chance that offers, to plunge boldly into every opening, and,

keeping the eye wary and the head composed, to study and piece

together all that happens? Come, promise: let me open to you the

doors of the great profession of intrigue.'

'It is not much in my way,' said Challoner, 'but, since you make a

point of it, amen.'

'I don't mind promising,' said Desborough, 'but nothing will happen

to me.'

'O faithless ones!' cried Somerset. 'But at least I have your

promises; and Godall, I perceive, is transported with delight.'

'I promise myself at least much pleasure from your various

narratives,' said the salesman, with the customary calm polish of

his manner.

'And now, gentlemen,' concluded Somerset, 'let us separate. I

hasten to put myself in fortune's way. Hark how, in this quiet

corner, London roars like the noise of battle; four million

destinies are here concentred; and in the strong panoply of one

hundred pounds, payable to the bearer, I am about to plunge into

that web.'

CHALLONER'S ADVENTURE: THE SQUIRE OF DAMES

Mr. Edward Challoner had set up lodgings in the suburb of Putney,

where he enjoyed a parlour and bedroom and the sincere esteem of

the people of the house. To this remote home he found himself, at

a very early hour in the morning of the next day, condemned to set

forth on foot. He was a young man of a portly habit; no lover of

the exercises of the body; bland, sedentary, patient of delay, a

prop of omnibuses. In happier days he would have chartered a cab;

but these luxuries were now denied him; and with what courage he

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