I could not help laughing at his air of mild inquiry.

“Did I not leave you at our head-quarters?”

“That was two days ago, colonel.”

“And this is your residence, perhaps?”

“I have no residence, colonel; but am here, temporarily, on a little matter of business.”

“Ah! a matter of business!”

“I think it might be called so, colonel.”

“Which it would be indiscreet to reveal to me, however. That is a pity, for I am terribly curious, my dear Nighthawk!”

Nighthawk looked at me benignly, with a philanthropic smile.

“I have not the least objection to informing you, colonel. You are a gentleman of discretion, and have another claim on my respect.”