l day and in
for the night?"

"You describe him exactly." Mrs. Benker peered into the clean-shaven
face in a puzzled manner. "Your hair is black, your voice is changed,
and only the eyes remain."

"My brother and I have eyes exactly the same. I guessed your mistake
when you spoke. I assure you I am not my brother."

"Well, sir," said the woman, beginning to think she had made a mistake
after all, "I will say your voice is not like his. It was low and soft,
while yours, if you'll excuse me mentioning it, is hard, and not at all
what I'd call a love-voice."

Grim as Franklin was, he could not help laughing at this last remark.

"I quite understand. You only confirm what I say. My brother has a
beautiful voice, Mrs. Benker; and much harm he has done with it amongst
your sex."

"He never harmed me," said Mrs. Benker, bridling. "I am a respectable
woman and a widow with one son. But your brother----"

"He's a blackguard," interrupted Franklin; "hand and glove with the very
worst people in London. You may be thankful he did not cut your throat
or steal your furniture."

"Lord!" cried Mrs. Benker, astounded, "was he that dangerous?"

"He is so dangerous that he ought to be shut up. And if I could lay
hands on him I'd get the police to shut him up. He's done no end of
mischief. Now I daresay he had a red cross dangling from his
watch-chain."

"Yes, he had. What does it mean?"

"I can't tell you; but I'd give a good deal to know. He has hinted to me
that it is the sign of some criminal fraternity with which he is
associated. I never could learn what the object of the cross is. He
always kept quiet on that subject. But I have not seen him for years,
and then only when I was on a flying visit from Italy."

"Have you been to Italy, sir?"

"I live there," said Franklin, "at Florence. I have lived there for over
ten years, with an occasional visit to London. If you still think that I
am my brother, I can bring witnesses to prove----"

"Lord, sir, I don't want to prove nothing. Now I look at you and hear
your voice I do say as I made a mistake as I humbly beg your pardon for.
But you are so like Mr. Wilson----"

"I know, and I forgive you. But why do you wish to find my brother? He
has been up to some rascality, I suppose?"

"He has, though what it is I know no more than a babe. But they do say,"
added Mrs. Benker, sinking her voice, "as the police want him."

"I'm not at all astonished. He has placed himself wit