Dutch Pugh involuntarily started, for he seemed to be in the presence of a stranger, and yet somehow the face was familiar to him. It was that of an exceedingly handsome man of about thirty, who took off a soft sombrero hat, and loosened the folds of a heavy black cloak, one end of which was thrown over his shoulder. He was evidently a foreigner, for his complexion was of a rich creamy tinge, his crisp black hair curled closely round a broad, high forehead, his dark eyes glittered beneath straight black brows, his nose was slightly aquiline, and the lower part of his face was covered with a thick, silky, black beard. As he loosened the cords of his heavy cloak with his carefully-gloved hand, Dutch Pugh saw that he was faultlessly dressed, and, as he smiled and showed his white teeth, he said in good English, but with a perceptible foreign accent-- "Mr Parkley, I learn, is out. I address Mr Pugh?" "The same," said Dutch, who seemed fascinated by his look. "Will you take a chair?" A cold chill came over the speaker as the visitor smiled and seated himself, but only to be succeeded by a feeling of suffocation; and for an instant his brain swam, and the dreamy feeling seemed about to return, but it passed off instantly, as, rousing himself, Dutch said-- "You will find this room too hot, perhaps. Shall I open--" "Hot!" laughed the stranger, taking out a card and letter of introduction. "My dear sir, it is comfortable after your chilly streets. I am from Cuba, where we see the sun." As he spoke he handed a card, upon which was printed--"Senor Manuel Laure." "You will open the letter?" he continued, passing the one he held in his hand. "No?" "Mr Parkley will be here shortly," said Dutch. "Would you prefer to see him?" "Yes--no," said the stranger. "I should like to see him, but I am content to talk to you. You Englishmen are so intelligent, and those who sent me here told me that their fellow-countrymen would be ready to help my designs." "May I ask what they are?" said Dutch, who began to feel suspicious of the stranger. "Yes, for I shall betray nothing. First, am I right? Yes," he said, glancing round, and pointing at the diving suits. "I see I am right. You work under water--dive?" "That is our business, and the making of apparatus." "Apparatus? Oh, yes, I understand. Would you--would Mr Parkley like to make a great fortune?" "Not a doubt about it," said Mr Parkley, entering, all hat and comforter. "How do?" he continued, bluffly, as the visitor rose and bowed, and then scanned him searchingly, as hat and comforter were placed once more upon the diving suit. "This is Mr Parkley, the head of this establishment." "I am delighted," said the stranger, raising his eyebrows, and half-closing his eyes. "Will you, then, read?" "Thinks I don't look it, Pugh," said Mr Parkley aside, as he took the letter handed him, opened it, glanced at the contents and superscription, and then handed it to Dutch.