his, if you don't mind," he added. "It may be useful with
Robinson--in helping to warm up his blood."

"I tried to carry out instructions," said Tuttle, "but I couldn't find
out where they were till this came out in print. I hope there's
something else I can do."

Garrison thought for a moment.

"How many times have you been here to report?"

"Two or three times every day."

"Have you noticed a tall, light-haired man, with a long mustache,
around here at all, either to-day or yesterday?"

"If he's got blue eyes and wears a brown striped suit, he was here this
morning and asked me where he could find you," Tuttle answered. "Is
that your man?"

"The same. His name is Fairfax. He's the real Fairfax. He'll be
likely to return. Until Robinson appears again, you can keep your eye
on this office, spot Fairfax, and then keep him shadowed for a time.
Find where he lives, where he goes, and what he does."

"Anything more?"

"Keep track of old man Robinson, and let me know as soon as Theodore
returns."

Tuttle rose as if to go. He hesitated, turning his hat in his hands.

"Would it be asking too much if I suggested I need a little money?" he
inquired. "The Robinsons pay with hot air."

"I can let you have twenty-five," said Garrison, pulling out his
rapidly diminishing roll. "That do?"

"Fine," said Tuttle, receiving the bills. "When shall I----"

A messenger boy came plunging in at the door without the slightest
formality.

"Telegram for Garrison," he said. "Sign here."

"Wait half a minute, Tuttle," said Garrison, tearing open the envelope,
as the boy was departing, and he read the wire almost at a glance.

It was dated from Branchville.

Come up here as soon as possible. Important.

JAMES PIKE.

For a moment Garrison failed to remember the personality of James Pike.
Then it came with a flash--the coroner! Aware at once that the tale of
possible murder in the Hardy case had been spread and discussed all
over the State, he realized that Pike, and others who had been
concerned when John Hardy's body was found in their jurisdiction, might
have come upon new material.

"Nothing to add to instructions," he said to Tuttle. "I shall be out
of town to-night, and perhaps a part of to-morrow."

Tuttle took his leave. Garrison paced up and down the office floor for
half an hour. He was very much in hopes that word might come from
Dorothy as to where she had chosen a room. The afternoon was