"Ah," cried Raikes, "I do not like your suggestions; they encourage me and alarm me at the same time. Think of the cost." Irritated at the intrusion of this frugal proviso at this juncture, Robert exclaimed with some warmth: "Yes, but think, also, how insignificant that would be if he discovered the thief and recovered the money." "If--if----" repeated Raikes with impatience. "And I can say this," continued Robert: "It is the ambition of Gratz to be appointed chief of the bureau to which he belongs. Whatever can be placed to his credit in the meantime will serve as an additional reason for his advancement. "I believe that he would be more persuaded to undertake the case with this prospect in view than for a mercenary reason." "But," interrupted Raikes, "can you get him?" "I think I can answer for that," replied Robert. "I know him very well. If you will consent to leave the matter in my hands, I will attend to Gratz." "Well," exclaimed Raikes, as Robert concluded, "have it your own way; anything is better than this killing suspense. I do not believe that I could endure a repetition of the incidents of the last few nights. But return the bags before you go, and shut the radiator; it will lock in closing." When Robert at last reached the dining-room he discovered his aunt at the table, seated opposite the Sepoy. Instructing the spinster to resume her vigil until his return, Robert proceeded to his own table, and from that point of observation occupied himself, during the next twenty minutes, partly with his breakfast and partly in regarding this illy-assorted duet. The Sepoy was as gravely urbane as ever; his browns and blacks intermingled harmoniously; his eyes were bright; his teeth still suggestive of restrained sarcasm in their dull, red sheaths, as, with grave courtesy, he made himself agreeable to his companion by abetting her newly-awakened appetite with recommendations of the steak and eulogies of the butter. The spinster was no longer ravenous; the advantages she had enjoyed during the absence of her domestic Argus had made her cravings more equable, and she accepted the edible suggestions of the Sepoy with an approach to placid satisfaction that hinted at the imminence of repletion. This disposition to make the most of her privileges, with what composure she could assume, would have added the basis of a serious relapse on the part of the invalid could he have witnessed the phenomenon. It was remarkable how promptly the poor creature evinced the effects of her nourishment. Beginning, as already indicated, with a logical indigestion, she progressed to the point of a possible filling out of the crevices of her countenance, and her eyes certainly had lost the expression of appeal characteristic of the mendicant in the doorway. All this, minutely noted by her watchful nephew, was thoroughly enjoyed with a sort of chuckling collusion and vicarious gratification.