he
lobby and, going to the news stand, spent some time in selecting and
purchasing a magazine. She stood with her back to the woman, screened by
a large palm, but at the same time managed to keep a fairly close watch
upon her.

It was several minutes before anything happened. Then an elderly lady
emerged from one of the elevators, and under the guidance of a bellboy
approached the woman Grace had been following. Grace did not remember
having ever seen the older woman before, but she had a distinct
impression that it might be Mrs. Morton. She strolled over to the desk,
and addressed the clerk in a low voice.

"Is that Mrs. Morton--the elderly lady in black?" she asked. The clerk
stared at her, but his reserve melted before her charming smile.

"No, Miss," he said. "That is Mrs. Bradley."

"Thank you." Grace gave a sigh of relief, and turned away.

Looking once more toward the two women, she saw that the older one was
addressing her companion with something of reserve, as though she had
never met her before. The younger woman spoke quickly, smilingly, for a
few moments, shook hands with her companion, and turned away. Grace saw
that she was about to leave, and at once followed her, although at a
little distance, so as not to excite her suspicions. When she reached
the sidewalk the other woman had already entered her cab, and seemed
about to drive off.

The cab, however, merely moved to a position a little further down the
street, and by the time Grace had entered her own vehicle the other had
again become stationary.

This maneuver struck Grace as extremely peculiar. She told Leary to
remain where he was, and with some misgivings, awaited the woman's next
move.

After a time she saw Mrs. Bradley, who had gone toward the elevators as
Grace left the lobby, come out, signal for a taxicab, and drive quickly
off. Leary was obliged to draw up with his machine, in order to leave a
clear space before the door.

A few seconds later Grace saw the woman she had been following spring
from her cab, come rapidly along the sidewalk, and once more enter the
lobby. Grace again followed her, just in time to see that instead of
applying at the desk, as before, she went directly to one of the
elevators, entered, and was whisked out of sight.

Grace's heart almost stood still with fear. She had not appreciated the
meaning of the woman's actions before. Now they were only too clear. She
had evidently gotten Mrs. Morton, whom Grace