es nodded in grinning comprehension.

"Well, you know how to pick 'em, Mr. Clayton. I'll say that for you.
Anne's a mighty swell girl."

"I've never met a finer one," said Mr. Clayton, looking serious.

"Oh, this town's full of 'em," cried Jimmy generously. "Say, they got
a long lemonade they don't make bad in here--sliced orange and a cherry
on top. I'll go you one. I guess it won't take a jiff."

"Good!" cried Clayton, leading the way without more ado into the Jessup.

He picked up his raincoat which he had left on a chair near the door,
flung over his travelling bag, and carried both with him through the
swing doors into the buffet. Here they found a vacant table and
Clayton beckoned a waiter and set his grip and coat on the floor
between the two chairs. Stiles dropped the tan satchel alongside the
raincoat and grinned across at Clayton with evident pleasure. This was
the right way for gentlemen to bid each other farewell, and he helped
himself from the other's proffered cigarette case with the air of doing
this sort of thing every day. Neither of them appeared to pay any
attention to the man who entered behind them, sat down at the table
next the wall and ordered a glass of beer; patrons were coming and
going and the man was just an ordinary citizen entitled to quench his
thirst if he so desired.

The two young fellows chatted and laughed over their refreshments for
perhaps five or ten minutes. It was Clayton who finally glanced at his
watch and jumped to his feet. He picked up raincoat and grip and shook
hands. Stiles picked up the tan satchel and out on the street they
shook hands once more. Clayton boarded a street-car, and with a final
wave of good-will Jimmy Stiles continued on his way.

At a convenient distance the private detective followed. He walked
into the Brokers' Bank Building just as the bookkeeper pushed the
elevator bell. They went up in the same elevator to the fifth floor,
where they both got out. The detective, sauntering down the corridor,
observed Stiles enter the office of Blatchford Ferguson, Barrister,
Notary Public, etc.

With a grunt he turned on his heel and descended to the street, where
he lighted another stogey and returned the way he had come. Arriving
finally at the offices of the Alderson Construction Company, he was
admitted at once to Alderson's presence and reported that the tan
satchel had been delivered at its destination without mishap.

As he finished