ature of your
loss. It is not natural to expect one to dismiss such a consideration in
order to make way for others which might help you in your search.

"On my part, the incident is new and stimulating, but the ideas it
awakens lead to nothing. However, I should not regard the case as
impossible until I had tried at least one means of solution."

"What is that?" demanded Raikes, diverted, if not convinced, by the
sensible observations of his nephew.

"You have heard of Gratz?" inquired Robert.

"Of the secret service?"

"Yes."

"Ah!" cried the old man; "to submit the case to him means another in the
secret, with little prospect of advantage."

"I am not so sure about that," returned Robert. "Do you recall the
Dupont mystery?"

Raikes nodded.

"Well," continued Robert, "you must also remember the Belmont scandal.
Gratz certainly let daylight into that."

"Ah," cried Raikes, "I do not like your suggestions; they encourage me
and alarm me at the same time. Think of the cost."

Irritated at the intrusion of this frugal proviso at this juncture,
Robert exclaimed with some warmth: "Yes, but think, also, how
insignificant that would be if he discovered the thief and recovered the
money."

"If--if----" repeated Raikes with impatience.

"And I can say this," continued Robert: "It is the ambition of Gratz to
be appointed chief of the bureau to which he belongs. Whatever can be
placed to his credit in the meantime will serve as an additional reason
for his advancement.

"I believe that he would be more persuaded to undertake the case with
this prospect in view than for a mercenary reason."

"But," interrupted Raikes, "can you get him?"

"I think I can answer for that," replied Robert. "I know him very well.
If you will consent to leave the matter in my hands, I will attend to
Gratz."

"Well," exclaimed Raikes, as Robert concluded, "have it your own way;
anything is better than this killing suspense. I do not believe that I
could endure a repetition of the incidents of the last few nights. But
return the bags before you go, and shut the radiator; it will lock in
closing."

When Robert at last reached the dining-room he discovered his aunt at
the table, seated opposite the Sepoy.

Instructing the spinster to resume her vigil until his return, Robert
proceeded to his own table, and from that point of observation occupied
himself, during the next twenty minutes, partly with his breakfast and
partly in regar