"I must request you do not ask me," said I."It is a matter I cannot explain." The moment the foolish words were said, that moment I would have given worlds to recall them: how much more, when Pinkerton, patting my hand, replied: "All right, dear boy; not another word; that's all done.

I'm convinced it's perfectly right." To return upon the subject was beyond my courage; but I vowed inwardly that I should do my utmost in the future for this mad speculation, and that I would cut myself in pieces before Jim should lose one dollar.
We had no sooner arrived at the address than I had other things to think of.
"Mr.Dickson?
He's gone," said the landlady.
Where had he gone?
"I'm sure I can't tell you," she answered.

"He was quite a stranger to me." "Did he express his baggage, ma'am ?" asked Pinkerton.
"Hadn't any," was the reply.

"He came last night and left again to-day with a satchel." "When did he leave ?" I inquired.
"It was about noon," replied the landlady.

"Some one rang up the telephone, and asked for him; and I reckon he got some news, for he left right away, although his rooms were taken by the week.