blown by the wind.

"Miss Billy, Miss Billy, what can this mean?" gasped the man. "Where is
Mrs. Stetson?"

"At Mrs. Hartwell's--you know she is giving a reception to-night. But
come, we must hurry! I'm after Mr. Bertram."

"After Mr. Bertram!"

"Yes, yes."

"Alone?--like this?"

"But I'm not alone now; I have you. Don't you see?"

At the blank stupefaction in the man's face, the girl sighed
impatiently.

"Dear me! I suppose I'll have to explain; but we're losing time--and we
mustn't--we mustn't!" she cried feverishly. "Listen then, quick. It was
at Mrs. Hartwell's tonight. I'd been watching Mr. Bertram. He was
with that horrid Mr. Seaver, and I never liked him, never! I overheard
something they said, about some place they were going to, and I didn't
like what Mr. Seaver said. I tried to speak to Mr. Bertram, but I didn't
get a chance; and the next thing I knew he'd gone with that Seaver man!
I saw them just in time to snatch my cloak and follow them."

"FOLLOW them! MISS BILLY!"

"I had to, Pete; don't you see? There was no one else. Mr. Cyril and
Uncle William had gone--home, I supposed. I sent back word by the maid
to Aunt Hannah that I'd gone ahead; you know the carriage was ordered
for eleven; but I'm afraid she won't have sense to tell Aunt Hannah, she
looked so dazed and frightened when I told her. But I COULDN'T wait to
say more. Well, I hurried out and caught up with Mr. Bertram just as
they were crossing Arlington Street to the Garden. I'd heard them say
they were going to walk, so I knew I could do it. But, Pete, after I got
there, I didn't dare to speak--I didn't DARE to! So I just--followed.
They went straight through the Garden and across the Common to Tremont
Street, and on and on until they stopped and went down some stairs, all
marble and lights and mirrors. 'Twas a restaurant, I think. I saw just
where it was, then I flew back here to telephone for Uncle William. I
knew HE could do something. But--well, you know the rest. I had to take
you. Now come, quick; I'll show you."

"But, Miss Billy, I can't! You mustn't; it's impossible," chattered old
Pete. "Come, let me take ye home, Miss Billy, do!"

"Home--and leave Mr. Bertram with that Seaver man? No, no!"

"What CAN ye do?"

"Do? I can get him to come home with me, of course."

The old man made a despairing gesture and looked about him as if for
help. He saw then the curious, questioning eyes on all sides; and with a
quick change of