ond's house when, for instance, you are out late at night?"

"I've got a key to the garage," he answered. "The garage is attached to
the house, though it opens on the side street."

She held Out her hand.

The Sparrow fished in his pocket, and extended the key without
hesitation.

"It's for the small door, of course," he explained.

"You haven't got a flashlight, I suppose?" she smiled.

"Sure! There's plenty of 'em! Each car's got one with its tools under
the back seat."

She nodded.

"And now, the library," she said. "What part of the house is it in? How
is it situated?"

"It's on the ground floor at the back," he told her. "The little short
passage from the garage opens on the kitchen, then the pantry, and then
there's a little cross hallway, and the dining-room is on the left, and
the library on the right. But ain't I going with you?"

She shook her head again.

"You're going home, Marty--after you've sent me a taxicab. If you were
seen in that neighborhood now, let alone by any chance seen in the
house, nothing could save you. You understand that, don't you? Now,
listen! Find a taxi, and send it here. Tell the chauffeur to pick me up,
and drive me to the corner of the cross street, one block in the rear of
Mr. Hayden-Bond's residence. Don't mention Hayden-Bond's name. Give the
chauffeur simply street directions. Be careful that he is some one who
doesn't know you. Tell him he will be well paid--and give him this to
begin with." She thrust a banknote into the Sparrow's hand. "You're sure
to find one at some all-night cabaret around here. And remember,
when you go home afterward, not a word to your mother! And not a word
to-morrow, or ever-to any one! You've simply done as you told your
employer you were going to do--spent the night at home."

"But you," he burst out, and his words choked a little. "I--I can't let
you go, and--"

"You said you would trust me, Marty," she said. "And if you want to help
me, as well, don't waste another moment. I shall need every second I
have got. Quick! Hurry!"

"But--"

She pushed him toward the street.

"Run!" she said tensely. "Hurry, Marty, hurry!"

She drew back into the shadows. She was alone now. The Sparrow's racing
footsteps died away on the pavement. Her mind reverted to the plan
that she had dimly conceived. It became detailed, concrete now, as the
minutes passed. And then she heard a car coming along the previously
deserted street, and she stepped ou