The Washington times., 1911-07-25
CHAPTER II.
No. II Burleigh Terrace.

n WILL now explain more fully what
II was that led me to change my
mind in the matter of the Assam
expedition. On reaching my lodg-
ings in Waterloo street 1 found the fol-
lowing undated note:
If Mr.. Gallomeade will call at No.
II Burleigh terrace, FrOnd's road, be-
tween 8 and 10 o'clock, Monday or
Tuesday evening-no other hOur-he will
hear of something important.
HANS Won ROTTERDAM, Ph.D.' -
Strange! Then the fellow had been
here first. Failing to find me. he had
gone TO the club.
I was more anxious about RoedIer than
ever, and felt that l could hardly wait
for the appointed hour. l wondered
why he had sent this man instead of
coming himself, and, above all, why the
German had written. l examined the
envelope AS there was no stamp, the
note had doubtless been delivered at
the house by special messenger
BY inquiry l learned that this mes
senger was an old man-decrepit, stoop-
shouldered, and misshapen, from a way
and to one side. 1t was without doubt
the German. There was nothing else to
be learned, and my curiosity was
piqued.
restaurant, and allowed an hour for the
drive from Leicester Square. 1t was
really more than was necessary, al
though l had discovered that the place
was quite removed from the nearest bus
line. At little after o'clock got into
a cab, making allowance for loss of way
and congested traffic. 1t was well did
so, as the night was thick and the drive
a slow one.
1t was after when we drew up at
the house. ! dismissed the cab. though
feeling quite lost, never having been in
that part of London before. My ring
was answered by slovenly woman. In
answer TO my inquiry for Mr. Roedler,
the woman shook her head-she knew of
no such person.
had forgotten Won Rotterbach's
name. and referred to the card. The
Sure! HE'S here! Wipe your feet
and take the left-hand door!'
did as l was told. and entered a
dingy room. Sinking into a chair that
might once have been comfortable, but
evidence, / looked around. There were
dead grasses in villainous urns upon the
nantel, some cheap pictures, curtains
that were faded, rugs worn and thread
bare. Beyond this there was a disagree
able odor of hair-oil and cabbage, with
other smells from the kitchen.
But the house was very still. Where
was Won Rotterbach? l waited.
Presently I heard an approaching
footstep. 1t was upon the stairs, and
descending SLOWLY
In another minute the portieres were
drawn aside, and an old man entered.
] at once recognized the German
He wore a curious cloak, which hung
loosely from the shoulders; coughed
slightly, and extended a hand. Then,
turning quickly, he shut the door and
locked II. l sprang forward, anticipat-
Ing foul play: but before I could reach
him the cloak fell-the man straight
ened-and Gwynne Roedler stood before
me in the full vigor of youth, and lust
as 1 remembered him. I stepped back
in amazement.
What the deuce I began.
Roedler put a, finger to his lips by wav
of warning. I must not speak too loud
he said. "Listen!"
He drew up a couple of chairs. With
the removal of the beard and wig the
man had not changed. True, there were
still some lines in the face which had
been pencIled there, and which he as
sured me could be readily washed out
otherwise. he was the same
What's happened?" I ventured,' at
last. "Do you go abroad in those
togs?'
/ pointed to the wig and cloak
Rather! / delivered the note in per-
SON.
81 thought sor' ! answered.
81 don't think anybody will find me
out here. Certainly no one in this house
suspects me Of beinE other than a de-
crepit old man. l let my former lodg-
tngs in the night, ard came here In the