"Yes; a black-haired, black-bearded man, shabbily dressed. He wished to know if Carson was on the _Pharaoh_, and if so, when he would arrive. The clerk showed him the name of Angus Carson in the passenger list, and told him that the boat was due on July 24th." "Did this man ever return?" "No; he thanked the clerk and left the office. That was the last seen of him." "He gave no name?" "Of course not," said Mallow, peevishly. "Why should he give his name in connection with so simple an inquiry? You can see now for yourself that this information amounts to practically nothing. It neither proves nor disproves Carson's identity, and it certainly does not in any way connect him with the murder." "Still, the mere fact of Carson's being inquired for is strange, when we know that he has not a single friend in England," said Jim, reflectively; "before his arrival, too. That is even more strange." Mallow shook his head. "I thought of that myself," he said, "but it does not help us in any way." "It certainly cannot assist us towards circumventing this wedding. I see you are going to it," running his eye over Jim. "Of course. There is an invitation for you also, if you care to accept it." "I do not are to," replied Mallow, quietly. "It is quite painful enough for me to be here on the day of the sacrifice, without attending it." "Then why did you come, my poor old chap?" "Because I wish you to take this letter and deliver it personally to----" Mallow paused, "to--Mrs.--Carson," he finished, slowly. With some hesitation Lord Aldean took the envelope extended to him. He was doubtful. "I hope it does not contain reproaches," he said. "No; it merely sets her mind at rest about--about--her husband" (Mallow could hardly get the word out), "and tells her that, if she needs me, I am always ready to do her bidding." "Well," said Jim, placing the letter in his pocket, "I'll deliver it with the greatest of pleasure. It is not unlikely that she will need you some day." "What do you mean, Jim?" "Oh, I don't mean anything in particular," he said carelessly. "You know I neither like nor trust Carson." "I am quite with you," said Mallow, bitterly; "but, unfortunately, neither our dislike nor our distrust can assist us to avert this ceremony." "No, that's true. What will be will be;" and with this morsel of philosophy they parted--Aldean for the ceremony at the church; Mallow to rail at fate for having so cruelly deprived him of Olive.