will leave your address with me, I will communicate with you further on the subject.'

Joanna Melvill was highly gratified at the step Hovingham had taken, for she felt that so long as Louis Cambesi was at large, she would never know a moment's peace.

Every endeavour to arrest Cambesi failed; instead of getting into the carriage that was about to start for Brussels, he took possession of his bag, changed his frock-coat, trousers, and travelling cap for a peasant's blouse, trousers and glazed hat; got into a thirdclass carriage, and travelled in the same train which conveyed his two victims-Hovingham and Miss Melvill-to Cologne.

CHAPTER XIV.

Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides."
SHAKESPEARE.

A FEW days after Lord Hovingham's return from his unsuccessful visit to Rankston, Harry Northam received a note from Chesterford asking him to appoint an early hour when he could have an interview with him on most important business. Nine o'clock was named, and, punctual to the moment, Charley was ushered into Captain Northam's lodgings in King Street, St. James's.

"I was present," said Chesterford, "at the trial, and dined afterwards with a friend of Lord Hovingham's junior counsel. In the course of conversation, something oozed out that confirmed my suspicion that Miss Melvill was at the bottom of the whole affair."

"Too late, I fear, now, responded Nor

*Plaited-doubled.

tham, "to take any further steps. I have been nearly ruined by the proceeding. What is worse, my prospects are in a sad state. If I don't get the appointment, my marriage inust, I fear, be broken off."

"Wait a minute, my fine fellow, until I've spun my yarn. You recollect the Astrologer at Mrs. Clarendon's masquerade?"

"Perfectly well, and, if I remember right, I carried off a remnant of his dress, which I have kept for good luck?"

"Yes, such is the case. Have you still got it?"

"I fancy I have put it away in my writing-case, and there it probably is; but what has that to do with the case ?"

"Listen; you recollect Miss Melvill leaving me at the door of the ladies' cloak room, and that I did not meet her again until just before supper?"

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Yes, I heard her tax you with not waiting for her."

"Was she not rather anxious to get the remnant of the dress?"

"She certainly asked me for it."

"And after a time no Astrologer was to beseen ? "

"Not that I am aware of."

Well, then, putting two and two together, I have come to the conclusion that Miss Melvill was the Astrologer."

"But could she have changed her dress so expeditiously, for I certainly saw her a few minutes after she had spoken to me in her dress as the Priestess ?."

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'Nothing so easy; she might have had the Astrologer's dress over the other, and could easily have doffed one and donned the other; it is constantly done at masquerades."

"Now we must lose no time; I fancy I'm on the right scent, and will run our quarry down. Will you accompany me to Jacob'sthe costumier?"

"Then order a hansom; and, of course, you'll come back and breakfast with me ?"

"All right."

Before reaching the costumiers, Charley said

"You must not utter a word; all you have got to do is to keep your ears and your eyes open."

"Is Mr. David Jacobs at home?" enquired Charley, as he entered the shop.

"You will find him in the inner room," responded a youth of very Israelitish appearance.

The two entered, and found the object of their search busily employed in arranging some sham jewels for a regal coronet.

"Good morning, Mr. Chesterford; can I show you anything?" asked Mr. Jacobs. "I am going to give you a very small order," responded Chesterford.

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Any order of yours will be duly attended to. I look upon you, Mr. Chesterford, as one of my best customers. Perhaps that gentleman requires a dress-I beg your pardon, Captain Northam, I believe. Ah, that was a splendid.

VOL. III.

P