dly manner in which you entered into
conversation with me, I perceived that you were of a genial and
unsuspicious nature. Very well. I warn you. Last night I was followed
from a certain street not far from here to the house of a medical man
who is a specialist in certain kinds of criminology, you understand."

He stared at me very hard, his teeth bared by that fearful snarl. "You
are a strange cabman."

"Perhaps I am. No matter. Take my advice. I have things written
here"--I tapped the breast of my tunic--"which will astonish all the
world shortly. I tell you, my friend, my fortune is made."

I finished my drink and ordered another for myself and one for my
acquaintance. He was watching me doubtfully. Taking up my replenished
glass, I emptied it at a draught and ordered a third. I leaned over
towards the scarred man, resting my hand heavily upon his shoulder.

"Five thousand pounds," I whispered thickly, "has been offered for the
information which I have here in my pocket. It is not yet complete,
you understand, and because they may murder me before I obtain the
rest of the facts, do you know what I am going to do with this?"

Again I tapped my tunic pocket. "Le Balafre" frowned perplexedly.

"I don't even know what you are talking about, my friend," he replied.

"_I_ know what I am talking about," I assured him, speaking more and
more huskily. "Listen, then: I am going to take all my notes to my
friend, the doctor, and leave them with him, sealed--sealed, you
follow me? If I do not come back for them, In a week, shall we say?--he
sends them to the police. _I_ do not profit, you think? No._morbleu!_
but there are some who hang!"

Emptying my third glass, I ordered a fourth and one for my companion.
He checked me.

"No more for me, thank you," he said. "I have--business to attend to.
I will wish you good-night."

"Good-night!" I cried boisterously--"good-night, friend! take heed of
my good advice!"

As he went out, the barman brought me my fourth glass of cognac, staring
at me doubtfully. Our conversation had been conducted in French, but
the tone of my voice had attracted attention.

"Had about enough, ain't you, mate?" he said. "Your ugly pal jibbed!"

"Quite enough!" I replied, in English now of course. "But I've had a
stroke of luck to-night and I feel happy. Have one with me. This is a
final."

On going out into the street I looked cautiously about me, for I did
not expect to reach the house of Dr.