CHAPTER IX.
SENDING IN A FALSE REPORT.
At sight of Cabot, Thorpe Walling's instinct had been to leave the car and follow him; but the thought of his luggage, which he knew he could not get off in time, caused him to hesitate, and then it was too late, for the train was again in motion.
"The young man did not seem particularly anxious to meet his old classmate," remarked Mr.Gregg.

"In fact, it rather looked as though he wished to avoid recognition." Thorpe pretended to be too busy with his cards to make reply to this suggestion; but an ugly expression came into his face, and, from that moment, he hated Cabot Grant.

When, on the following day, he reached St.Johns and learned of the loss of the "Lavinia," with all on board, except those saved in the mate's boat, he was more perplexed than ever.
Cabot's name was published as one of those who had gone down with the ill-fated steamer, and yet he had certainly seen him alive and well only the day before.

What could it mean?
"Do you suppose Hepburn knows of his escape ?" asked Mr.Gregg, who was stopping at the same hotel, and to whom Thorpe confided this mystery.
"I haven't an idea." "What do you say to wiring and finding out?
It can't do us any harm, and might gain us an insight into the old man's plans up here." "I should say it was a good idea." As a result of this desire for information the following telegram was sent to the president of the Gotham Trust and Investment Company: "St.Johns, N'f'l'd .-- Here all right.

What shall I do next ?----C.