phyrs, clambered in his crablike way next the driver. They started.

"What induced you to come to-night?" Paul asked.

"We saw the announcement in the newspapers," replied Jane. "Barney Bill
said the Mr. Paul Savelli could, be no one else but you. I said it
couldn't."

"Why?" he asked sharply.

"There are heaps of people of the same name."

"But you didn't think I was equal to it?"

She laughed a short laugh. "That's just how you used to talk. You
haven't changed much."

"I hope I haven't," replied Paul earnestly. "And I don't think you've
changed either."

"Very little has happened to change me," said Jane.

The cab lumbered on through dull, dimly lit, residential roads. Only by
the swinging gleam of an occasional street lamp could Paul distinguish
the faces of his companions. "I hope you're on our side, Mr. Finn," he
said politely to his host, who sat on the small back seat.

"I don't disagree with much that you said to-night. But you are on the
side of wealth and aristocracy. I am on the side of the downtrodden and
oppressed."

"But so am I," cried Paul. "The work of every day of my life tends to
help them."

"You're a Conservative and I'm a Radical."

"What do labels matter? We're both attacking the same problem, only
from different angles."

"Very likely, Mr. Savelli; but you'll pardon me if, according to my
political creed, I regard your angle as an obtuse one."

Paul wondered greatly who he could be, this grave, intelligent friend
of Barney Bill's, who spoke with such dignity and courtesy. In his
speech was a trace of rough accent; but his words were chosen with
precision.

"You think we glance off, whereas your attack is more direct," laughed
Paul.

"That is so. I hope you don't mind my saying it. You were the
challenger."

"I was. But anyhow we're not going to be enemies."

"God forbid," said Mr. Finn.

Presently the cab stopped before a fairly large detached house standing
back from the road. A name which Paul could not decipher was painted on
the top bar of the gate. They trooped through and up some steps to the
front door, which Mr. Finn opened with his latchkey. The first
impression that Paul had on entering a wide vestibule was a blaze of
gilt frames containing masses of bright, fresh paint. A parlour-maid
appeared, and helped with hats and coats.

"We are having a very simple supper, Mr. Savelli. Will you join us?"
said Mr. Finn.

"With the greatest pleasure," said Paul.