CHAPTER XL.
A FEW weeks prior to the time at which the incidents of the preceding chapter occurred, a man, with a rough, neglected exterior, and face almost hidden by an immense beard, landed at New Orleans from one of the Gulf steamers, and was driven to the St.Charles Hotel.

His manner was restless, yet wary.

He gave his name as Falkner, and repaired at once to the room assigned to him.
"Is there a boarder in the house named Leach ?" he made inquiry of the servant who came up with his baggage.
"There is," was replied.
"Will you ascertain if he is in, and say that I wish to see him ?" "What name, sir ?" inquired the servant.
"No matter.

Give the number of my room." The servant departed, and in a few minutes conducted a man to the apartment of the stranger.
"Ah! you are here!" exclaimed the former, starting forward, and grasping tightly the hand that was extended to receive him.

"When did you arrive ?" "This moment." "From-- ?" "No matter where from, at present.