and was deep in an evening paper in
the smoking-room of the Fundy Hotel. So intent was he upon the article
he was reading that he allowed his cigar to go out, a most unusual
thing for him. But there was a reason, for he was reading a vivid
account of the daring rescue which had been made early that morning on
the brink of the falls. It occupied two pages of the paper, describing
accurately and in detail all that had taken place. It told of the
thunder storm up river, of the breaking loose of the "Eb and Flo," the
run to the city, and the noble action of Eben Tobin, who would not
desert his post of duty. Donaster breathed more freely when he found
that his own name was not mentioned. The paper merely stated that two
men had escaped by means of a motor-boat after they had been unable to
induce the young commander to go with them. Much praise was given to
the men on the tug for the great risk they had run in making the
rescue. When he had read the article through for the second time, he
laid the paper aside, re-lighted his cigar, and sat for some time in
deep thought.

During the whole of this time Gabriel Grimsby had been sitting not far
away watching Donaster most intently. He was much better dressed than
on the evening he had presented himself before Mrs. Randall and
demanded payment for his silence. His face still bore the placid
expression of peace and contentment, while his eyes beamed their
goodwill to all. Anyone observing his manner might have mistaken him
for a visitant from another world, clothed in human fashion, and
mingling for a time in the ways of men. Such was the outward
appearance of Gabriel Grimsby, the stand-between.

After a while Donaster rose and made his way into the billiard-room at
the rear of the building. He was an expert player, and soon was deeply
engaged in his favourite game. Grimsby followed, and for a time stood
and watched the game. Then he went back to the smoking-room, resumed
his seat, and brought forth, a handful of papers from an inside pocket
of his coat. Glancing furtively around to see if anyone was watching,
he selected a newspaper clipping and read it through very carefully.
It told of the mysterious disappearance of Miss Jess Randall, the only
daughter of Henry Randall, the noted lumber merchant. It was believed
that she had drowned herself near the Randall's summer home along the
river, and men were already searching for her body. Grimsby next
referred to