orming at York. Had, when she left London, one black box, and no
other luggage. Whoever will give such information as will restore her to
her friends shall receive the above Reward. Apply at the office of Mr.
Harkness, solicitor, Coney Street, York. Or to Messrs. Wyatt, Pendril,
and Gwilt, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, London."

Accustomed as Captain Wragge was to keep the completest possession of
himself in all hum an emergencies, his own profound astonishment, when
the course of his reading brought him to the mark on the linen of the
missing young lady, betrayed him into an exclamation of surprise which
even startled the ferryman. The traveler was less observant; his whole
attention was fixed on the opposite bank of the river, and he left the
boat hastily the moment it touched the landing-place. Captain Wragge
recovered himself, pocketed the handbill, and followed his leader for
the second time.

The stranger directed his steps to the nearest street which ran down
to the river, compared a note in his pocketbook with the numbers of the
houses on the left-hand side, stopped at one of them, and rang the bell.
The captain went on to the next house; affected to ring the bell, in his
turn, and stood with his back to the traveler--in appearance, waiting
to be let in; in reality, listening with all his might for any scraps
of dialogue which might reach his ears on the opening of the door behind
him.

The door was answered with all due alacrity, and a sufficiently
instructive interchange of question and answer on the threshold rewarded
the dexterity of Captain Wragge.

"Does Mr. Huxtable live here?" asked the traveler.

"Yes, sir," was the answer, in a woman's voice.

"Is he at home?"

"Not at home now, sir; but he will be in again at eight to-night."

"I think a young lady called here early in the day, did she not?"

"Yes; a young lady came this afternoon."

"Exactly; I come on the same business. Did she see Mr. Huxtable?"

"No, sir; he has been away all day. The young lady told me she would
come back at eight o'clock."

"Just so. I will call and see Mr. Huxtable at the same time."

"Any name, sir?"

"No; say a gentleman called on theatrical business--that will be enough.
Wait one minute, if you please. I am a stranger in York; will you kindly
tell me which is the way to Coney Street?"

The woman gave the required information, the door closed, and the
stranger hastened away in the direction of Coney Street.