Once the contents lay open before him he read: “To-night then it shall be. We are to have company at our house. I cannot get my trunk out without arousing his suspicions so I have sent everything to the place you named in packages by my maid. Have the carriage around the corner. I will slip out while the gayety is at its height, meet you at the door and in a minute we will be beyond his reach. He has been cruel to me, I fear him, and yet I love you, Paul, and will be yours forever.” This time no signature. The writer was learning caution. Even initials might be dangerous. As for Eric, he read this note over again with the deepest pain and surprise. “She means to leave him—there is no doubt of that, but what can she have reference to when she speaks of his cruelty? Joe cruel—Joe, the kindest, mildest, dearest fellow, I ever knew. He could only be cruel by kindness. Either he has done too much for her, or else she is not in her right mind. If that man is cruel then Prescott is a devil, I’m sure. I would that the writer of this could find out the truth—it would serve her well if we let her go on and reap as she has sown but for the sake of my poor friend she must be saved.” He took out an old envelope and with a pencil copied the note verbatim. Then he enclosed the original in the envelope, sealed it up, saw that the address was correct, and was ready to have it delivered. When he issued forth from the confectionary, he looked about him until he saw a bright appearing district messenger boy sauntering along in the manner peculiar to his kind. This youth he beckoned to his side. “Can you spare five minutes, boy?” The other grinned and nodded. “Make it up later, mister.” “All right. Here is a note, it is to be taken to the top floor of this number and delivered into the hands of Mr. Prescott, the artist. You can take the elevator up.” “All right, boss.” “You are to tell him a girl dressed in black and wearing a little maid’s cap on her head gave you the note.” “Fine looking’ maid you are, mister.” “Never mind—do as I say. Here’s fifteen cents. If you come and report to me the result, I have a quarter more for you.” “Hey! I’m off like the limited express.” So saying he took note and money and plunged into the building with hot haste, determined to win the prize offered. Eric waited patiently. He knew he would see the boy again. That silver quarter would serve as a magnet to draw him back to the spot. Eric had not studied human nature thus long without being able to guess certain things, and in this instance his surmise proved correct. Before the ten minutes had elapsed he saw the messenger boy come flying along in a way that must have amazed any person who had grown accustomed to the usual methods of these lads. “Here you are, sir. Right side up with care. Found him in, and delivered the note.”