n along Bond Street.

"What do you mean, Seton?" asked Gray.

"I mean does he approve of your friendship with his wife, or is it a
clandestine affair?"

"Clandestine?--certainly not. I was on my way to call at the house when
I met her with Pyne this evening."

"That is what I wanted to know. Very well; since you intend to follow
the thing up, it simplifies matters somewhat. Here is the car."

"At Kazmah's door! What in heaven's name does it mean?"

"It means that we shall get a very poor reception if we intrude.
Question the chauffeur."

But Gray had already approached the man, who touched his cap in
recognition.

"What's the trouble, Pattison?" he demanded breathlessly. "I saw police
in the car a moment ago."

"Yes, sir. I don't rightly know, sir, what's happened. But Mr. Irvin
drove from home to the corner of old Bond Street a quarter of an hour
ago and told me to wait, then came back again and drove round to Vine
Street to fetch the police. They're inside now."

Even as he spoke, with excitement ill-concealed, a police-sergeant came
out of the doorway, and:

"Move on, there," he said to Seton and Gray. "You mustn't hang about
this door."

"Excuse me, Sergeant," cried Gray, "but if the matter concerns Mrs.
Monte Irvin I can probably supply information."

The Sergeant stared at him hard, saw that both he and his friend wore
evening dress, and grew proportionately respectful.

"What is your name, sir?" he asked. "I'll mention it to the officer in
charge."

"Quentin Gray. Inform Mr. Monte Irvin that I wish to speak to him."

"Very good, sir." He turned to the chauffeur. "Hand me out the bag I
gave you at Vine Street." Pattison leaned over the door at the front
of the car, and brought out a big leather grip. With this in hand the
police-sergeant returned into the doorway.

"We're in for it now," said Seton grimly, "whatever it is."

Gray returned no answer, moving restlessly up and down before the door
in a fever of excitement and dread. Presently the Sergeant reappeared.

"Step this way, please," he said.

Followed by Seton and Gray he led the way up to the landing before
Kazmah's apartments. It was vaguely lighted by two police-lanterns. Four
men were standing there, and four pairs of eyes were focussed upon the
stair-head.

Monte Irvin, his features a distressing ashen color, spoke.

"That you, Gray?" Quentin Gray would not have recognized the voice.
"Thanks for offering your help. God know