"What! Again? Aren't you carrying the joke rather far?"

"It's not a joke any more. It's deadly serious. I'm quite sure," he
concluded in the manner of one who picks his words carefully, "that it
may turn out to be just the most serious matter in the world to me."

"As bad as that?" she queried, but the color that flamed in her cheeks
belied the lightness of her tone.

"Quite. However, that must wait. Where is your uncle?"

"Up-stairs in his study."

"Do you think you could take me all through the house sometime this
afternoon without his seeing me?"

"No, I'm sure I couldn't. He's been wandering like an uneasy spirit
since Peter Paul disappeared. And he won't go out, because he is
packing."

"So much the worse, either for him or me. Where are your rooms?"

"On the second floor."

"Very well. Now, I want one of these little boxes left in every room in
the house, if possible, except on your floor, which is probably out of
the reckoning. Do you think you could manage it soon?"

"I think so. I'll try."

"Do most of the rooms open into one another?"

"Yes, all through the house."

"Please see that they're all unlocked, and as far as possible, open.
I'll be here at four o'clock, and will call for judge Ackroyd. You
must be sure that he receives me. Tell him it is a matter of great
importance. It is."

"You're putting a fearful strain on my feminine curiosity," said Miss
Graham, the provocative smile quirking at the comers of her mouth.

"Doubtless," returned the other dryly. "If you strictly follow
directions, I'll undertake to satisfy it in time. Four o'clock sharp,
I'll be here. Don't be frightened whatever happens. You keep ready, but
out of the way, until I call you. Good-by."

With even more than his usual nicety was Average Jones attired, when, at
four o'clock, he sent his card to judge Ackroyd. Small favor, however,
did his appearance find, in the scowling eyes of the judge.

"What do you want?" he growled.

"I'll take a cigar, thank you very much," said Average Jones innocently.

"You'll take your leave, or state your business."

"It has to do with your niece."

"Then what do you take my time for, damn your impudence."

"Don't swear." Average Jones was deliberately provoking the older man to
an outbreak. "Let's--er--sit down and--er--be chatty."

The drawl, actually an evidence of excitement, had all the effect of
studied insolence. Judge Ackroyd's big frame shook.

"I'm going to k-k-ki