"I'm a new-comer in the city, and want to see things. I take a sort of interest in the doings of the police, and in detectives especially. I'd like to have you point me out some of these chaps, officer. Oh, about that brandy cock-tail; you'll join me, I hope?" No. 46 consulted his watch. "I'll join you, sir. Yes sir; in ten minutes, if you'll wait. There's a capital place right here handy. And if you want to see _detectives_, just you stand here with me a while. Vernet and Stanhope went down to breakfast half an hour ago." "Vernet and Stanhope?" "The Stars of the force, sir; a perfect matched team. Splendid fellows, too. They always spend their mornings at the office, when not 'on the lay.' They've been back in the city four or five days; hard workers, those boys." "Young men, I suppose?" "Well, yes, they're young, but you can't fool them much. A little under thirty, I should call Vernet; Stanhope is the younger of the two." "Americans?" "Stanhope is, an out-and-outer. Vernet's got some French in him." "Um, yes; well, I'd like to take a look at them, after we refresh ourselves." "They won't be back for a good half hour; there's no fear of missing them." Half an hour, and a brandy cock-tail, makes some men firm friends. When that period of time had elapsed, No. 46, more affable than ever, and the tall stranger, looking quite at his ease, stood again near the entrance to the office of the City Detective Agency. Two men were coming down the street, walking and talking with the air of men on good terms with themselves and each other. Both were young, well dressed, well-looking; but a more marked contrast never was seen. One, the taller of the two, was dark and decidedly handsome, with black waving hair, dusky eyes, that were by turns solemn, tender, severe, and pathetic; "faultily faultless" features, that wore an habitual look of gravity and meditation; an erect, graceful carriage, and a demeanor dignified and somewhat reserved. Slow of speech and punctillious in the use of words, he was a man of tact and discretion; a man fitted to lead, and capable of ruling in stormy times. At first sight, people pronounced him "a handsome fellow;" after long acquaintance, they named him "a perfect gentleman."