r at once, to learn what she knows. Cronin has arranged for my
coming with you, so introduce me under my real name.

"Wait here fifteen minutes after I leave, so that I may get the
phonograph in readiness, for you will undoubtedly be shadowed, and that
may mean another telephone call. You were not a coward in college--I do
not believe you are one now!"

Van Cleft straightened up proudly.

"No, I will fight them with all I have. But why these phonograph
records: isn't one enough?"

"No, I want autographs of all the voices. I will go now. Don't hurry in
following me. Do not fear to let any shadowers see you--it will help us
along."

Before many minutes he had been admitted to the corridor of the Holland
Agency by a sharp-nosed individual who regarded him with suspicion. The
operatives were undoubtedly expecting trouble from all quarters, for
three other large men of the "bull" type, heavy-jowled, ponderous men,
surrounded him as he presented his card.

"I am the friend of Howard Van Cleft, about whom Captain Cronin
telephoned you from Bellevue. I am to help him interview the girl: may I
wait until he arrives?"

"Oh, you're wise to the case? Sure then, come into the reception room on
the right. What's that in your grip?" asked the apparent leader of the
men.

"Just an idea of Van Cleft's," said Shirley, as he followed into the
adjoining compartment. "It's a phonograph. Have you received any phoney
'phone calls to-night? Queer ones that you didn't expect and couldn't
explain? Van Cleft has, and he decided to take records of them on this
machine."

The superintendent nodded. Shirley opened the grip and drew out the
instrument, and made ready on the small table, near which was the desk
telephone.

"Let's get this in readiness then, and if you get any calls have them
switched up to this instrument, so that when you talk, you can hold the
receiver handy to the horn."

"Young feller, I think you must know more about this business than
you've a right to. Just keep your hands above the table--I think I'll
frisk you!"

"No need," snapped Shirley with a smile in his eyes, and the automatic
revolver was drawn and covering the detective before he could reach
forward. "But I have no designs on you. You will have to work quicker
than that with some people in this case."

He slid the weapon across the table to the other who snatched it
anxiously.

"If a call comes and you don't recognize the voice at once, please ask