Deep in such reflections, he trudged along through the rain, scarce noting where his steps were leading him, for all roads were alike to-night.  His natural inclinations presently dictated a halt at a brilliantly lighted public house; and, taking off his hat to shake some of the moisture from it, he replaced it on his head and entered the saloon lounge.

The place proved to be fairly crowded, principally with local tradesmen whose forefathers had toiled for Pharaoh; and conveying his glass of whisky to a marble-topped table in a corner comparatively secluded, Soames sat down for a consideration of past, present, and future; an unusual mental exercise.  Curiously enough, he had lost something of his old furtiveness; he no longer examined, suspiciously, every stranger who approached his neighborhood; for as the worshipers of old came by the gate of Fear into the invisible presence of Moloch, so he—­of equally untutored mind—­had entered the presence of Mr. King!  And no devotee of the Ammonite god had had greater faith in his potent protection than Soames had in that of his unseen master.  What should a servant of Mr. King fear from the officers of the law?  How puny a thing was the law in comparison with the director of that secret, powerful, invulnerable organization whereof to-day he (Soames) formed an unit!

Then, oddly, the old dormant cowardice of the man received a sudden spurring, and leaped into quickness.  An evening paper lay upon the marble top of the table, and carelessly taking it up, Soames, hitherto lost in imaginings, was now reminded that for more than a week he had lain in ignorance of the world’s doings.  Good Heavens! how forgetful he had been!  It was the nepenthe of the catacombs.  He must make up for lost time and get in touch again with passing events:  especially he must post himself up on the subject of... the murder....

The paper dropped from his hands, and, feeling himself blanch beneath his artificial tan, Soames, in his old furtive manner, glanced around the saloon to learn if he were watched.  Apparently no one was taking the slightest notice of him, and, with an unsteady hand, he raised his glass and drained its contents.  There, at the bottom of the page before him, was the cause of this sudden panic; a short paragraph conceived as follows:—­

REPORTED ARREST OF SOAMES

It is reported that a man answering to the description of Soames, the butler wanted in connection with the Palace Mansions outrage, has been arrested in Birmingham.  He was found sleeping in an outhouse belonging to Major Jennings, of Olton, and as he refused to give any account of himself, was handed over, by the gentleman’s gardener, to the local police.  His resemblance to the published photograph being observed, he was closely questioned, and although he denies being Luke Soames, he is being held for further inquiry.