manner, and ten minutes
later we were free to depart. A "cruiser" cab rattled by and the three
of us squeezed in.

"To the Utinam Club," ordered Indiman.

Seated at a table in the big dining-room of the club, we drank a formal
cocktail to our better acquaintance.

"But I am afraid that you have made a bad bargain," said the young man
to Indiman.

"Frankly, now, I doubt if I can be made to pay even three per cent on
the investment. That's no better than a government bond and not half so
safe."

I have already collected one satisfactory dividend," said Indiman,
courteously. "That was cleverly done--to force the knife out of his
hand and into the air."

"It's a part of the Japanese science of defence without weapons," said
the youth, blushing ingenuously. "Jiu-jitsu, you know. I took some
lessons of a chap in Tokio."

"Moreover, there is your story," continued Indiman. "Will you favor me
with some particulars regarding yourself and the circumstances leading
up to our late meeting? The situation was an unusual one, and the
explanation should be interesting."

"On the contrary," answered the young man, with a faint smile, "my
narrative is of the most commonplace character imaginable, save only
for the final chapter. But judge for yourself.

"My name is Luke Harding, and, so far as I know, I have not a single
blood relation living--at least, none nearer than a third cousin. Two
years ago I inherited my paternal estate. It was too small to support
me in the manner of life to which I had been accustomed, and at the
same time it was large enough to effectually deaden any inclination
towards real work. As an inevitable consequent, I became a speculator.
Little by little my fortune has disappeared in the abyss of stock
gambling; now it is gone entirely. To add to my misfortunes, my
apartments were entered last night by burglars and literally cleaned
out. I must have been drugged, for when I awoke this morning, with a
bad headache, I could remember nothing of what had happened; there were
only results to speak for themselves. The loot had been complete; the
scoundrels had even carried off my ordinary garments, leaving me--what
exquisite irony!--only this suit of evening clothes wherewith to cover
my nakedness. Being somewhat sensitive to the proprieties, I was
obliged to remain within doors until darkness fell, and I spent the
time meditating upon my future course of action. As I have said, I have
no relatives to whom