is reported at headquarters. I wonder what has occurred
to cause the change. Close watch of Lanier movements makes it certain
that Paul left the cellar room, but had not returned. I spent most of
the night along the river, but Paul did not appear.

"At the office there is much curiosity, but it is thought probable that
upon the following night Paul will resume his fearful infatuation. He
again fails to appear. An employe is sent to Northfield.

"I am absorbed in this unexpected change from Lanier habits. It is
reported that Pierre knows not of his son's whereabouts. The older
Lanier had gone out disguised in search of Paul. He had spent all of the
previous night along the river-banks. Another day and night pass.
Pierre has made inquiries at police headquarters for any news of unusual
interest.

"I now recall seeing neither of those interesting strangers within the
last three days. I wonder if they really are gone. Perhaps I have been
so much absorbed in disappearance of Paul Lanier as not to observe them.

"Upon reflection this is impossible. The sight of that sorrowful face
would have riveted my attention. I would have noted the suggestive,
dissembling, observing unconcern of her companion.

"There seems connection between the disappearance of these and that of
Paul Lanier. The thought is startling. I now see some sure relation
between the conduct of these strangers and the Lanier case. Such erratic
conviction is most illogical, but positive. It is one of those
soul-sights.

"I am sitting in my room at the hotel. It is the fourth night after
Paul's last crazed performance upon the Thames. I see no natural or
logical coherence between Paul's disappearance and that of these
interesting strangers, but cannot free myself from this queer
conviction. I am feeling an uneasy sense of the mysterious. What is
transpiring at Northfield?"

There is a timid tap! Going to the door, he is surprised to see a
veiled female figure. The woman steps into the room.

Making a hurried, nervous apology for her strange conduct, she urges
Charles to go home without delay. "There may be danger to those you
love."

Much mystified and alarmed by such unlooked-for warning, he begs for an
explicit statement.

The reply rebukes him.

"Is it not enough that I come to warn you? Must I explain private
matters? Would I come thus without good reason? Why not act promptly and
ask no questions?"

These hurried interrogatories are both comma