One or two men sat reading newspapers about a green-shaded lamp on the centre table, but Bobby didn't see Paredes at first.

He would tell Robinson, therefore, everything he knew, from the party with Maria and Paredes in New York, through his unconscious wanderings around the house on the night of the first murder, to the moment when Graham had stopped his somnambulistic excursion down the stairs.

In that event his administration would have been considered but a mere constitutional continuance of the Government of General Herrera, and the refusal of the latter to receive our minister would have been deemed conclusive unless an intimation had been given by General Paredes of his desire to reverse the decision of his predecessor.

Five days after the date of Mr. Slidell's note General Herrera yielded the Government to General Paredes without a struggle, and on the 30th of December resigned the Presidency.

"You've known Paredes for a long time, Bobby, but I don't think you've ever told me how you met him.

At the top Bobby found Paredes at his side.

Bobby from his hiding place could see Paredes on the threshold, yawning and holding a cigarette in his fingers.

" Rawlins hadn't forgotten the sense of fellowship sprung from the pursuit of Paredes through the forest.

He was persuaded to accompany her and Paredes to the music hall.

Without waiting for an answer he followed Paredes from the room.

Paredes in his unemotional way expressed an equal curiosity.

Paredes with a tender solicitude had helped Maria to the waiting automobile.

If they haven't heard from her it's a safe guess she's playing a deep game, connected with the crying, and the light at the deserted house, and the disappearance of Paredes before dawn.