Good Heavens! then was it a phantom conveyance? In deep disappointment I stepped in, saying "to the cavalry barracks." Instead of clapping the door with the usual jerk, the crumpled driver stood there, his face going through a perfect series of expressive wrinklings; at last, with an effort and a knock of his forefinger against the brim of his decaying hat, "P'raps you're a hofficer, a sojer officer, sir?" "Yes," said I, rather surprised, "my regiment is quartered here." "Ho! very good, sir! I thought as you were a detective hofficer, sir; no offence, sir?" "Certainly not," said I, highly flattered at the mistake, "but why?" "Cos, sir, you wanted so hard to get 756? I thinks he 'as summat against him, only you asked questions too straight forrard like; I know nothink about 756, we don't know much of each other, 'less we're on the same stan'; only of course, if you was a detective, I wouldn't peach." "I assure you," said I, "I only wanted some information from 756, for which I would have rewarded him, and if you will help me--" "I know, sir! Why you see if you've been a looking for him all day and asked on all the stans--" "I did," said I. "And could hear nothink, he'll not be on the drive, a good many numbers b'long to the 'otels, sir." A glorious idea by Jove! of course they were at an Hotel! "You shall drive me round to them all," said I, "till we find him." "And if that won't do," said my inimitable mentor, "You can summons him, the police will soon get him." He slammed the door with a triumphant wink that beggars description, and off we went at a wonderful pace. Many were the hostelries we visited, but in vain, Red, Blue, and White Lions, Hen and Chickens, Boars, Bears, Bulls, and even Nag's Heads; the entire animal creation, ignored the existence of "756." "Least ways, sir," said my invaluable assistant, between whom and myself, a great degree of confidence had sprung up, as he prepared for the fiftieth time to mount the box. "Least ways, sir, we've done our best; you've been to all the 'otels as is good enough to keep cabs 'cept two, the 'Cat and Garters,' that's a poor 'un, and the 'Hangel' that's nearly as good as the 'Adelphi.'" "To the Angel first then." Arrived there, I went into the bar, and in the politest manner, asked its presiding goddess, if "756" was enrolled amongst the cabs of the establishment. "Can't say, sir; here, 'Enry,"--the waiter came forward--"756--sir! yes sir!" said the man unmovedly, little imagining the delight with which I heard his reply. I looked at my watch, seven o'clock, "let me have dinner in a private room," said I, and after fully satisfying my most admirable Jehu, I returned to the charge within. "This way, sir," said the waiter, with a waive of the hand--I followed. "Light a fire, it is very damp." "Yes, sir."