part. Don't speak to any one concerning your visit
here. Above all else, don't be afraid. Have you any one with whom you
can go to live until Miss Craik is"--he corrected himself--"until
matters are cleared up a bit?"

"No," wailed Winifred, her pent-up feelings breaking through all
restraint. "I am quite alone in the world now."

"Come, come, cheer up!" said Steingall, rising and patting her on the
shoulder. "This disagreeable business may only last a day or two. You
will not want for anything. If you are in any trouble all you need do is
to let me know. Moreover, to save you from being afraid of remaining
alone in the house at night, I'll give special instructions to the
police in your precinct to watch the place closely. Now, be a brave
girl and make the best of it."

The house in One Hundred and Twelfth Street would, of course, be an
object of special interest to the police for other reasons apart from
those suggested by the chief. Nevertheless, his kindness had the desired
effect, and Winifred strove to repress her tears.

"Here is your note," he said, "and I advise you to forget this temporary
trouble in your work. Mr. Clancy will accompany you in the car if you
wish."

"Please--I would rather be alone," she faltered. She was far from
Mulberry Street before she remembered that she had said nothing about
seeing the boat that morning!

CHAPTER V

PERSECUTORS

During the brief run up-town Winifred managed to dry her tears, yet the
mystery and terror of the circumstances into which she was so suddenly
plunged seemed to become more distressful the longer she puzzled over
them. She could not find any outlet from a labyrinth of doubt and
uncertainty. She strove again to read the printed accounts of the crime,
in order to wrest from them some explanation of the extraordinary charge
brought against her aunt, but the words danced before her eyes. At last,
with an effort, she threw the paper away and bravely resolved to follow
Steingall's parting advice.

When she reached the warehouse she was naturally the object of much
covert observation. Neither Miss Sugg nor Mr. Fowle spoke to her, but
Winifred thought she saw a malicious smile on the forewoman's face. The
hours passed wearily until six o'clock. She was about to quit the
building with her companions--many of whom meant bombarding her with
questions at the first opportunity--when she was again requested to
report at the office.

A clerk handed her