The next day Mr. Hill, leaving his wife to the care of our family
(who had undertaken to show her "the lions") went forth on his
expedition in search of his father. He had obtained from me his
brother's business address, and going to the office unannounced was
immediately recognized by him, although they had only met once before,
and that a considerable time previously. On explaining the object of
his visit, Hall was very coldly received and informed that Bennett
the elder had left Montreal for New York some years previously and
had not since been heard of. Mr. Hill pretended to believe the story,
but secretly determined to keep a watch on his half-brother as he
felt certain that the latter was still in communication with his
father. He accordingly made arrangements to stay at my house, and as
the Bennetts were constantly coming and going he was sure that in a
short time he would learn more concerning him of whom he was in
search.

One afternoon we were seated round the parlor fire, discussing the
usual after-dinner topics, when Mrs. William Bennett dropped in to
have a friendly chat. She disclosed the fact that her husband was
going to visit a superannuated employee in the nunnery, which he
usually did on the first of each month, and that she did not see what
reason her husband had to support forever all his broken-down
employees. At the first word, Hill listened breathlessly, and when
Mrs. Bennett said that she had just left her husband dressing, he
quickly, but quietly, left the room. In an instant he was opposite
Bennett's house, and as soon as he noticed the bedroom light
extinguished (for it was already dark), he drew back into a shadowed
corner till he saw Bennett emerge from the doorway and walk rapidly
down the street. Hill followed at a safe distance, but soon he saw
his brother hail a passing sleigh, and, entering it, order the