Slipping the newspaper clipping back into his pocket, Grimsby picked up three letters and read them through.  His smile was more pronounced, now, and the light of triumph gleamed in his eyes.  He felt proud of himself, and his chest slightly expanded with the spirit of importance.  “Gabriel Grimsby,” he said to himself, “you hold the trump-card all right this time.  You may be of no account, but you know a thing or two, and it’s up to you to make the most of your knowledge.  But, hello! here comes the sucker.”

Donaster left the hotel, and went at once to his lodging-place.  It was only occasionally that he went to the Fundy for his meals, and this evening was one of them.  He could not afford to go often, much as he would have liked to do so.  He had to be careful until he had secured Jess Randall, and then he could indulge himself to his heart’s content.  That he should eventually win her, he had not the slightest doubt.  Her father and mother were on his side, so what could a girl do against such a strong combination.  After this escapade she would, no doubt, be glad to return and obey their wish.  Thus he reasoned as he sat alone in his room that night.

A knock sounded upon the door, and when it was opened Grimsby entered.  He greeted Donaster in a free and easy manner, and without waiting for an invitation, sat down and helped himself from a package of cigarettes lying upon the table.  Donaster stared at him in amazement, for a minute dumbfounded by such unheard-of impudence.  Then he rose to his feet, and angrily approached the visitor.

“Who are you?” he demanded, “and how dare you come here?”

Grimsby smiled, flicked the ashes from his cigarette, and waved his hand.

“Don’t be afraid, sir; I won’t hurt you.  I’m as harmless as a dove.”

“H’m, I have no fear of you.  I want to know what you mean by your impudence in coming into my room unbidden?”

“Impudence!  Impudence, do you say?” and Grimsby assumed a look of astonishment.  “Why, I have a special right here.  I don’t need any invitation.”

Donaster stared at the intruder, uncertain whether to class him as a fool or a madman.  Grimsby divined his thoughts and his eyes twinkled more than ever.

“Yes,” he continued, “duty leads me into many places, and sometimes I receive rebuffs.  But when a man has a great mission, such as mine is, he bears all things patiently.  Patience is a great virtue, sir.  It is worthy of cultivation.”

“What in h——­ are you driving at?” Donaster roared.  “What has ‘mission’ and ‘patience’ to do with your visit here?  If you don’t explain at once I’ll kick you out of the room or have you arrested.”

“Go slow, young man, go slow.”  The smile passed suddenly from Grimsby’s face, and his eyes contracted.  “I am here on business, special business, and it concerns you.  Sit down, and I shall come to the point at once.  There, now, keep cool, and do as I say.  That’s better,” he added, when the angry man had reluctantly obeyed.  He leaned over and looked Donaster full in the eyes.