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what has happened here, but the town seems to be full of trouble. I must find somewhere to sleep." The tones of his voice evidently calmed the stranger's fears, for he replied in much milder tones---- "Are you alone?" "Quite," replied Helmar. "Very well then, wait a moment," and the head disappeared and he heard footsteps descending the stairs. The next moment the door was cautiously opened, and the burly figure of a man stood in the dark uninviting passage. "Quick, come in," he said in hurried tones, "there _is_ trouble about, and we don't want more; this house is supposed to be deserted." George stepped in quickly, and the door was closed behind him. The man bolted and barred it as though the place was in a state of siege. "Step this way," he said, evidently relieved at having got him safely in and the door secured. Helmar followed the man to the end of the passage, where, flinging open another door, his host ushered him into a well-lighted room. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "another guest. I hope there is no objection?" At the sight of the new-comer several men rose from their seats and looked earnestly at him. The room in which Helmar found himself was part of the bar of one of the many cheap cafes of this neighbourhood. It was filled by a number of men and women of all nationalities, seated at various small tables scattered round the room. The room itself was innocent of all attempts at decoration; the walls showed its dirty plaster, the rough floor was sanded, and the worn and cheerless tables and benches were polished with the dirt of ages. The atmosphere reeked with the smell of tobacco and coffee, and, as he stepped in, bowing to the assembled company, Helmar could not help feeling a strong desire to open a window. After their scrutiny, the occupants, one by one, resumed their seats, and George felt that they were mutely asking him for an explanation. As fugitives they were naturally suspicious of strangers, and he was about to speak, when he saw a slight figure step from an obscure corner. In a moment his eyes glistened, and an exclamation rose to his lips as he almost jumped forward and grasped the hand of his old chum Osterberg. CHAPTER X THE MEETING OF FRIENDS George was simply thunderstruck. It seemed almost miraculous that he should meet his bosom friend in such a place and under such circumstances. T
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