. It was dark
enough when I got there, and began seeking the number. I followed the
block twice in uncertainty, so many of the houses were dark, but
finally located the one I believed must be 108. It was slightly back
from the street, a large stone mansion, surrounded by a low coping of
brick and with no light showing anywhere. I was obliged to mount the
front steps before I could assure myself this was the place. The
street was deserted, except for two men talking under the electric
light at the corner, and the only sound arose from the passing of a
surface car a block away. The silence and loneliness got upon my
nerves, but, without yielding, I followed the narrow cement walk around
the corner of the house. Here it was dark in the shadow of the wall,
yet one window on the first floor exhibited a faint glow at the edge of
a closely drawn curtain. Encouraged slightly by this proof that the
house was indeed occupied, I felt my way forward until I came to some
stone steps, and a door. I rapped on the wood three times, my nerves
tingling from excitement. There was a moment's delay, so that I lifted
my hand again, and then the door opened silently. Within was like the
black mouth of a cave, and I involuntarily took a step backward.

"This you, Craig?"

"Yes," I answered, half recognizing the cautious voice.

"All right then--come in. There is nothing to fear, the floor is
level."

I stepped within, seeing nothing of the man, and the door was closed
behind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced me it was secured by
a spring lock.

"Turn on the light," said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an
electric bulb glowed dazzling overhead, and I blinked, about half
blinded by the sudden change.

CHAPTER II

THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY

It was a rather narrow hallway and, with the exception of a thick
carpet underfoot, unfurnished. Neale, appearing somewhat more slender
in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing a gold-crowned tooth.

"Did not chance to hear your motor," he said easily, taking a cigarette
case from his vest pocket. "You are a little late; what was it, tire
trouble?"

"I came afoot," I answered, not overly-cordial. "It was farther across
town than I supposed."

"Well, you 're here, and that is the main point. Have a cigarette.
No?" as I shook my head. "All right, there are cigars in the room
yonder--the second door to your left."

I entered where he indicated.