s of
London twinkle through the windows, and were carried into the clamour of
the platforms.

They both drove first to Twiddel's rooms; and as they looked out once more
on the life and lights and traffic of the streets, their faces cleared
again.

"We'll have a merry evening!" cried Welsh.

"A little supper," suggested Twiddel; "a music-hall----"

"Et cetera," added Welsh, with a laugh.

The doctor had written of their coming, and they found a fire in the back
room, and the table laid.

"Ah," cried Welsh, "this looks devilish comfortable."

"A letter for me," said Twiddel; "from Billson, I think."

He read it and threw it to his friend, remarking, "I call this rather cool
of him."

Welsh read--

"DEAR GEORGE,--I am just off for three weeks' holiday. Sorry for leaving
your practice, but I think it can look after itself till you return.

"You have only had two patients, and one fee between them. The second man
vanished mysteriously. I shall tell you about it when I come back. He
boned a bill, too, I fancy, but the story will keep.

"I am looking forward to hearing the true tale of your adventures. Good
luck to you.--Yours ever,

THOMAS BILLSON."

"Boned a bill?" exclaimed Welsh. "What bill, I wonder?"

"Something that came when I was away, I suppose. Hang it, I think Billson
might have looked after things better!"

"It sounds queer," said Welsh, reflectively; "I wonder what it was?"

"Confound Billson, he might have told me," observed the doctor. "But, I
say, you know we have something more practical to see to."

"Getting the man out again?"

"Yes."

"Well, let's have a little grub first."

Twiddel rang the bell, and the frowsy little maid entered, carrying a
letter on a tray.

"Dinner," said he.

"Please, sir," began the maid, holding out the tray, "this come for you
near a month agow, but Missis she bin and forgot to send it hafter you."

"Confound her!" said Twiddel, taking the letter.

He looked at the envelope, and remarked with a little start of nervous
excitement, "From Dr Congleton."

"News of Mr Beveridge," laughed Welsh.

The doctor read the first few lines, and then, as if he had got an
electric shock, the letter fell from his hand, and an expression of the
most utter and lively consternation came over his face.

"Heavens!" he ejaculated, "it's all up."

"What's up?" cried Welsh, snatching at the letter.

"He's run