d with gossip of the
wealthy colony but when they left they were in possession of the life
histories of Mrs. Collins, Collins and Ward.

Out in the street Britz consulted his watch.

"We've just got time to catch the eight-forty for New York," he said. "I
guess we won't visit the Collinses to-night."

"Do you perceive any connection between the murder of Whitmore and the
attempted post office robbery?" asked Greig.

"There may be," said Britz. "I'm going to Headquarters now to map out
plans. This investigation will have to be pursued systematically in
order to obtain results."

Three quarters of an hour later Britz was at his desk in Police
Headquarters, studying the various ramifications of the case.
Occasionally he scribbled a note and laid it aside for future reference.
He was attacking the problem just as a business man might proceed with a
commercial proposition--viewing it from all angles and arranging a
programme for his subordinates to follow. At least half a dozen channels
needed to be explored, all of which offered possibilities in the way of
clues. On a typewritten sheet before him were the names of a score of
men available for new cases. Britz pondered the list, carefully weighing
the qualifications of each man, estimating his capability, his
persistency, his resourcefulness. At last he checked off eight names,
and, summoning a uniformed doorman, directed that the eight men be
ordered to report to him forthwith.

"Officer Muldoon of the Eighth Precinct is waiting to see you," the
doorman informed him.

"Show him in," said Britz.

Muldoon entered with the mysterious air of one who has important
information to impart and does not intend that his hearer shall
underestimate its importance.

"I think I've got a line on this Whitmore case," he began.

"Well, what is it?" Britz asked curtly.

"Just six weeks ago last night I was patroling Fifth avenue in front of
the Whitmore house. I saw a lady come out and enter a taxicab. She was a
beauty--fine looking and dressed like a queen. In the half-open doorway
of the house Mr. Whitmore stood, watching her descend the steps. Both he
and she looked as if they'd been quarreling."

"Anything more?" Britz asked impatiently.

"No, sir," the policeman admitted.

"Would you know her again if you saw her?"

"I surely would."

"Very well. Inform your precinct commander that you have been
temporarily assigned to Headquarters and remain outside until I send for