Yes, she had just come in. Would Mr. Orme hold the wire?

Mr. Orme certainly would, and presently he was rewarded for the delay by
hearing Bessie's brisk little voice.

"Hello?"

"Who?"

"Bob?"

"Well you ought to be ashamed of yourself; we waited over and took the
next train."

"Oh, yes, I know all about these very busy people."

"Nonsense! I was fooling, of course. But we were sorry you didn't come."

"What?"

"That girl? Why, what's the matter with you, Robert Orme?"

"Business importance? That won't do, Bob. You'll have to 'fess up."

"Do I know such a girl? Are you serious?"

"Why, Bob, I can think of several. Shall I name them?"

"Not give their names! What on earth is the matter with you?"

"Oh, part of the business, is it? Well, let me see. Tall and beautiful,
you say. Dark eyes and hair. A black touring-car. Hum! I know, three
girls to whom the description applies. It might be--but you don't wish me
to mention the name. Well, you'll have to think of something more
distinctive."

Orme thought in vain. The image of the girl was ever in his mind, but
describe her he could not. At last he said: "The girl I mean lives in one
of the suburbs. She has a father who has lately undergone a slight
operation. He is, I think, a man who is involved in negotiations with
other countries."

"Oh! Where did you meet her? Why, Bob, how interesting! I never thought
of her, but she's one of my dearest friends."

"Now, listen, Bessie. It is absolutely necessary that I should reach her
father's house before midnight. You must help me."

He heard her laugh. "Help you? Of course I will."

"Where does she live?"

"Not very far from Arradale. Bob, you come right out here. I will see to
the rest. It certainly is the funniest coincidence."

"I'll catch the first train."

"There's one at six--for men who come out to dine."

"All right. Expect me. Good-by."

Orme looked at his watch. He had an hour and a half--which meant that
time must be killed. It would be unwise to return to the Pere Marquette,
for the South Americans and the Japanese might both be on watch for him
there. But he did not care to wander about the streets, with the chance
of coming face to face with some of his enemies. It was obvious that
swift and elaborate machinery would be set in motion to catch him. Of
course, there were many places where he could conceal himself for an
hour, but----

Tom Wallingham's office! Why had he not thought of th