I arrived at the depot just as the train came in. There was but one passenger for R----, a brisk young man, whose whole appearance differed so from the description which had been given me of Q that I at once made up my mind he could not be the man I was looking for, and was turning away disappointed, when he approached, and handed me a card on which was inscribed the single character “?” Even then I could not bring myself to believe that the slyest and most successful agent in Mr. Gryce’s employ was before me, till, catching his eye, I saw such a keen, enjoyable twinkle sparkling in its depths that all doubt fled, and, returning his bow with a show of satisfaction, I remarked: “You are very punctual. I like that.” He gave another short, quick nod. “Glad, sir, to please you. Punctuality is too cheap a virtue not to be practised by a man on the lookout for a rise. But what orders, sir? Down train due in ten minutes; no time to spare.” “Down train? What have we to do with that?” “I thought you might wish to take it, sir. Mr. Brown”--winking expressively at the name, “always checks his carpet-bag for home when he sees me coming. But that is your affair; I am not particular.” “I wish to do what is wisest under the circumstances.” “Go home, then, as speedily as possible.” And he gave a third sharp nod exceedingly business-like and determined. “If I leave you, it is with the understanding that you bring your information first to me; that you are in my employ, and in that of no one else for the time being; and that _mum_ is the word till I give you liberty to speak.” “Yes, sir. When I work for Brown & Co. I do not work for Smith & Jones. That you can count on.” “Very well then, here are your instructions.” He looked at the paper I handed him with a certain degree of care, then stepped into the waiting-room and threw it into the stove, saying in a low tone: “So much in case I should meet with some accident: have an apoplectic fit, or anything of that sort.” “But----” “Oh, don’t worry; I sha’n’t forget. I’ve a memory, sir. No need of anybody using pen and paper with me.” And laughing in the short, quick way one would expect from a person of his appearance and conversation, he added: “You will probably hear from me in a day or so,” and bowing, took his brisk, free way down the street just as the train came rushing in from the West. My instructions to Q were as follows: 1. To find out on what day, and in whose company, the Misses Leavenworth arrived at R---- the year before. What their movements had been while there, and in whose society they were oftenest to be seen. Also the date of their departure, and such facts as could be gathered in regard to their habits, etc. 2. Ditto in respect to a Mr. Henry Clavering, fellow-guest and probable friend of said ladies.