he coal-black beard and heavy moustache. Though this
transformation takes place in full view of the juvenile picket, the boy
cannot explain any of the details, but is sure of the miracle. A small
package is all that is taken up the stairway.

That this disguise was assumed to spy upon Sir Donald's actions is
evident. It is quite probable that no stranger would act thus, except he
had reasons for wishing not to be identified. Whoever has resorted to
such shifts must be interested either in thwarting search for the Dodge
family or in unmasking of the Lanier plot. Solution of this affair
doubtless will aid in solving one or the other of these vexing problems.

Here again there is difficulty. Sir Donald must neither visit this
hiding-place nor openly take part in learning about the man who has been
shadowing them. This might defeat or embarrass both investigations. He
dislikes confiding in too many people and must tell no one about the
Dodge confession, nor will he furnish any clew by which this wretched
man may be compromised. After revolving in his mind many plans, Sir
Donald concludes to employ two persons who shall constantly shadow this
stranger and report.

Though questioned by the men employed in this work, he declines to
furnish any explanation of his purposes.

"The pay will be good and the object is honorable. No crisis shall be
forced, but I will exercise discretion upon the facts. Full, correct
reports are required. Dispatch is not essential."

With double shifts employed in this affair, Sir Donald and Esther pursue
their accustomed habits of life in Calcutta.

Though possessing much power of concentration toward the accomplishment
of a fixed purpose, Sir Donald could think of other things while
exclusive agencies were working out his will. Too many voices were
awaiting hearing for him to stop his ears through infatuation of one
narrow aim. Specialist fame had little charm for this comprehensive,
broad-gauged, yet delicately adjusted soul. One of his odd sayings
seemed characteristic of the man:

"If all culture were so much acquired stock for use in a future life,
how limited the patrimony of those famous specialists, under new
conditions, whose 'occupation is gone.'"

This mutual spying is kept up with no decisive results. Nothing happens
to justify Sir Donald in bringing matters to a crisis, and there never
seems any certainty that an emergency is in sight. Taking into account
all the circumstances,