ch have
supported my idol!"

The baffling smile of the debonair club man returned to Shirley's face,
as he twitted back: "Purely an altruistic inquiry, Dick. I feared that
you might be risking your own heart and the modicum of freedom which you
still possess. But I'll wager a supper-party for four that I'll find out
who she is, without either you or she telling me."

"Taken. At last I'm to have a free banquet, after years of business
entertaining. You have met a girl who will match your wits--I expect the
sparks to fly. Well, she's worth while--I might do worse--but in perfect
fairness she ought to do better. How about it?"

"Yes, with Jack," and Shirley tapped the walking stick on the floor with
an emphatic thump, while Holloway regarded him in startled surprise.

"Who is Jack?"

"You see--I am learning already. But, you and I are drifting from my
task. I wish that you would take me to call on Miss Marigold, in my
present lack of disguise. I do not care for that ancient garb any
longer. It was stretching the chances rather far, but thanks to the
darkness, the champagne, and good fortune, I succeeded in impersonating
our aged friend without detection. I will not return to Grimsby's house,
but propose now to get down to brass tacks with Mr. Voice, even though
the tacks be hard to sit upon. I wish to use her as a bait, by taking
her out to tea and getting a first-hand speaking acquaintance with these
convivial assassins."

"Monty, you are wasting your talents outside the pages of a play
manuscript, but we will make that call instanter."

In leisure, they promenaded up the crowded Gay Wide Way, through the
noontime crowd of theatrical folk who dot the thoroughfare in this part
of the city. His adversaries were to have every opportunity to observe
his movements and draw their own conclusions. At the Hotel California
new comment buzzed between the garrulous clerk and the switchboard
person, at sight of the well-known manager and his prosperous-looking
companion.

"Who is that come on?" asked the clerk of the bellboy.

"Sure, dat's Montague Shirley, one of dem rich ginks from de College
Club on Forty-fourth Street, where I used to woik in de check room. If I
had dat guy's money I'd buy a hotel like dis."

"Then I see where Holloway, with that blonde dame upstairs, will be
putting on a new musical show, with a new angel. It's a great business,
Miss Gwendolyn--no wonder they call it art." And the clerk removed a
si