will."

Gammon's objections were unheeded. No one could take any harm, said
Lord Polperro, from driving in a closed cab to the City and back. He
would leave directions that if Greenacre called during their absence he
should be asked to wait. So they made ready and went forth, and once
more a hansom bore them through the dark, cold night.

Lord Polperro talked unceasingly, and from his rambling hints it was
not difficult to conjecture the business on which Greenacre had been
dispatched to Ireland. Someone had to be discovered: a doubt as to
whether some person was alive or dead had to be set at rest. Gammon
ventured a few questions, which were answered evasively, but the nature
of his companion's anxiety was by this time clear enough to him. He
felt quite as desirous of meeting Greenacre as Lord Polperro himself.
Every hour spent in this way added to his responsibility, and he had
made up his mind that at the earliest possible moment to-morrow he
would himself see Mr. Cuthbertson, and confide to him everything that
had happened during this extraordinary day.

As the cab ascended Ludgate Hill it passed through crowds of people
moving in the same direction. Gammon was for a moment surprised, then
he called to mind again that it was New Year's Eve; the people were
thronging to hear St. Paul's strike the hour of midnight. Last year he
had himself joined in this celebration. He remembered with a smile that
he reached home by circuitous routes, and after one or two short
intervals of repose on convenient doorsteps. What was more, on that
very night he had first made Greenacre's acquaintance at a bar; they
swore eternal brotherhood, and Greenacre borrowed half a sovereign,
never repaid.

With Gammon's help the cabman found his way to the Bilboes.

"Don't get out," he said to his companion. "I'll ask if he has come."

Lord Polperro suddenly aroused himself and tumbled out of the vehicle;
but for Gammon's attention he would have fallen full length. They
entered together, and by a confused process of inquiry learnt that
Greenacre was still absent.

"Does he live here?" Gammon asked of a waiter whom he had drawn aside.

"He has a bedroom, sir."

Lord Polperro said that he felt a sudden faintness and must take
refreshment. Having drunk, he began to talk in a loud voice about his
private affairs, addressing a stranger who sat by him and whom he took
for Gammon.

"I shall stay here. I shall certainly wait here for Greenacr