be wanted at Marlborough Street Police Court to-morrow at
ten with regard to"--he referred to his note-book--"a charge against
Giuseppi Antonio Tolmenicino," said the inspector.

"Wot's 'e goin' to be charged with, assault an' battery?" enquired
Bindle curiously.

"Under the Defence of the Realm Act," replied the inspector.
"Documents were found on him."

Bindle whistled. "Well, I'm blowed! A spy! I never did trust them sort
o' whiskers," he muttered as he left the manager's room.

Five minutes later he left Napolini's for ever, whistling at the
stretch of his powers "So the Lodger Pawned His Second Pair of Boots."

CHAPTER XIII

THE RETURN OF CHARLIE DIXON

"Oh, Uncle Joe! Charlie's back, and he's going to take us out
to-night, and I'm so happy."

Bindle regarded the flushed and radiant face of Millie Hearty, who had
just rushed up to him and now stood holding on to his arm with both
hands.

"I thought I should catch you as you were going home," she cried.
"Uncle Joe, I--I think I want to cry."

"Well," remarked Bindle, "if you'll give your pore ole uncle a chance
to get a word in edgeways, 'e'd like to ask why you wants to cry."

"Because I'm so happy," cried Millie, dancing along beside him, her
hands still clasping his arm.

"I see," replied Bindle drily; "still, it's a funny sort o' reason for
wantin' to cry, Millikins;" and he squeezed against his side the arm
she had now slipped through his.

"You will come, Uncle Joe, won't you?" There was eager entreaty in her
voice. "We shall be at Putney Bridge at seven."

"I'm afraid I can't to-night, Millikins," replied Bindle. "I got a job
on."

"Oh, Uncle Joe!" The disappointment in Millie's voice was too obvious
to need the confirmation of the sudden downward droop of the corners
of her pretty mouth. "You _must_ come;" and Bindle saw a hint of tears
in the moisture that gathered in her eyes.

He coughed and blew his nose vigorously before replying.

"You young love-birds won't miss me," he remarked rather lamely.

"But we shan't go unless you do," said Millie with an air of decision
that was sweet to Bindle's ears, "and I've been so looking forward to
it. Oh, Uncle Joe! can't you really manage it just to please _meeee_?"

Bindle looked into the pleading face turned eagerly towards him, at
the parted lips ready to smile, or to pout their disappointment and,
in a flash, he realised the blank in his own life.

"P'raps 'is Nibs might like to