that
the greater the prominence of the place, the greater the danger and the
less liability to arrest."

"In diplomacy!" he acquiesced.

"Then again, I say, Heaven save me from meddling in diplomacy!"

"Amen, my lady! Moreover," he added, as they arose and passed into the
corridor, "I want you as you are."

Once again their eyes met--she coloured and looked away.

"Play the game, Mr. Harleston," she reminded, "play the game! And thank
you for a delicious dinner and a charming evening--and don't forget
you've an appointment at ten."

"I had forgotten!" he laughed, drawing out his watch.

It was ten minutes of the hour.

"Take me to the F Street elevator and then hurry on," said she.

"And you will do nothing--and go nowhere until tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'll promise to remain here until--"

"I come for you in the morning?" he broke in.

"If I'm not abducted in the interval, I'll wait," and stepped into the
car. "Good-night, Mr. Harleston!" she smiled--and the car shot upward.

"Hum!" muttered Harleston as he turned for his coat and hat. "I may be
a fool, but I'll risk it--and I think I'm _not_."

It was but a step to Headquarters and he walked.

"The Superintendent," he said to the sergeant on duty in the outer
office.

"The Chief has gone home, Mr. Harleston," was the answer.

"Home?"

"Yes, sir, two hours ago; he'll not be back tonight."

"Get him on the telephone," Harleston directed.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Harleston.... Here he is, sir--you can use the 'phone in
the private office."

"Hello! Is that you, Ranleigh? Yes, I recognized the voice. Did you
telephone me at the Chateau about six-thirty?... You didn't?... You were
on your way home at that hour.... Yes, exactly; it was a plant.... Do
you know Crenshaw escaped from my apartment.... Yes, I saw him in the
Chateau this evening.... What?... Yes, better look up Whiteside at
once.... Yes, in the Collingwood.... Very good; I'll meet you there....
All right, I'll tell the sergeant."

XII

CARPENTER

Harleston took a taxi to the Collingwood, arriving just as Ranleigh came
up, and the two men went in together.

Whiteside was there; gagged and bound to the same chair that had held
Crenshaw.

The rooms were in confusion. Everything had been gone through; clothes
were scattered over the floor, papers were strewn about, drawers stood
open.

They released Whiteside, and presently he was able to talk.

"When did it happen?" Ranleigh asked