if you please, that I would have called upon him, but, coming to
the city strictly on business, was too hurried to do so."

This also Paul promised, and counted himself fortunate in falling in
with a friend, or, at all events, acquaintance of Mr. Preston, since he
was likely to make twenty-five dollars more than he would otherwise have
done.

When he got out of the car at the Astor House, the stranger said:

"It will be half an hour before I can reach Lovejoy's, as I have a
business call to make first. Can you call there, say, in three-quarters
of an hour?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, then, I will expect you. Inquire for me at the desk, and ask
the servant to conduct you to my room--you remember my name?"

"Yes, sir--Mr. Felix Montgomery."

"Quite right. Good-by, then, till we meet."

Mr. Felix Montgomery went into the Astor House, and remained about five
minutes. He then came out on the steps, and, looking about him to see
if Paul was anywhere near, descended the steps, and walked across to
Lovejoy's Hotel. Going up to the desk, he inquired:

"Can you accommodate me with a room?"

"Yes, sir; please enter your name."

The stranger entered his name with a flourish, as Felix Montgomery,
Syracuse.

"Room No. 237," said the clerk; "will you go up now?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Any luggage?"

"My trunk will be brought from the St. Nicholas in the course of the
afternoon."

"We require payment in advance where there is no luggage."

"Very well. I will pay for one day. I am not sure but I shall get
through my business in time to go away to-morrow."

Here the servant appeared to conduct Mr. Montgomery to his room.

"By the way," he said, turning back, as if it were an afterthought, "I
directed a boy to call here for me in about half an hour. When he comes
you may send him up to my room."

"Very well, sir."

Mr. Montgomery followed the servant upstairs to room No. 237. It was
rather high up, but he seemed well pleased that this was the case.

"Hope you won't get tired of climbing, sir," said the servant.

"No--I've got pretty good wind."

"Most gentlemen complain of going up so far."

"It makes little difference to me."

At length they reached the room, and Mr. Montgomery entered.

"This will answer very well," he said, with a hasty glance about him.
"When my trunk comes, I want it sent up."

"Yes, sir."

"I believe that is all; you can go."

The servant retired and Mr. Felix Montgomery sat do