ed several
breaches of discipline, and it could not go on. He must be found, of
course; and then, if you take my advice, you will let him live an
out-of-door life. Send him abroad. He is just the type that is wanted
in the colonies. Now I'll send for Young, and you can question him as
you please."

Mr Young, however, had no light to throw upon the subject; neither had
Barney's special companions among the clerks, who were interviewed in
their turn. The lad had left the office alone, so that the identity of
his companion still remained a mystery, which the tobacconist alone
could solve. The two therefore made their way to the little shop, where
Madge's sketch was displayed in all its glory in the window, but neither
brother nor friend had the heart to laugh at it to-day. The tinkling
bell announced their entrance to the proprietor, and they lost no time
in telling him the object of their visit. Two young gentlemen had been
in the habit of visiting his shop and asking his advice on racing
matters, their last call happening the night before, somewhere about
five o'clock. The younger of the two was tall, dark, and handsome; for
private reasons his friends were anxious to interview his companion.
Who was he, and where employed?

Did the man know or did he not? He professed utter ignorance, but there
was a slyness on his face which did not escape the notice of his
questioners. A number of gentlemen came to his shop; sometimes they did
happen to talk of a race if it was near at hand; but he never inquired a
customer's name. Gentlemen wouldn't like it. Couldn't say for certain
that he remembered the two just mentioned.

"The man lies. We will waste no more time on him," said the Hermit
sternly as he turned away from the door. "Go back to your office,
Charrington, and leave me to see the police and put an advertisement in
the papers. That is all that we can do at the moment, though I shall
not rest until I have tracked that unknown friend. He will probably be
able to tell us more than any one else. I'll think out a plan of action
for the next few days. This is my business as well as yours; for the
boy has been like a young brother to me this last year."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking back on the days which followed Barney's disappearance, the
Charringtons were often puzzled to understand how they endured the
strain and suspense, and marvelled at their ow