sault us on the Avenue."

Ten minutes later, Sidney Prale was walking down the street, and the
faithful Murk was trailing in his wake, watching carefully. That walk
lasted for an hour. Then they returned to the hotel and Prale ordered an
early dinner. He did not say what he had decided to do, despite Murk's
hints that he should state his plans.

But Murk had noticed that Prale had stopped in at a printing office
during the walk, and shortly after they finished dinner, a bell boy
brought a small package to the suite. Prale unwrapped it, and some cards
spilled out.

"Nice cards, Murk," he said. "I had them printed this afternoon. They
bear the name of Horace Greenman, whoever he may be, and state that he
is connected with the General Utilities Company--whatever that is."

"What's the big idea, Mr. Prale?" Murk asked wonderingly.

"I wish to get into a certain place, Murk, and I'd never do it if I send
in my own card. What time is it?"

"A few minutes of eight, sir."

"Then we'll be going. Let us hope that we find our man at home. If this
happens to be his opera or theater evening, we are going to be delayed."

Murk followed him down in the elevator and to the street, where Prale
engaged a taxicab. The machine took them up past the Park and to an
exclusive residence section, where it stopped on a corner. Prale and
Murk got out, and Prale instructed the chauffeur to wait. Then he led
the way to the middle of the block.

"Murk, you remain just outside this gate," he instructed. "If I have
good luck, I'll come out with a man, and I may want to take him with us.
Be ready to help in case I get in wrong."

"Sure thing, sir," Murk said.

Prale passed through the gate, went up the walk, and lifted the knocker
on the front door. A moment, and a servant appeared and looked at him
searchingly.

"I wish to see Mr. Griffin at once on important business," Prale said.
"Kindly take my card to him."

Then Prale waited with his heart in his mouth. Was Griffin at home? The
servant instantly assured him of that, and carried the card away. Prale
had written "Important Business" on it.

The servant returned soon and announced that Mr. Griffin would see the
visitor. Prale followed him down the hall to the library. He was glad
that Griffin had chosen to receive him there, for there was less
likelihood of an interruption. The servant opened the door, and Sidney
Prale stepped inside.

Griffin was sitting beside the long table, an