ches he knew so well how to make about the "state of
trade," "what travellers were passing," and "how the prospect looked
for the coming season,"--and then, when turning away, as if suddenly
recollecting himself, said:--

"By the way, Swindon, you are a cautious fellow, that a man may trust
with a secret--you know who the gentleman is that came with me?"

"No, sir; never saw him before. Indeed, I did not remark him closely."

"All the better, Swindon. He does not fancy anything like scrutiny. He
is Mr. Roland Cashel."

"Of Tubbermore, sir?"

"The same. Hush, man,--be cautious! He has come up here about a little
law business on which he desired to consult Mr. Hammond, and now we
have a document for signature, if you could only find us another person
equally discreet with yourself to be the witness, for these kind of
things, when they get about in the world, are misrepresented in a
thousand ways. Do you happen to have any confidential man here would
suit us?"

"If my head waiter, sir, Mr. Nipkin, would do; he writes an excellent
hand, and is a most reserved, cautious young man."

"Perfectly, Swindon; he'll do perfectly. Will you join us upstairs,
where my friend is in waiting? Pray, also, give Nipkin a hint not to
bestow any undue attention on Mr. Cashel, who wants to be _incog._ so
far as may be; as for yourself, Swindon, no hint is necessary."

A graceful bow from the landlord acknowledged the compliment, and he
hastened to give the necessary orders, while Linton continued his way to
the apartment where the Italian awaited him.

"Impatient for breakfast, I suppose, Giovanni?" said Linton, gayly, as
he entered. "Well? sit down, and let us begin. Already I have done more
than half the business which brought me here, and we may be on our way
back within an hour."

Giovanni seated himself at the table without any of that constraint a
sense of inferiority enforces, and began his breakfast in silence.

"You understand," said Linton, "that when you have written the name
'Roland Cashel,' and are asked if that be your act and deed, you have
simply to say 'Yes;' a bow--a mere nod, indeed--is sufficient."

"I understand," said he, thoughtfully, as if reflecting over the matter
with himself. "I conclude, then," added he, after a pause, "that the
sooner I leave the country afterwards, the better--I mean the safer--for
me."

"As to any positive danger," said Linton, affecting an easy
carelessness, "there is none. The