"That's it, is it?" he remarked. "Well, come along, and we'll do our best to destroy some of your dread enemy, Time, for a while," and forthwith he hurried me along several miles of streets, bustling among the people right and left, and keeping up a constant chatter which did much to relieve me, as all I need do was to return a fragmentary answer when occasion offered. Presently, when we had reached a quiet corner, where conversation was much easier, I said,-- "By the way, now I think of it; where are you `hanging out'?" He burst into a loud laugh as he asked,-- "Is it possible you don't know?" "'Pon my honour, it never occurred to me to inquire till this moment. Where are you staying?" "Number 171," he answered, still laughing. "Number 171 where--why don't you speak plainly, and not keep a fellow waiting when he wants to get to his hotel to keep an appointment?" "What! another engagement!--with the lady whose photograph you were passing to the fellows at the Junior Garrick last night, eh? I heard about it, old fellow," he exclaimed, evidently thinking he had a fine chance to chaff me. Seeing my frown at the reference, he continued: "Seriously, it is curious you did not know of my whereabouts. My room is 171 at the Charing Cross Hotel, and yours is 172--now do you see why I laughed?" "Your room next to mine!" I said in concern, the thought that perhaps he might have overheard my interview with Frank that morning suddenly occurring to me. "Well, there's nothing to be alarmed at, is there? I've not escaped from quarantine. By the way, I took an opportunity of calling upon you this morning, and as you did not notice my timid rap--you know I always give a timid rap, for you've often laughed at it--I peeped in. You were, however, so deeply ingrossed in conversation with your friend Nugent that I did not think fit to disturb you, and came away. He's an old friend of yours, isn't he?" he asked, carelessly. When Demetrius told me this my heart stood still; yet what was there to fear? I could have as well trusted him as Frank. Yet somehow the idea of Demetrius knowing about this was intensely disagreeable, especially after his ironical reference to the photograph, which had been uttered in a rather threatening tone. Hastily muttering something about being sorry he had not come in as Bob was very good company, I looked at my watch and bade him an abrupt adieu. He seemed inclined to walk back with me, but seeing his intention I called a cab and bade the driver hurry to the hotel. There is an indistinct recollection in my mind of having eaten a hasty dinner, but whether I really did so that eventful evening or not is a matter of speculation. At all events, I wrapped up warmly, for it was a wet night and the prospect was anything but inviting.