there, and while "crawling" for a fare in Portland Place, a whistle
from the Langham had recalled him, and the same luggage that had
just been taken from the top of his cab was Put back on it, and he
was directed by the porter of the hotel to take it to a house in
Sowell Street. There a man- servant had helped him unload the
trunks and had paid him his fare. The cabman did not remember the
number of the house, but knew it was on the west side of the street
and in the middle of the block.

Having finished with Gerridge and the cab-man, Ford had at once
gone to the Langham Hotel, where, as he anticipated, nothing was
known of Pearsall or his niece, or of any invalid lady. But the
hall-porter remembered the American gentleman who had driven up
with many pieces of luggage, and who, although it was out of
season, and many suites in the hotel were vacant, had found none to
suit him. He had then set forth on foot, having left word that his
trunks be sent after him. The address he gave was a house in Sowell
Street.

The porter recalled the incident because he and the cabman had
grumbled over the fact that in five minutes they had twice to
handle the same boxes.

"It is pretty evident," said Ford, what Pearsall had in mind, but
chance was against him. He thought when he had unloaded his trunks
at the Langham and dismissed the cabman he had destroyed the link
connecting him with Gerridge's. He could not foresee that the same
cabman would be loitering in the neighborhood. He should have known
that four-wheelers are not as plentiful as they once were; and he
should have given that particular one more time to get away. His