pidly, it was a reasonable assumption that he was even then on
his way to keep his engagement.

For a moment I stood irresolute. I was very anxious to follow the
twain to the rendezvous, while at the same time I did not want to lose
my shadow. I glanced eagerly up and down the street, studying the
hurrying crowd on the walk, but could not see him anywhere. Then I
hurried out to the elevator, and within the next minute was dropped to
the ground floor.

I was obliged to walk fast to get within range of Fluette and Burke
again--not an easy thing to do among the crowd--but still I could see
nothing of my headquarters man, nor of the Jap. And right then I
perceived the last mentioned. He had manifestly only at that instant
caught up with the speculator and his companion--though why I had
failed to see him before I can't imagine--and he was evidently
addressing one or the other, or both of them.

It seemed to me that the fellow was trying to make his presence as
inconspicuous as possible. He strode stolidly along, close behind
them, looking into the shop windows and apparently not noticing the two
men at all. Yet I knew that he was talking to them. I could tell by
the surprised way with which both Fluette and Burke swung round and
stared at him.

I quickened my steps. Yes, the Oriental was talking, and talking
volubly. And, if I might judge by the consternation and anger
reflected in the faces of his two auditors, his message was anything
but welcome. That is to say, Alfred Fluette's strong features showed
these emotions, while, as always, it was difficult to read what was
going on behind Burke's impassive mask. Still it was pretty plain that
the secretary was utterly at his wits'-end.

At last the three stopped at a corner, where they moved up close to the
building to avoid the rush of pedestrians. I dared not draw near
enough to hope to hear any of their conversation; I could do no more
than watch from a distance, trusting to their absorption to keep them
oblivious of my proximity.

Both were now excitedly questioning the Jap, who seemed to be wholly
unmoved by their agitation. Presently Fluette turned angrily upon
Burke. From his manner it was not difficult to imagine that he was
soundly berating the secretary, who, whenever he could make himself
heard, was just as plainly attempting to present some extenuating
argument.

The entire episode was perplexing enough, but what immediately ensued
caught