"I've never seen 'im like this 'ere before, blow me!" observed the cabby, who was lending a little assistance, because, as I supposed, he thought there might be some profit attaching to the operation. My authority was not to be slighted when I was in earnest, which was the case just then. The unfortunate man presently showed signs of reviving, having been carried into the cloak-room of the club, while I questioned the constable as to who he was and where he lived. "As for who he is, sir, that's more than any one knows barrin' hisself," and he laughed. "He lives 'ere, or has done so for the last eight or nine months and always seems to be lookin' out for somebody wot he thinks he'll know when he sees." This appeared rather enigmatical. Why had the stranger sought to detain me? A momentary thought crossed my mind--was Vera concerned in this? With a new interest I turned to the constable. "Has he ever stopped any one else and spoken like this?" I asked. "Bless you, yes," he replied. "But I never knew him so earnest as this time--hullo, old fellow, how do you feel now?" A faint flush of colour tinged the careworn face; the stimulant had done its work. How sickening it was, I thought, to hear the affectation of friendliness in this man's voice, now he thought that because my sympathy had been attracted towards the sufferer there was a chance of gaining a few shillings! "It's him--it's him! I knew I'd find him some day," cried the prostrate man, raising himself on his arm and pointing eagerly at me, as if awakening from some bad dream. Then, as he saw the interested faces of those who had gathered around, and noted the keen looks with which he was regarded, he scowled darkly, and struggled into a sitting posture. As he noticed me again watching him intently, he started. "Did you want to speak to me, my poor fellow?" I inquired kindly. "For mercy's sake wait a few moments, sir, please. Let me get breath. Send these people away, I--I'm better now. See," and he rose and walked unsteadily to the door, watching me all the time with a keen scrutiny which made me feel rather uncomfortable. A moment or two later we were on the pavement outside, where the cab I had ordered still remained. "We must hurry, or we shall be too late," he urged. "Follow quickly, sir." "Wait a moment," I said, my prudence for the moment mastering my curiosity. "What do you want with me, and where are you going to take me?" With a searching stare he faced me, but I did not flinch. There was an ominous gleam in his dark eyes scowling fiercely into mine, as he said impetuously,-- "Don't stand here, wasting precious time in useless questions. You cannot know _now_ what it is I want you for--if you are the right man-- and Heaven grant you may be--you shall know all." "You are talking nonsense," I said quietly, and with determination. "What's at the bottom of all this? Come, tell me quickly; my time is being wasted."