her
mother, "by inquiring of people we know out at Holloway. I'm thinking
of the Boltons, Bertha."

Mr. Potts' requirements were discussed, Bertha interesting herself in
the matter, and making various suggestions. The talk grew more
animated. Warburton was led to tell of his own experience in lodgings.
Catching Bertha's eye, he gave his humour full scope on the subject of
Mrs. Wick, and there was merriment in which even Mrs. Cross made a show
of joining.

"Why," she exclaimed, "do you stay in such very uncomfortable rooms?"

"It doesn't matter," Will replied, "it's only for a time."

"Ah, you have other views?"

"Yes," he answered, smiling cheerfully, "I have other views."

CHAPTER 44

Toward the end of the following week, Mrs. Cross came to the shop. She
had a busy air, and spoke to Warburton in a confidential undertone.

"We have been making inquiries, and at last I think we have heard of
something that might suit your poor friend. This is the address. My
daughter went there this morning, and had a long talk with the woman,
and she thinks it really might do; but perhaps you have already found
something?"

"Nothing at all," answered Will. "I am much obliged to you. I will go
as soon as possible."

"We shall be so glad to hear if it suits," said Mrs. Cross. "Do look in
on Sunday, will you? We are always at home at five o'clock.-- Oh, I
have written out a little list of things," she added, laying her
grocery order on the counter. "Please tell me what they come to."

Warburton gravely took the cash, and Mrs. Cross, with her thinly
gracious smile, bade him good-day.

He did not fail to "look in" on Sunday, and this time he wore his
ordinary comfortable clothing. The rooms recommended for Mr. Potts had
seemed to him just what were needed, and on his own responsibility he
had taken them. Moreover, he had been to Kennington, and had made known
to the nervous old man the arrangements that were proposed for him.

"But will he be allowed to leave?" asked Bertha in her eyes the twinkle
for which Will watched.

"He won't dare, he tells me, to give notice but he'll only have to pay
a week's rent in lieu of it. I have promised to be with him at ten to
morrow morning, to help him to get away. I shall take my heaviest
walking-stick; one must be prepared for every emergency. Glance over
the police news on Tuesday, Mrs. Cross, just to see whether I have come
to harm."

"We shall be very anxious indeed," repl