Glad to escape the depression of the gloomy vicinity, and the unabashed directness of the Sepoy's glance, the young man hurried away. If the terrible concentration which the Sepoy resumed, with his luminous eyes upon the countenance of the detective, affected the latter, there was certainly no such evidence. It was as dull and lifeless as ever; the eyelids had fallen to their accustomed suggestion of ambush, and it seemed scarcely possible that the sharp directions of a few moments since could issue from such flaccid lips, and so much determination could dominate such an insignificant figure. Apparently exasperated by the undemonstration of this negative aspect, the Sepoy was near the limit of his repression. The lines about his lips relaxed somewhat, the pupils of his eyes reduced their staring diameter, and his head was inclined forward a trifle. Gratz concluded that his companion had decided to speak. He was not mistaken. "Can I be spared the humiliation of meeting that old dotard you have sent for?" "I do not see how," replied Gratz. "What do you gain by it?" asked the Sepoy. "I cannot tell that in advance; possibly nothing," replied Gratz. "That is likely," replied the Sepoy quietly. "We shall see," exclaimed the detective. "I am working out a theory; I need the assistance of all concerned." "Look at me!" exclaimed the Sepoy abruptly. "I will credit you with being something of a physiognomist. Do you see any evidences of determination in my face?" "And if I do?" queried Gratz. "Only this," was the reply: "No matter what your object may be, I will oppose it with all the resolution and dexterity at my command, if you conduct your inquiries as you contemplate." In reply Gratz offered an exasperating shrug of the shoulders. "There is no mystery to be solved," he said. "I have no further facts to discover; I know that you have managed to secure three separate bags of coin from Raikes, and I am aware of your process." "If you know all this," replied the other with curious calmness, "why do you----" The question was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. "Now!" exclaimed Gratz, as if with sudden determination, "I will try to grant your request in part. Retire into your bedchamber, leave the door open, and listen. "I will place Raikes and his nephew where they cannot see you, but I will sit here where I can note your slightest move." The Sepoy arose hastily and entered the bedchamber, seating himself according to the direction of the detective. At that moment there was a knock upon the door. In answer to the salutation of the detective Raikes and his nephew entered. Seating themselves in the chairs indicated, they awaited with intense curiosity the proceedings of this enigmatical man.