The Spectator., 1914-11-27

man, unm1Stakably Latin Ill type, anu that the house was familiar to him was evinced by the air with which he the latch and admitted himself
 lighted by a single gas-burner in wire cage, and from the rear room came the odor of cooking. But it was not these facts that caused the man to stop short, the crease between his eyes deepening as he stood listening. In the hall above Leigh's footstep could be plainly heard. The man be- low approached the staircase with ab- solute noiselessness, and ascending part way managed to get good look at the sculptor without allowing him. self to be seen. All unconscious, the latter continued to tramp up toward the attics, and with a muttered oath, quickly suppressed, the watcher re- turned to the basement as cautiously as he had ascended. At the door of the front room he tapped discreetly, and after brief interval, during which there was scurrying sound within and the muffled closing of some inte- rior door, that before which he stood was opened a crack while smooth voice, with only slight foreign ac- cent, inquired who was without.
 Tt Is only me. Open up, Ricardo replied the man in the hall. At which the door was thrown back, revealing tall, bearded man who waved an invitation to enter.
 'Ah. Yznaga!" he exclaimed in Spanish. 50 1t Is thou! Enter, my friend, but I beg you will remember that in this house I am MT. Rowe. Such exclamations, however, cordial. must not be made in the public halls! "
 Ever cautious!" exclaimed the wis itor. Now I am not even to speak aloud! We'll, you are wise! l obey!'
 He seated himself beside the table and mopped his face with thin silk handkerchief. A fine figure of man. almost noble in bearing, and excep- tionally we'll dressed beneath his shabby overcoat Rowe brought out glasses and a decanter, pouring for his guest and himself.
 "The house is at your disposal" he said, after the Spanish manner Then. this formal courtesy discharged, he leaned anxiously toward the other.
 Did you see him?" he asked.
 Yznaga nodded.
 'I did"
 And he will buy the necessary ar maments?"
 "Yes, but he is a hard customer. that Van
 Hush! Not that name, above all others!' implored the host. That he will pay is all need to hear!"
 He will pay for them." responded Yznaga. Moreover, he is no fool. and intends dealing through me only as an agent. No cash! But we shall arrange the estimate and the bid in such way as to retain little for ourselves, eh?"
 No. our wealthy patron would be whose capability make my bow! And his caution! By the way" he added abruptly. "who lives on the top floor of this building?"
 "A painter by the name of Samuel Hill." replied Rowe. "an easy-going young man. He's the landlord"
 Have you any acquaintance with him?"
 "No more than is absolutely neces- sary!"
 "Ah! your exclusiveness! Sometimes I think that it is a mistake-that 1t will attract attention! But of that. later. Tell me, is this landlord of yours tall, homely fellow?"
 No" said Rowe. why do you ask?"
 Because when He-ofwhom-you- know and 1 were parting just now such a person interrupted us. whether Intentionally or not, l cannot tell. But he recognized Wander - recognized him, of that much am certain. And what is more, he followed me to this house and is upstairs at this moment!"
 For a moment Rowe glared at the other with an expression of intent alarm. Then his features relaxed.
 "A great. tall fellow, did you say?" he unused. Then light broke upon him. "A giant, with a long face and ungainly carriage: that would be Leigh. the sculptor. great friend of the landlord. And he would know him, also! No need to worry about that. As for his following you. that was mere coincidence. He comes here to visit Hill almost daily"
 You relieve my mind, Rowe." re- piled Yznaga, lighting a cigarette. And now for our project. He-of-whom- you-know refuses absolutely to commit himself on paper. He will spend. yes! It is for a great purpose. in noble cause, But he will sign nothing! What have we to hold him by"
 "The money he spends' replied Rowe grimly.
 twill that suffice? This business is against the law, you know. and"
 sI have somethinp that will hold