it to stand until to-morrow
night; and then I'll give it to you, compact and complete, with
practical illustrations as I go along."

CHAPTER XXII

ASHTON-KIRK IS ANNOYED

On the following day, at about noon, Ashton-Kirk's big French car
glided up to the curb before the Vale house. A man with a thick neck
and a small head nodded to the investigator; another waved a hand from
across the street.

"Plain-clothes men," he murmured, "and at watch upon the house. That
means that this matter can be brought to an end none too soon for Miss
Vale's comfort."

He was getting out of his car when a brace of eager reporters accosted
him.

"The _Standard_ would like to have you say a few words for
publication," said one.

"The _Herald_ will give you what space you require for a statement at
any time you see fit to make use of it," declared the other.

"I'm very sorry," said Ashton-Kirk, brushing a speck of dust from an
immaculate sleeve, "but I have nothing to say that would interest your
city editors, or the public. I have no doubt but that the police
officials will be glad to acquaint you with anything new that has
transpired--if there has been anything new."

The newspaper men pulled wry faces.

"The police hang onto the Italian musician and profess to think he's
the guilty party," said one. "If they have taken any steps beyond
this, before to-day, we have not known of it."

"Why have the detectives been placed to watch Miss Vale's house?"
asked the other. "And what has Osborne gone in to talk about?"

"Ah," said Ashton-Kirk, with interest, "Osborne is within, is he?"

"Yes; and why are you going in? What has been learned regarding Miss
Vale's connection with the case that has not already been made
public?"

"I would hardly undertake to answer that last," laughed Ashton-Kirk.
"So much has been made public in one way and another that I haven't
been able to keep track of it all. My own visit is merely a friendly
call. Why Mr. Osborne is here I, of course, cannot say."

Leaving the newspaper men disappointed and dissatisfied, the
investigator rang the bell and was admitted. In the hall, pulling on
his gloves, was Osborne.

"Hello!" exclaimed the latter. "So you thought you'd have a try, too,
eh?"

The big man's tone showed that he was none too well pleased with his
own visit; he jerked at his gloves viciously, and his brow was creased
with vexation. And seeing that the other was disposed to do nothing