om the Circle as the spokes of a wheel from the hub, the taxi could
have gone in practically any direction.

So he gave over running--running after a taxi-cab was not in his
line--and resumed his walk northward. At Dupont Circle he found a lone
cab with a drowsy negro on the box; who came quickly to life, however,
at his approach.

"Cab, seh, cab?" he solicited.

"Which way did the yellow taxi go that just came up Connecticut Avenue?"
Harleston asked.

"Out Massachu'ts abenu', seh, yass seh.--Cab, seh?"

"Drive out Massachusetts Avenue," Harleston directed, getting in. "If you
see a taxi, get close to it."

"I'll do hit, seh, yass seh!" said the negro, as he climbed on the box
and jerked the lines.

But though they went out the avenue to beyond Sheridan Circle, and back
again, and along the streets north of P and west of Twentieth, no taxi
was seen--nor any trace of Madeline Spencer. They drove over the route
for more than an hour--and never raised a yellow taxi nor a skirt.
Finally Harleston abandoned the search and headed the cab for the
Collingwood.

Miss Williams was on duty when he entered, and she signalled him to the
desk.

"The Chateau has been trying to get you for the last half-hour," said
she. "Shall I call them?"

"If you please," he replied, "I'll wait here."

Presently she nodded to Harleston; he stepped into the booth and closed
the door.

"This is Mr. Harleston," said he.

"I recognize your voice, Guy, dear," came Madeline Spencer's soft
tones. "I'd know it _anywhere_, indeed."

"The same to you, my lady," Harleston returned. "Was that what you were
calling me for?"

"No, no!" she laughed. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm back at the
Chateau. I thought you might be interested, you know; you sprinted so
rapidly up N Street, and spent so much time driving around in a cab
searching for me, that I assume it will be a very great relief to you to
know that I am returned. It was such a satisfaction, Guy, to feel that
you were so solicitous for my safety, and I appreciate it, my dear, I
appreciate it. Meanwhile, you might wish to get busy as to my _alter
ego_. I saw her going up Sixteenth Street, as I was returning--a little
after eleven o'clock. Maybe _she_ needs assistance, Guy; you never can
tell. See you tomorrow, old enemy. Good-bye for tonight."

"I say--are you there, Madeline?" Harleston ejaculated; then asked
again. When no one answered he hung up the receiver and came from the