eemed to oppose a fatal difficulty; but I bethought me
that the baggage of so considerable a person as the Prince is, as a
matter of courtesy, passed without examination by the officers of
Custom. I applied to Colonel Geraldine, and succeeded in obtaining a
favourable answer. To-morrow, if you go before six to the hotel where
the Prince lodges, your baggage will be passed over as a part of his,
and you yourself will make the journey as a member of his suite."

"It seems to me, as you speak, that I have already seen both the Prince
and Colonel Geraldine; I even overheard some of their conversation the
other evening at the Bullier Ball."

"It is probable enough; for the Prince loves to mix with all societies,"
replied the Doctor. "Once arrived in London," he pursued, "your task is
nearly ended. In this more bulky envelope I have given you a letter
which I dare not address; but in the other you will find the designation
of the house to which you must carry it along with your box, which will
there be taken from you and not trouble you any more."

"Alas!" said Silas, "I have every wish to believe you; but how is it
possible? You open up to me a bright prospect, but, I ask you, is my
mind capable of receiving so unlikely a solution? Be more generous, and
let me further understand your meaning."

The Doctor seemed painfully impressed.

"Boy," he answered, "you do not know how hard a thing you ask of me. But
be it so. I am now inured to humiliation; and it would be strange if I
refused you this, after having granted you so much. Know, then, that
although I now make so quiet an appearance--frugal, solitary, addicted
to study--when I was younger, my name was once a rallying-cry among the
most astute and dangerous spirits of London; and while I was outwardly
an object for respect and consideration, my true power resided in the
most secret, terrible, and criminal relations. It is to one of the
persons who then obeyed me that I now address myself to deliver you from
your burden. They were men of many different nations and dexterities,
all bound together by a formidable oath, and working to the same
purposes; the trade of the association was in murder; and I who speak to
you, innocent as I appear, was the chieftain of this redoubtable crew."

"What?" cried Silas. "A murderer? And one with whom murder was a trade?
Can I take your hand? Ought I so much as to accept your services? Dark
and criminal old man, would you make an accomp