"'Then in charity say that word!'"
THE TRACER OF LOST PERSONS
BY R. W. CHAMBERS
TO MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM A. HALL
1906
For the harmony of the world, like thatof a harp, is made up of discords.
—HERACLITUS.
THE TRACER OF LOST PERSONS
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER I
He was thirty-three, agreeable to look at, equipped with as much cultureand intelligence as is tolerated east of Fifth Avenue and west ofMadison. He had a couple of elaborate rooms at the Lenox Club, a largerincome than seemed to be good for him, and no profession. It followsthat he was a pessimist before breakfast. Besides, it's a bad thing fora man at thirty-three to come to the conclusion that he has seen all themost attractive girls in the world and that they have been vastlyoverrated. So, when a club servant with gilt buttons on his coat tailsknocked at the door, the invitation to enter was not very cordial. He ofthe buttons knocked again to take the edge off before he entered; thenopened the door and unburdened himself as follows:
"Mr. Gatewood, sir, Mr. Kerns's compliments, and wishes to know if 'emay 'ave 'is coffee served at your tyble, sir."
Gatewood, before the mirror, gave a vicious twist to his tie, inserted apearl scarf pin, and regarded the effect with gloomy approval.
"Say to Mr. Kerns that I am—flattered," he replied morosely; "and tellHenry I want him."
"'Enry, sir? Yes, sir."
The servant left; one of the sleek club valets came in, softly sidling.
"Henry!"
"Sir?"
"I'll wear a white waistcoat, if you don't object."
The valet laid out half a dozen.
"Which one do you usually wear when I'm away, Henry? Which is yourfavorite?"
"Sir?"
"Pick it out and don't look injured, and don