.

Soon the lights of the great city flared in the sky, the train stopped
more frequently, the express men and newspaper boys came into evidence.
Mr. Sabin awoke from his long spell of thought. He bought a newspaper,
and glanced through the list of steamers which had sailed during the
week. When the train glided into the depot he was on his feet and ready
to leave it.

"You will reserve our rooms, Duson, for one month," he said on the way
to the hotel. "We shall probably leave for Europe a month to-morrow."

"Very good, sir."

"You were Mrs. Peterson's servant, Duson, before you were mine!"

"Yes, sir."

"You have been with her, I believe, for many years. You are doubtless
much attached to her!"

"Indeed I am, sir!"

"You may have surmised, Duson, that she has left me. I desire to ensure
your absolute fidelity, so I take you into my confidence to this extent.
Your mistress is in the hands of those who have some power over her. Her
absence is involuntary so far as she is concerned. It has been a great
blow to me. I am prepared to run all risks to discover her whereabouts.
It is late in my life for adventures, but it is very certain that
adventures and dangers are before us. In accompanying me you will
associate yourself with many risks. Therefore--"

Duson held up his hand.

"I beg, sir," he exclaimed, "that you will not suggest for a moment my
leaving your service on that account. I beg most humbly, sir, that you
will not do me that injustice."

Mr. Sabin paused. His eyes, like lightning, read the other's face.

"It is settled then, Duson," he said. "Kindly pay this cabman, and
follow me as quickly as possible."

Mr. Sabin passed across the marble hall, leaning heavily upon his stick.
Yet for all his slow movements there was a new alertness in his eyes and
bearing. He was once more taking keen note of everybody and everything
about him. Only a few days ago she had been here.

He claimed his rooms at the office, and handed the keys to Duson, who by
this time had rejoined him. At the moment of turning away he addressed
an inquiry to the clerk behind the counter.

"Can you tell me if the Duchess of Souspennier is staying here?" he
inquired.

The young man glanced up.

"Been here, I guess. Left on Tuesday."

Mr. Sabin turned away. He did not speak again until Duson and he were
alone in the sitting-room. Then he drew out a five dollar bill.

"Duson," he said, "take this to the head luggage porter. Te