"That is a point upon which it is hard for me to enlighten you," replied the Madam; "it might be Barclay or some of Josh.'s friends. Josh. is a good clever fellow, for a brother-in-law, but I would not trust him too much; he is a little inclined to talk, and Barclay may have drawn something from him and written to your husband; I know De Forest don't like him." "I will see Josh. at once, and find out about this Barclay," said Mrs. Maroney. "You had better wait till morning," said Madam Imbert, as she rose to leave the room; "I must go to bed, and you had better follow my example." Mrs. Maroney began to show the effects of the brandy she had been drinking, but she took Madam Imbert's arm and went to the door with her. It was now ten o'clock, but she requested the Madam to take a turn in the garden with her. They had hardly taken two steps before Mrs. Maroney stumbled over a man concealed at the side of the house. It was Rivers, but he was up and off before the frightened ladies had a chance to see him. Madam Imbert screamed lustily, although she well knew who it was. "D----n him," said Mrs. Maroney, "that's that De Forest; I will kill him, sure! What was he doing here?" Madam Imbert remarked that it was either he or Barclay. "I know what he is looking after," said Mrs. Maroney; "I see through the whole thing! De Forest is a tool of the Vice-President; he thinks he has got my secrets, but I'll be after him yet." Her voice was hoarse and dry, and plainly showed the effects of the brandy. Madam Imbert walked out of the garden and went to the tavern, while Mrs. Maroney went into the house. Rivers, when he was disturbed in his watching of the cellar window, rushed straight to Stemples's, where he found Barclay, Horton and Cox. "How do you do, boys?" said he, "come and have a drink; I have just come in from seeing my girl; she is a good one, and I think will make me happy; had a long walk, though; over two miles, and I think I deserve a glass." Josh. was telling about Mrs. Maroney's quarrel. Rivers heard him patiently through, and they had two or three drinks, when Mrs. Cox stalked into the room. All the women in Jenkintown seemed on the rampage, at least all those we are dealing with. "Josh., you lazy, good for nothing fellow, I have been looking all over the village for you!" "Why, you ought to know you could find me here," said Josh. "Come home at once; sister wants you to watch the house to-night! some one has been lurking around there, and she wants you to find out who it is." "Well," said Josh., carelessly, "I'll come." Rivers now spoke up: "I am not very busy just now, and I will watch with you." "Will you?" said Mrs. Cox, in a pleased tone; "would be much obliged to you if you would; Josh. has been drinking so much that I can't place much reliance on him." "Certainly," said Rivers, and the trio started for the scene of action.