n on
the highway."

"Go on, sir,--go on. You never made a speech which cost you dearer,"
said Kraus, as he took down the words in his pocket-book.

"I--I--I did n't mean that; I did n't say you were a housebreaker."

"Speak lower," said Hans, sternly. "And you, sir; what is this demand?"

"Two thousand francs,----rent of this house; which, with damage to the
furniture and other charges, will make two thousand eight hundred."

"I will pay it," said Hans, stopping him.

"Your credit would be somewhat better, Master Hans, had you not given a
certain bail bond that you know of," said Kraus, sneeringly.

"I have wherewith to meet my debts," said Hans, calmly.

"I will claim my bond within a week; I give you notice of it," said
Kraus.

"You shall be paid to-morrow. Let us be in peace to-night; bethink you
what that room contains."

"He ain't black, is he? I--I would n't look at him for a thousand
pounds," said Purvis, with a shudder.

"If she remain here after noon, to-morrow," said Kraus, in a low voice,
"a new month will have begun."

"To-morrow afternoon; Lord! how close he r-ran it," exclaimed Purvis.

"Once more, I say, be patient," said Hans. "Let these good people go,
you shall lose nothing; I pledge the word of a man who never told
a falsehood. I will pay all. Have some pity, however, for this
orphan,--one who has now neither a home nor a country."

"Yes, yes, he 'll have p-pity; he 's an excellent man is Mr. Kraus.
I shouldn't wonder if we'd come to terms about this vi-villa for
ourselves."

Hans turned a look of anger towards him, and then said: "Go, sir, and
take those that belong to you away also. This place no longer can suit
you nor them. He who lies yonder can be flattered and fawned on no more;
and, as for her, she is above your compassion, if it even lay in your
heart to offer it."

"He ain't quite right here," whispered Purvis to Kraus, as he tapped
his forehead significantly. "They told me that in the town." Kraus moved
away without reply, and Purvis followed him. "He's rich, too, they say,"
added he, in a whisper.

"They'll scarcely say as much this day week," said Kraus, sneeringly;
while, beckoning his people to follow him, he left the house.

No sooner did Mrs. Ricketts learn that her worldly possessions were
safe, and that the harpy clutches of the law could make no seizure among
those curious turbans and wonderful tunics which composed her wardrobe,
than she immediately addresse