"Now I came across Miss Townshead, and she wasn't looking well or happy.

We'll call upon her father when we get through what we have to do." Seaforth, who appeared disturbed, would have gone sooner, but it was afternoon when they strolled round the outskirts of the city, and his face was somewhat grim as they entered the Alsatia, which is the usual adjunct of such places.

It would, however, have impressed the unsophisticated Eastern observer as being well painted, respectable, and especially prosperous, for virtue is not the only thing which is rewarded and recognized in a Western city.

Finally, after traversing it, they found Townshead in a little wooden house which was apparently occupied by two other families.

The remnants of a very meagre meal lay before him, and he sat wearing the red velvet jacket, which looked older and more faded than ever, in a canvas chair.