As Pearson stood listening the footsteps ceased; silence, then a deep sigh, and they began again.

The young man sighed in sympathy and wearily climbed to his den.

The prospect of chimneys and roofs across the way was never more desolate or more pregnant with discouragement.
Several times Captain Elisha descended to the closet where the telephone was fastened to the wall and held long conversations with someone.

Mrs.
Hepton, who knew that her newest boarder was anxious and disturbed, and was very curious to learn the reason, made it a point to be busy near that closet while these conversations took place; but, as the captain was always careful to close the door, she was disappointed.

Once the mysterious Mr.Sylvester called up and asked for "Captain Warren," and the landlady hastened with the summons.
"I hope it's nothing serious," she observed, feelingly.
"Yes, ma'am," replied the captain, on his way to the stairs.