uently he was required to be absent from the
city for weeks. In a large city, however, there is not the same
inclination to inquire about the private affairs of one's neighbors, and
hence he had been able, for prudential reasons, to avoid announcing his
real occupation, and was not compelled to make a social hermit of
himself because of his profession.

Being pressed to remain at the house of his friend, Vinton cordially
accepted the situation, and devoted himself to the fair Miss Crilly so
assiduously that he soon was in high favor with that young lady. After
an enjoyable afternoon, he had the pleasure of escorting Miss Crilly to
her home, and when he left her at her door, he was gratified to receive
an invitation to call again, which he joyfully accepted, and resolved to
take advantage of at an early date.

Thus far we had been successful; we had obtained a photograph of
Edwards, which had been promptly recognized. We had learned from his
wife that he was hiding in the state of New York; and we had reliable
men carefully posted in such a manner that in a very short time definite
information must assuredly be obtained.

CHAPTER IX.

Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
Discovered.

Harry Vinton continued his attentions to the fair young domestic, and in
a few days he invited her to accompany him to the theater. Edwards'
sister, Mrs. Andrews, was present when this invitation was extended, and
having formed a very favorable opinion of my good-looking operative, she
at once consented, and Mary blushingly signified her inclination to
accept his escort. His deportment toward Mrs. Andrews was most
deferential and polite, and in a very short time he had quite won her
kindly regard. This, of course, was precisely what he was most desirous
of accomplishing, and he improved every opportunity that offered to
ingratiate himself into the good opinion of Mary's mistress. So
agreeably and gentlemanly did he conduct himself that ere a week had
elapsed he was quite graciously received, not only by the pretty young
servant girl, but by the members of the family as well. Mrs. Andrews,
who appeared to be a kind-hearted lady, although seemingly oppressed
with some trouble, which was not made apparent, was deeply interested in
Mary's welfare, and had taken especial pains to cultivate Vinton's
acquaintance. This was done evidently with the view of satisfying
herself as to the sincerity of his intentio