“Yes, and that is rather in his favor,” said Mr. Wright. “If he had been an impostor on the lookout he would probably have come to us long ago. But he has just returned from the Cape, where he had been out of the way of newspapers, and he did not see the advertisement till he came across it three or four days ago.” “Very well,” said Barton. “Make an appointment with the man for any time to-morrow, and I will be with you.” As he said this he looked very hard and significantly at the younger Mr. Wright. “Very good, sir; thank you. Shall we say at noon tomorrow?” “With pleasure,” answered Barton, still with his eye on the younger partner. He then said good-by, and was joined, as he had hoped, in the outer office by young Wright. “You had something to say to me?” asked the junior member of the firm. “Several things,” said Barton, smiling. “And first, would you mind finding out whether the coast is clear--whether any one is watching for me?” “Watching for you! What do you mean?” “Just take a look round the square, and tell me whether any suspicious character is about.” Young Wright, much puzzled, put on his hat, and stood lighting a cigarette on the outer steps. “Not a soul in sight but lawyers’ clerks,” he reported. “Very well; just tell your father that, as it is a fine morning, you are taking a turn with me.” Barton’s friend did as he wished, and presently the pair had some serious conversation. “I’ll do exactly as you suggest, and explain to my father,” said the young lawyer as they separated. “Thanks; it is so much easier for you to explain than for a stranger like myself,” said Barton, and strolled westward by way of Co vent Garden. At the noted establishment of Messrs. Aminadab, theatrical costumiers, Barton stopped, went in, was engaged some time with the Messrs. Aminadab, and finally had a cab called for him, and drove home with a pretty bulky parcel. * * * * * At five minutes to twelve on the following day, a tall, burly, mahogany-colored mariner, attired, for the occasion, in a frock-coat and hat, appeared in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. He seemed to be but ill acquainted with those coasts, and mooned about for some minutes before he reached the door of Messrs. Wright Then he rang, the door was opened, and he was admitted into the presence of the partners. “I have come, gentlemen, in answer to your letter,” he said with a Northern burr, bowing awkwardly, and checking a disposition to salute by touching his forelock. His eyes wandered round the room, where he saw no one but the partners, with whom he was already acquainted, and a foreign-looking gentleman--a gentleman with hay-colored hair, a soft hat, spectacles, and a tow-colored beard. He had a mild, short-sighted expression, a pasty complexion, and the air of one who smoked too much.