under his frank
and engaging manner; I wish you joy of your future father-in-law," and
he chuckled.

"Thanks," dryly. "You haven't answered my question as to who stood
nearest the porch table, Ferguson."

The detective looked thoughtful. "We all stood fairly near; perhaps Mrs.
Brewster was a shade the nearest. Mr. Clymer was offering her a chair
when that noise came from the dining room. There's one thing I am
willing to swear to"--his manner grew more earnest--"that envelope was
still lying on the table when I hustled into the dining room."

"Well, who was the last person to leave the porch?" Kent demanded
eagerly.

"I don't know," was the disappointing answer. "I reached the door at
the same moment you did and passed right around the dining room to get a
view of what was going on. I thought I would take a squint at the tables
and see if there was any wine being used," he admitted. "But there was
nothing doing in that line. Then Mr. Clymer offered to bring me down to
Headquarters, and I left the club with him."

Kent took a turn about the room. "Did Mr. Clymer go to the Cosmos Club?"
he asked, pausing by the detective.

"No, I heard him tell his chauffeur to drive to the Saratoga. Want to
use the telephone?" observing Kent's glance stray to the instrument.

By way of answer Kent took off the receiver and after giving a number to
Central, he recognized Clymer's voice over the telephone.

"That you, Mr. Clymer? Yes, well, this is Kent speaking. Can you tell me
who was the last person to leave the porch when Colonel de Geofroy made
his farewell speech to-night at the club?"

"I was," came Clymer's surprised answer.

"I waited for McIntyre to pick up Mrs. Brewster's fan."

"Did he take my letter off the table also?" called Kent.

"Why, no." Clymer's voice testified to his increased surprise. "Mrs.
Brewster dropped her fan right in the doorway just as McIntyre and I
approached; we both stooped to get it and, like fools; bumped our heads
together in the act. He got the fan, however, and I waited for him to
walk into the dining room before following Mrs. Brewster."

"As you passed the table, Mr. Clymer, did you see my letter lying on the
table?" persisted Kent.

"Upon my word I never looked at the table," Clymer's hearty tone carried
conviction. "I walked right along in my hurry to know what the cheering
was about. I am sorry, Kent; have you mislaid your letter?"

"Yes," glumly. "Sorry to have disturbed you,