The gentleman looked surprised. His bushy brows met over his steady,
sagacious eyes; but after a moment's pause the expression of his face
cleared up.

"It is as I thought," he said, half to himself. "Who else could have had
an interest in similar inquiries?--Sir," he added, with a quick and
decided tone, "you are doubtless employed by Mr. Varney on behalf of
Madame Dalibard and in search of evidence connected with the loss of an
unhappy infant. I am on the same quest, and for the same end. The
interests of your client are mine. Two heads are better than one; let us
unite our ingenuity and endeavours."

"And share the pec, I suppose?" said Grabman, dryly, buttoning up his
pockets.

"Whatever fee you may expect you will have, anyhow, whether I assist you
or not. I expect no fee, for mine is a personal interest, which I serve
gratuitously; but I can undertake to promise you, on my own part, more
than the ordinary professional reward for your co-operation."

"Well, sir," said Grabman, mollified, "you speak very much like a
gentleman. My feelings were hurt at first, I own. I am hasty, but I can
listen to reason. Will you walk back with me to the house you have just
left? And suppose we then turn in and have a chop together, and compare
notes."

"Willingly," answered the tall stranger, and the two inquisitors amicably
joined company. The result of their inquiries was not, however, very
satisfactory. No one knew whither Mrs. Joplin had gone, though all