early, but I had stationed myself very near, on the side of the street
opposite the house, and was pacing up and down, keeping the place in
sight. I had a half-dozen cigars and a pocket full of matches, and
when I wanted to turn, if anyone was in sight, I stopped and wasted a
couple of minutes trying to light my cigar--see?'

'Distinctly.'

'Well, of course, I looked to see our friend come out and go north;
and so, while I was just on the turn, I was a little upset to see
someone come out of Miss J.'s door and turn square south. Of course I
went south, too, and to carry out your plan, I, being nearer the south
crossing than he, turned and crossed in order to meet him, and all
ready to be properly surprised at the encounter, you know, according
to orders. Well, sir, we met right at the opposite corner, and instead
of our man, there was a tall, dark, well-dressed person, who hastened
his steps a bit in passing me.'

He stopped, as if for an explanation.

'It was Voisin,' I said. 'The Frenchman I told you of.'

'Um! I thought as much! Well, I stopped to light my cigar, and the
Frenchman turned on the east side of the street and went back the way
he came; I, on my side, did likewise. At the north end of the block he
turned again, this time without crossing, and I did likewise. I didn't
try to keep shady, for I thought it began to look like a game of
freezeout, and I kept the west side of the street. As might have been
expected, after two or three turns he left the field at the south end
of the block, going east; and very soon after your man came out and
turned south, which surprised me a little. He walked very fast, but I
caught up and tackled him, calling him by your name and then
apologizing, and explaining that, knowing you were to call upon Miss
J., I had been on the lay for you, having a matter of business to
impart as promptly as possible.'

'Do you think he suspected us?'

'Not then. He told me very delicately that he had left early, feeling
sure that you had some matter of importance to discuss with the
ladies, and added his fear that you would not appear for some time
yet. Of course I gave up all idea of waiting, and went on with him;
and to pass the time and make myself agreeable I told him about the
other fellow--what d'ye call him?'

'Voisin.'

'Yes, Voisin. We had reached the south corner where Voisin had turned
east, and Lossing was walking briskly. At the corner he turned to me
and proposed takin