."

Staff began to pace nervously to and fro. "I wish," he cried, "I knew
where to find her!"

"Please," Iff begged earnestly, "don't let your sense of the obligations
of a host interfere with your amusements; but if you'll stop that
Marathon long enough to find me a blanket, I'll shed these rags and, by
your good leave, curl up cunningly on yon divan."

Staff paused, stared at the little man's bland and guileless face, and
shook his head helplessly, laughing.

"There's no resisting your colossal gall," he said, passing into the
adjoining room to get bed-clothing for his guest.

"I admit it," said Iff placidly.

As Staff returned, the telephone bell rang. In his surprise he paused
with his arms full of sheets, blankets and pillows, and stared
incredulously at his desk.

"What the deuce now?" he murmured.

"The quickest way to an answer to that," suggested Iff blandly, "is
there." He indicated the telephone with an ample gesture. "Help
yourself."

Dropping his burden on the divan, Staff seated himself at the desk and
took up the receiver.

"Hello?"

He started violently, recognising the voice that answered: "Mr. Staff?"

"Yes--"

"This is Miss Searle."

"I know," he stammered; "I--I knew your voice."

"Really?" The query was perfunctory. "Mr. Staff--I couldn't wait to tell
you--I've just got in from a theatre and supper party with some
friends."

"Yes," he said. "Where are you?"

Disregarding his question, the girl's voice continued quickly: "I wanted
to see my hat and opened the bandbox. It wasn't my hat--it's the one
you described--the one that--"

"I know," he interrupted; "I know all about that now."

"Yes," she went on hurriedly, unheeding his words. "I admired and
examined it. It--there's something else."

"I know," he said again; "the Cadogan collar."

"Oh!" There was an accent of surprise in her voice. "Well, I've ordered
a taxi, and I'm going to bring it to you right away. The thing's too
valuable--"

"Miss Searle--"

"I'm afraid to keep it here. I wanted to find out if you were up--that's
why I called."

"But, Miss Searle--"

"The taxi's waiting now. I'll be at your door in fifteen minutes."

"But--"

"Good-bye."

He heard the click as she hung up the receiver; and nothing more. With
an exclamation of annoyance he swung round from the desk.

"Somebody coming?" enquired Iff brightly.

Staff eyed him with overt distrust. "Yes," he said reluctantly.

"Miss Searle bringi