"Oh humbug," said the Major contemptuously. "I don't believe in that foolish rhyme a bit. But are you of my opinion that Burgh is guilty?" "Yes--in the way you put it, it seems probable." "Well then," said Tidman angrily and striking the table with his fist. "I have had enough of being suspected, so I'll help you to hunt down the assassin. I _must_ know who killed Miss Wharf, or else you will be accusing me again. See here," and he threw a paper on the table. It was a square of yellow paper, strongly perfumed, which asked the Major to bring the fan to the den in Penter's Alley. "You showed me this before," said Rupert. "I went up on your behalf." "Look at the date," said Tidman pointing, "it's a new invitation. I think Tung-yu--who writes the letter--believes I killed the woman and have the fan after all. Well, last time, you went on my behalf, this time, danger or no danger I'll go myself. You can come if you like." "I shall certainly come," said Rupert jumping up, "Olivia does not want me to proceed further in this matter, but, now that you are going, I'll go too. Tung-yu can't know that the fan is in my hands, or that the packet is missing." "He's not so clever as I thought he was," said Tidman coolly, "or he wouldn't have bungled this affair as he has done. I am not afraid of him, now. But you see that the appointment is for to-morrow night at nine o'clock." "At Penter's Alley under the lantern. Exactly--the same place. But as Rodgers knows of my adventure, I wonder Tung-yu risks another meeting. Besides, Rodgers told me he had been to the den and found both Chinamen gone." "Oh, thunderbolts never strike in the same spot twice," said Tidman, "it is the safest place. Rodgers, having gone once, will not go again. Well, will you come." "Yes," said Rupert, firmly and went back to the Abbey, to persuade his wife to let him make one more attempt to solve the mystery. Olivia was obdurate at first, but after a time, she yielded, though she assured Rupert she should be miserable all the time he was away. "And _do_ take care of yourself," she said. "Of course I'll take every care," replied her husband; and so it was arranged that Rupert should go up to town with Major Tidman by the six o'clock train the next evening, and proceed to Penter's Alley, to see Tung-yu, and learn--if possible, the truth. Olivia's attention was somewhat taken off the projected expedition to the wilds of Rotherhithe, by a visit from Lady Jabe. That eccentric female, looking more like a judge than ever, and dressed in a most manly fashion appeared, with a shining face, to announce that Chris was engaged to marry Lotty Dean. "It's most delightful," said Lady Jabe, "her father is merely a retired grocer, but I have consented to over-look that, if he settles some money on the young couple." "And has he consented?" asked Olivia languidly. She did not take much interest in the affairs of Mr. Walker.