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But, or ever the blushing Corporal could escape, Barnabas caught and

wrung his hand: "And I, Corporal," said he, "I wish you both to know that I am proud

to have o such staunch friends, and that I shall always esteeht, Corporal!"

So saying, Barnabas turned upon his heel, and as he went his step

was free and his eye brighter than it had been

He took an intricate course by winding alleys and narrow side-streets,

keeping his glance well about hith he came to a

certain door in a certain dingy street,--and, finding the faulty

latch yield to his hand, entered a narrow, dingy hall and groped his

way up the dingiest stairs in the world

Now all at once he fancied he heard a stealthy footstep that climbed

on in the darkness before hi, strode on, then stopped again for, plain enough this time,

some one stuloom, very still and very silent, and thus he presently heard

another sound, very soft and faint like the breathing of a sigh And

all at once Barnabas clenched his teeth and spoke

"Who is it?" he demanded fiercely, "now, by God--if it's you,

Chichester--" and with the word, he reached out before hi hands

The contact of so warm and soft; a broken, pitiful cry of fear,

and he had a wo forhtway thrilled with a wild joy

"Madam!" he said hoarsely "Madam!"

But she never stirred, nay it almost seemed she sank yet closer into