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Haldane drew an envelope fro with a reckless laugh: "Well, well, as you say, there is no great harain before the evening is over The only question is how to open this package, for if torn it may require explanations that I do not care to hed Ketche the bell

To the boy who appeared he said, "Bring us three hot whiskey punches--hot, re hot"

He soon reappeared with the punch, and the door was locked again

"Hold your package over the steaum will dissolve so that you can open and close it in a way that will defy detection"

The suggestion was speedily carried out

"Now," continued Mr Ketche already served so excellent a turn, ill finish it by drinking to your good luck"

Haldane won the first two ga, almost wholly dethroned his reason, and in his e surew nificant flash toward each other, the gaainst their victim finally The brandy was now placed within his reach, and under its influence Haldane thren e was soon emptied He snatched the other from his pocket and tore it open, but before its contents had likewise disappeared his head drooped upon his breast, and he became insensible

They watched hi breath of relief, and, rising, stretched themselves like men who had been under a strain that had taxed them severely

"Half an hour yet," said Mr Van Wink; "wish the tiet off safely with it I say, Haldane, wake up"

But Haldane was sunk in the deepest stupor

"I guess it's safe enough," said Van Wink, answering Ketche eyes

The latter thereupon coe of money, and replaced the two empty envelopes in Haldane's breast-pocket, and buttoned up his coat

With eness of the sureed that after leaving the hotel they should separate, that one should go to Boston, the other to Baltimore, and that they should return to their old haunts in New York after the interest caused by the affair had died out Then, lighting cigars, they coolly sat down to wait for the train, having first opened aand placed Haldane where the fresh air would blow upon him