to have impressed Miss Cavanaugh, the huge bulk of
Schwartzberg Castle, the unaccountable messages, and unknown agencies
all led one to expect something unusual. In this present affair,
however, the stage settings are not nearly so sensational; and yet,"
here the singular eyes of the investigator were fixed upon Scanlon
intently, "who knows? Unlooked-for results may not be lacking."

"Why--do you mean to say----?" Scanlon began the question in a voice
pitched in the key of sudden surprise; but the other stopped him before
he could finish.

"As I said a while ago, at Stanwick," remarked Ashton-Kirk, "it is not
yet time to declare anything. Just now we are picking up what facts and
suggestions we can; later we'll try fitting them together." He drew out
his watch and looked at it. "Two-thirty," he said. "Miss Cavanaugh must
have started for Stanwick before this; so suppose we go now for our
call."

Scanlon made a wry face as he arose.

"I don't like calling," spoke he, "and I especially don't like this one.
When I was deputy marshall out in the Gunnison country I once made a
call at the house of a gentleman who had locked himself up with a barrel
of ammunition and a half dozen Winchesters, and bid defiance to the law.
It was no soft job, but I'd rather do it again, than this."

"I think you are a little thin-skinned in the matter," spoke
Ashton-Kirk. "Miss Cavanaugh is extremely anxious to go further into
this case, and has asked our help. As I see it we can greatly increase
our chances of success by this visit; and we'll also save her the
anxiety of seeing us prowling around."

It was about a half hour's walk to Nora Cavanaugh's house; and when they
rang the bell the same trim maid opened the door.

"Is Miss Cavanaugh at home?" inquired Ashton-Kirk.

"No, sir," replied the maid. "She went out about a half hour ago."

"I'm sorry," said the investigator, a look of vexation upon his face.
"However, I suppose, though, it makes no difference. You recall what
Miss Cavanaugh said to you when we were here yesterday."

"Oh, yes, sir; very well."

"Excellent!" said Ashton-Kirk. "And, now, we'd like to ask you a few
questions, if you please."

The girl admitted them to a bright old reception room; the investigator
laid his hat and stick upon a table.

"It was you who admitted Mr. Burton the last time he was here, was it
not?"

"I opened the door for him, yes, sir. And he pushed by me."

"I see. How long had it bee