When Rudolph reached the sidewalk he stopped to reflect on the meaning of the advertisement.

Perhaps it’s a trap,” he thought. “Perhaps after so many years they want to punish me. Shall I go?”

His hesitation was only temporary.

Ten minutes’ walk brought him to Nassau street. He ascended to the proper floor, opened the door of No. 1,503, and found himself in a lawyer’s office. A tall man of forty was seated at a desk.

Well,” he said, “what can I do for you, sir?”

The address was not very cordial, for Rudolph did not have the look of one likely to be a profitable client.

Are you Mr. Jacob Morris, attorney-at-law?”

“That is my name.”

“I am Rudolph Rugg.”

“Rudolph Rugg!” exclaimed the lawyer briskly, jumping from his chair. “You don’t say so. I am very glad to see you. Take a chair, please.”

Reassured by this reception, Rudolph took the seat indicated.

So you saw my advertisement?”

“Yes, sir. I only saw it this morning.”

“It has been inserted for the last two weeks, daily. How happens it that you did not see it sooner?”

“I have been away from the city. It was only an accident that I happened to see it to-day.”

“A lucky accident, Mr. Rugg.”

“I hope it is, sir, for I’ve been out of luck. What is the business, sir?”

“My business has been to find you.”

“What for?”

“For a client of mine—an English lady.”

“A lady?” ejaculated the tramp.

Yes.”

“Who is it?”

“I suppose I am at liberty to tell. The lady is Mrs. Harvey Middleton, of Middleton Hall, England.”

A peculiar expression swept over Rudolph’s face, but he only said:

“I have heard the name of Harvey Middleton. Is—is the lady in New York?”

“Yes; she is staying at the St. Regis Hotel.”

“And she wants to find me?”

“Yes. She authorized me to seek you out.”

“Well,” said Rudolph, “what next?”

“I shall at once send a messenger to Mrs. Middleton, and await her orders. You will stay here.”

He went to the door, and called “John” in a loud voice.

Look here,” said Rudolph, suspiciously. “Just tell me one thing. There ain’t any trap, is there?”

“Trap, my good friend? What can you mean?”

“You ain’t sending for the police?”

“To be sure not. Besides, why should a gentleman like you fear the police?”

“Oh, that’s all gammon. I do fear the police uncommon. But if you tell me it’s all on the square, I’ll believe you.”

“On my honor, then, it’s all on the square, as you call it. No harm whatever is designed you. Indeed, I have reason to think that you will make considerable money out of it. Now, hark ye, my friend, a word in confidence. We can do each other good.”

“Can we?” asked the tramp.

Yes, and I’ll tell you how. This la............