small, square room, having a low ceiling, and lighted by a single low-
burning gas jet.

On the walls hung a large astronomical map, showing the solar system,
and divided with the girdle of the zodiac into its various
constellations.

A grinning skull, mounted on a black pedestal, stood on a small table in
the center of the room, and on shelves against the wall were ranged a
number of curiously-shaped bottles.

It was, in fact, the divining-room of a professional fortune-teller.

The room was vacant when Moriarity opened the door, but as he threw it
back, a small bell was sounded.

Almost instantly heavy curtains which hung opposite the door were pushed
aside, and the fortune-teller appeared.

Advancing with stately strides, her tall form erect and her hands
clasped before her, she fastened a pair of cruel, glittering eyes on
Moriarity and in a deep voice asked:

"Why this intrusion at this late hour?"

"Oh! drop that stuff, Nance; it won't go down with us; we're no gulls to
have pretty things told us by giving you a dollar."

Recognizing her visitor, Nance, in her natural tone, inquired sharply: