e celebrated New York detective, is in the city and
stopping at the St. Charles Hotel. It is believed that he is in search
of a desperate criminal, and probably the news-loving world will soon be
treated to one of the famous detective's clever elucidations of some
mysterious crime."

This both annoyed and puzzled Mr. Barnes. He had not told any one his
true name, and could not guess how the reporters had found out his
identity. Whilst he was thinking of it a card was brought to him which
bore the name

"RICHARD SEFTON."

He directed that the gentleman should be shown to his room, and soon
after a man of about thirty-five, with dark complexion, black hair, and
keen hazel eyes, entered, bowing politely and saying:

"This is Mr. Barnes, I believe."

"Be seated, Mr. Sefton," said Mr. Barnes, coldly, "and then tell me why
you believe me to be Mr. Barnes when I am registered as James Morton."

"I do not believe you to be Mr. Barnes," said the other, coolly seating
himself. "I was inaccurate in using that expression. I know that you are
Mr. Barnes."

"Oh! You do! And how, pray, do you know that I am Mr. Barnes?"

"Because it is my business to know people. I am a detective like
yourself. I have come to help you."

"You have come to help me! You are very kind I am sure. But since you
are so very clever, perhaps you would not mind telling me how you know
that I need help, and in what direction."

"With pleasure. You need help because, pardon my saying it, you are
working on a case in which time is precious to you, and you have already
wasted about six weeks. I say wasted, because you have learned nothing
that will aid you in your search."

"In my search for what?"

"Mr. Barnes, you are not over-cordial. There should be some fraternal
courtesy between us. I have come to you as a friend, honestly wishing to
aid you. I have known that you were in the city for some time. I have
heard of you of course. Who in our business has not? Therefore I have
spent a great deal of spare time watching you. I did so simply to
notice, and perhaps to learn something from, your methods. In this way I
became acquainted with the fact, first, that you are interested in the
name Mitchel, and secondly in the name Leroy. I have simply put the two
together and jumped to the conclusion that you are trying to learn
something about Leroy Mitchel. Am I right?"

"Before I reply to you, Mr. Sefton, I must have more assurance of your
good-