"I did, and the description given, both by the landlord and his clerk, corresponded in a singular manner with the appearance of Mr. Lyon. He arrived by the southern line, and appeared hurried in manner. Almost as soon as his name was registered, he inquired at what hour the cars started on the--road. He went out in an hour after his arrival, and did not return until late in the evening. Yesterday morning he left in the first southern train." "Well, friends, you see that I was not so very far out of the way," said the individual who had surprised the gentlemen by asserting that Mr. Lyon was in the city only two days before. "I can't believe that it was Mr. Lyon." Firmly Mr. Markland took this position. "I would not be sworn to it--but my eyes have certainly played me false, if he were not in the city at the time referred to," said the gentleman; "and let me say to you, that if you have important interests in his hands, which you would regard as likely to suffer were he really in our city at the time alleged, it will be wise for you to look after them a little narrowly, for, if he were not here, then was I never more mistaken in my life." The man spoke with a seriousness that produced no very pleasing effect upon the minds of his auditors, who were, to say the least, very considerably perplexed by what he alleged. "The best course, in doubtful cases, is always a prudent one," said Mr. Markland, as soon as the gentleman had retired. "Unquestionably. And now, what steps shall we take, under this singular aspect of affairs?" "That requires our first attention. If we could only be certain that Mr. Lyon had returned to the city." "Ah, yes--if we could only be certain. That he was not here, reason and common sense tell me. Opposed to this is the very positive belief of Mr. Lamar that he saw him on the day before yesterday, twice." "What had better be done under these circumstances?" queried Mr. Brainard. "I wish that I could answer that question both to your satisfaction and my own," was the perplexed answer. "What was done in New York?" "I had several long conferences with Mr. Fenwick, whom I found a man of extensive views. He is very sanguine, and says that he has already invested some forty thousand dollars." "Ah! So largely?" "Yes; and will not hesitate to double the sum, if required." "His confidence is strong." "It is--very strong. He thinks that the fewer parties engage in the matter, the better it will be for all, if they can furnish the aggregate capital required." "Why?" "The fewer persons interested, the more concert of action there will be, and the larger individual dividend on the business." "If there should come a dividend," said Mr. Brainard. "That is certain," replied Mr. Markland, in a very confident manner. "I am quite inclined to the opinion of Mr. Fenwick, that one of the most magnificent fortunes will be built up that the present generation has seen." "What is his opinion of Mr. Lyon?"