y black silk,
stiffened by the label of the maker which was glued to it. The space
between it and the crown was considerable. When Duvall had once more
fastened the silk in place with the aid of a needle and thread which he
drew from his dressing case, it would have required a very careful
inspection, indeed, to have discovered that there was anything unusual
about the hat. Even the added weight of the box was not perceptible--its
lightness prevented that. When he had completed his task, the detective
suddenly threw open the door and glanced into the hall. It was vacant.
Evidently he had not been observed.

There were but four guests at the Minister's that night, of whom Duvall
and Grace were two. The other two were a Mr. and Mrs. Haddon, friends of
Mrs. Phelps, who were making a short stay in the Belgian capital on
their way to their home in London.

The little party, with the exception of Duvall, had already assembled in
the drawing-room, awaiting his arrival. Grace found the Haddons charming
and cultivated people who had traveled all over the world, owing to Mr.
Haddon's connection with the English Consular service. Mr. Phelps had
told Grace that they were expecting an American, a friend of his, whose
name was Brooks, but she did not exhibit much interest in the matter.
She was becoming more and more worried about Richard, and wondered if he
could, by any possibility, have left Brussels without communicating with
her. The thought seemed unbelievable.

Dinner was set for eight. As the hour was striking, the butler announced
Mr. Brooks. Grace glanced up carelessly as the latter entered, then her
face went white, and she started forward with a glad cry. Mr. Phelps,
who was mumbling an introduction, did not, luckily, observe her
agitation. Duvall looked at her coolly. "Good-evening, Miss Ellicott,"
he said, bowing. "I am delighted to meet you."

The shock of the thing almost unnerved her. "Mr. Brooks," she managed to
gasp, her face crimson. In a moment she became calmer, as she observed
her husband's warning look, and began to chat with him nervously, as
though he were the chance acquaintance he pretended to be. In a moment
they all were seated about the dinner-table. He had been able to say to
her as they left the drawing-room, however, unheard by the others, "I
will ask permission to escort you home." She nodded, with a twinkle in
her eyes. All her nervousness and anxiety had left her now, and in their
place came a