police, he said, perpetually, and would give information
to the authorities of every country in Europe. On his return to
America he would have an extensive and comprehensive search
instituted. He would engage detectives himself in addition to any
which the police might send forth. Above all, he intended to make
free use of the newspapers. He had, he said--and in this he was a
true American--great faith in advertising. He had drawn up in his
mind already the formulas of various kinds of notices which he
intended to have inserted in the principal papers, by which he hoped
to get on the track of the criminals. Once on their track, he felt
assured of success.

The unexpected addition of Black Bill to the number of actors in this
important case was rightly considered by Obed as of great moment. He
had some idea of seeking him out on his return to London, and of
employing him in this search. Black Bill would be stimulated to such
a search by something far more powerful than any mere professional
instinct or any hope of reward. The vengeance which he cherished
would make him go on this errand with an ardor which no other could
feel. He had his own personal grievance against Gualtier. He had
shown this by his long and persistent watch, and by the malignancy of
his tone when speaking of his enemy. Besides this, he had more than
passion or malignancy to recommend him; he had that qualification for
the purpose which gave aim and certainty to all his vengeful desires.
He had shown himself to have the instinct of a bloodhound, and the
stealthy cunning of an Indian in following on the trait of his foe.
True he had been once outwitted, but that arose from the fact that he
was forced to watch, and was not ready to strike. The next time he
would be ready to deal the blow, and if he were once put on the
trail, and caught up with the fugitive, the blow would fall swiftly
and relentlessly.

Debate about such things as these took up two or three hours, during
which time Lord Chetwynde endured his suspense. At length they rose
to leave the gardens, and then, as they were walking along, he said,
in as indifferent a tone as he could assume:

"Oh--by-the-way--Miss Lorton is here with your family, I suppose?"

"Yes," said Obed; "she is with us still."

At this simple answer Lord Chetwynde's heart gave a great bound, and
then seemed to stop beating for some seconds. He said nothing.

"She is here now in Florence with us," continued Obed.