ten hastily in his sister's home.

Mason North looked up after perusing it, and favored the messenger with a
keen scrutiny.

"H'm! This letter calls for the delivery to you of certain rather
important documents, young man. I should like to be sure of your
identification before placing them in your hands."

"Well, Sir, I've my bank-book here, and some letters----"

The attorney waved them aside.

"I don't mean quite that. You have been long in Miss Murdaugh's employ?"

Dan was conscious of a movement in the corner behind him and turned to
find a mild, round-faced young man rising from the safe he had been in
the act of closing and regarding him with vast interest. Dan returned
the compliment respectfully.

"How long have you worked for Miss Murdaugh?"

The question was reiterated with a touch of asperity.

"For some time, Sir. Ever since she caught the French maid trying to spy
on her under the orders of Mrs. Halstead." Dan repeated carefully but
with evident satisfaction the message which had been given him. "Miss
Murdaugh told me to tell you, Sir, that I was one of the investments she
had made with Gentleman Geoff's money. She said you would understand."

Mason North nipped at his mustache reflectively and turned to the younger
man. "Winthrop, I wish you'd go and attend to that Erskine matter for
me!"

Winnie departed in obvious reluctance and only when the door had closed
behind him did his father resume:

"In what capacity are you employed by Miss Murdaugh?"

"Confidential agent, she said I was to tell you." Dan could scarcely
suppress a grin of importance. "She told me to remind you that she asked
you particular last night if she might send for the copies of the papers,
not call for them herself, and you said 'yes.' And you'll excuse me,
Sir, but I'm not to answer any more questions."

The attorney shrugged and turned to the telephone, but Dan interposed
quietly:

"Miss Murdaugh ain't at home, Sir. She's waiting for me and she says
she'll not set foot in the house until I bring her the copies of the
papers."

"Very well." Mason North capitulated, and, opening a drawer in his desk,
handed over a rolled package. "Here you are. I shall want a receipt, of
course."

He made out one, which Dan signed, and with a nod turned to leave, when
the attorney halted him on the threshold.

"Ask Miss Murdaugh if she can find it convenient to call here this
afternoon; tell her I would like to ta