tempted the murder, that I shall this day order a
full discharge from our court records, and of course you will no longer
be under bail. Nay, I don't desire thanks," the commissioner said,
hastily, as I attempted to explain how grateful we should feel. "There
are other ways besides words in which a man can certify his good will."

I understood his meaning, but instead of returning an answer I managed
to empty his so-called wine upon the floor, and then took my leave,
after first hinting that we were on the track of Follet's companion. I
felt easier and breathed freer after reaching the open air, in defiance
of the dust, which filled the heavens, and almost blinded me; and while
I was picking my way through the street, with half-closed eyes, whom
should I meet but Mr. Brown.

"Hullo," he shouted, "what is up?"

I briefly related the manner in which I had been received by the
commissioner, and the discovery that Steel Spring had made.

"And when does that long-limbed wretch propose to identify Follet's
companion, so that we can get hold of him?" Mr. Brown inquired.

"To-night," I answered; "I intended to find you in the course of the
day, and get you to accompany us on the expedition."

"What time do you start?"

"About midnight. Steel Spring is to be at Dan's, and will introduce us
to the company as men afraid to look upon the face of a 'Trap,' and 'on
the square.'"

"I'll be with you before you start, and during the day I'll send two
disguises to the store which will be hard to rival in point of ugliness.
Good by for the present, and don't forget to examine and clean your
revolvers, for we may need them."

At about midnight we donned our disguises, and then surveyed each other
with attention. Fred had a close-cropped wig of a fiery red color, which
nearly covered his forehead, and made him look like a prize-fighter
after a hard battle.

On his nose was stuck an immense piece of adhesive plaster, which rather
detracted from his personal beauty; and to complete the adornment of his
person, there were other strips of the same material on his face, which,
by the way, was slightly smeared with dirt to give him a healthy color
so that the company which we were about to seek should not accuse us of
aristocracy in being too clean.

I also had on a wig, but it was one of the _fussy_ kind, and made my
head look as though guiltless of a comb or brush for many months. To
beautify my complexion I smeared it over with so