[CHAPTER I.]
A STARTLING REPORT.
There is a speed limit for automobiles in the City of New Orleans, but a certain red touring car on this Wednesday morning gave little heed to the regulation. With two wheels in the air the car made a sharp turn into Prytania Street, slowed a little as it came within one of colliding with a two-wheeled milk wagon, swerved to one side and then leaped onward.
Besides the driver, the car contained only one man. This passenger sat in front, leaning eagerly forward and urging the driver constantly to a faster gait.
"That's the house," said the passenger finally, indicating a building with his stubby forefinger.
The car pulled up with a jerk and the passenger was out before the machine was fairly at a stop.
"Wait for me," he called as he rushed across the sidewalk, yanked the gate bell and then darted through and up the steps to the porch.
With savage impatience he jabbed at the push button beside the door and tramped fretfully until a colored servant answered his summons.
"Is Cap'n Nemo, Jr., in?" he flung at the darky.
"Dat's a new one on me, boss," was the puzzled answer. "Ah dunno no sich pusson. You-all must hab got de wrong——"