He sometimes makes up his mind that he wants to find a particular thing, of whose existence--if it still exists--he has become aware; and he will follow it all over the world till he gets it.

I've been on just such a chase now." He stopped suddenly, as suddenly as thought his mouth had been shut by the jerk of a string.

We waited; when he went on he spoke with a caution that was new to him, as though he wished to forestall our asking any questions: "I am not at liberty to mention anything of my mission; where it was to, what it was for, or anything at all about it.

Such matters are in confidence between Mr.Trelawny and myself; I am pledged to absolute secrecy." He paused, and an embarrassed look crept over his face.

Suddenly he said: "You are sure, Miss Trelawny, your Father is not well enough to see me today ?" A look of wonderment was on her face in turn.