aughing over later--let me see--Helene Marigold. Is that flowery
enough?"

"Shirley will be sure you are an actress when he hears that. Mum is
the word, may you never have stage fright and never miss a cue--Here he
comes now!"

The criminologist rushed into the office impetuously, dropping his bag
on the floor, and doffing his hat as he beheld the pretty companion of
Holloway.

"On time to the minute, as usual, Shirley. Your note came, and I
followed your instructions. Let me present to you your new star, Miss
Helene Marigold, who just disembarked on the steamer from England this
morning. You have secured a young lady who is making all Europe sit up
and rub its eyes. I believe I have at last found a match for you, Prince
of the Unexpected!"

Shirley held forth his fervent hand, and was surprised at the almost
masculine sincerity with which the delicately gloved fingers returned
the pressure. He looked into the blue eyes with a challenging scrutiny,
and received as frank an answer!

Dick Holloway indulged in an unobserved smile, as he turned to look out
of the window, lost for the nonce in mirthful speculation.

CHAPTER VIII. WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK

"Dick, you can help me further, with your dramatic knowledge. I feel in
duty bound to tell Miss Marigold that she is risking her life, if she
takes up this task."

Instead of hesitancy, which Shirley half expected, the girl's face
flushed with quickened interest, and her eyes sparkled with enjoyment as
he unfolded the situation. At the mention of Grimsby, Holloway grunted
with disgust--it may have been a variety of professional jealousy. Who
knows? However, the problem fascinated the mysterious young woman, who
blushed, in spite of herself, when Shirley put his blunt question to
her.

"And you are willing to assume for a time the character of one of these
stage moths, whom rich men of this type pursue and woo, wine, dine and
boast about? Will it interfere with your own work? Any salary arranged
by Mr. Holloway is agreeable, for this unusual task."

"The game, not the money, is the attraction. I will be ready when you
pronounce my cue."

"Splendid. Dick, will you assist Miss Marigold in selecting an
attractive apartment in a theatrical hotel this afternoon. I will call
for her at four-thirty, to take her to tea. She may not know me, at
first glance: that depends upon the help you give me at the Astor.
I will expect you there in an hour. I haven't acted s