Netta did not know where they went, but they got into four cabs in succession, driving a certain distance in one, then paying the driver, then walking into another street and hailing a fresh vehicle.
At last they reached the far east of London, and found themselves in a dirty, wretched street, amongst a squalid population.
'Give me the bag, and take care of your pocket,' said Howel, as they walked along the pavement. 'Keep close to me.'
They reached the house where Howel had taken a lodging the previous day. He walked through the passage, and bade his wife and child follow him; ascended two pair of stairs, and entered a large and tolerably respectable room.
There was a letter on the table, which he opened at once. It contained the following lines:—
'The double S are comparing notes, and various rumours are in circulation amongst that set.'
He put the letter in his pocket, and, turning to Netta, told her to go into the bedroom and take off her own and Minette's bonnet, as they must stay for a little while where they were.
'Not here, papa,' said Minette, beginning to cry. 'I don't like this place.'
'Hold your tongue!' said her father sternly, as Netta led her out of the room.
'Netta,' whispered Howel, 'our name is Mills here—just for a time only.'