ON the same office in Leadenhall Street, . whence ten years previously Fred Langton started on his voyage to Ceylon, and

about four in the afternoon of a bright day in April, there was seated at the desk in the private room once occupied by Mr. Herbert Deed, a gentleman whose age might have been variously estimated at any figure between twenty-six and thirty-two.

His face was bronzed as by long residence in a southern climate,-his forehead only near the roots of the hair, which was light brown, showing the original fairness of the skin. A splendid forehead it was,broad, rather than high, but giving evidence of considerable intellectual power; whilst a mouth firmly set, and a rather massive jaw, hinted at all the necessary will to make the most of the intellectual qualities. It was a pleasant face to look on, take it for all and all; and to a woman's eye especially, the rich abundance of the hair, the dark grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, the gleaming teeth,

when they could be seen in contrast with the red lips and bronzed cheeks, and the bushy whiskers, were everything that could be considered manly and attractive. The figure as he rose gave one the idea of great personal strength, the breadth of shoulder and width of arm being really remarkable, while his height was little short of six feet.

He had just signed some half-dozen letters and bills of lading, and was evidently contemplating a move, for he consulted his watch more than once, and had begun putting away sundry trifles on his desk, preparatory to closing it.

A tap at the door was followed by the entrance of a clerk, who said:

'There is a gentleman, sir, outside, wishes to speak with you.'

What is his name?'

'He wouldn't give it, sir, but he is quite a gentleman.'

His principal smiled. Then he said: 'Well, show him in.'

The visitor entered, and the clerk left the room and closed the door behind him.

The visitor and the merchant looked at each other intently for a few seconds. Then, all doubt vanishing from their minds, they by one impulse stepped forward and clasped each other by the hand, while the names 'Gerald !'—' Fred!' escaped from their lips at the same time.

They stood a moment or two longer, each with his right hand clasped in that of the other. Gerald,

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