Then he would go out by himself into those parts of the city where the men of broken fortunes, the jockeys run to seed, and the prize-fighters chiefly preferred to congregate.

In the low quarters he sought his information of the waifs and strays who are cast up into the drinking-bars of any Oriental port, and he did not come back empty-handed.
For ten days he thus toiled for the good of the Indian Government, and, above all, of that part of it which had its headquarters at Lahore.

And on the morning of the eleventh day, as he was just preparing to leave for Government House, where his persistence had prevailed, a tall, black-bearded and very sunburnt man noiselessly opened the door of the hut and as noiselessly stepped inside.

Ralston, indeed, did not at once notice him, nor did the stranger call attention to his presence.

He waited, motionless and patient, until Ralston happened to turn and see him.
"Hatch!" cried Ralston with a smile of welcome stealing over his startled face, and making it very pleasant to look upon.