rection they should proceed in order to reach the Club. He
pointed out the way, and they accordingly set off in search of it.
Turning into the Queen's Road, they made their way along it until they
reached the place in question. Browne had a letter of introduction to
one of the members, given to him in London, and he was anxious to
present it to him in order to learn something, if possible, of Johann
Schmidt before going in search of him. Leaving his two friends
outside, he entered the Club and inquired for the gentleman in
question. The servant who received him informed him that the member
was not at the time in the building.

"Can you tell me his address?" said Browne. "It's just possible I may
find him at his office."

The man furnished him with what he wanted, and showed him how he could
reach it. Rejoining his companions, Browne proceeded down the street,
passed the Law Courts, and went in the direction of the Barracks. At
last he reached the block of buildings of which he was in search. The
name of the man he wanted was to be seen on a brass plate upon the
door. He entered, and accosting a white-clad Englishman in an enormous
solar topee, whom he found there, inquired if he could tell whether his
friend was at home.

"I believe he is," the man replied. "At any rate, if you will wait a
moment I'll soon find out." Leaving them, he departed down the
passage, to return presently with the information that the person they
wanted to see was in his office.

Foote and Maas remained in the street, while Browne entered a cool and
airy room at the farther end of the passage. Here, seated at an
office-table, was another white-clad Englishman. He had a cigar in his
mouth, and possessed a handsome face and a close-cropped beard.

"Mr. ----?" said Browne, after he had thanked his conductor for his
courtesy.

"That is my name," the gentleman replied. "What can I have the
pleasure of doing for you?"

"I have a letter of introduction to you," said Browne, producing the
document in question from his pocket, and handing it across the table.
"I believe we are common friends of George Pellister?"

"George Pellister!" cried the man. "I should rather think so; when I
was home three years ago he was awfully kind to me. So you are a
friend of his? Pray forgive my not having come out to greet you. Come
and sit down. How long have you been in the island?"

"Only an hour and a half," Browne replied.

"An hour and