"My secret, I suppose," said Dick, laughing. "Well, I don't mind that." "It will be a lesson to a disobedient son, too," said Max, turning and darting a withering look at Tom. "One who fortunately happens to be here." "Well, when you've got through the introductory matter, or described the symptoms," said Dick, laughing, "perhaps you'll administer the pill. Your friends are mad doctors, I suppose?" Max laughed derisively; and the taller of the two men--a curious-looking fellow, whose ears stood out at either side of his head so that you could look into them--in a sharp, businesslike way took out his pocket-book, and presented a card. "That is my name and address, sir," he said--"E. Gilderoy, private inquiry agent. This is one of my assistants." "Thankye," said Dick, smiling. "There now, let's have an inquiry in private." Max hesitated for a moment, and then went on. "The fact is, Mr Richard Shingle, I have employed these gentlemen to--" "I know--watch me," said Dick sharply. "There, you needn't shrink, Max; I was quite satisfied with the thrashing I gave you before, and if I want you turned out I shall set X Number something to work." "I am accustomed to your insults," said Max, "so say what you like. I say, I employed these gentlemen in the interest of your wife and child as much as in that of the family, since you are so imbecile that you cannot take care of yourself." "All right: go on," said Dick, coolly picking his teeth. "I don't care; say what you like--I deserve something for that kicking I gave you." "And these gentlemen have reported to me that for many nights past your house has had a man lurking about it, evidently for no good purpose." "One of these two, I suppose?" said Dick contemptuously. "Your interruptions are most uncalled for," said Max. "Besides us, sir," said Mr Gilderoy, nodding at his assistant. "Yes, sir, besides us," said that worthy. "This evening the matter culminated in the man gaining entrance to your house," said Max, with a malignant look in his eyes. "Nonsense!" cried Dick. "Oh no," said Max, with a sneer, "it's truth." "I don't believe it," cried Dick. "I'll question the servants." "There is no need," said Max maliciously; "you had better search the house, for he is here still." "It's a lie--an invention!" cried Dick indignantly. "You'd better ask Miss Jessie if it is," said Max, laughing. "Ask--ask Jessie?" cried Dick, looking from one to the other. "What do you mean? To--Oh, I won't have it. Who dares to say anything of the kind?" "Fact, sir," said the private inquirer sharply. "Young lady, sitting at window on first-floor, sits there every evening watching along the road." "Yes," said Dick, in a bewildered way; "she does--but--" "To-night, at seven fifty-six, tall gent in dark coat came up, jumped the railing, crossed the flower-bed, and made signs." There was a pause, and Tom sighed.