ger attend to my duties on the road and have
had to give up my position. The doctor gives me but a few
months to live, so rather than be a burden to you I have
decided to end the thing at once. When this letter reaches
you, the Mississippi will be carrying my body to the sea,
where I hope that it will be lost to the world forever.

Knowing that my time was approaching, I long ago arranged
for your future. If you will identify yourself to the
National Trust Company, Chicago, you will find that you
have been amply provided for. As we do not lease the
apartment direct from the owner, you had better move out
at once and go to an hotel. No one can hold you responsible.

Good luck and success in your music. God bless you, and
good-bye.

Your devoted father.

"What's the game?" repeated Morgan, when he saw that Marsh had
finished reading the letter.

"A convenient disappearance, that is all," returned Marsh. "Things
were beginning to get too hot for him. No doubt he thought you were
getting closer than you really were. Poor girl," he added. "She will
take it as gospel truth, and we dare not tell her otherwise--not
now, anyway."

"One thing is certain in my mind now," asserted Morgan. "There was a
murder upstairs. They planned to put some person who was becoming a
menace, quietly out of the way. But you spoiled it!"

"No, I did not spoil it," said Marsh. "The shot did that. I have
felt for some time that that shot was a mistake--a slipup
somewhere."

"I've got to go; it is two o'clock," exclaimed Morgan as he looked
at his watch. "Where shall we hold future conferences! I do not want
to be seen coming here too often. It might lead to suspicions of
you, and I think we can accomplish more if your connection with the
case is not made clear."

"How about your house?" inquired Marsh. "Knowing that you are now
suspicious, and with Tierney on the doorstep, they will probably
keep away from there in the future."

"Well, let it stand at that for the present," agreed Morgan.
"Telephone me when you want to come. My number is in the telephone
book."

With that the two men's hands met in a strong grip as if to seal
their future partnership. Morgan opened the door and then started
back with a cry.

Tierney lay stretched out across the landing, apparently asleep.

But Morgan knew the man better.

CHAPTER X

THE STOLEN SUITCASE

The placing o