nor one or two other articles of decided
value. Nor were they ever found. The bird bore the blame; the objects
missing were all heavy and might have been dropped in its flight, but I
have always thought that the bird had an accomplice, a knowing fellow
who understood what's what and how to pick out his share."

The coroner smiled. There was little conviction and much sarcasm in that
smile. Hammersmith turned away. "Have you any instructions for me?" he
said.

"Yes, you had better stay here. I will return in the morning with my
jury. It won't take long after that to see this thing through."

The look he received in reply was happily hidden from him.

III

"Yes, I'm going to stay here to-night. As it's a mere formality, I shall
want a room to sit in, and if you have no objection I'll take Number 3
on the rear corridor."

"I'm sorry, but Number 3 is totally unfit for use, as you've already
seen."

"Oh, I'm not particular. Put a table in and a good light, and I'll get
along with the rest. I have something to do. Number 3 will answer."

The landlord shifted his feet, cast a quick scrutinising look at the
other's composed face, and threw back his head with a quick laugh.

"As you will. I can't make you comfortable on such short notice, but
that's your lookout. I've several other rooms vacant."

"I fancy that room," was all the reply he got.

Mr. Quimby at once gave his orders. They were received by Jake with
surprise.

Fifteen minutes later Hammersmith prepared to install himself in these
desolate quarters. But before doing so he walked straight to the small
parlour where he had last seen Miss Demarest and, knocking, asked for
the privilege of a word with her. It was not her figure, however, which
appeared in the doorway, but that of the landlady.

"Miss Demarest is not here," announced that buxom and smooth-tongued
woman. "She was like to faint after you gentlemen left the room, and I
just took her upstairs to a quiet place by herself."

"On the rear corridor?"

"Oh, no, sir; a nice front room; we don't consider money in a case like
this."

"Will you give me its number?"

Her suave and steady look changed to one of indignation.

"You're asking a good deal, aren't you? I doubt if the young lady----"

"The number, if you please," he quietly put in.

"Thirty-two," she snapped out. "She will have every care," she hastened
to assure him as he turned away.

"I've no doubt. I do not intend to sleep to t