ing this afternoon?"

"Nothing," he promised her.

From the window of her beautifully appointed little electric brougham
she held out her hand in farewell.

"You think me foolish, I know, that I persist," she said, "but I do
beg that you will remember what I say. Do not be alone to-day more
than you can help. Suspect every one who comes near to you. There
may be a trap before your feet at any moment. Be wary always and do
not forget--at five o'clock I expect you."

Laverick smiled as he bowed his adieux.

"It is a promise, Mademoiselle," he assured her.

CHAPTER XXVII

PENETRATING A MYSTERY

About an hour after Mademoiselle Idiale's departure a note marked
"Urgent" was brought in and handed to Laverick. He tore it open.
It was dated from the address of a firm of stockbrokers, with two
of the partners of which he was on friendly terms. It ran thus:

MY DEAR LAVERICK,--I want a chat with you, if you can spare
five minutes at lunch time. Come to Lyons' a little earlier
than usual, if you don't mind,--say at a quarter to one.

J. HENSHAW.

Laverick read the typewritten note carelessly enough at first. He
had even laid it down and glanced at the clock, with the intention
of starting out, when a thought struck him. He took it up and read
it though again. Then he turned to the telephone.

"Put me on to the office of Henshaw & Allen. I want to speak to Mr.
Henshaw particularly."

Two minutes passed. Laverick, meanwhile, had been washing his hands
ready to go out. Then the telephone bell rang. He took up the
receiver.

"Hullo! Is that Henshaw?"

"I'm Henshaw," was the answer. "That's Laverick, isn't it? How
are you, old fellow?"

"I'm all right," Laverick replied. "What is it that you want to
see me about?"

"Nothing particular that I know of. Who told you that I wanted to?"

Laverick, who had been standing with the instrument in his hand, sat
down in his chair.

"Look here," he said, "Didn't you send me a note a few minutes ago,
asking me to come out to lunch at a quarter to one and meet you at
Lyons'?"

Henshaw's laugh was sufficient response.

"Delighted to lunch with you there or anywhere, old chap,--you know
that," was the answer, "but some one's been putting up a practical
joke on you."

"You did not send me a note round this morning, then?" Laverick
insisted.

"I'll swear I didn't," came the reply. "Do