"If so be folks worrit you on the streets, a'lays holler for a cop,"
said the guardian of the peace. "We'll take care of you. That's what
we're here for. And I've chillen of me own and a'lays look out
partic'lar for the little ones."

"Thank you, thank you! Good-by."

Anne's disturbed looks would have excited comment, had her friends not
been occupied with troubles of their own. The doctor in his visit that
afternoon had urged Miss Drayton to go to Paris as soon as possible and
put Mrs. Patterson under charge of the physician whom he had before
recommended.

"If any one can help her, he is the man," said Dr. Foster.

"'If!' Is it so serious?" faltered Miss Drayton.

The doctor hesitated. Then he said: "We must hope for the best. Your
sister may get on nicely."

"Is her throat worse?" asked Miss Drayton.

"I--er-r--I prefer to have you consult Dr. La Farge," replied the
doctor.

It was resolved, then, to go to Paris at once. While Miss Drayton was
packing, the American mail came in, and brought a letter from New York
police headquarters. The officer, whose interest in the case had led him
to push his inquiries as far as possible, wrote at length. In the