t off, you could of course
hire my cab, and----"

"Of course," Grace interrupted. "Very well. I will let you know further
about the matter a little later. Meanwhile, here is something more for
your trouble." She gave the man another bill. "Now drive me to the Grand
Theater."

CHAPTER X

Duvall, after having satisfied himself that Ruth Morton was safely
installed in her suite of rooms at the hotel, came down to the lobby to
await the arrival of Mrs. Morton.

The unexpected meeting with Grace caused him the utmost anxiety. He
appreciated fully her reasons for having come to see him, and yet he
deeply regretted her coming. The enemies of Ruth Morton were far too
clever, too shrewd, he feared, not to take advantage of her mistake, and
by means of it, trace him at once to his present address. A complete
disguise became an immediate necessity. He decided to assume one, as
soon as Mrs. Morton had arrived.

The latter came in about ten minutes later accompanied by Nora. Duvall
explained matters to the clerk at the desk, and the supposed Mrs.
Bradley was conducted to her rooms at once. Duvall accompanied her.

They found Ruth resting quietly, but her joy at her mother's arrival was
very apparent. She feared to be left alone, and seemed to expect her
persecutors to appear from every closet, through every door or window.

"Oh, mother, I'm so glad to see you," she exclaimed.

"I'm glad to find you safe," Mrs. Morton returned.

"I advise you to stay right here with your daughter throughout the
evening, Mrs. Morton," said Duvall, as he made ready to go to his own
room. "Have your meals sent up. Admit no one. Open no packages. I have
every hope that before the night is over, I may have some most important
and satisfactory news for you. I shall probably not see you again until
after the performance to-night, but if anything vital occurs, I will of
course communicate with you by telephone. Good-by, and good luck."

When he reached his own room, he proceeded to the business of divesting
himself completely of all resemblance to Richard Duvall. It was clear
that the persons he was seeking knew him by sight, and hence his
opportunities to accomplish anything against them were very greatly
lessened. The threatening telephone message received by Grace did not
worry him at all, but the fact that those people were so constantly upon
his heels did. He determined to disappear completely as Duvall, and
reappear in the person of