_Capt. Thick._ (_to himself_). Mustn't let this poet fellow think I'm jealous; daresay, after all, there's nothing serious between them. Not that it matters to me; anyway, I may as well talk to him. I wonder if he knows anything about steeplechasin'. [_He discovers that_ SPURRELL _is not unacquainted with this branch of knowledge._ SCENE XX.--_A Corridor leading to the Housekeeper's Room._ TIME--9.30 P.M. _Undershell_ (_to himself_). If I wasn't absolutely compelled by sheer hunger, I would not touch a morsel in this house. But I can't get my things back till after ten. When I do, I will insist on a conveyance to the nearest inn. In the meantime I must sup. After all, no one need know of this humiliating adventure. And if I _am_ compelled to consort with these pampered menials, I think I shall know how to preserve my dignity--even while adapting myself to their level. And that girl will be there--a distinctly redeeming fact in the situation. I will be easy and even affable; I will lay aside all foolish pride; it would be unreasonable to visit their employer's snobbery upon them. I hear conversation inside this room. This must be the door. I--I suppose I had better go in. [_He enters._ * * * * * FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS. (_Fragment from a Romance founded on Reality._) He had become famous. Or perhaps that was scarcely the word--notorious would have been better. At any rate his name had appeared in the papers. For nine days everyone talked about him. It was during those nine days that he was wanted. No, not by the myrmidons of the law. He had escaped them. His plea of innocent had been accepted. So far as Scotland Yard was concerned he was safe. Quite safe. [Illustration] But was he safe from "that other"? Ah, there was the point. With the instinct of desperation he took himself off. He hurried away. He went by an excursion train--one that stopped at all the stations and was called a "fast train to this place" and "that place," but never referred to in connection with its destination--and arrived in due time at a cockney watering-place. He was followed! As sure as fate, came the follower! Ready to hunt him down! Ready to take him! He rapidly repacked his bag. He hurriedly left for the station. Once again he was flying away. Now he had chosen a prosperous city. The place was teeming with population. Surely he would be lost in this giddy throng? No. He was followed! On came the pursuer! Ready to take him! Again and again the same thing happened. Did he go to the Continent, his pursuer was after him. Did he travel to Scotland, he was met in the Highlands by the same fatal presence.