came to his
mind. "But it's quiet at the docks now. I haven't seen you there for
the last few days, sir."

"I know you haven't, and you won't see me there again for some time.
I'm going down to-night to have one more look at the old place."

"Why, not going away!" the sergeant exclaimed in surprise.

"That's about it."

"My, my! What in the world shall we do without you! There'll be no
one to take an interest in things down there now."

"Oh, there'll be plenty, I guess."

"You're the first one who ever did, and I'm damned sure those
high-brows won't follow your lead. Not a bit of it! They're too much
taken up with their pink teas, and such things, and wouldn't think of
soiling their nice hands with dock trash."

The sergeant was on his favourite subject now, and his temper was
rising. Douglas had heard his opinions before, and was not anxious to
listen to them again.

"I must be off now, Sergeant. I shall always remember your kindness."

"But you'll be sure to give us a call, sir? The missus will feel all
cut up if you don't."

"Yes, I'll be around as soon as I can. So, good-night."

The worthy sergeant stood and watched him as he moved away.

"Too bad," he muttered. "We can't afford to lose the likes of him.
Wonder where in the world he's going. I've always said we couldn't
keep him forever, and I guess I was right. It must be a mighty big
thing that would take him away from the docks. He should be a chief of
police instead of being nothing but a go-cart."

While the sergeant was thus musing, Douglas moved as rapidly as
possible along the crowded streets. He wished to get away from the
commotion of the throngs that he might consider the thoughts that were
uppermost in his mind. Keeping steadily on, he at length reached the
street running along the front of the harbour. It was a narrow street,
dimly lighted, with huge warehouses on both sides. There was little
traffic now, as this was a winter port, and the big ocean liners did
not come here during the summer months. It was not a desirable
locality, especially at night, and most people shunned the place. The
few Douglas met were either hurrying to get away as soon as possible or
slinking slowly along, preferring this gloomy abode to the
brightly-lighted parts of the city.

The street at length became wider where the docks ran out into the
harbour. At several of these small steamers were lying, and a number
of sailing craft. Here