"I know you did, but I had a child to bury, and I couldn't get the money anywhere else. Then my missis fell ill----" He broke off suddenly. "I've had my share of trouble, I think." "That you have, and I'm sorry for you. You're not the first by many a score that that man's ruined. And to talk to him you wouldn't believe that he'd pull a leg off a fly." "If it wasn't for the law," said the man, morosely, "I'd have his blood!" The door on the opposite side of the road opened again, and Dr. Vinsen appeared on the threshold, buttoning his glove; a look of hate and fear darkened the man's features. "You'd hardly believe there was so much wickedness under that smooth face of his," said the woman. "Smooth face, black heart," muttered the man, leaving the shop hurriedly, and crossing over to Dr. Vinsen. Gracie rose and made a step towards the door; she dared not leave the shop, for Dr. Vinsen stood immediately facing it. Her heart was beating violently, but her face was quite composed. "Who is that gentleman, ma'am?" she asked. "That's the man we've been speaking of," the woman replied, "Mr. Ezra Lynn. I don't call him a gentleman myself." "Would you mind telling me," continued Gracie, "if you know Dr. Vinsen?" "Vinsen--Vinsen," said the woman, considering. "I never heard the name. I don't think he lives in this neighbourhood. Bless my soul! What's the child after?" Gracie had dashed out of the shop. She had seen Mr. Mildew approach Dr. Vinsen and accost him; she had seen Dr. Vinsen smile and shake his head; she had seen the man raise his fist, as if he were about to strike, and then, afraid that his passion might carry him too far, turn quickly upon his heel and walk away; she had seen Dr. Vinsen hail a hansom cab and get into it; and it was then that she ran out of the shop. Off rattled the cab, and Gracie after it. A couple of hundred yards, and her breath was gone, and the cab out of sight. "It's a good job I didn't catch up to it," said Gracie, panting on the kerb. "He might have seen me, and all the fat would be in the fire. I've got something to tell Dick. We'll make Scotland Yard sit up. But what does it all mean--what does it all mean?" CHAPTER LI. A DEAD LOCK.