and things.
Why, sir? Is anything wrong?"

Baker turned to Duvall in disgust.

"No system here at all," he grumbled. "The trail is lost, of course.
Half a hundred people come through here every hour. That's all, Jim," he
said, turning to the boy, who disappeared at once. Accompanied by
Duvall, Baker returned to the private office.

"Well?" Mr. Baker asked. "What next?"

"How many typewriters have you in your offices, Mr. Baker? Machines, I
mean, not operators."

"About thirty, I guess. Or maybe thirty-five. Why?"

"I want you to get me a sample of the writing of each machine, without
letting anyone know about it. Put each one on a separate sheet of paper,
with a note added, stating whose machine it is--that is, in whose
office."

Mr. Baker nodded. "I'll do it to-night," he said. "Attend to it myself.
I see your idea. You think this thing is the work of someone inside the
studio."

"It may be, I don't know. But I mean to find out."

"All right. Anything else?"

"Yes. Tell me something about this new film you've just gotten out. 'An
American Beauty,' I think it is called."

Mr. Baker's manner became enthusiastic.

"Greatest film Ruth Morton ever did," he exclaimed. "A knockout. It is
to be shown at the Grand, on Broadway, to-morrow night. First time on
the screen. You'd better look it over."

"I probably shall. Now, tell me this. If I wanted to add anything to
that picture, put in an insert, I believe you call it, could I do so, if
I told you about it to-morrow?"

"Well--it might be done," Mr. Baker replied, dubiously. "But we wouldn't
want to change the film any. It's perfect as it is."

"I don't doubt that. I have no idea of improving it in any way. But it
is just possible that I may have a scheme that will help us to catch
these people who are threatening Miss Morton. I'll tell you more about
it, to-morrow. Meanwhile, don't forget about the typewriter samples.
I'll see you in the morning." He rose. "And for the present, I think it
would be best for you to keep what I have told you to yourself."

Mr. Baker nodded.

"I'll do that," he said, putting out his hand. "For the present, at
least. But don't forget, Mr. Duvall, that this is a very vital matter to
our company, and we can't afford to take any chances."

"I realize that fully. You can depend on me. I intend to save Miss
Morton from any harm, not primarily on your company's account, but on
her own. Good day."

"Good day, and the best of luc