"The same," replied Mr. Brainard. "Did you say he had gone to Mexico?" "Yes, or was about leaving for that country. So he informed me in a letter I received from him yesterday." "In a letter?" The man's voice expressed surprise. "Yes. But why do you seem to question the statement?" "Because I saw him in the city day before yesterday." "In the city!" "Yes, sir. Either him or his ghost." "Oh! you're mistaken." "I think not. It is rarely that I'm mistaken in the identity of any one." "You are, assuredly, too certain in the present instance," said Mr. Markland, turning to the gentleman who had last spoken, "for, it's only a few days since I received letters from him written at Savannah." Still the man was positive. "He has a hair-mole on his cheek, I believe." Mr. Brainard and Mr. Markland looked at each other doubtingly. "He has," was admitted by the latter. "But that doesn't make identity," said Mr. Brainard, with an incredulous smile. "I've seen many men, in my day, with moles on their faces." "True enough," was answered; "but you never saw two Mr. Lyons." "You are very positive," said Mr. Brainard, growing serious. "Now, as we believe him to be at the South, and you say that he was here on the day before yesterday, the matter assumes rather a perplexing shape. If he really was here, it is of the first importance that we should know it; for we are about trusting important interests to his hands. Where, then, and under what circumstances, did you see him?" "I saw him twice." "Where?" "The first time, I saw him alighting from a carriage, at the City Hotel. He had, apparently, just arrived, as there was a trunk behind the carriage." "Singular!" remarked Mr. Brainard, with a slightly disturbed manner. "You are mistaken in the person," said Mr. Markland, positively. "It may be so," returned the gentleman. "Where did you next see him?" inquired Mr. Brainard. "In the neighbourhood of the--Railroad Depot. Being aware that he had spent several days with Mr. Markland, it occurred to me that he was going out to call upon him." "Very surprising. I don't just comprehend this," said Mr. Markland, with a perplexed manner. "The question is easily settled," remarked Mr. Brainard. "Sit here a few moments, and I will step around to the City Hotel." And as he spoke, he arose and went quickly from his office. In about ten minutes he returned. "Well, what is the result?" was the rather anxious inquiry of Mr. Markland. "Can't make it out," sententiously answered Mr. Brainard. "What did you learn?" "Nothing." "Of course, Mr. Lyon has not been there?" "I don't know about that. He certainly was not there as Mr. Lyon." "Was any one there answering to his description?" "Yes." "From the South?" "Yes. From Richmond--so the register has it; and the name recorded is Melville." "You asked about him particularly?"