ouse where he is employed. He has inadvertently left
in his room a parcel belonging to us, and I should be glad if you would
allow me to go up to his room and take it."

"You see, sir," said Mrs. McCarty in a tone of hesitation, "while you
look like a perfect gentleman, I don't know you, and I am not sure
whether, in justice to Mr. Ropes, I ought to admit you to his room."

"You are quite right my good lady; I am sure. It is just what I should
wish my own landlady to do. I will therefore ask you to go up to the
room with me to see that all is right."

"That seems all right, sir. In that case I don't object. Follow me, if
you please."

As they entered Rodney's room Mr. Redwood looked about him
inquisitively. One article at once fixed his attention. It was a parcel
wrapped in brown paper lying on the bed.

"This is the parcel, I think," he said. "If you will allow me I will
open it, to make sure."

Mrs. McCarty looked undecided, but as she said nothing in opposition Mr.
Redwood unfastened the strings and unrolled the bundle. His eyes lighted
up with satisfaction as he disclosed the contents--a lady's cloak.

Mrs. McCarty looked surprised.

"Why, it's a lady's cloak," she said, "and a very handsome one. What
would Mr. Ropes want of such a thing as that?"

"Perhaps he intended to make you a present of it."

"No, he can't afford to make such present."

"The explanation is simple. It belongs to the store. Perhaps Mr. Ropes
left it here inadvertently."

"But he hasn't been here since morning."

"He has a pass key to the front door?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then he may have been here. Would you object to my taking it?"

"Yes, sir, you see I don't know you."

"Your objection is a proper one. Then I will trouble you to take a look
at the cloak, so that you would know it again."

"Certainly, sir. I shall remember it!"

"That is all, Mrs. ----?"

"McCarty, sir."

"Mrs. McCarty, I won't take up any more of your time," and Mr. Redwood
started to go down stairs.

"Who shall I tell Mr. Ropes called to see him."

"You needn't say. I will mention the matter to him myself. I am employed
in the same store."

"All right sir. Where is the store? I never thought to ask Mr. Ropes."

"Reade Street, near Broadway. You know where Reade Street is?"

"Yes, sir. My husband used to work in Chambers Street. That is the first
street south."

"Precisely. Well, I can't stay longer, so I will leave, apologizing for
having taken