pendently, and the detection of one could not lead
to what the others were doing.

But what astonished and bothered the Russian police was the simple
perfection to which the Nihilists had been reduced in their way of
working, showing unmistakably that a skillful organizer was at their
head.

The great mystery surrounding everything completely baffled the Russian
police, and though they half suspected Barnwell, they were not able to
bring anything home to him, and he all the while maintained the
appearance of a rich cosmopolitan, and if they followed him in his many
journeyings they were unable to see that he was doing more than
traveling for pleasure.

One day, while riding in "Unter Linden," who should he meet but Mr.
Clark and his beautiful daughter riding in the opposite direction, but
he was so changed that neither of them recognized him, although looking
directly at him.

Laura Clark was also somewhat changed, but by her being in her father's
company, Barnwell came to the conclusion that she was yet unmarried, and
had most likely proved true to their betrothal, nearly three years
before.

He was determined to present himself, and so ordered his coachman to
turn about and follow their carriage.

In a few moments it stopped in front of a fashionable hotel, which they
entered, and were soon lost to sight.

Calling a servant, he told him to take his card to Mr. Clark, and
quietly waited in the parlor for a reply.

Presently that gentleman came down with the card in his hand, and a look
of inquiry on his face.

"Mr. Clark, you do not recognize me," said he, rising.

"No, not as a young American gentleman, bearing the name of William
Barnwell, whom I met some three or four years ago," said the old man.

"Well, sir, I am the same individual."

"Indeed, but you have greatly changed."

There was an unmistakable coolness visible in Mr. Clark's conduct
towards him, but he readily understood why it was so, for after
betrothing himself to his daughter he had disappeared mysteriously, and
given no sign.

"Well, sir, when you learn what I have been through since last we met,
you will not wonder at the change in me. Is Laura well?"

Mr. Clark looked at him a moment without making any reply, then
beckoning him to follow, led the way to their parlors.

"Are you sure she will welcome me, sir?"

"That will depend; Laura, please come this way a moment," he called.

"Yes, papa, dear, what is it?" she asked, as sh