No sooner had he seen them than he drew his breath quickly and drawing his hat over his brows, darted into a doorway to allow them to pass, without perceiving him. It was Jack Harkaway and his friend Harvey. "We must hurry," exclaimed Jack, "or we shall be late for Miss Van Hoosen's reception, and you do not know how my heart longs to see that girl once more." Harvey laughed lightly. "It seems to me," he replied, "that you are very much smitten in that quarter." "I don't mind acknowledging it," said Jack. "She is just about the sweetest, prettiest, most charming young lady that I ever met in all my travels." "So she is," answered Harvey. "She is worthy of you and you of her." "If it had not been for the superlative attraction that she has for me I should not be here now." "Well! You can congratulate yourself on one thing." "What is that?" "You have cut Lord Maltravers out of the game entirely. He has no show now. Ha! Ha!" laughed Harvey. "Ha! ha!" laughed Jack. "You are right there, but the fellow is dangerous." "Yes, indeed." "Fancy his sending a fellow to assassinate me. It was lucky I got the best of him." "Between you and the fishes of the Atlantic there cannot be much left of the villain," remarked Harvey. This conversation was distinctly audible to Bambino, as the two young men had paused to light their cigars. "We shall see!" muttered the crafty Italian. "Let those laugh who win." At this moment an elderly gentleman, passing by in the dim light of the evening, drew out his pocket-handkerchief; and, in doing so, a large wallet fell on the sidewalk. He did not notice his loss. Bambino, however, saw it, and a sudden idea came into his head, upon which he did not hesitate to act. Starting rapidly forward, he picked up the wallet, and pushing against Jack, dropped it into the pocket of his overcoat. "Here, you, sir!" exclaimed Jack. "Where are you coming to?" "Beg pardon," answered Bambino, in a gruff voice. "Don't do it again, that's all," rejoined Jack. "There is lots of room for both of us." Bambino retired as quickly as he came, and walked after the elderly gentleman who had lost the wallet. "Sir," he exclaimed, touching him on the shoulder. This man was a merchant connected with the Produce Exchange, very wealthy, but very mean. "I've nothing for you," replied Mr. Cobb, for that was his name. "I want to speak to you." "Not to-night, my good fellow. I can't give anything to tramps and beggars." "Listen a moment," persisted Bambino. "Have you lost anything?" Instantly Mr. Cobb's hands dived into his pockets, and a look of alarm stole over his face. "Why, bless me, yes, my wallet!" he said. "Have you seen it?" "Did it contain anything valuable?" "I should say it did. Valuable! What's the man talking about? Where is it? Tell me at once, or I'll call the police and have you arrested." Bambino pointed to Harkaway, who was only a few yards ahead. "Do you see that person?" he asked.