ced Mr. Duff.

"Bring him up," said Inspector Val, and then, turning apologetically to
Richard, he added: "Pardon the liberty of giving commands in your house.
I'm so eager to hear whether Mr. Duff's investigation corroborates my
theory that for a moment I thought I was back in Mulberry Street. Well,
Mr. Duff," as that worthy was ushered in, "what did you learn? This
gentleman is Mr. Storms."

Mr. Duff seemed to know all about Richard; probably his partner
sightseeing over the way had told him. He nodded blandly as Inspector
Val gave his name, and then proceeded to answer that superior officer.

"The man is a laborer in the Treasury Department. He went to the
Treasury Building from here, and made a straight wake for a woman who
works at drawing plans and that sort of thing in the office of the
Supervising Architect. He whispered something to her, and she nodded.
When he got about ten feet away, he turned like a man who has overlooked
a point, and said: 'I rang the bell; they'll get it right off.' Then he
went away. The woman's name is San Reve--Sara San Reve. She's a
Frenchwoman, and came from Ottawa. She has had her place only a short
time, and was appointed on the recommendation of a member of the
Senate--Senator Hanway."

"Senator Hanway!" repeated Inspector Val, looking dubiously at Richard.
"He's a brother-in-law, you say, of Mr. Harley?"

"Your deductions were none the less right," returned Richard, who saw
the doubts which the name of Hanway bred in the other's mind. "I'd wager
my life on it. I never heard of this Miss San Reve, but she is from
Ottawa, Mr. Duff says. I ought to have told you that Storri came to
Washington from Ottawa."

"Oh, I see!" exclaimed Inspector Val, his brow clearing. "Storri came
from Ottawa, and brought his sweetheart. Storri worked Senator Hanway
through our friend Mr. Harley, and Senator Hanway found her a place."

"Yes," returned Richard, "I think you've hit it off. The next thing is
to get hold of those French shares."

"Right there," said Inspector Val, "let me say a word. I'll first go and
put my people on the track of Storri; they'll run him, turn and turn
about, until further orders, and report each morning. That done, you and
I will take the Limited, and run over and talk with Mr. Bayard. It will
require his help to get those French shares. I'll meet you at the
station then at four."

"I shall be there," responded Richard. "Before you go, let me give you
this by way