ck
and cranny of the brass bed. This done and this dust also carefully
stowed away, we departed, very much to the mystification of Marie and, I
could not help feeling, of other eyes that peered in through keyholes or
cracks in doors.

"At any rate," said Kennedy exultingly, "I think we have stolen a march
on them. I don't believe they were prepared for this, not at least at
this stage in the game. Don't ask me any questions, Walter. Then you
will have no secrets to keep if anyone should try to pry them loose.
Only remember that this man Lawrence is a shrewd character."

The next day Marie came, looking even more careworn than before.

"What's the matter, mademoiselle?" asked Craig. "Didn't you pass a
better night?"

"Oh, mon Dieu, I rest well, yes. But this morning, while I am at
breakfast, Mr. Close send for me. He say that I am discharged. Some
servant tell of your visit and he verry angr-ry. And now what is to
become of me--will madame his wife give a recommendation now?"

"Walter, we have been discovered," exclaimed Craig with considerable
vexation. Then he remembered the poor girl who had been an involuntary
sacrifice to our investigation. Turning to her he said: "Marie, I know
several very good families, and I am sure you will not suffer for what
you have done by being faithful to your mistress. Only be patient a few
days. Go live with some of your folks. I will see that you are placed
again."

The girl was profuse in her thanks as she dried her tears and departed.

"I hadn't anticipated having my hand forced so soon," said Craig after
she had gone, leaving her address. "However, we are on the right track.
What was it that you were going to tell me when Marie came in?"

"Something that may be very important, Craig," I said, "though I don't
understand it myself. Pressure is being brought to bear on the Star to
keep this thing out of the papers, or at least to minimise it."

"I'm not surprised," commented Craig. "What do you mean by pressure
being brought?"

"Why, Close's lawyer, Lawrence, called up the editor this morning--I
don't suppose that you know, but he has some connection with the
interests which control the Star--and said that the activity of one of
the reporters from the Star, Jameson by name, was very distasteful to
Mr. Close and that this reporter was employing a man named Kennedy to
assist him.

"I don't understand it, Craig;" I confessed, "but here one day they give
the news to the paper