scarcely
notice them; but one can't see a to-let-unfurnished sign on a house
opposite for six months, without remarking its sudden disappearance from
the landscape."

"I should say that you wouldn't be normal if you didn't notice--and
comment, too," Ranleigh declared. "And the Department is much indebted
to you for the information, and it appreciates the spirit that moves you
in the matter."

Mrs. Winton arose to go--the Superintendent accompanied her into the
hall, rang the bell for the elevator, and bowed her into it.

"Don't you wish to know the result?" he inquired with a quizzical
smile, as he put her in the car.

"I'm not unduly curious!" she laughed.

When he returned, Harleston was standing in his office lighting a
cigarette.

"It's infernally close, not to mention hot, in that cabinet of yours,"
he observed; "though one can see and hear."

"Ever see her before?" the Superintendent asked.

"I don't recall it!"

"Ever hear the voice?"

"No."

"What do you think of her?"

"Good to look at, truthful, sincere."

"And her story?"

"Simple statement of fact, I take it."

"Hum!" said Ranleigh.

"Which means?" Harleston asked.

"Nothing at present; may be nothing at any time. I never believe a story
till its truth is established--and then I'm still in a receptive state
of mind. However, it does seem true, and Mrs. Winton herself supports
it; which is enough for the time."

"At any rate, we've found the lady of the cab," Harleston remarked. "Or
rather we've located her as of one o'clock, which is shortly before I
happened on the scene."

"Is there anything in the description that corresponds to the lady of
the photograph?"

"It all corresponds; slight, above medium-height, dark gown--she affects
dark gowns;--but thousands of women are slight, above medium-height, and
wear dark gowns."

"At least it eliminates the very tall and the stout," Ranleigh observed.
"Let me ask you, what do you make of Mrs. Winton's appointment at the
Chateau at five, and her being gowned in black?"

"A mere coincidence, I think. What would be her object in telling this
story to you between three and four o'clock, and meeting me at five to
recover the lost document."

"Search me! I'm sure only of this: there are too many women in this
affair, Mr. Harleston, too many women! Man is a reasoning being and
somewhat consistent; but women--" a gesture ended the remark.

"Just so!" Harleston laughed. "And now for the La