Again they speak of mingling with the guests, as the absence of all belonging to the household may be noticed and commented upon, but it seems as though some peculiar fortune persists in interfering with these plans. They hear voices outside the door, and Aleck finds his attention riveted when someone mentions his name. “I must see Aleck Craig! It is very important.” “Wait,” says another voice. Then there is a knock at the door--not a timid rap, but one that means business. Aleck is closer than any of the others, so he takes upon himself to open it. It is Wycherley. Another figure stands behind him which has a familiar look. “Ah! my dear boy, here’s a party who wants to see you. Nothing I could do would put him off. He says it’s very, very particular. The easiest way to get rid of him was to bring him in, and here he is.” With that he stands aside, and the man who has kept in the background steps briskly up. Aleck can hardly believe his eyes. “Happy Jack!” he exclaims. Of all the singular happenings of this night it surely takes the lead. Where did he come from, and what does he want with Craig? The Canadian recovers himself quickly, as he sees an outstretched hand before him and hears the young roysterer say: “Bound to find you, Craig. Heard at the Sherman you were here. Obstacles no object in my way, and here I am.” “Come into the library. Such a weighty secret as you carry should not be bruited around into the curious ears of the public. Closed doors would be more in keeping for it,” says Aleck. He has not the remotest idea what the other may be at, but discretion is a part of his character, and it strikes him that under the circumstances he had better get the defaulter into the library. If he has business of importance with him, then the precaution will be well taken. On the other hand, it may prove that he has followed out some hair-brained scheme, and considers it a joke to return a pocket knife or some such article, which Aleck may have lost, and which he is determined to deliver to the owner. Such jokes appear smart to men who have looked upon the wine when it is red. They make much capital out of them. Under such circumstances as these the Canadian athlete believes he has a trump card to play. Once the door is shut Happy Jack may not find it so easy to get out again. He manages to give Wycherley a wink and a nod which that individual rightly interprets, and he also enters the room, remaining with his back against the door, thus serving as a barrier to ingress or escape. One thing Aleck notes. John has turned his back upon them the very instant he heard the name of Happy Jack mentioned; so when that individual enters the room he does not know, after his sweeping glance around, who is present.