The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-03-31
CHAPTER XIV.

Ailsa had no cause 10 hurry over
her errand. The footman walked
along in front OF her with no sense OF
the Importance OF his mission Evil
IDENTIFY he did not realise the value OF
haste. All the same. the walk was a
long one. and Ailsa was feeling that
she had gone quite far enough when
the footman crossed Waterloo-bridge.
The girl had had no sleep the night
before, and. moreover. she had endur.
ed very trying day. She wondered
II Il would not be as well 10 call a
cab and keep the footman In sight,
but she dismissed the idea as being
likely TO arouse suspicion.
But II is long lane that has no
turning. and Ailsa was getting her re-
ward at last. Presently the footman
stopped and consulted an address
written In pocket book. Then he
crossed the. road and began scanning
the numbers on the other side. There
was plenty OF light for Ailsa To see
by. therefore she remained on her
own side OF the roadway She had
naturally heard from Inspector Burles
OF La Belle ATLANTA. and of the lodg
ings TO which the detective had track
ed that popular favourite. and II
struck Ailsa as n little strange that
Lady Altamonts footman should be
going te what might prove the same
address. This little coincidence ad-
ded 10 Ailsa's adventure. and she
fought her feelings of fatigue. She
began 10 feel that there were develop
ments at hand.
The footman stopped at length be-
fore dingy-looking house OF the
cheap lodging type. and consulted his
pocket book once more. Then. appar-
emily satisfied that he had come to
the right address. he pulled the bell.
Ailsa could hear the cracked sound OF
IL as she stood In a doorway on the
far side OF the road. So far as Ailsa
could see the whole place was in
darkness. and the bell was pulled Inn
patiently two or three times before a
feeble light III up one OF the bedroom
windows. In the rays OF the gas
lamp. Ailsa noted the peeling front OF
the house. the dingy brasses. and the
dirty curtains. little later. and she
had a glimpse into shabby hall with
one oil lamp swinging at the far end
Of IT, A tall man, in faded dressing
gown. stood and regarded the footman
suspiciously.
Well. young fellow" he said. land
what may you be wanting at this time
OF the night?"
II don't know that particularly
want anything" the footman returned
crisply Evidently he was not in the
,.nnAAArnn Of ,fafrn AilGn
thought 81 was told 10 come here
with letter 10 which there is no re-
ply This Is 746. amt it,"
Got It first time" the man in the
dressing-gown said. Hand the letter
over. II II amt for me. you are not
likely 10 get an answer. as there's no
body else in the house at present. For
one OF the dodgers. most likely"
The speaker proceeded tn regard
the envelope with a suspicious eye.
AS far as Ailsa could gather. he pro-
nounced II 10 be for one OF the lodg-
ers. He would give 1t to the gentle
man when he came in. but he could
not say any more than that.
All right, my lord" the footman
responded. we done my share OF the
business. Goodnight, and pleasant
dreams 10 you. Nice place 70 live In,
amt IT."
The footman lounged away. and the
door closed. but not quite securely.
Somebody came shuffling down the
street and paused before No. TAG. The
stranger hesitated only moment;
and then he passed into the house as
II he had been there before. With a
certain instinct. or perhaps strong
feeling OF curiosity. Ailsa waited. She
did not know what she expected 10
sec. but she certainly expected some
thing out OF the common. The door
had not been secured behind the new
conner, n blast OF wind blew IL wider
open. There was n sudden murmur
of voices. the cry Of a man in pain.
and, like a fash, the dingy hall show
ed two or three figures struggling.
two of them only partially dressed.
the other clad in frockcoat and tall
hat, and looking like a gentleman.
(To lie Continued.)