or
even thick overcoats," observed Steingall.

"I'm a plumber," said the East Orange man. "If you care to run back to
my place, I c'n give you a telescope ladder and a tarpaulin. But perhaps
we may butt into trouble?"

"For shame, Jim! I thought you'd do a little thing like that to help a
girl in distress."

"First I've heard of any girl."

"My name is Carshaw," came the prompt assurance. "Here's my card; read
it by the lamp there. I'll guarantee you against consequences, pay any
damages, and reward you if our search yields results."

"Jim--" commenced the girl reproachfully, but he stayed her with a
squeeze.

"Cut it out, Polly," he said. "You don't wish me to start housebreaking,
do you? But if there's a lady to be helped, an' Mr. Carshaw says it's
O.K., I'm on. A fellow who was with Funston in the Philippines won't
sidestep a little job of that sort."

Polly, appeased and delighted with the adventure, giggled. "I'd think
not, indeed."

"It is lawbreaking, but I am inclined to back you up," confided
Steingall to Carshaw when the car was humming back to East Orange. "At
the worst you can only be charged with trespass, as my evidence will be
taken that you had no unlawful intent."

"Won't you come with me?"

"Better not. You see, I am only helping you. You have an excuse; I, as
an official, have none--if a row springs up and doors have to be kicked
open, for instance. Moreover, this is the State of New Jersey and
outside my bailiwick."

"Perhaps the joker behind us may be useful."

"He will be, or his girl will know the reason why. He may have fought in
every battle in the Spanish War, but she has more pep in her."

The soldierly plumber was as good as his word. He produced the ladder
and the tarpaulin, and a steel wrench as well.

"If you do a thing at all do it thoroughly. That's what Funston taught
us," he grinned.

Carshaw thanked him, and in a few minutes they were again looking at the
tall gate and the dark masses of the garden trees silhouetted against
the sky. They had not encountered many wayfarers during their three
journeys. The presence of a car at the entrance to such a pretentious
place would not attract attention, and the scaling of the wall was only
a matter of half a minute.

"No use in raising the dust by knocking. Go over," counseled Steingall.
"Try to open the gate. Then you can return the ladder and tarpaulin at
once. Otherwise, leave them in position. If satisfied that the ho