file and read the copy to him.

'You see, it wants an answer,' he said; 'that's why I thought it was
important to get you. You will have plenty of time for an answer
to-night.'

John took a lead pencil and wrote the cable despatch which Wentworth
received. He paid his money, and said:

'I will go to my hotel; it is the ---- House. I will wait there, and if
anything comes for me, send it over as soon as possible.'

'All right,' said the operator, 'that is the best plan; then we will
know exactly where to find you. Of course, there is no use in your
waiting here, because we can get you in five minutes. Perhaps I had
better telephone to the hotel for you if anything comes.'

'Very well,' said Kenyon; 'I will leave it all in your hands.'

Whether it was the effect of having been in the country or not, John
felt that the cablegram he had received was a good omen. He meditated
over the tremendous ill-fortune he had suffered in the whole business
from beginning to end, and thought of old Mr. Longworth's favourite
phrase, 'There's no such thing as luck.'

Then came a rap at his door, and the bell-boy said:

'There is a gentleman here wishes to speak to you.'

'Ask him to come up,' was the answer; and two minutes later Von Brent