n a revolver battle in his hotel room...'"

He glanced down the column and continued:

"'Even at a late hour the police had no clew to the identity of his
assailant, except the remarkable fact that the person is still hiding
somewhere in the hotel...'"

The Kentuckian interrupted:

"The villain is probably a long way from the hotel by this time if he
knows what's what!"

"But they say he couldn't have gotten out without being seen,"
continued the Duke, still studying the printed column.

"Oh, that's the theory of the reporters. They'd lose their jobs if they
ever told the real truth in a criminal case," remarked Jarvis coolly.
"Don't believe what the papers say--unless it's nice and about
yourself!"

"Well, Mr. Ghost Breaker, what is your own opinion? You are an expert
in these matters," insisted the Duke. "This affair interests me."

Jarvis was more than nonchalant.

"He might have escaped in a thousand ways. But such work is not in my
line: that's 'gum-shoe' stuff--for plain common or garden detectives."

Nita entered the cabin, and Maria Theresa arose uncertainly.

"I'll call you when I need you, Nita." There was some hidden portent in
her tone which Jarvis failed to divine. He decided that discretion was
the better part of valor. He rose, and walked toward the door to the
promenade deck.

"We are keeping you from getting settled, I fear," he declared. "So, if
you'll excuse me at this time, I'll hope to see you at luncheon.... And
as for you, Duke, it's a great pleasure to meet your Excellency."

Carlos bowed with military grace.

"Thank you, Mr. Warren. I find you most interesting. I shall be glad to
hear more of your remarkable profession. Good-morning, sir."

The Kentuckian turned away.

As Warren reached the deck door there was a knock upon the portal to
the cabin passage.

Nita followed him, and then turned to open the second entrance. Two
pompous, red-cheeked, red-necked individuals stepped forward, without
so much as a "by-your-leave!"

The first one spoke, reading from a smudgy memorandum book.

"You are Miss M. T. Ar-r-ragan?"

The Princess acquiesced.

"You was at the Hotel Manhattan last night?"

"Yes."

"The lock on your bedroom door was broken?"

"Yes?"

The speaker jerked back the left lapel of his coat, displaying a silver
badge with great satisfaction.

"I am from headquarters, madame, and I have orders to clear up one or
two little matters connected with that affair