ut she
never worried. He always came back. The "Stahls" were voluble over the
non-arrival of their luggage, which seemed to vex them more than the
appearance of Cheffinsky, their old friend. Whether or not Mrs. MacMahon
believed the story, at all events she agreed to supply the needs of Mr.
and Mrs. Stahl, ordering a list of things for their selection. This
arrangement raised Clo's hopes. Maybe Churn and Kit intended to venture
out! If they went for a short airing, they would probably leave the
pearls at home. In their absence Clo would somehow get into the room
next door. With Beverley's jewels recaptured, her mission in this house
would be accomplished.

But she was doomed to disappointment. After writing her hopeful letter
to Leontine, Clo's expectations of quick success were dashed. Kit and
Churn received the clothes they wanted, but did not go out; nor did they
audibly plan to go. Their intention was to eat downstairs, but they
would take turns. One would always keep guard over the pearls. Newspaper
mention of the "girl in pink" had scared them. After a heated argument
they decided that, till they "saw how the wind blew," they would not
risk sending for Isaacs. This was a sacrifice, because they wished to
dispose of the pearls before Cheffinsky came "nosing around"; but they
were not sure of Isaac's loyalty. Who could tell what he might do, if
tempted by big bribes to "frame" his pals? They must wait; and so must
Clo.

Days passed. The girl still posed as an invalid taking a rest-cure, and
her tips to Violet were generous. Once she heard Kit inquiring who lived
in the next room; but Mrs. Mac's answer was satisfactory. A poor little
mite of a thing, out of a job as lady's maid, was their neighbour;
Irish, and recommended by an old client.

Nine days lagged on, and then at last Clo came upon a "personal" in the
newspaper she took in. Instantly she realized that it was meant for her,
and put in by Justin O'Reilly. It was so worded that no "outsider" could
guess its meaning. "C.R. from her cousin who is just in," was the
heading which caught her eye. He knew that she knew his name was Justin;
and she had first introduced herself as his cousin! "Working out
Sunday's problem with expert help," she read, "Message received
insufficient. Won't you let me know where you are?"

The girl dared not answer by letter or newspaper. Violet would undertake
any errand, but she could not be trusted for a mission of such
importanc