the contract a month beforehand."

"To-day is the first of June; I promise to telegraph you yes or no this
day month. You have had me over in Europe eighteen months. I'm tired
of trains, and boats, and mules. I'm going fishing."

"Ah, bass!" murmured Cathewe from behind his journal.

"By the way, Hewitt," said Fitzgerald, "have you ever heard of a chap
called Karl Breitmann?"

"Yes," answered Hewitt. "Never met him personally, though."

"I have," joined in Cathewe quietly. He laid down the Times. "What do
you know about him?"

"Met him in Paris last year. Met him once before in Macedonia. Dined
with me in Paris. Amazing lot of adventures. Rather down on his luck,
I should judge."

"Couple of scars on his left cheek and a bit of the scalp gone; German
student sort, rather good-looking, fine physique?"

"That's the man."

"I know him, but not very well." And Cathewe fumbled among the other
newspapers.

"Dine with me to-night," urged Hewitt.