Crescent, but I fancy that I have taken a wrong turn."

"We can get there this way," the man answered. "Excuse me one second."

He paused, and lit a cigarette. Then with his hands behind his back he
stepped out by Mannering's side.

"What was that you said just now?" he remarked, "that you were not aware
of having an enemy in the world? My dear sir, there was never a more
extraordinary delusion. I should seriously doubt whether in the whole
of the United Kingdom there is a man who has more. I know myself of a
million or so who would welcome the news of your death to-morrow. I
know of a select few who have opened, and will open their newspapers
to-morrow, and for the next few days, in the hope of seeing your obituary
notice."

A light commenced to break in upon Mannering. He looked towards his
companion incredulously.

"You mean political opponents!" he exclaimed. "Is that what you are
driving at all the time?"

The man laughed softly.

"My friend," he said--"excuse me, Mr. Mannering--you remind me
irresistibly of _Punch's_ cartoon last week--the ostrich politician with
his head in the sand. You have thrust yours very deep down indeed, when
you talk of political opponents. Do you know what they call you in the
North, sir?"