The Cryptogram

the hotel kitchen. I found the rascal but half-sobered, so heavily had he liquored on the previous night, and I angrily bade him stay in bed for the rest of the d

t shortly after the meal I met him again at the bar, where he was paying his accou

ing, sir?" I

ied, "and later I go West. You, I beli

ded a

t on; "and meanwhile I trust you wi

promised, "and I wish you ev

him again, or run across the man of whom he was in search, were things so utterly improbable that I

t he was as zealous for the interests of the company as myself, and, moreover, I felt that he would prove a trusty friend should Mr. Cuthbert Mackenzie try to give me any trouble. That the captain was to sail on the same ship to the Bay was a matter less to my liking, thou

n out of my mind. As often as I remembered that she was to share the long sea voyage with me, the joy of it was marred by the picture of old Griffit

lovely than ever without her bonnet, and in a black gown relieved by some touches of creamy lace. I fear I stared at her stupidly, and was dull of conversation; but she chatted freely of the wonderful things t

fled. But now I wished to be alone, and for some hours I sat there without a light, smoking and thinking. A distant clock had just pealed eleven when I heard the unbolting of a door downstairs-t

ed, thinking I k

a nod he threw himself into a chair, helped himself to a pipeful of

"I expected to find you in bed. H

of the door

went on, "and Monsieur Ragoul h

said politely. "And have y

atisfaction for that blow,"

have it,

ordsman and a deadl

ith either weapon,

ing, if it can be avoid

sts with me," said I. "But

s who are as deep in the plotting of the Northwest Company as himself. Unfortunately, he learned n

ou to see me through

Miss Hatherton are in a decidedly unpleasant situation. Or, to leave the girl out of it, you and I must decide a v

ainer," said I. "As y

, serious things may happen-not to speak of the duel. I happen to know that a trading-vessel leaves the rive

d indignantly. "Would you have me slink away like a thief in the night, giving Cuthbert Mack

lders, and meditatively blew

our discretion. Am I to understand, then, M

o sides to the question. But before I could find words to reply, the silence of the June night was broken by a shr

part of the house, and a woman's voice, ringing loudly and close at hand, guided us to Miss Hatherton's room. Captain Rudstone burst the door from its fastenings by a single effort, and I followed him over

sterically. "Save me fr