across the white, open Circus. Concealment was
impossible now; and looking back over his shoulder,
he could see the black figure of the old gentleman
coming after him with long, swinging strides like a
man winning a mile race. But the head upon that
bounding body was still pale, grave and pro-
fessional, like the head of a lecturer upon the body
of a harlequin.

This outrageous chase sped across Ludgate Circus,
up Ludgate Hill, round St. Paul's Cathedral, along
Cheapside, Syme remembering all the nightmares
he had ever known. Then Syme broke away to-
wards the river, and ended almost down by the
docks. He saw the yellow panes of a low, lighted
public-house, flung himself into it and ordered beer.
It was a foul tavern, sprinkled with foreign sailors,
a place where opium might be smoked or knives
drawn.

A moment later Professor de Worms entered the
place, sat down carefully, and asked for a glass of
milk.

-111-