“Do you really think so?”

“The whole affair is mysterious, and has to do with laws with which we are most imperfectly acquainted; but this seems to me a presumption worth acting upon.  Is there no one in the house on whom you could depend for assistance —­ for information, at least?”

“Yes.  There is the same old servant that Mrs. Elton had with her at Arnstead.  He is a steady old fellow, and has been very friendly with me.”

“Well, what I would advise is, that you should find yourself quarters as near the spot as possible; and, besides keeping as much of a personal guard upon the house as you can, engage the servant you mention to let you know, the moment the count makes his appearance.  It will probably be towards night when he calls, for such a man may have reasons as well as instincts to make him love the darkness rather than the light.  You had better go at once; and when you have found a place, leave or send the address here to me, and towards night-fall I will join you.  But we may have to watch for several days.  We must not be too sanguine.”

Almost without a word, Hugh went to do as Falconer said.  The only place he could find suitable, was a public-house at the corner of a back street, where the men-servants of the neighbourhood used to resort.  He succeeded in securing a private room in it, for a week, and immediately sent Falconer word of his locality.  He then called a second time at Mrs. Elton’s, and asked to see the butler.  When he came: 

“Irwan,” said he, “has Herr von Funkelstein called here to-day?”

“No, sir, he has not.”

“You would know him, would you not?”

“Yes, sir; perfectly.”

“Well, if he should call to-night, or to-morrow, or any time within the next few days, let me know the moment he is in the house.  You will find me at the Golden Staff, round the corner.  It is of the utmost importance that I should see him at once.  But do not let him know that any one wants to see him.  You shall not repent helping me in this affair.  I know I can trust you.”

Hugh had fixed him with his eyes, before he began to explain his wishes.  He had found out that this was the best way of securing attention from inferior natures, and that it was especially necessary with London servants; for their superciliousness is cowed by it, and the superior will brought to bear upon theirs.  It is the only way a man without a carriage has to command attention from such.  Irwan was not one of this sort.  He was a country servant, for one difference.  But Hugh made his address as impressive as possible.

“I will with pleasure, sir,” answered Irwan, and Hugh felt tolerably sure of him.

Falconer came.  They ordered some supper, and sat till eleven o’clock.  There being then no chance of a summons, they went out together.  Passing the house, they saw light in one upper window only.  That light would burn there all night, for it was in Euphra’s room.  They went on, Hugh accompanying Falconer in one of his midnight walks through London, as he had done repeatedly before.