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Simplified JavaScript for Very
Important Programmers
The Fast Track to Mastering Essential
JavaScript Concepts

Ebenezer Don
This book is for sale at http://leanpub.com/vip-javascript

This version was published on 2023-03-10

This is a Leanpub book. Leanpub empowers authors and

publishers with the Lean Publishing process. Lean Publishing is
the act of publishing an in-progress ebook using lightweight tools
and many iterations to get reader feedback, pivot until you have
the right book and build traction once you do.

© 2023 Ebenezer Don

Contents

Getting The Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

What is JavaScript and How Does it Work? . . . . . . . . 3

How Does JavaScript Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
History of JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Differences Between JavaScript and HTML/CSS . . . . . 5
Uses of JavaScript across multiple fields . . . . . . . . . . 6

How to write and run JavaScript code . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Using a web browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using an online code editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using an offline code editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

JavaScript syntax and Data types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Comments in JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Basic conditional statements (If-else) . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Variables in JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Variable declaration and assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Variable naming rules and conventions . . . . . . . . . . 22

Basic JavaScript operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

CONTENTS

Arithmetic operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Concatenation operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assignment operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Comparison operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Logical operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
How to define functions in JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The return keyword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Function Parameters vs Arguments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
More on the return statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Anonymous functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Multi-line return statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Arrow Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Functions best practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
JavaScript String Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
JS Math functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Declaring and Initializing Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Accessing and modifying Array Elements . . . . . . . . . 49
Array Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Array Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Higher Order Functions (HOFs) and Callbacks . . . . . . . 58

Creating Higher-order functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Built-in HOFs and Array Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
The JavaScript Timing methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

JavaScript Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rules and Guidelines for creating objects . . . . . . . . . 77
Adding, modifying and Removing Properties . . . . . . . 82
Object.prototype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Object methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Object destructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
CONTENTS

Conditional Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Else-if statements in JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Nested if statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
The Switch statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
The ternary operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
The for Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
The for...in loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
The for...of loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
The while Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
The do...while Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

The Document Object Model (DOM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Accessing the DOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Modifying DOM Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Removing elements from the DOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Traversing the DOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

How to include JavaScript in an HTML file . . . . . . . . . 153

Writing JavaScript in the HTML file (inline JavaScript) . 153
Creating a separate JavaScript file (external JavaScript) . 154
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Browser Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Event Object Properties and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Browser Event types and listeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Keyboard Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Form Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Window Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Browser Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Cookies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
LocalStorage and SessionStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
CONTENTS

Building A Todo List App with JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . 178

Using HTML to structure our app . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Using JavaScript to add functionality to our app . . . . . 179
Rendering saved tasks to the browser . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Adding tasks to the list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Marking tasks as complete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Removing Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Asynchronous JavaScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

What is Asynchronous JavaScript? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Promise Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Making HTTP Requests with Promises and the Fetch API 202
Async/Await . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Working with Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Creating a Date Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Getting the Date and Time Components . . . . . . . . . . 214
Setting the Date and Time Components . . . . . . . . . . 216
Formatting Dates and Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Final Thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

 Getting The Book
I’m thrilled that you’re interested in this book! To get your hands on
a legitimate copy, I highly recommend visiting vipjavascript.com*,
Leanpub.com/vip-javascript† or selar.co/vip-javascript‡.
By purchasing from the official websites, you’ll receive access to the
latest updates and corrections, and you’ll be supporting my hard
work as an author.
I kindly ask that you refrain from sharing or pirating the book.
I’ve put in countless hours of work, and it’s important that I’m
compensated for my efforts.
Thank you for your support, and happy reading!
*https://vipjavascript.com
†https://leanpub.com/vip-javascript
‡https://selar.co/vip-javascript
 Introduction
“Simplified JavaScript for Very Important Programmers” is a re-
freshing and practical guide for beginners who want to master ev-
ery essential aspect of JavaScript. In this book, I offer a streamlined
approach to learning JavaScript with relatable real-life examples
that make the concepts easy to understand, even for those without
programming experience.
I’ve divided this book into two parts. The first part is designed
for everyone learning JavaScript, and the second part focuses on
using JavaScript on the web, building on the foundational concepts
covered in the first part.
I’ve written everything in clear and concise language, making it
easy for everyone to follow along and grasp. Whether you’re a
student, an entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in program-
ming, this book will guide you through the essential concepts of
JavaScript with ease and efficiency.
From variables and operators to loops, functions and objects,
we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a competent
JavaScript programmer. The examples and exercises throughout
this book are designed to reinforce your learning and help you
apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
If you’re looking for a practical and enjoyable way to learn
JavaScript, you’re reading the perfect book.
 What is JavaScript and
How Does it Work?
JavaScript is a programming language that was initially developed
as a means to add dynamic and interactive elements to websites.
Today, it is one of the most popular programming languages in
the world and is used for a wide range of applications, including
web development, mobile app development, server-side scripting,
machine learning, game development, and more. When learning
web development, it is essential to understand how JavaScript
works and how you can use it to build dynamic websites and add
interactivity to your web pages.
JavaScript is a dynamically-typed language, which means that you
can use it to store different types of information without telling
the computer what you’ll put there ahead of time. Since you don’t
have to keep track of so many rules, it’s usually easier to read
and write JavaScript than other programming languages like C++,
Java, or Rust. However, this also means that you can make mistakes
that are hard to catch, so it’s important to be careful when writing
JavaScript code.
JavaScript is often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to
create interactive and dynamic websites. One of its main features
is its ability to manipulate and interact with web pages; it can be
used to change the content and layout of a webpage, respond to user
input, and communicate with servers to retrieve and update data.
So, while HTML provides the structure and content of a webpage,
and CSS defines its style and layout, JavaScript adds behavior and
interactivity.
What is JavaScript and How Does it Work? 4

How Does JavaScript Work?

When a JavaScript program is run, the computer reads the code and
follows its instructions.
In the case of web development, JavaScript is usually run in a
web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. When you
open a webpage that contains JavaScript, your browser reads the
JavaScript code and uses it to interact with and modify the content
of the webpage, its layout, and its behavior.
You can also use JavaScript in other contexts like mobile app
development and server-side programming, in which case, the
JavaScript code is run on a different type of device or platform, but
the process of executing the code is similar.
One thing to note is that JavaScript is an interpreted language,
meaning it is not compiled (translated into machine code) before
it is run. Instead, the computer interprets the code as it is being
executed. This makes writing and debugging JavaScript programs
easier, but it can also make them run slower than programs written
in compiled languages.

History of JavaScript
JavaScript was created by Brendan Eich in 1995 and was first
introduced with the release of Netscape Navigator 2.0, a popular
web browser at the time. JavaScript was initially called Mocha but
later renamed to LiveScript and then to JavaScript in an attempt
to take advantage of the buzz surrounding the Java programming
language.
JavaScript quickly gained popularity among web developers and be-
came supported by other major web browsers like Internet Explorer
and Safari. In 1996, JavaScript was standardized by the European
What is JavaScript and How Does it Work? 5

Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) as ECMAScript,

which remains its official name today.

Differences Between JavaScript and

HTML/CSS
JavaScript is often used with HTML and CSS to build websites.
However, there are some important differences between the three
languages. One crucial difference is that JavaScript is a program-
ming language, while HTML is a markup language and CSS is a
style sheet used to describe the appearance of a webpage. So, you’ll
often find JavaScript more difficult to learn than HTML and CSS.
Some key features of JavaSCript that are not found in HTML and
CSS include:

• The ability to execute code based on conditions or events

• The ability to iterate through data and perform actions on
multiple elements
• The ability to create and manipulate different types of data
• The ability to make requests to servers and retrieve data

While HTML and CSS are important for defining the content and
appearance of a webpage, without JavaScript, it’s difficult to add
interactivity to your webpage that’ll make users love it. JavaScript
allows developers to build more sophisticated and engaging user
experiences, and it is a critical component of modern web develop-
ment.
What is JavaScript and How Does it Work? 6

Uses of JavaScript across multiple

fields
Apart from web development, you can use JavaScript for a wide
range of applications, including:

Server-side programming

When you visit a website, your web browser sends a request to

the website’s server, which then executes the code responsible
for handling that request and generating an appropriate response.
Tools like Node.js and Deno make it possible to run JavaScript on
the server instead of a browser. This enables developers to build
scalable, high-performance applications that can handle many con-
current users.

Mobile app development

You can use JavaScript to build cross-platform mobile apps with

tools like Cordova, React Native, and NativeScript. These tools
allow developers to write JavaScript code that is compiled and run
on a mobile device rather than in a browser.

Game development

You can also use JavaScript to build browser-based games with tools
like Phaser and Babylon.js. These tools allow you to create 2D and
3D games that can be played in a web browser.
What is JavaScript and How Does it Work? 7

Data visualization

JavaScript libraries like D3.js and Highcharts can be used to create

interactive data visualizations for websites and applications.

Robotics

You can use JavaScript to control and program robots using plat-
forms like NodeBots and Johnny-Five.

Internet of Things (IoT)

JavaScript can be used to build applications that interact with and

control connected devices, such as smart home appliances and
sensors.

Machine learning

With JavaScript libraries like TensorFlow.js and Brain.js, you can

build machine-learning models and incorporate them into web
applications.
 How to write and run
JavaScript code
The best way to learn JavaScript is by writing JavaScript. Let’s
explore the different ways you can write and run JavaScript code
so that it’ll be easy for you to practice whatever you learn.

Using a web browser

One of the simplest and most accessible ways to write JavaScript
code is by using a web browser. Most modern web browsers, such
as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari, have a built-in
JavaScript engine that allows you to write and run JavaScript code
directly in the browser.
To write JavaScript code in a web browser, you can use the
browser’s developer tools. To open the developer tools in Google
Chrome, right-click on any webpage and select “Inspect” from the
context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + I on a
Windows or Linux computer, or Command + Option + I on a Mac.
Once the developer tools window is open, navigate to the “Console”
tab, where you’ll be able to write your JavaScript code. For example,
you can try typing the following code into the console, but with
your name instead of mine:

1 console.log('My name is Ebenezer Don')

2 console.log('JavaScript is awesome!')

To run your JavaScript code, press the Enter key on your keyboard.
This will print the message “My name is Ebenezer Don” and
How to write and run JavaScript code 9

“JavaScript is awesome!” to the console. Good job! I’ll explain every

part of the code you just wrote later on.

Using an online code editor

Another way to write and run JavaScript code is by using an online
code editor or online Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
There are many online code editors and IDEs available that allow
you to write and run JavaScript code from your web browser. Some
popular options include CodePen, JSFiddle, and JS Bin.
You need an internet connection to use an online code editor, but it
has several advantages too. First, it allows you to write and run code
from anywhere. Second, you can easily share your code with others
through links. Third, many online code editors and IDEs have built-
in features that can ease the process of writing code and checking
for errors.

Using an offline code editor

There are also several offline code editors and IDEs you can use
to write and run JavaScript code. Some popular options include
Eclipse, NetBeans, Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code (with the
help of extensions). These IDEs need to be installed on your local
computer and typically have more features and functionality than
online code editors. They are often used for more complex projects,
and even if you don’t start with them, you’ll eventually need one
as you progress.
The easiest to get started with is your browser console, so I
recommend writing and running your first JavaScript code on it,
and when you do, take a screenshot and save it where you can
access it a year from now. I’m sure you’ll be proud of your progress.
 Another Random Document on
Scribd Without Any Related Topics
the great Julius was slain as a traitor to the republic. This unknown
man," added Renshaw, pointing to the body, "also died the death of
a traitor."

"If, as you say, the dead man is unknown," said Fanks quickly, "how
can you tell that he was a traitor?"

"By inference and deduction," was the reply. "You can judge for
yourself. Far be it from me that I should set my opinion against that
of the law; but I have a theory. Would you care to hear it? If I may
venture on a jest," said Renshaw with ponderous playfulness, "the
medical mouse may help the legal lion."

"Let us hear your theory by all means," said Fanks easily, "but first
permit me to speak with my assistant."

The doctor bowed and passed over to the other side of the bed;
while Fanks went with Crate to the door. Here he hesitated, glanced
at the doctor, and finally led his subordinate into the passage.

"Crate!" he said in a rapid whisper, "I mistrust that man. He will

shortly leave this place. Follow him and find out where he lives.
Then set someone to watch the place, and return to me."

"Do you think that he has anything to do with it?" asked Crate.

"I can't say at present. I may be wrong about him and about Mrs.
Boazoph; all the same I mistrust the pair of them. Now off with
you."

When Crate departed to watch for the outcoming of the doctor,

Fanks re-entered the chamber of death. Renshaw still stood beside
the bed, and seemingly had not moved from that position.
Nevertheless, a mat placed midway between bed and door, was
rucked up. By the merest accident Fanks had previously noticed that
it was lying flat. Thence he deduced that Renshaw had crossed to
the door. In plain words, Renshaw had been listening. Fanks was
confirmed in this opinion by the complacent smile which played
round the lips of the doctor.

"Now for your theory, Doctor," said Fanks, noting all, but saying
nothing.

"Certainly, sir. As a detective you know, of course, of the existence of

secret societies."

"I do; and I know also that those who reveal the doings of such
societies are punished. Go on, Doctor."

"First you must inspect the body," replied Renshaw.

He drew down the sheet which concealed the face of the dead. In
the cruel glare of the gaslight, Fanks beheld a countenance
discoloured and distorted. The head was that of a young man with
brown and curly hair, well-marked eyebrows, and a moustache of
the same hue as the hair. The body was clothed in moleskin
trousers, and a flannel shirt. From the bedpost hung a rough, grey
coat, and a cloth cap. A glance assured Fanks that these clothes of a
working man were perfectly new; another glance confirmed his first
belief that the dead man was a gentleman. On looking intently into
the face he started back in surprise; but recovering himself, said
nothing. If the doctor had observed his action, he made no pointed
remark thereon; but set it down merely to a natural feeling of
repulsion.

"I do not wonder that the state of the body revolts you, sir," he said.
"The corpse is swollen and discoloured in a terrible manner. Of
course, I can say nothing authoritatively until the post mortem has
been made; but from all appearances I am inclined to ascribe the
death to poison."

"Ah; then it is a case of murder?"

"So you say, sir; the secret society to which this man belongs, would
call it a punishment."

"How do you know that this man belongs to a secret society. Do you
recognise the body?"

"No, sir. The man is nameless so far as I am concerned. There are

no marks on his linen or clothes; and there are no papers in his
pockets likely to identify him. Oh, believe me, sir, the society has
done its work well."

"You seem to be very confident about your secret society?"

The doctor bent over the body, and rolled up the shirt sleeve of the
left arm. Between elbow and shoulder there appeared a swollen
mark in the shape of a rude cross, surrounded by a wheel; violet in
colour, and slashed across with a knife. To this he pointed in silence.

"I see what you mean," said Fanks, twisting his signet ring; always a
sign of perplexity with him. "The secret mark of the society has been
obliterated."

"Precisely. Now you can understand, sir, why I infer that this man
was a traitor. Evidently the negro--of whose presence Mrs. Boazoph
informed me--was the emissary of the society, and killed this traitor
by poison. Afterwards, as was natural, he obliterated the secret mark
by drawing his knife across it."

"He did not do his work thoroughly then, Doctor. The secret mark is
a cross."

"The secret mark is more than a cross, sir," replied the doctor, "else
you may be sure that the negro would have obliterated it more
perfectly."

The detective replaced the sheet over the face of the dead: and
prepared, as did the doctor, to leave the room. They turned down
the gas and departed; but while descending the stairs, Renshaw
asked Fanks a question.

"Are you satisfied that my explanation is a correct one?" he

demanded.

"I am perfectly satisfied," said Fanks, looking directly at the man.

Strange to say, this unhesitating acceptance appeared to render

Renshaw uneasy; and the flow of his magnificent speech broke up in
confusion.

"I may be wrong," he muttered. "We are all liable to error; but such
as it is, that is my opinion."

"You would be willing to repeat that opinion at the inquest, Doctor?"

Renshaw drew back with a shudder.

"Is it necessary that I should go to the inquest?" he asked faintly.

"I think so," replied Fanks significantly. "You were the first to see the
corpse. You will have to describe the state in which you found it.
Your address if you please?"

"Twenty-four, Great Auk Street," said Renshaw, after some

hesitation. "I am staying there at present."

"Staying there?"

"Yes! I--I--not practise in London. I do not practise at all, in fact. I

travel--I travel a great deal. In two weeks I go to India."

"You must go first to the inquest," responded Fanks dryly. "But if you
do not practise in London, how comes it that Mrs. Boazoph sent for
you?"
"She did not send for me," explained the doctor, "but for my friend,
Dr. Turnor; he is absent on a holiday, and I am acting as his locum
tenens for a short period."

"Thank you, Doctor; that is a thoroughly satisfactory explanation;

quite as satisfactory as your theory of the death. Good evening. I
should recommend a glass of brandy; you look as though you
needed it."

"Weak heart!" muttered Renshaw in explanation, and took his

departure with evident relief. But before he left the hotel, he acted
on the detective's suggestion. Mrs. Boazoph gave him the brandy
with her own hands. The action afforded her an opportunity of
exchanging a few words with him. Fanks thwarted her intent by also
entering the bar, and asking for refreshment; whereupon, the doctor
finished his liquor and departed.

Left alone with Fanks, the landlady drew a breath of relief, and
addressed herself to the detective.

"Do you wish to know anything else, sir," she said coldly. "If not,
with your permission, I shall retire to bed."

"I have learned all I wish to know at present, thank you, Mrs.
Boazoph. Go to bed by all means. I am sure that you need rest after
your anxiety."

The landlady, looking worn out and haggard, retired, and Fanks went
to the door to wait for Crate's return. In the meantime he made
notes and formed theories; these will be revealed hereafter, but in
the meantime the case was in too crude a state for him to come to
the smallest conclusion. However, he had already decided on the
next step. In the chamber of death he had made an important
discovery which enabled him to move in the matter.

In half an hour Crate returned with the information that Dr. Renshaw
had entered No. 24, Great Auk Street; and that he had set a
detective to watch the house. Fanks smiled on receiving this report.

"He is cleverer than I thought," he murmured; and left Tooley's Alley

with Crate.

"Well, Mr. Fanks, whom do you suspect?"

"No one at present, Crate."

"Oh! and what do you do next?"

"Make certain of the dead man's identity."

Crate stopped in surprise.

"Do you know who he is, Mr. Fanks?"

"Yes! He is a friend of my own. Sir Gregory Fellenger, Baronet."

CHAPTER III.

THE RESULT OF THE CRIME.

A week after his discovery of the identity of the dead man, Fanks,
having slipped his detective skin for the time being, was seated in
the writing room of the Athenian Club, with the "Morning Planet"
newspaper on his knee. He was not reading it, however, but was
looking absently at a long and lean young man, who was writing
letters at a near table.
Francis Garth, of the Middle Temple, barrister and journalist, was
one of the few West End men who knew the real profession of
Rixton, alias Fanks. In fact, there was very little he did not know;
and Fanks--as it will be convenient to call the detective--was
debating as to whether he should question him about the Tooley
Alley crime. He was urged to this course by the remembrance that
he had seen Garth at the inquest. This had been held on the
previous day. The jury had brought in a verdict of wilful murder
against some person or persons unknown, and the conduct of the
case had been placed officially in the hands of Fanks. So far all was
ship-shape.

And now the detective found himself at a standstill. No evidence had

been brought forward implicating either Mrs. Boazoph or Dr.
Renshaw; and, doubtful as was Fanks as to their honesty, he could
gain no clue from the one or the other of them likely to elucidate the
mystery. Failing this, he had determined to learn if possible all about
the previous life of the deceased, and in this way discover if anyone
was likely to be a gainer by his death. Garth, who had known the
late Sir Gregory intimately--who had been present at the inquest--
was the most likely person to furnish these details; and Fanks was
waiting for an opportunity of addressing him. On the result of the
projected conversation would depend his future movements.

"I say, Garth," said Fanks, "how much longer will your
correspondence take?"

"I shall be at your service in ten minutes," replied Garth, without

desisting from his occupation. "What do you wish to talk about?"

"About the death of your friend, Sir Gregory Fellenger."

Garth looked up and turned round with alacrity.

"Is the case in your hands, Fanks?"

"Yes; and I want some information from you."

"I shall be happy to give it. But wait for a few minutes; I am just
writing about it to a friend of mine--and yours."

"Humph! and the name?"

"Ted Hersham, the journalist."

They looked at one another, the same thought occupying both their
minds.

"Has your reason for writing anything to do with the left arm of our
friend?" asked Fanks, after a pause.

Garth nodded and returned to his work. When he had sealed,

directed, and stamped the letter Fanks spoke again.

"Garth?" he said; "I say, Garth?"

"Yes! What's the matter?"

"Don't send that letter till after our conversation."

"Ah! You guess why I am writing to him."

"My remark of a few moments ago ought to have shown you that,"
said Fanks, dryly. "Yes; I guess your object, and I want you to leave
the case in my hands. It is too difficult a one for you to manage
alone."

"I know that it is difficult, Fanks, but I wish to solve this mystery."

"Because Fellenger was your friend?" asked Fanks.

"Because Fellenger was my cousin," replied Garth.

The announcement took Fanks by surprise, as he had not known of

the relationship. He was aware that Fellenger and Garth had been
close friends, but he knew little of the former, save as a club
acquaintance, and the latter was very reticent about his private
affairs, although he was curious concerning the affairs of others.

"So you wish to revenge the death of your cousin," he remarked

after a thoughtful moment.

Garth shrugged his shoulders.

"Hardly that," he replied; "between you and me, I did not care
overmuch for Fellenger. He was a bad lot, and we only held together
because of our relationship. But I should like to find out what took
him to Tooley's Alley and who killed him."

"A laudable curiosity. Do you suspect anybody?"

"Not a soul. I am as much in the dark as--you are."

"I may not be so much in the dark as you think," said the other.

"Then why did you ask me to assist you?" retorted Garth, sharply.
"See here, Fanks, tell you all that I know if you will promise to keep
me posted up concerning the progress of the case."

Fanks twisted his ring and reflected.

"I agree," he said briefly, "but you must not meddle--unless I tell you
to do so."

"Agreed!" And the pair shook hands on the bargain.

"And now," said Fanks, grimly, "that letter, if you please."

After a moment's hesitation Garth handed it over. He had a great

respect for the mental capacity of his friend, and on the whole he
judged it advisable to carry out the agreement which had been
concluded.
"Though I would send that letter if I were you," he expostulated;
"Hersham has----"

"I know what Hersham has," interrupted Fanks; "but I want him to
see me, not you. Wait till we know how we stand at the present
moment. Come into the smoking-room and answer my questions."

"What a peremptory chap you are," grumbled Garth, as they left the
room. "Evidently you don't confide in my discretion."

"I am about to do so," said Fanks, who understood the art of

conciliation; "we will work together, and all that I know you shall
know. But you must let me manage things in my own way."

In his heart Garth was flattered that Fanks should have chosen him
as his coadjutor, and, dominated by the stronger will of the
detective, he quietly took up the position of an underling. Garth was
self-willed and not usually amenable to reason; but Fanks had the
law at his back, without which Garth could not hope to do anything.
Hence his acquiescence.

"Come, now, old fellow," said Fanks, amiably, "we have a hard task
before us; so you must make it easier by answering my questions."

"Go on," said Garth, lighting a cigar; "I always give in to a man who
has had more experience than myself."

Fanks laughed at this delicate way of adjusting the situation, but as

he wished to keep on good terms with the touchy lawyer he let the
remark pass in silence. When they were fairly settled, and he saw
that they had the smoking-room to themselves, he took out his
pocket-book and began his examination as to the past of the dead
man.

"The Fellengers are a Hampshire family, I believe?"

"Yes," replied Garth, with a nod; "Sir Gregory was the fourth baronet
and only son. The family seat is Mere Hall, near Bournemouth."

"You are Sir Gregory's cousin?"

"I am, on the mother's side."

"Who is the present baronet? Yourself or somebody else?"

"Somebody else," said Garth, with a sigh. "I should have told you if I
had been his heir. I wonder at so clever a man as you asking so very
frivolous a question."

"I have my reasons," said Fanks calmly. "Well, and who is the heir?"

"My cousin, Louis Fellenger; he is twenty-five years of age, and as

great a prig as ever lived."

"Where does he reside now?"

"I believe that he has gone to Mere Hall to take possession of the
property. But he did live at Taxton-on-Thames, a village near
Weybridge."

"Do you know Sir Louis intimately?"

"No. I have only seen him once or twice. He is a bookish, scientific

man, and an invalid;--at least," corrected Garth, "he has always a
doctor living with him; a tall, fat brute, called Binjoy, who twists him
round his finger. He has been with him for years."

"A tall, fat brute," repeated Fanks, smiling at this amiable

description. "Has the gentleman in question a long, brown beard?"

"No, he is clean shaven. A pompous creature, fond of using long

words, and proud of his voice and oratorial powers. Something like
'Conversation Kenge' in 'Bleak House.'"
"Humph!" said Fanks, rather struck by the description, which was
not unlike that of Renshaw, "we will discuss Dr. Binjoy later on. In
the meantime, just enlighten me as to your precise relationship with
the present baronet."

"It's easily understood. Gregory's father, Sir Francis--after whom I

was named--had a brother and sister. She married my respected
father, Richard Garth, and I am the sole offspring."

"And the brother was the father of the present Sir Louis?"

"Exactly. There is a great deal of similarity between all three cases.

Gregory was an only child and his parents are dead; Louis is an only
child, and his parents have also gone the way of all flesh; I am an
only child, and I am likewise an orphan."

Fanks made a note of the family tree in his book.

"So far so good," he said, with a nod. "Sir Gregory is dead and Sir
Louis has succeeded him; if Louis dies without issue, you are the
heir. And failing you?"

"The property goes to the Crown," replied Garth. "Louis and I are
the sole representatives of the Fellengers."

"The race has dwindled considerably. Now what about your dead
cousin. He was a trifle rapid, I believe?"

"A regular bad lot; but I kept in with him because--well, because he
was useful to me. Understand?"

"Perfectly," replied Fanks, who knew of Garth's financial difficulties.

"We will pass that. Have you any idea what took him to Tooley's
Alley?"

"Not the slightest. I saw him two days before his death--on the
nineteenth--and he said nothing about going there then."
"Did he behave as usual towards you?"

"No. He was out of sorts. He had lost a lot of money at cards, I

believe, and he was crabbed in consequence."

"There was no other trouble; no financial difficulty?"

"Not that I know of. Fast as he was, he could not get through ten
thousand a year before the age of twenty-eight."

"I have known men who have done so," said Fanks dryly. "However,
if it was not a question of money, what about the inevitable
woman?"

"I don't think it was that, either," demurred Garth. "It was a man he
met--a negro--not a woman."

"True. Well, you were at the inquest?"--

"How do you know?" asked Garth, starting.

"I saw you there in the crowd."

"You see everything, Fanks."

"It is my business to see everything, Garth. It is because you were

at the inquest that I sought you out to-day. Now that you have
explained to me your relationship to Sir Gregory I understand why
you were present. But to return to the main point. You heard the
theory of Dr. Renshaw?"

"Yes," replied Garth reflectively. "There might be something in that

secret society business. Not, mind you, that Gregory was the man to
meddle with rubbish of that kind. He was too much of a fool; but
one never knows; a man does not have a cross tattooed on his arm
for nothing."

"Do you think that it is the mark of a revolutionary society?"

"I can't say; I should like to know. That is why I was writing to
Hersham. Of course you know that he----"

"I know that he has a cross tattooed on his arm also. And it is for
that reason that I reject your secret society business."

"It isn't mine. I am merely following the lead of Renshaw."

"Then you are following a will-o-the-wisp," retorted Fanks. "See

here, Garth. I have known Hersham for a long time; he is the son of
a clergyman in the Isle of Wight. He was brought up to the law like
yourself; and also like yourself, he left it for journalism. As you know,
he is a merry, open-minded creature, who could not conceal a secret
if his life depended upon it. Do you think that if he had been mixed
up with secret societies that he would have been able to conceal the
fact from me?"

"Then why is there a cross tattooed on his left arm?" asked Garth.

"I intend to see him and find out. I noticed it long ago; but made no
remark on it, thinking that it was the result of some school-boy
freak. Now it has assumed a new importance in my eyes. Therefore
you must let me interview Hersham, and choose my own time and
place for doing so."

"I suppose you are right. Tear up that letter, please." Fanks held out
the letter.

"Tear it up yourself," he said.

This Garth did without further remark, and looked at his friend.

"What do you intend to do now?" he asked.

"Continue this conversation for a few minutes longer. You were

intimate with the dead man, Garth. Did you ever notice this cross?"
"I did not," said Garth, promptly, "or I should have asked what it
meant. By Jove!" he added, with a start. "Then all that obliteration
business must be nonsense."

"Of course," assented Fanks, smoothly. "I came to that conclusion

long ago. Fellenger had no cross on his arm when he entered
Tooley's Alley. It was tattooed that night by the negro."

"What makes you think that?"

"I found a few grains of gunpowder on the tablecloth of the room in

which they were together; gunpowder is used in tattooing. Again,
the arm, when Renshaw showed it to me, was raw, as though the
operation had been done lately."

"But why should Gregory go to Tooley's Alley to be tattooed?"

"Tell me that, and the mystery of his death is at an end," said Fanks,
significantly. "But I am certain that Fellenger voluntarily let this
negro tattoo his arm; and so came by his death."

"Came by his death," echoed Garth in astonishment. "What do you

mean?"

"Why," answered Fanks, seriously, "I mean that the needle used for
the tattooing was poisoned; and so--," he shrugged his shoulders, "-
-the man died."

CHAPTER IV.

ANOTHER DISCOVERY.
Informed of this astounding fact, Garth stared at his friend in blank
astonishment. The detective resumed his cigar, and waited.

"You cannot be in earnest," said the barrister after a pause.

"Why not? The theory is feasible enough. It was proved at the

inquest that the man died from blood-poisoning."

"Yes. But it might have been administered in the liquor. The pair had
drinks, remember."

"I have not forgotten," said Fanks quietly, "but on your part
remember that no trace of poison was found in the stomach; while
the blood was so corrupted, as to show that the deceased had been
inoculated with some powerful vegetable poison. There was no mark
on the body, save the cross on the left arm; and, by your own
showing, it was not there when Fellenger went to Tooley's Alley. The
assumption is that it was done there; as is more than confirmed by
the presence of gunpowder."

"Again, according to Mrs. Boazoph, there was no struggle; therefore

the deceased must have passed away quietly. My inference is that
this negro desired to kill Sir Gregory--or else he was instructed to do
so by some one else who wished for the death of your cousin. What
then so easy, as for the negro to have a poisoned needle prepared
to execute the tattooing. Quite unaware of the danger, Fellenger--for
some unknown reason--would permit the insertion of the fatal
needle. As the work went on, he would gradually be inoculated with
the poison. When the gunpowder and acids were applied the job
would be finished, and he would pull down his sleeve, quite ignorant
that to all intents and purposes he was a dead man. Then he sat
and chatted with the negro till the end came; when he sank into a
state of coma and died. When certain that the death was an assured
fact, the negro took his departure. Oh, it is all as plain as day to
me;--all excepting one fact."
"And that fact?"

"Why did Fellenger get a negro in Tooley's Alley to tattoo him."

Garth reflected.

"I can only conclude that a secret--"

"Rubbish!" said Fanks, contemptuously, "you and your secret

societies. I tell you that is all nonsense. Even assuming that the
cross is an emblem of some association--which I do not grant for a
moment--we have proved that it was not tattooed on your cousin's
arm when he went to keep his appointment; therefore he could not
at that time have been a member of your mythical society. If, on the
other hand, he was being made a member--a ceremony which would
not have taken place in a low pot-house--why should he be killed?
These societies admit living men to work their ends; they have no
use for dead bodies."

"That is all true enough, Fanks. We must reject the idea of a secret
society. But in an affair of robbery and murder--"

"In such an affair, the method of procedure would be different. A

bludgeon--a sand-bag--a knife--any of these weapons if you please.
But if this negro had designed to rob Fellenger, he need not have
ingratiated himself into his confidence to permit the performance of
so delicate an operation as that of the poisoned needle. No. We
must reject that theory also."

"Then what do you think was the motive of the murder?"

"I am not a detective out of a novel, Mr. Garth. Ask me an easier

question."

He rose from his seat and began to walk to and fro. "The whole
mystery lies in the tattooing," he muttered to himself. "If I can only
find out why Sir Gregory permitted that cross to be tattooed; and
why he went to Tooley's Alley to have it done, I shall discover the
assassin."

"Hersham has a tattooed cross on his left arm," said Garth, "perhaps
he can explain the riddle."

"Perhaps he can; perhaps he can't," returned Fanks, sharply. "The

coincidence is certainly curious. I shall see and question Hersham;
but there is much to be done before then. You must help me,
Garth."

"I am willing to do whatever you wish, my friend."

"Ah," said Fanks with a smile, "you have a touch of detective fever. I
suffer from it myself notwithstanding my experience. The unravelling
of these criminal problems is like gambling; a never-failing source of
excitement; and, like gambling, chance enters largely into their
solution."

"I don't see much 'chance' in this case."

"Don't you think again. Why, the very fact that you and I should
know that Hersham has a tattooed cross on his left arm is a chance.
Such knowledge--which is mere chance knowledge--might lead to
nothing; on the other hand, it may help to find the man who killed
your cousin."

"Surely you do not suspect Hersham?"

"Certainly not. Why should I suspect him on the evidence of the

tattooed cross. For all I or you know, it may be a simple coincidence,
such as crops up constantly in real life. No. I don't suspect
Hersham."

"Do you suspect anyone?"

"I don't suspect any special person of committing the murder; but I
suspect some people, and particularly one individual, of knowing
more than they chose to say. But this is beside the point. I wish you
to help me."

"By all means. What is it you want me to do?"

"You know the chambers of your cousin; by my desire they have

been in the hands of the police since his death. Fellenger's valet is
also there--detained by my desire. Now I wish to search the
chambers for possible evidence and to examine him. You must take
me there at once."

"Is it necessary when, by your own showing, you are all-supreme

already?"

"My friend," said Fanks, solemnly, "it is my experience that when the
lower orders--to which this valet belongs--come into contact with a
detective they are quite useless as witnesses, for the very simple
reason that the presence of the law paralyses them. To avoid this
danger you must introduce me into the chambers as a sympathising
friend only. You can question the servant in my presence, and having
got rid of him in the meantime, we can search the chambers
together."

"But the police may recognise you."

"The police have their instructions; they will recognise me as Mr.

Rixton, of the West End."

Garth fell in readily with this scheme, and together the two men left
the club. As they proceeded along Piccadilly--the dead man's
chambers were in Half-Moon Street--Fanks resumed the conversation
from the point where it had been broken off.

"You have answered my questions capitally, Garth. Now, as we are

working together, I shall reply to anything you like to ask me."
The barrister, restored to a sense of importance by the thought of
the part he was about to play in the forthcoming interview with the
valet, availed himself readily of the opportunity of learning the plans
of the detective. Fanks had no hesitation in confiding them to him,
as, foreseeing that Garth would be necessary to the elucidation of
the mystery, he wished to interest him in the case as much as
possible. He was well aware that Garth was not the man to give up
an idea when once it had fixed itself in his head, and his present
idea was to investigate the mystery of his cousin's death. With
characteristic wisdom Fanks, who never wasted a person or an
opportunity, made use of this new factor in the case to further his
own ends. Such economies aided his frequent successes in no small
degree.

"What are your plans?" asked Garth, taking advantage of the

permission.

"As yet I cannot be certain of them; but, so far as I can see at

present, they include the search and examination of chambers and
valet, a conversation with the landlady of the Red Star, a visit to
Taxton-on-Thames, and an interview with Dr. Renshaw."

"Why with the latter gentleman?"

"Because Renshaw is too confidential with Mrs. Boazoph, because he

was too conveniently on the spot at the time of the murder for my
liking; and, finally, because Renshaw had a cut-and-dried theory of
the motive of the crime prepared on the instant."

"You don't trust the man?"

"I think that his conduct is suspicious; but I do not accuse him of
anything--as yet."

"He does not look a man to be feared," said Garth, disbelievingly;

"he was very timid in giving his evidence at the inquest."
"That is one reason why I mistrust him. Dr. Renshaw is acting a part,
but I am unable to say whether he is mixed up in this especial affair.
I have my suspicions, but, as you know, I never like to speak unless
certain."

Garth looked curiously at the detective.

"You hint at the guilt of Mrs. Boazoph," he said, doubtfully.

"Do I? Then I should hold my tongue. There is no doubt that the

negro committed the crime in the way that I told you of. But I
believe that he acted as the agent of a third party--not Mrs.
Boazoph. I wish to find out that party to hang him or her as an
accessory before the fact."

"You can't hang him or her."

"Perhaps not; but I can imprison him or her."

"Do you think that Mrs. Boazoph knows the motive of the crime?"

Fanks reflected.

"Yes, I think she does," he said, quietly; "it is my belief that the
motive for which you and I are searching is to be found in the past
life of Mrs. Boazoph."

"Her past is known to the police, is it not?"

"It is known for the last twenty years only. She appeared in London
twenty-one years ago, but who she is and where she came from, the
police know no more than you do."

"Then how can the motive be found in----"

"Garth," said Fanks, pausing, and touching the other with his finger,
"I have presentiments and premonitions; these rarely deceive me. In
this instance they point to Mrs. Boazoph. Do not ask me why, for I
can tell you no more. But I am sure that we are going forward on a
dark path; at the end of that path we will find--Mrs. Boazoph."

"I never thought that you were so superstitious, Fanks."

"I do not regard myself as so, I assure you. But," and here Fanks
became emphatic, "I believe in my instinct, in my presentiment."

Garth walked along in silence, rather inclined to ridicule the apparent

weakness of Fanks. However, he judged it wiser to keep these
thoughts to himself, and merely asked another question relative to
the negro.

"I am at a loss about the negro," said Fanks, "as I do not know
where to search for him. Under these circumstances I think it
necessary to follow the clue I hold in my hand. The going of your
dead cousin to Tooley's Alley to keep his appointment."

"How do you know that it was an appointment?"

"I learnt that much from Mrs. Boazoph. She said that the white man
came first and was asked for by the black man. That is an
appointment, and I wish to find out who made it."

"How can you discover that?"

"Well, I hope to do so by searching the chambers of your cousin.

There must be a letter or some sign whereby Fellenger knew where
to meet the negro."

"The letter may have been destroyed."

"Possibly. From your knowledge of your cousin's character would you

think it probable that he would destroy the letter making the
appointment?"
"No," said Garth, after a moment's thought. "If the appointment was
made within the last month I should think that the letter was still in
existence."

"On what ground?" asked Fanks, eagerly.

"Well, Gregory used to read all his letters and then drop them into
the drawer of his desk. At the end of the month he went through the
pile, and the letters that were worth nothing were destroyed. So if
that letter making the appointment is in existence it will be in the
drawer of the desk."

"Good! This is a chance I hardly hoped to have."

"Chance again?"

"Yes; chance again," replied Fanks, good-humouredly. "How many

men burn their letters; but for the fortunate circumstance that your
cousin saved his for a month it would be almost hopeless to think of
gaining a clue; but now there is more than a hope."

"Provided that the appointment was made by letter."

"Of course," assented Fanks, gravely; "we must always take that into
consideration. But a question on my side. Did it strike you at the
inquest that there was a resemblance between Doctors Renshaw
and Binjoy?"

"I can't say that it did. Renshaw is much older than Binjoy, and he
wears a full beard, whereas Binjoy is shaven clean. Still they are
both burly; both have fine voices, and indulge in long words and
stately Johnsonian dialogue. You surely do not think the two men
are one and the same?"

"I have such an idea," said Fanks, dryly, "strange as it may appear.
But as my opinion is mainly founded on your description I may be
wrong. At all events Renshaw goes to India next week. If I find
Binjoy in the company of Sir Louis Fellenger after Renshaw's
departure, I shall admit my error. Otherwise--well, I must get to the
bottom of the matter."

"I have only seen each of them once," said Garth, "so do not depend
altogether on my powers of description."

"I won't. I depend on nothing but my own eyesight. For instance, if I

see a black man wearing a green overcoat with brass buttons, I shall
have a reasonable suspicion that I see the assassin of your cousin.
Hullo! what is the matter?"

For Garth was leaning against the iron railings of Green Park with a
look of dread on his face.

"By heaven, Fanks, you may be right!"

"About what?"

"About Renshaw and Binjoy being one and the same man."

"Indeed; what makes you think so," asked Fanks, dryly.

"Because Binjoy has a negro servant who wears a green coat with
brass buttons."

CHAPTER V.

THE RED STAR ADVERTISEMENT.

Greatly to the surprise of Garth, the detective appeared to be
decidedly disappointed at this announcement.

"You don't seem to be overpleased at what I have told you," he said

in a tone of pique. "Yet it makes the case easier to you."

"I confess that I do not think so," was Fanks' reply. "I shall give you
my reasons after I have examined your cousin's rooms. At present I
must say that you have puzzled me."

Fanks' refusal to discuss the subject of the negro did not at all
please Garth; especially as he considered that his discovery had
placed the solution of the case in their hands. But to his
protestations the detective only reiterated his determination to keep
silent, until the rooms had been searched. With this Garth was
forced to be content; although he could not conceive the reason of
such extraordinary conduct; and he ascended the stairs with an ill-
grace.

"Were I in your place, I should follow out the clue of the negro
without delay," he said, as they rang the bell.

"Were you in my place you would do as I am doing, and take time to

consider your movements," retorted Fanks as the door was opened.

Venturing on no further remonstrance Garth walked into the

chambers, followed by his friend. The servant who admitted them
was a light-complexioned, light-haired young fellow, who appeared
to be thoroughly frightened. His first remark exposed the reason of
his terror.

"I am afraid you can't come in, sir," he said to the cousin of his late
master, with a backward glance, "the police are here."

As he spoke a policeman made his appearance overflowing with

official importance. Prompted by Fanks the barrister at once
addressed himself to this Jack-in-office.
"I am the cousin of the late Sir Gregory Fellenger," he said, "and I
wish to go into the sitting-room for a few minutes."

"You can't enter, sir," said the policeman, stolidly.

"Why not; my friend here, Mr. Rixton----"

The officer started and looked at Fanks. Evidently he saw his orders
in the face of the detective; for he at once moved aside and granted
the desired permission. The valet Robert was astonished at this
sudden yielding; but he entertained no suspicion that there was any
understanding between the policeman and the fashionably-dressed
young man who had been introduced as Mr. Rixton. At a glance the
detective saw that he had to deal with a timid, simple creature, who
might be trusted to tell the truth out of sheer nervous apprehension.
The discovery afforded him satisfaction.

"I am much obliged to you, officer," said Garth, slipping a shilling

into the policeman's hand. "We shall not stay long. Robert, show us
into the sitting-room, if you please. I wish to ask a few questions."

A terrified expression flitted across the face of the mild valet, but like
a well-trained servant, he merely bowed and preceded Garth along
the passage. Fanks lingered behind.

"Maxwell!" he said to the policeman, "has anyone been here this

morning?"

"Yes, sir!" replied, the man, in a low tone. "A young lady, sir; very
pretty, with dark 'air and blue eyes. She asked to see Robert, sir."

"Oh, indeed! And how did you act?"

"I wouldn't let her see him, sir. He don't know she called."

"Quite right. What did she say when you refused?"

"She was upset, Mr. Fanks, and insisted on seeing him. I said as he
was out, so she said as she would call this afternoon at three
o'clock."

Fanks glanced at his watch. It was a quarter past two, so this

unknown woman might be expected in a short space of time. Fanks
was curious to see her and to learn the reason of her coming; as it
might be that she was indirectly connected with the case. As yet
there was no woman mixed up in the matter with the doubtful
exception of Mrs. Boazoph; but from long experience Fanks was sure
that the necessary element would yet appear. It seemed as though
his expectations were about to be realised.

"Was she a lady, Maxwell, or an imitation of one?"

"A real lady, sir; she gave me half a sov., sir."

"You had no business to take the money," he said, half smiling at

Maxwell's definition of what was a real lady.

"I couldn't help it, sir," said Maxwell, piteously, "she would give it to
me, sir. I am ready to return it, sir, if she should come back."

"Well! We shall see; show her into the sitting-room if she calls again;
has that valet been out to-day?"

"No, sir; he seems too frightened to go out. He does nothing but go

about the 'ouse 'owling. A poor miserable thing, Mr. Fanks."

"Has he said much to you?"

"Never a word, sir; he 'olds his tongue and 'owls; that's all."

This behaviour of the servant struck Fanks as strange; but he did not
make any comment thereon to the policeman. Again desiring
Maxwell to show the young lady into the room when she called, he
went in search of Garth. To his surprise he found the barrister alone.