another article, written a day later, which told of the
unsuccessful search for the body of the missing girl. A smile
overspread his face as he read this, and he glanced toward the
billiard-room. He evidently knew something which was giving him
considerable satisfaction. He believed that Donaster would play for
some time yet, so there was no hurry.

Slipping the newspaper clipping back into his pocket, Grimsby picked up
three letters and read them through. His smile was more pronounced,
now, and the light of triumph gleamed in his eyes. He felt proud of
himself, and his chest slightly expanded with the spirit of importance.
"Gabriel Grimsby," he said to himself, "you hold the trump-card all
right this time. You may be of no account, but you know a thing or
two, and it's up to you to make the most of your knowledge. But,
hello! here comes the sucker."

Donaster left the hotel, and went at once to his lodging-place. It was
only occasionally that he went to the Fundy for his meals, and this
evening was one of them. He could not afford to go often, much as he
would have liked to do so. He had to be careful until he had secured
Jess Randall, and then he could indulge himself to his heart's content.
That he should eventually win her, he had not the slightest doubt. Her
father and mother were on his side, so what could a girl do against
such a strong combination. After this escapade she would, no doubt, be
glad to return and obey their wish. Thus he reasoned as he sat alone
in his room that night.

A knock sounded upon the door, and when it was opened Grimsby entered.
He greeted Donaster in a free and easy manner, and without waiting for
an invitation, sat down and helped himself from a package of cigarettes
lying upon the table. Donaster stared at him in amazement, for a
minute dumbfounded by such unheard-of impudence. Then he rose to his
feet, and angrily approached the visitor.

"Who are you?" he demanded, "and how dare you come here?"

Grimsby smiled, flicked the ashes from his cigarette, and waved his
hand.

"Don't be afraid, sir; I won't hurt you. I'm as harmless as a dove."

"H'm, I have no fear of you. I want to know what you mean by your
impudence in coming into my room unbidden?"

"Impudence! Impudence, do you say?" and Grimsby assumed a look of
astonishment. "Why, I have a special right here. I don't need any
invitation."

Donaster stared at the intruder, uncertain whether to class him