dispute. 'But what on earth do you want to leave it with _me_ for?'
I asked."

"'Self-protection,' was the reply. 'They can't say I meant to pinch
it! Whereas, directly there's any inquiry I can come and collect it
and get the reward; and your word will back me up if any questions are
asked; that's if you don't mind, sir.'

"I told him I didn't mind in the least, and accordingly I sealed the
envelope in a yet larger one which I addressed to the Lost Property
Office and put into a private drawer of my bureau. 'You will have no
objection,' I said, 'to this being posted if it isn't reclaimed within
a reasonable time?'

"He said that would be all right and departed--since which moment I
have not set eyes upon him. I now come to the sequel, or what I have
just recognized to be the sequel."

Stuart's agitation grew more marked and it was only by dint of a
palpable effort that he forced himself to resume.

"On the evening of the following day a lady called professionally.
She was young, pretty, and dressed with extraordinary elegance. My
housekeeper admitted her, as I was out at the time but momentarily
expected. She awaited my return here, in this room. She came again
two days later. The name she gave was an odd one: Mademoiselle Dorian.
There is her card,"--Stuart opened a drawer and laid a visiting-card
before Dunbar--"no initials and no address. She travelled in a large
and handsome car. That is to say, according to my housekeeper's
account it is a large and handsome car. I personally, have had but an