en last year. She's a most
exemplary person, and has a number of friends in England. She was
previously with a French _baronne_."

"Mrs. Hill-Mason often moves in a military set, doesn't she?" I
remarked. "Somebody last night stated that she's the widow of a general,
and is well known down at Aldershot."

"I believe so."

"If Mrs. Hill-Mason visits at the houses of military officers, as it
seems she does, then this inquisitive maid would be afforded many
opportunities for gathering information. I intend to watch her," I said.

"And so will I, Mr. Jacox," replied the admiral's daughter, drawing her
astrachan collar tighter about her throat.

Half an hour later we drove in the wagonette out to the shooting-party
in the woods, where a merry luncheon was served in a marquee. I,
however, returned to the house before the rest of the party and haunted
the servants' hall. With Williams the butler I was on friendly terms,
and finding him in the great hall, began to make inquiries regarding the
guests' servants.

"You've got a German woman among them, haven't you?" I remarked.

"Yes, sir," was his reply. "A rather funny one she is, I fancy. She goes
out alone for walks after she's dressed her mistress for dinner, and is
out sometimes till quite late. What she does wandering about in the dark
nobody knows. But it ain't for me to say a word, sir; she's a visitor's
maid."

I held my own counsel, but resolved to watch.

Tea in the great hall, over which Lady Jocelyn presided, proved the
usual irresponsible function, but when I went to my room to dress for
dinner I became convinced that certain papers in my suit-case had been
turned over and investigated.

That night I did not go in to dinner. I heard the gong sound, and when
the company had gone in, I put on thick boots, overcoat, and cap, and
passed through the back way along the old wing of the house, through the
smoking-room, and out upon the drive.

Behind some holly bushes where I could see any one leave by the great
paved courtyard where the servants' entrance was situated, I concealed
myself and waited in patience. The night was dark and overcast. The
stable chimes had rung out half-past eight, but I still remained until,
about twenty minutes later, footfalls sounded, and from out the arched
entrance to the courtyard came a female figure in a close-fitting hat
and long dark ulster.

She passed close by me, under the light of the lamp, and I saw it was
the fair-