alarmed, as it was probably one of the chambermaids with clean towels, and that being unable to obtain admission, she had left them on the knob of the door.
He told me that he would be compelled to leave the city at eleven o'clock, and, as he had several things to attend to, if I wanted to send anything by him, it would be necessary for me to get it ready at once. I therefore seated myself to write, but, on a moment's reflection, came to the conclusion that the risk was too great, as he was not unlikely to be captured, and determined to give him a verbal message.
After discussing the situation with as much fulness as we were able, with the brief time at our disposal, I went to my trunk, and, getting an envelope, sealed twenty dollars in it, and handed it to him, as I knew that he must be short of money. He made some to do about taking it, but on my insisting, he put it in his pocket, with an effusion of thanks, and said farewell. I turned the gas in the hall down until I saw him out of sight, and then prepared myself for my interview with Colonel Baker.
On reaching the drawing-room, I found there the old gentleman who had been so attentive during the afternoon, and who was apparently waiting for me rather impatiently. We had scarcely started a conversation, however, before Baker came in, with a friend of his from Baltimore. I excused myself with my aged admirer with very little ceremony, and retired with Baker and his friend to the private parlor, where we could talk without being disturbed.
Baker has a Proposition to Make.
As we seated ourselves, Baker said to his friend, "This is one of the best little detectives in the country, but, unfortunately, she does not like the business."
"O, the business does well enough," I replied; "but I don't like having bad luck in it."
"We can't always have good luck, you know," said Baker; "but I have a job on hand now which I want you to under take for me, and which I think you can manage if you will do your best. If you succeed, you shall be paid handsomely."
"O, colonel, you are not going to hold out the pay as an inducement for me to serve the country, are you? " I could not say "my country."
"O, d—n the country ; you don't suppose we are going to
