Not being able to answer this question with anything like satisfaction to himself, Mr. Wrench lighted a cigar, rang the bell, and ordered some brandy cold. He had not indulged in many puffs at the “fragrant weed” before Brickett made his appearance. “Oh, your pardon, sir,” said the landlord; “but be your name Wrench?” “Yes, my friend, it be.” “A servant from the hall wishes to speak with you.” “Let him come up then.” Henry Adolphus made his appearance. “His lordship told me to call and see if you were comfortable ’ere, as if not a bed will be provided for you at the hall.” “I’m all right, my man. Shall do very well here. Give my respects to his lordship, and say that I am quite comfortable. Anything else?” “No; I b’leve that is hall.” Henry Adolphus retired. The sounds of music and merriment in the parlour reached the ears of the detective. “You appear to have a merry set of people below,” said he to Brickett. “Yes, sir, they enjoy themselves in their own way.” “Somebody’s playing the violin.” “Yes; it’s a gentleman who’s stopping here for a short time, and he generally gives my parlour customers a tune or two after working hours――after the day’s work is over.” “He does not handle the instrument badly. Is he a professional?” “Well, partly so, I believe. He is in the frame and picture line of business――a traveller.” “Ah, indeed! A traveller, a picture dealer, and musician all in one――he’s a good sort.” “Yes, he’s a very good sort――there aint much doubt of that; has seen a deal of the world, and has visited pretty well every town in the three counties.” “Oh! is that so?” “Would you like to go downstairs into the public room?” inquired the landlord. “Not now, I thank you――some other evening perhaps. Did I understand you to say that this violinist and picture-frame maker was stopping here?” “He is for the present, until his orders are completed. Why, Lord bless us, he’s done wonders at the Hall, and has been highly complimented by Lord Ethalwood himself.” Brickett now put his customer in possession of all the facts relative to the restoration of the decayed portrait of his lordship’s great ancestor. “Ah, he must be a smartish sort of chap. Thank you,” observed the detective, who very shortly after the foregoing conversation was conducted to his bedroom. In the morning he was shown into the clubroom where breakfast was served. Peace was partaking of his morning meal. The detective bowed and sat down on the opposite side of the table. He looked at our hero with evident curiosity, but did not remember to have seen him before. During breakfast the two conversed upon several topics, which were however not of a personal nature. Peace did not know who his companion was; neither did he take the trouble to inquire. He concluded he was some commercial man who had rested there for the night, and the probability was that he should not see any more of him. In this, however, he was mistaken.