he uneasy
spirits of lower New York--he had been called an enthusiast, and an
enthusiast is very often a social agitator--but to trace him afterwards
to a place like this was certainly a surprise. A tenement--such a
tenement as this--meant home--home for himself or for those he counted
his friends, and such a supposition seemed inconceivable to my poor
husband, with the memory of the gorgeous parlour of the Clermont in
his mind. Indeed, he hinted something of the kind to his affable but
strangely reticent companion, but all the answer he got was a peculiar
smile whose humorous twist he could barely discern in the semi-darkness
of the open doorway into which they had just plunged.

"An adventure! certainly an adventure!" flashed through poor George's
mind, as he peered, in great curiosity down the long hall before him,
into a dismal rear, opening into a still more dismal court. It was truly
a novel experience for a business man whose philanthropy was carried
on entirely by proxy--that is, by his wife. Should he be expected to
penetrate into those dark, ill-smelling recesses, or would he be led up
the long flights of naked stairs, so feebly illuminated that they gave
the impression of extending indefinitely into dimmer and dimmer heights
of decay and desolation?

Sweetwater seemed to decide for the rear, for leaving George, he stepped
down the hall into the court beyond, where George could see him casting
inquiring glances up at the walls above him. Another tenement, similar
to the one whose rear end he was contemplating, towered behind but he
paid no attention to that. He was satisfied with the look he had given
and came quickly back, joining George at the foot of the staircase, up
which he silently led the way.

It was a rude, none-too-well-cared-for building, but it seemed
respectable enough and very quiet, considering the mass of people it
accommodated. There were marks of poverty everywhere, but no squalor.
One flight--two flights--three--and then George's guide stopped, and,
looking back at him, made a gesture. It appeared to be one of caution,
but when the two came together at the top of the staircase, Sweetwater
spoke quite naturally as he pointed out a door in their rear:

"That's the room. We'll keep a sharp watch and when any man, no matter
what his dress or appearance comes up these stairs and turns that way,
give him a sharp look. You understand?"

"Yes; but-"

"Oh, he hasn't come in yet. I took pains