ethal
glass from Ocky's lips--that, as she had stipulated, should remain
their own secret.

"You always manage to fool me, Creighton," said his friend as the
detective ended. "I never guessed Merrill was your man, and I never
dreamed that you knew about Janet's flight in time to wish Kitty Doyle
on her. Jean and I would have bet any amount of money that you weren't
within a hundred miles of the truth."

"Your bet would have been safe twenty-four hours ago."

"Now the question is--"

Creighton suddenly sprang into activity. A door had opened and shut
softly close at hand, a light footfall sounded from the hall, and the
detective leaped to fling back his door as a set of bony knuckles was
extended to rap on it.

Krech did not leave his chair, but his ears were strained to their
limit. He caught various illuminating phrases from a brisk, capable
little person with flowing white whiskers.

"Resting now ... Opiates ... Careful examination ... Curious case
... Similar one ... Medical text books ... To-morrow ...
MacNaughton ... Billy MacNaughton ... Best Man ... Know Him? ...
Fine fellow ... Exquisite touch with the knife ... I will telegraph
... No complications ... No reason for excessive alarm ... Very
simple ... Expert surgeon ... Splendid constitution ... Strong as a
Shetland pony ... Better go to bed yourself ... Good-night ...
Tut-tut, don't mention it ... _Good_-night!"

Creighton shut the door quietly, turned and lighted the lamp. Krech
saw that much of the trouble had gone from his face--much, but not all.

"You heard what he said, Krech?"

"She's going to pull through?"

"He thinks so."

"That's good news. At least--I suppose it is."

"Huh? What in thunder do you _mean_?"

Krech deliberately lighted a fresh cigar before he answered, eyeing his
friend steadily as he spoke.

"If she recovers, what will you do?" he asked calmly. "Hand her over
to the police--as you should?"

Creighton stared at him. Then he suddenly swore--crisply, concisely,
and without passion.

"That's all right, then!" said the big man with satisfaction. "I'll
tell Jean just what you have said. In the event of your learning the
truth, we felt some concern as to whether or not you'd be--be--"

"_What?_"

"Well--human!"

"Um." The detective gave a little laugh that was totally devoid of
mirth. "Yes, I'm going to be--human! I fought that battle all day
yesterday! I find that Ocky means mor