after some little search I discovered it.  It was by no means the sort of place a man of Hayle’s wealth would be likely to patronize, but remembering that he had particular reasons for not being en evidence just at present, I could understand his reasons for choosing such a hostelry.  I accordingly paid off my cabman and entered the bar.  Taking the young lady I found there a little on one side, I inquired whether a gentleman had arrived within the last half-hour, carrying a bag and a heavy travelling-rug.

Much to my gratification she replied that such a gentleman had certainly arrived within the past half-hour, and was now at supper in the coffee-room.  She inquired whether I would care to see him?  I replied in the negative, stating that I would call next day and make myself known to him.

“We are old friends,” I said, “and for that reason I should be glad if you would promise me that you will say nothing to him about my coming to-night.”

Woman-like the idea pleased her, and she willingly gave the promise I asked.

“If you want to see him you’d better be here early,” she said.  “He told me when he booked his room, that he should be wanting to get away at about ten o’clock to-morrow morning.”

“I’ll be here well before that,” I replied.  “If all goes right, I shall call upon him between eight and nine o’clock.”

Feeling sure that, after what I had said to her, she would say nothing to Hayle about my visit, I returned to my own hotel and retired to rest.

Next morning I was up betimes, had breakfasted, and was at Foxwell’s Hotel before eight o’clock had struck.  I proceeded straight to the bar, where I discovered my acquaintance of the previous evening, in curl papers, assiduously dusting shelves and counter.  There was a fragrance of the last night’s potations still hovering about the place, which had the dreary, tawdry appearance that was so different to the glamour of the previous night.  I bade the girl good-morning, and then inquired whether she had seen anything of my friend.  At first she did not appear to recognize me, but on doing so she volunteered to go off and make inquiries.  She did so, to return a few moments later with the information that the gentleman “had rung for his boots, and would be down to breakfast in a few minutes.”

“I wonder what you will have to say for yourself when you see me, Mr. Hayle,” I muttered.  “You will find that I am not to be so easily shaken off as you imagine.”

I accordingly made my way to the dining-room, and seating myself at a table, ordered a cup of coffee and an egg.  The London egg is not a favourite of mine, but I was prepared to eat a dozen of them if necessary, if by so doing I could remain in the room long enough to find myself face to face with Gideon Hayle.  Several people put in an appearance and commenced their morning repast, but when a quarter of an hour had elapsed and the man I wanted had not presented himself, my patience became exhausted and I went in search of my hourie of the bar.