"You had the news of my return very quickly," said Anthony, as he proceeded with his shaving at the window. "Christopher Dent came in upon me while I was still at breakfast," said Mr. Sparhawk. "A kindly, good soul! I appreciate Christopher very much. And after he left me he was off to Mademoiselle Lafargue with his tidings. He anticipated great excitement there, I know." "You have heard this theory of Tom Horn's regarding the ship _Rufus Stevens_?" Anthony held the razor suspended as he asked this question, and his soap-covered face was turned toward Mr. Sparhawk. The precise little gentleman put down his hat carefully; and then he answered: "Mademoiselle Lafargue brought the matter to my attention some days ago. She attached much value to it." "And you?" said Anthony. "I have known Tom Horn a long time," said Mr. Sparhawk. "A very long time. He is a person of strange moods; many look on him as a man distraught, but I have never been convinced that he is so. For, do you see," and Mr. Sparhawk nodded, quite firmly, "though his manner is odd and his method of expression is not usual, there is much matter in his sayings. He has a mind that thinks; though, as I've said before, many do not credit it." "Have any steps been taken in this matter?" asked Anthony. Mr. Sparhawk put his head to one side in the way that gave him the bird-like look. "No doubt you'll be calling at the Lafargues' before the day is out," said he. "And, if so, mademoiselle will tell you what has been done." Anthony rasped at his beard with a not over-sharp razor. "I had it in my mind to visit them early in the day," said he. "Very good," said the old gentleman. "As she knows you've come back to town, no doubt she'll be at home." Mr. Sparhawk then fell into talk of many things; most of them had to do with the clouded affairs of Rufus Stevens' Sons, and the plans and purposes of those reasonable creditors who had its destiny in charge. "A deal is due you and Mr. Crousillat for your interest," said Anthony. "You have gone much out of your way to do a kindly thing." "Why, as to that," said Mr. Sparhawk, "there are many who would do as we have done,--more especially as I have done,--had the same urge induced them forward."