.

A WARNING FROM Mr.PRITCHARD.
Tavernake hesitated for a moment under the portico of the Milan Court, looking out at the rain which had suddenly commenced to descend.

He scarcely noticed that he had a companion until the man who was standing by his side addressed him.
"Say, your name is Tavernake, isn't it ?" Tavernake, who had been on the point of striding away, turned sharply around.

The man who had spoken to him was wearing morning clothes of dark gray tweed and a soft Homburg hat.

His complexion was a little sallow and he was clean-shaven except for a slight black moustache.