ss him for his errand.

"I am here," said Challoner, "simply to do a service between two ladies;
and I must ask you, without further delay, to summon Miss Fonblanque,
into whose hands alone I am authorised to deliver the letter that I
bear."

A growing wonder began to mingle on the man's face with the lines of
solicitude. "I am Miss Fonblanque," he said; and then, perceiving the
effect of this communication, "Good God!" he cried, "what are you
staring at? I tell you I am Miss Fonblanque."

Seeing the speaker wore a chin-beard of considerable length, and the
remainder of his face was blue with shaving, Challoner could only
suppose himself the subject of a jest. He was no longer under the spell
of the young lady's presence; and with men, and above all with his
inferiors, he was capable of some display of spirit.

"Sir," said he, pretty roundly, "I have put myself to great
inconvenience for persons of whom I know too little, and I begin to be
weary of the business. Either you shall immediately summon Miss
Fonblanque, or I leave this house and put myself under the direction of
the police."

"This is horrible!" exclaimed the man. "I declare before Heaven I am the
person meant, but how shall I convince you? It must have been Clara, I
perceive, that sent you on this errand--a madwoman, who jests with the
most deadly interests; and here we are, incapable, perhaps, of an
agreement, and Heaven knows what may depend on our delay!"

He spoke with a really startling earnestness; and at the same time there
flashed upon the mind of Challoner the ridiculous jingle which was to
serve as password. "This may, perhaps, assist you," he said; and then,
with some embarrassment: "'Nigger, nigger, never die.'"

A light of relief broke upon the troubled countenance of the man with
the chin-beard. "'Black face and shining eye'--give me the letter," he
panted, in one gasp.

"Well," said Challoner, though still with some reluctance, "I suppose I
must regard you as the proper recipient; and though I may justly
complain of the spirit in which I have been treated, I am only too glad
to be done with all responsibility. Here it is," and he produced the
envelope.

The man leaped upon it like a beast, and with hands that trembled in a
manner painful to behold, tore it open and unfolded the letter. As he
read, terror seemed to mount upon him to the pitch of nightmare. He
struck one hand upon his brow, while with the other, as if
unconsciously,