knock on
the maid's door and look her over. We can't be too careful--remember
that. It's getting late," he added with candor.

Drew allowed Harry Nichols and Loris to pass him as he held the
portieres for them with a thoughtful bow. He crossed the reading-room,
examined the books and cases, glanced under a low divan, and saw to it
that each window was latched before he knocked lightly upon a further
door which was hidden by curtains.

A maid appeared, in smart white apron and pursed lips of inquiry. Drew
regarded her not unkindly. He ran his eyes up and down her trim figure
from the black bow in her brown hair to the wide ribbons which laced
her trim French shoes.

"How long have you been with Miss Stockbridge?" he asked.

_"Merci, Monsieur!"_ she courtesied. "It has been for zee longest time.
_Cinq--sept, annees, monsieur,"_ she counted mentally.

"Good!" said Drew closing the door lightly. "Good little girl. We won't
bother you the rest of the night," he added as he turned a good key in
a perfectly good lock and dropped the curtains.

"Now!" he said with a final glance about the reading-room, with its
morocco-bound tomes and glowing lights. "Now, let the worst come! Let
that come what may!"

He strode through to the reception room, glanced slit-lidded at Loris
and Nichols, who had seated themselves in the deeper recess of a
splendid alcove, and hurried to the hall where Delaney was hastily
removing his coat, and showing other evidences of some answer to his
quest at the telephone exchange.

"Well?" asked Drew as the bulk of the big operative loomed through the
tapestries. "Well, what did you find out over there?"

"Enough, Chief!" Delaney's voice was hard. He glanced at Loris and
Nichols. His right eye closed in a warning wink of caution.

"Come into this other room," said Drew. "Come right in, Delaney. This
way!" Drew lifted the portieres, then dropped them after the operative
had stumbled forward.

"What did you find?" he asked into Delaney's ear. "Out with it!"

The operative glanced about the reading-room. He blinked at the glowing
electrics. He recovered his voice as he drew in a deep breath which
bulged his chest to barrel proportions.

"I went," he said huskily. "I went to Gramercy Hill Exchange. Found the
superintendent.... Fellow, you told me to find, Chief ... I draws him
to one side.... I asked about this trouble-hunter.... He ups like I'd
hit him.... He says fellow quit to-day.... Says fel