While Hemming and the journalist chatted aimlessly in Mrs. Hicks's drawing-room, O'Rourke made history across the square. He had returned to his quarters only a few minutes after his friend had left; and had scarcely got his pipe well lighted when Smith announced "a gentleman to see Captain Hemming, very particularly." O'Rourke got to his feet and found the gentleman already at the sitting-room door. The caller was in evening clothes. His ulster hung open, and in his hand he carried an opera-hat. "Hemming is out for the evening," said O'Rourke, "but perhaps I can give him your message. Come in, won't you?" The stranger entered and sat down by the fire. He glanced about the walls of the room, and then fixed an intent, though inoffensive, gaze on O'Rourke. "I heard, only this morning, that Hemming was in town," he said. "We saw a good deal of each other, once, in Porto Rico." "In Porto Rico?" exclaimed O'Rourke, knitting his brows. "Yes. Have you ever been there?" "No, though I've sampled most of the islands. But go on--I interrupted you. I beg your pardon." "Don't speak of it. I only came for the address of a friend of Hemming's. But perhaps you could tell me in what quarter of the globe Mr. O'Rourke hangs out? He's a literary chap, and maybe you know him." "Bertram St. Ives O'Rourke?" "Yes." "Yes, I know him. He is in town just now, at 206 Washington Square." "Why, that must be very near here." "It is," replied O'Rourke, with a strange light in his eyes and a huskiness in his voice. "Let me see," mused the other, "this is the Wellington, number two hundred and--Lord, this is the place." His dark face paled suddenly. "My name is O'Rourke," remarked the big man with the pipe. "And mine is Ellis," said the other. They eyed each other squarely for several seconds. "I have heard of you," said O'Rourke, in modulated tones. But all the while the blood was singing in his ears, and splashing wisps of light crossed his eyes. "And I of you," replied Ellis, quietly. He had not yet regained his colour. O'Rourke, outwardly calm, turned in his chair and searched among the papers on the table. He found a leather cigar-case, opened it, and extended it to his visitor. "Try one of these. We like them immensely," he said. Now the red surged into Ellis's face, and he hesitated to receive the cigar. "Don't you know--how I have treated you?" he whispered. "Please try a smoke--and then tell me why you came for my address. The past is done with. I am only afraid of the future now." Ellis drew the long black weed from the extended case, and deliberately prepared it for smoking. When it was burning to his satisfaction, he said: "Do you know where the Hickses live?" "Yes. Hemming is there to-night." "So is Miss Hudson," remarked Ellis.