A London Adventure:

returned from his banker ' s yet ; but I presently saiv him emerging from behind a near cab , whence it instantly occurred to me that he had been Avatching my movements . We got in ancl drove toward my hotel . Presently a feeling came over me precisellike a bucket of eold Avater

y , that there was a ' skilfully played game to rob me . But no ; it could not be ; the thought lyas too . ugly ; I put it from me , —I was , not going to give up that hundred ponndsfso easily . But the feeling would comeback in . spite of ' meand gradually

, the stales fell from my eyes . AVith what a rude + shock I came down from the sevent ?! heaven of delight , whither the drugged ale and the benevolent impulse had sent me , to the unpalatable reality . I suddenly noticed it was raining and that

London looked its dismalest . I glanced at my companion , and quickly understood a peculiar look about the eyes he had had all that day—a sort of strained , furtive , half-excited look , such as one might have Avhen playing a risky and desperate game . I recalledtoohow he had approached

, , from behind that cab , and remembered that I had seen his legs beneath it as I came out of the bank . I recalled , also , with what caution ancl skill the Englishman had played his part , and the many little touches he had given itsuch as only a

, real artist would think of . AVell , said I to myself , this is my simple , pastoral Britisher , is it ? But how Avell he knows his business 1 What a master Avorkman .

and hoAv juicy and human ! My companion talked gayly , but evidently noticed a change in me . When we reached the hotel , he invited himself up to my room , to see my quarters , etc . As I was moving about , under one pretence or another , I caught his eye in the lass

ing tently watching me . HaA'ing taken the bank notes from my trunk , that I had come up for , we Avent down . I lingered in the hall long enough to tell the porter ¦ —a stout , soldierly looking fellow—that I wanted his services about au hour , and that I wished him to take a cab and follow

us , and when we alighted to alight also and enter , but a few moments later . I ivas determined to see the play out , but I did not want to be alone in that room again ivith those two men . As we rode along my thoughts ivere

busy . AVhat should be done ? Did I Avant to cause the arrest of these men , and have myself detained as a Avitness ? I thought not—that would spoil the farce ; it would not be the least bit of an artistic

finish . I was m their toils , but did not want to break out too rudely . I would give them a good hint , which I knew such artists would appreciate more than a kick , so , turning to my companion , I said : "Do you know , I belieA-e this a plan to rob us ?" " It can ' t be , can it ? " he replied , ivith an alarmed look .

" Yes , " said I , " it is ; that felloiv has accomplices , and he means to get our money . Do yon go armed ? " I continued . " No , said he , " clo you ?" " Always ; an American carries a pistol as much as he carries a jack-knife , and he isn ' t afraid to use it either . "

"So I have heard , " said the German , looking wistfully out of the carriage . " But you wouldn ' t shoot a man , would you ? " he inquired . " Let him try to rob me , " said I , " and you will see whether I will or not . " Just then the cab stopped at our

destination . As we got out I saw another cab stop about half a square from us . My companion made an excuse to step across the street , and I passed into the hall . Our simpleton was still there , apparently mellower than ever over his " ' ot Scotch . "

He asked Avhere my friend was , and as he did not immediately appear , said he would step out and hurry him up . The porter had by this time entered the room , though the bar-maid had tried to stop him , and ordered some ale . He glanced at me significantly as the Englishman went out

, ancl 1 felt pretty sure the play Avas over . AVe sipped our ale and waited , but no one returned . I went out and looked , but could see nothing of either of them . In about twenty minntes a large man opened the door , looked in as if he

expected to find some one ( 1 knew at a glance that it was the " banker " friend of the German , who bad come to play bis part ) , and then hastily withdreiv . AVe tarried some time longer , but it became apparent that my two confiding friends had unceremoniously deserted me , or had gone off and divided the poor fund between them ,