, he had a good deal
of the gentleman in him. Probably were we able to dig out his ancestry,
we should find he came of excellent parentage. He's a gentleman gone
wrong."

"It's a pity."

"It's worse than that, Mr. Burton. It is a tragedy," declared Corrigan,
as he and Christopher went out.

CHAPTER XI

THE SEQUEL TO THE LETTER

One hundred eighty-four Speedwell Street proved to be a trim, well-kept
apartment leased by a clerk in one of the large dry-goods houses and
occupied by himself, his wife, his sister and two children. The family
was of French descent and was thrifty and respectable. In order to make
both ends of their slender income meet they had taken as a boarder Mr.
Carlton (alias Stuart) whom they had found to be a delightful addition
to the household.

"Yes, indeed! We know Monsieur Carlton well," replied the pretty little
wife in response to Corrigan's inquiries. "He is charming. Such a
gentleman and so kind to the children! But he is away just now. In fact,
we have heard nothing from him for several days and were becoming a
trifle worried by his silence. I hope no ill has befallen him."
Apprehensively her eye traveled with questioning gaze over the
inspector's blue uniform.

"I am afraid your boarder will not be back for some time," responded he
not unkindly.

"Something has happened to him then. _Mon Dieu!_ I am sorry--sorry! The
children will break their hearts crying. Has he been hurt? Or maybe he
is ill?"

"No, it is nothing of that sort. Later I will explain it all to you. He
sent us to get something he had left here."

"To be sure. Come in, won't you? Ah, I am glad he is not sick! See, this
is his room. We gave him our best one because he liked it and could
pay."

"May I bring in some men who accompanied me?" asked Corrigan gently.

"Surely! Whatever you wish you may do since you are Mr. Carlton's
friend. But I do not at all understand what is the trouble. Can't you--"

"By and by, madam, you shall know."

"It must, of course, be as you wish," agreed the tiny French woman with
a smile. "I know nothing about it. Why should I interfere? Will you and
your companions please step this way?" Then with surprise, "What, more
police?"

"Yes. But you must not be afraid," the inspector declared reassuringly.
"We want nothing of you. Only what Mr.--"

"Carlton--"

"Mr. Carlton sent us to secure," concluded Corrigan.

"Eh, _bien_! Enter then. This is the way. It is here Mr. Carlt