THE_ two girls, on leaving the "Hawk's Nest" with their plunder, did
not pass from the narrow private alley into the small street at its
termination, but hurried along the way they had come, and re-entered the
restaurant by means of the gate opening into the yard. Through the back
door they gained a small, dark room, from which a narrow stairway led
to the second and third stories of the rear building. They seemed to be
entirely familiar with the place.

On reaching the third story, Pinky gave two quick raps and then a single
rap on a closed door. No movement being heard within, she rapped again,
reversing the order--that is, giving one distinct rap, and then two in
quick succession. At this the door came slowly open, and the two girls
passed in with their bundle of clothing and the traveling-bag.

The occupant of this room was a small, thin, well-dressed man,
with cold, restless gray eyes and the air of one who was alert and
suspicious. His hair was streaked with gray, as were also his full beard
and moustache. A diamond pin of considerable value was in his shirt
bosom. The room contained but few articles. There was a worn and faded
carpet on the floor, a writing-table and two or three chairs, and
a small bookcase with a few books, but no evidence whatever of
business--not a box or bundle or article of merchandise was to be seen.

As the two girls entered he, shut the door noiselessly, and turned the
key inside. Then his manner changed; his eyes lighted, and there was an
expression of interest in his face. He looked toward the bag and bundle.

Pinky sat down upon the floor and hurriedly unlocked the traveling-bag.
Thrusting in her hand, she drew out first a muslin nightgown and threw
it down, then a light shawl, a new barege dress, a pair of slippers,
collars, cuffs, ribbons and a variety of underclothing, and last of all
a small Bible and a prayer-book. These latter she tossed from her with a
low derisive laugh, which was echoed by her companion, Miss Peter.

The bundle was next opened, and the cloth sacque, the hat, the boots
and stockings and the collar and cuffs thrown upon the floor with the
contents of the bag.

"How much?" asked Pinky, glancing up at the man.

They were the first words that had been spoken. At this the man knit
his brows in an earnest way, and looked business. He lifted each article
from the floor, examined it carefully and seemed to be making a close
estimate of its value. The traveling-b