Sir Donald thinks that perhaps this queer
masquerader is engaged in special work in hope of thereby locating some
criminal. That this human enigma knows something of Sir Donald's
purposes in sailing for Calcutta is apparent, but that there is any
desire to thwart them is doubtful. Can it be that one of London sleuths
in his employ is playing such waiting game, hoping to find William
Dodge?

No one knows of the Dodge confession but Esther and Sir Donald. Probably
this fellow on detective work to "bag" all or one of the conspirators
against Alice Webster had heard of Sir Donald's efforts to locate the
Dodge family, and is keeping posted as to results. It is sure that this
spy is neither Dodge nor one of the Laniers. Sir Donald will relax the
hunt and await results.

With Esther he now rides about the city, paying no apparent heed to
other than incidental interests.

Esther enlists her father in little charitable enterprises. She enters
into the spirit of these with happy zeal. With quickened pulses and
quiet joy, this refined, cultured, sweetly sympathetic girl is tireless
in her gentle ministries. Unostentatious in her work, yet such service
cannot escape comment.

Charitably inclined people call upon father and daughter. These calls
are both welcome and distasteful. Thereby opportunities are brought to
their notice, but tinkling notoriety jars upon refined benevolent sense.
Overzealous would-be almoners of desired bounties press special claims
with deferential yet impertinent persistence.

Jostled and bored by these shallow enthusiasts, Sir Donald and Esther
find it expedient to give and minister by stealth. Such course evokes
adverse comment, but for this they care little. Hearing of some
criticisms upon his failure to contribute through a certain channel, Sir
Donald remarks to Esther:

"The rending instinct is not monopolized by that breed anciently
stampeded 'down a steep place into the sea.'"

Esther looks puzzled, then shocked, but accepts her father's smile and
caress as a full apology.

For several weeks this kind of life is passed, each day having some
charity to its account. Though still earnestly hoping that the Dodge
family may be found, Sir Donald begins to realize that there are many
needy wards not so hard to locate. He becomes impressed with the
democracy of human want and with the subtle vibrations of common chords.

Father and daughter have called upon a poor family, about whose
destitution