mystery."

"Is there?" said the stranger, in a careless tone. "Whether anything
will be explained to you or not, I cannot say. At all events, you
must meet me there; and, in the meantime tell me, have you seen Sir
John Fenwick since last we met?"

"No, I have not," replied Wilton. "Why do you ask?"

"Because," replied the other, "Sir John Fenwick is a dangerous
companion, and it were better that you did not consort with him."

"That I certainly shall not do," replied Wilton, "knowing his
character sufficiently already."

"Indeed!" replied the other. "You have grown learned in people's
characters of late, Master Brown: perhaps you know mine also; and if
you do, of course you will give me the meeting to-morrow at the Green
Dragon."

He spoke with a smile; and Wilton replied, "I am by no means sure
that I shall do so, unless I have a better cause assigned, and a
clearer knowledge of what I am going there for."

"Prudent! Prudent!" said the stranger. "Quite right to be prudent,
Master Wilton. Nevertheless, you must come, for the matter is now one
of some moment. Therefore, without asking you to answer at present, I
shall expect you. At six of the clock, remember--precisely."

"I by no means promise to come," replied Wilton, "though I do not say