turned. You have only forestalled
our interview."

"What did you wish to see me about?"

"This case," said Cuthbert, getting out a box of cigarettes and
touching the bell. "The deuce!" said Jennings briskly, "then you do
know something?"

Cuthbert handed him the box and gave an order for coffee. "Any
liqueur?" he asked in friendly tones.

"No. I never drink when on--ah--er--pleasure," said the other,
substituting another word since the servant was in the room. "Well,"
he asked when the door closed, "why did you wish to see me?"

"To ask if you remember a coining case that took place some twenty
years ago?"

"No. That was before my time. What case is it?"

"Some people called Saul were mixed up in it."

"Humph! Never heard of them," said Jennings, lighting his cigarette,
"but it is strange you should talk of coining. I and several other
fellows are looking for a set of coiners now. There are a lot of false
coins circulating, and they are marvellously made. If I can only lay
my hands on the coiners and their factory, there will be a sensation."

"And your reputation will be enhanced."

"I hope so," replied the detective, reddening. "I want a rise in my
salary, as I wish to marry. By the way, how is Miss Saxon?"

"Very well. You met her, did you not?"

"Yes! You took me to that queer house. What do they call it?
the--'Shrine of the Muses'--where all the sham art exists. Why do you
look so grave, old boy?"

The two men, getting more confidential, were dropping into the language
of school-days and speaking more familiarly. Mallow did not reply at
once, as his servant had just brought in the coffee. But when each
gentleman was supplied with a cup and they were again alone, he looked
gravely at Miles. "I want to ask your advice," he said, "and if you
are my friend--"

"I am, of course I am."

"Well, then, I am as interested in finding out who killed Miss Loach as
you are."

"Why is that?" demanded Jennings, puzzled.

"Before I answer and make a clean breast of it, I should like you to
promise that you will get no one I know into trouble."

Jennings hesitated. "That is a difficult matter. Of course, if I find
the assassin, even if he or she is one of your friends, I must do my
duty."

"Oh, I don't expect anything of that sort," said Mallow easily, "but
why do you say 'he' or 'she'?"

"Well, the person who killed Miss Loach might be a woman."

"I don't see how you make that out," s