The Detroit times., 1909-01-15
CHAPTER LIIl.-(Continued.)

When he had gone dozen steps or
so he turned, and again thanked Prov
idence that the night was so thick
that even then he could not discover
amy trace OF the "Di" She had ap'
parently leaped up out OF sight
1t was long time since he had been
on the maneuvring ground OF lssy.
but his sense of location was so hne-
ly developed that even after the alb
sence of years, and in spite OF the
intense darkness which hedged him
In he made no mistake.
Then he had previously looked IT
up on the map. and now he went by
the compass, which little pocket
electric lamp showed him the SILVER
ing needle.
But he had no mind to undergo
scrutiny near the Notifications, so he
prepared for goodish walk,
and, stepping out briskly to
Boulevard du Point du Jour. He walk
ed up this till he reached the Rue du
Vivier. when he turned to the right
and walked rapidly on till he came to
the Station DIES Moulineaux.
w Heu ut Wdlhcu lutO tlC iittiC 81
burban station the officials stared at
him not a little, for his appearance
was distinctly battered. But this scru-
tiny did not disturb him In the least,
and he to some extent allayed suspi-
cion by merely booking to the Champ
de Mars.
He was forced to kick his heels In
idleness for some time before the
train arrived.
The stationmaster endeavored to en-
ter into a conversation with him, but
Strong's manner at such times was
not one which encouraged familiarity
However, he reused himself to speak
Just sufficiently to impress the won
iering Official with the fact that though
his appearance might be somewhat
against him, he. was at least per
son of some account.
He took first-class ticket to fur
Their foster the idea.
When he reached Champ de Mars
he alighted, and, doubling back a lit
tie, crossed the Pont de Passy. Then
he walked down the Quai de Passy
and three minutes later was In the
Rue de Ranelagh.
He wondered, as he approached the
oldfashioned villa which was his des-
tination, whether Jimmy Cloud would
be there. For Jimmy was man OF
such uncertain habits that he could
not count on his being at home.
The old man who opened the door
to him looked up into his face with a
pair OF blue eyes full Of British suspi-
cion OF rough-looking visitors who call
at night.
AS the old man blinked at him
Strong laughed little because he saw
that. having come out OF the bright
ness OF the he use, the old man could
not properly make out his features.
So he said: Don't you know me.
Johnson"
IL know that voice, SIR" said John
son, and he came out on TO the door
step and peered up into Strong's face
with evident curiosity.
Then, like Old Bill at oxford, he
exclaimed. Bless my soul! It's Mr..
Strong" and, with that inoffensive
familiarity allowable in old servants.
he drew Strong into the hall.
Tell me-" said Strong briskly, for
he was in haste, whether Mr.. Cloud
is at home"
"Mr. Cloud, sir" said the old man.
as at this very minute just a-finishing
his coffee"
Good" said Strong. Il will have
some. too"
He shivered a little, for he was cold
and wet
The old man shuffied down the pass
age and knocked at Jhe door OF the
great room at the back OF the house
which had once been a studio, but
which Jimmy called his "workroom."
A casual voice called, Come In"
and Strong, turning the handle Of the