then smiles
consent.

From now until the hour for Pierre's new shift Paul is most dutifully
considerate, frequently gratefully commenting upon his father's
kindnesses. He insists upon preparing their evening meal, and cooks some
savory dishes, which he smilingly serves. With filial solicitude, Paul
counsels his father to avoid river fogs and malarial vapors.

"At this damp season it is better to stay away from the Thames."

Pierre is much pleased at this changed temper, and smiles his great
appreciation. Promising to return before it is late, Pierre leaves, both
uttering soft-toned good-bys.

CHAPTER XVII

BACK AT NORTHFIELD

After a long absence, Sir Donald and Esther are back at Northfield. Many
parts of Europe and the Orient were visited. Father and daughter saw
much of interest. Their stops had been sufficiently prolonged for
comfort and intelligent impression.

Though in regular communication with the London office, Sir Donald knows
nothing about the present location of either Lanier.

That William Dodge disappeared from Calcutta seems certain. After the
death of Nellie this unfortunate man was released. News of her illness
and of his boy's death at length reached Dodge through the doctor. All
attempts of Mary Dodge to hear from her husband while he was in prison
were unavailing. Little Nellie's appeals to see "papa" had failed.

Under patrol of verbal promise the prisoner was permitted to attend the
burial. He returned according to pledge. In about ten days thereafter he
was released. The family soon moved, and there is no clew to present
whereabouts.

Neither Sir Donald nor Esther heard anything from Oswald Langdon. Since
Oswald's departure from Calcutta, Sir Donald anxiously had waited for
notice of clew to Lanier guilt. He believed London agents honestly were
seeking more decisive results, but there was little immediate or remote
prospect of success. At the last Calcutta conference, Sir Donald
promised Oswald to spare no zeal in bringing these villains to swift
accounting.

Convinced that absence from England and India was essential to success
of plans then in operation, Oswald hesitated not, but promptly sailed.

It was agreed between them that any decisive act or clew should be
communicated by letter to Paris, thence forwarded to whatever point they
should direct. Sir Donald's letters would be directed to an agreed
alias. Both would use guarded terms, but to them intelligible. There
wo