loopholes of retreat I shall watch the stress and fever of life, but
shall not mingle in the fray.'"


"Queer words, those," Reynolds remarked, when the editor had finished
reading. "What do you make of them?"

"I hardly know, although I have considered them very carefully. I
believe they contain a hidden meaning, and that the finding will
consist of more than the mere discovery of his person. It must refer
to something else, some quality of heart or mind, that is, the real
personality behind the mere outward form."

"A double quest, eh, for anyone who undertakes the venture?"

"It seems so, Tom, and that makes it all the more difficult. But what
an undertaking! How I wish I were young again, and I should be off
to-morrow. I was a fool not to make the try fifteen years ago. I
would not now be chained to this desk, I feel certain of that."

"And as you cannot go yourself, you want----?" Reynolds paused and
looked quizzically at the editor.

"I want you to go in my stead," was the emphatic reply. "You are
young, strong, and anxious for adventure."

"For what purpose, sir? Why do you wish me to undertake this
wild-goose chase? For such it seems to me."

"I wish you to go for three reasons. First, for your own good; as an