overs his composure, in a measure; he goes to his
mother's room, and tells her the horrible news; he orders the servants
to be careful what they say in his sister's presence, and not to
approach Evan's room; then he tells the coachman to meet Mr. Lamotte,
who will come on the noon express, with the carriage. After which, he
swallows a glass of brandy; and, without waiting for breakfast, mounts
his horse and gallops madly townward.

Meantime, the fast express is steaming toward W----, bearing among its
human freight, Mr. Jasper Lamotte; and never has W---- seen upon his
usually serene face such a look as it now wears. It is harassed,
baffled, discontented, surly. He knows no one among the passengers, and
he sits aloof from his fellow travelers, making no effort to while away
the time, as travelers do.

As they near W----, however, he shakes off his dullness, and lays aside
his look of care; and when he steps upon the platform at W----, he is to
all appearance, the same smiling suave man, who went away three days
before.

There are several other passengers for W----, among whom we may see a
portly, dignified gentleman who looks to be somewhere in the forties,
and who evidently has a capital opinion of himself, and knows what he is
about. He is fashionably dressed, and wears a splendid diamond in his
shirt front. He carries in his hand a small valise, and asks for a
carriage to the best hotel.

Close behind him is another man, of a different stripe. He is a rakish
looking fellow, dressed in smart but cheap clothing. He carries in his
hand a small, square package, neatly strapped, and this alone would
betray his calling, were it not so obvious in his look and manner. The
"book fiend" has descended upon W----. He looks about him carelessly,
watches the portly gentleman as he is driven away in the carriage from
the W---- Hotel, sees Mr. Jasper Lamotte enter his landau, and drive
swiftly away, and then he trudges cheerily townward, swinging his packet
of books as he goes.

When they are out of sight of the gaping crowd about the depot, the
coachman, acting under Frank's orders, brings his horses to a walk, and,
turning upon his seat, addresses his master.

"I've dreadful news to tell you, sir; and Mr. Frank said to let you know
it quick, so as you could come there at once."

Jasper Lamotte stares in angry astonishment, scarcely taking in the
meaning of the none too lucid sentence.

"Well, sir," he says, shortly, "wha