hoice and dainty objects of haute-art were in that splendid
room.

Drew advanced over a rug so soft and deep he felt like a peri entering
Paradise. He brushed aside the tapestries and strode swiftly forward.
His hat came off as Loris advanced to meet him from a large chamber,
wherein the color scheme had been worked out in black and white with a
suggestion of green-in-gold.

He forgot the material things of that apartment as he bowed gallantly.
He thrust his hand forward and clasped strong fingers over her own. The
grief of her father's death had widened her eyes and set them in
circles of dark brows and tear-stained features. Her voice clutched in
her throat as she tried to speak. Her hand was drawn from his slowly.
It raised to her broad forehead beneath her blue-black hair, with a
passing motion that dispelled some of the doubt within her. She smiled
wanly. Her round, young breast rose and fell with the rustle of
perfumed laces. She swished her lavender gown behind her with a turn of
a white, supple wrist upon which was a tiny, diamond-studded watch of
superior make.

"Courage!" said Drew. "Have courage! They won't get you!"

"They--they," she breathed. "They have threatened me like they
threatened poor father. They sent a letter. Oh, I wish I were a man!"

Drew flushed beneath his olive cheeks. He reached upward and turned
down his overcoat collar. He laid his hat on a chair, braced his
shoulders, and stared around the room. His eyes wandered from the walls
to the inner opening. "Who's in there?" he asked.

"Harry--Harry Nichols. I telephoned for him. I was afraid. I admit I'm
afraid, Mr. Drew. You know what they did to father?"

"Yes, I know. It was an error on my part. We did not take the proper
precautions. But this time--we will!"

"I hope you do. I don't feel like myself, after last night. It came so
suddenly. I heard you people talking in the lower hallway. I went to
the bannisters and saw all the servants at the library door. And
then--and then, I went down without a particle of warning. It was a
shock, Mr. Drew."

"One I could have spared you," admitted the detective. "It was
preventable," he added, turning toward Delaney.

The operative stepped forward. He struck a chair with his foot and
tumbled it over. Picking it up and setting it down on its legs, he
flushed guiltily.

"Be careful!" snapped Drew. "Get me that letter this young lady
received from Jersey. Get it! We'll look it over right now