thecertainty that his missing friend had visited Raleigh Mansions, and thenecessity there was for exploiting every line of inquiry, impelled himto adopt this last resource.

"It is not concerning a missing lady, but concerning a missing gentlemant hat I have come to see you."

The shot went home.

Why, for the life of him, he could not tell, but his companion wasmanifestly disturbed at his words.

"Oh," she said.

Then, after a little pause: "May I ask his name?"

"Certainly. He is known as Mr. Sydney H. Corbett."

She gave a slight gasp.

"Why do you put it in that way? Is not that his right name?"

"I have reason to believe it is not."

Mrs. Hillmer was so obviously distressed that Bruce inwardly reviledhimself for causing her so much unnecessary suffering. In allprobability, the source of her emotion had not the remotest bearingupon his quest.

Then came the pertinent query, after a glance at his card, which shestill held in her hand:

"Who are you, Mr.--Mr. Claude Bruce?"

"I am a member of the Bar, of the Inner Temple. My chambers are No. 7Paper Buildings, and my private residence is given there."

"And why are you interested in Mr. Sydney Corbett?"

"Ah, in that respect I am at this moment unable to enlighten you."

"Unable, or unwilling?"

He indulged in a quiet piece of fencing:

"Really, Mrs. Hillmer," he said, "I am not here as in any sense hostileto you. I merely want some detailed information with regard to thisgentleman, information which you may be able to give me. That is all."

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