says, in the Sahara Desert, or on the Alps, or in the State of Ohio,
but upon the high sea, or upon the waterfront of some one of the
world's great cities."

"And what, then, would be your plan?" asked Sir Walter, impressed by
the stranger's manner as well as by the very manifest reason in all
that he had said.

"The chartering of a suitable vessel, fully armed and equipped for
the purpose of pursuit. Ascertain whither the House-boat has sailed,
for what port, and start at once. Have you a model of the House-boat
within reach?" returned the stranger.

"I think not; we have the architect's plans, however," said the
chairman.

"We had, Mr. Chairman," said Demosthenes, who was secretary of the
House Committee, rising, "but they are gone with the House-boat
itself. They were kept in the safe in the hold."

A look of annoyance came into the face of the stranger.

"That's too bad," he said. "It was a most important part of my plan
that we should know about how fast the House-boat was."

"Humph!" ejaculated Socrates, with ill-concealed sarcasm. "If you'll
take Xanthippe's word for it, the House-boat was the fastest yacht
afloat."

"I refer to the matter of speed in sailing," returned the stranger,