“Aha!” he cried, exultantly, “I’ll wager almost anything that I have at last found the end of the broken thread that will unravel the mystery.” He sat down again upon the upper step of the porch, deliberately drew a cigar from his pocket, lighted it, and began to smoke. The first ashes that he detached from it he carefully saved upon a piece of wood, and, using his handkerchief, began to polish the discolored ring with them. It was not long before his efforts were rewarded—the inner surface of the ring began to take on its original color and the inscription to stand out more plainly. “It is evidently an engagement-ring with only some initials and a date engraven upon it,” the young man murmured, as he held it up to inspect it more closely. The next instant he lifted his head with an air of triumph, though his face was as white as a sheet. “It is the key to the whole mystery,” he said. “This will take me straight to the heart of the secret.” While Everet Mapleson was following the trail of the mystery that possessed such a power of fascination over him, August Huntress and his family were luxuriating at Saratoga. Mr. Huntress had obstinately insisted that Geoffrey should have a long holiday after the close application of the last three years, although the young man himself would have much preferred, and was very eager to begin the real business of his life at once. “It is time that I was at work for myself,” he had pleaded, “and if you will only use your influence, Uncle August, to help me into some good position, my conscience would be easier.” “Your conscience needn’t trouble you, and I won’t hear a word about business for three months to come,” replied his friend, decisively. “You’ve given yourself no rest during all your college course, and now, my boy, I’m determined that we shall all have a jolly good time together to celebrate your own and Gladys’ release from school-life.” So, by the middle of July, they were settled for the summer in pleasant rooms at the Grand Union, and were as happy and united a party as ever visited that resort of gayety and fashion. Gladys was very much admired from the first; her beauty and charming manners winning her legions of friends. But none of them were to be compared to Geoffrey, and the lovers managed to be much by themselves, in spite of the fact that “that delightful Miss Huntress was such a favorite with everybody.” One morning they were leisurely strolling through one of the shady avenues of Congress Park, when they saw a distinguished-looking gentleman advancing toward them. He did not appear to notice them, however, until he was almost upon them, when, suddenly looking up, he gave a violent start of surprise; then he advanced, with an eager smile and extended hand, exclaiming: “Why, Everet Mapleson! Where on earth did you drop from? I should as soon have thought of seeing the Emperor of Russia as yourself this morning.”