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"Mr Henfrey is innocent," said the tall stranger "But there must be no publicity, hence his only chance of safety lies in strict concealland," replied Hugh

The stranger laughed, as he slowly answered: "There are certain places where no questions are asked--if you knohere to look for theot over here"

"I went to Ostend, and for twenty pounds induced a Belgian fisherht near Caister, in Norfolk I went to London at once, only to discover that Miss Ranscolas--and here I a, for the weather was terrible--a gale blew nearly the whole time"

"You are here, it is true, Mr Henfrey But you h I refuse to give you my name, I will nevertheless try to render you further assistance Go back to London by the next train you can get, and then call upon Mrs Mason, who lives at a house called 'Heathcote,' in Abingdon Road, Kensington She is a friend of ram that she will have a visitor Take apartments at her house, and remain there in strict seclusion Will you remember the address--shall I write it down?"

"Thanks very h replied "I shall reton"

"That's it Get there as soon as ever you can," urged the stranger "Recollect that your eneh looked his mysterious friend full in the face

"Look here!" he said, in a firm, hard voice "Are you known as Il Passero?"

"Pardon er "I refuse to satisfy your curiosity as to who I may be I am your friend--that is all that concerns you"

"But the famous Passero--The Sparrow--is my unknown friend," he said, "and I have a suspicion that you and he are identical!"

"I have amy identity," was the man's reply in a curious tone "Get to Mrs Mason's as quickly as you can Perhaps one day soon we ain Till then, I wish both of you the best of luck Au revoir!"

And, raising his hat, he turned abruptly, and, leaving theh road which led to Perth

"But, listen, sir--one h, as he turned away

Nevertheless the stranger heeded not, and a few seconds later his figure was lost in the shadow of the high hedgerow