"Yes; it is that," assented the other. "I perceive that you have
communicated with Mr. Craig. How is he?"

"Out of danger."

"That is well. A fine and manly youth. I should have sorely
regretted it if--"

Professor Gehren broke in upon him. "For the peril in which you
have involved him, sir, you have to answer to me, his guardian."

The foreigner raised a hand. "He was without family or ties. I
told him the danger. He accepted it. Once he was careless--and one
is not careless twice in that work. But he was fortunate, too. I,
also, was fortunate in that the task was then so far advanced that I
could complete it alone. I got him to the hospital at night; no
matter how. For his danger and illness I have indemnified him in
the sum of ten thousand dollars. Is it enough?"

Professor Gehren bowed.

"And you, Mr. Jones; are you a detective?"

"No; merely a follower of strange trails--by taste."

"Ah. You have set yourself to a dark one. You wish to know how
Telfik Bey"--his eyes narrowed and glinted--"came to his reward.
Will you enter, gentlemen?"

"I know this much," replied Average Jones as, followed by his