against it.
Yes he said, as if he We're Offering
an answer, that is precisely how the
matter stands"
My dear Leopold said the Chief, ap-
preaching him and speaking in a guarded
tone, which was yet audible to Wilson.
you should have come to me-"
Il have not yet begun the Baron an
swered. ..to victimize my friends. Will
you permit me, Mr. Wilson. to discharge
a part Of the obligation under which you
placed me this evening. The greater part
of it never can discharge
Wilson reluctantly took the coins which
We're tended to him, and the Chief, with
q puzzled cOGntenanCe, looked from one
to the other.
Jack said the Baron suddenly, laying
a hand upon his shoulder. will you do
me one little favor, for old times sake?"
Try me-" said the chief.
Drive me home" said the Baron, land
permit Mr. Wilson to accompany US"
Most certainly" the chief responded
"NIy carriage is outside already"
The three men left the house with no
farewell to host and hostess.
The Baron gave to the coachmar a mean
address in the Soho district and they
cred streets. Arrived at their destination,
somewhat disreputable looking house with
a latch-key. and signed to his companions
to enter. They mounted the stairs by the
err. treading softly conveyed them to
room off the first floor. It was sparsely
furnished as sitting room; but there
was a narrow iron bedstead in one cor
ner. The Baron. going on uptoe and mo-
ticning to his visitors to follow him with
caution. slowly and carefully opened an
inner door Wilson and the chief passed
through the doorway. and the Baron led
them to a little couch on which. by the
light of the gas in the outer room they
saw the figure Of a child OF not more
than four or five years of age Her face
vas one Of almost angelic beauty, and
was all soft and rosy with sleep; but be-
tween it and the rugged features which
bent over it there was very striking
family resemblance The Baron spoke
no word, but after gazing for a minute at
the sleeping child, he withdrew as stealth