k."

Duvall went toward the entrance, and in the corridor met Mrs. Morton.
She was about to pass him, but he detained her.

"Twenty-seven days more," he whispered to her. She turned sharply, a
look of fear upon her face, but as she recognized Duvall, her expression
changed.

"Oh--it's you," she exclaimed. "I've just come down in the car, to take
Ruth home. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, so far. At least no harm has come to your daughter. But I am sorry
to say that she has received another warning."

"Here?" Mrs. Morton started, and glanced about in alarm.

"Yes."

"What was it?"

"A photograph." Duvall explained the contents of the mysterious package,
but did not show the hideous picture to the girl's mother.

"And you haven't found out anything yet?"

"Nothing definite. There has scarcely been time. But we will. You may be
sure of that."

"Have you seen Ruth?" Mrs. Morton asked.

"Yes. Mr. Baker introduced me to her. She thinks I am a newspaper man,
who wants to write a special article about her for one of the Sunday
papers. She suggested that I call at your house some evening, or
possibly Sunday. If you are going back to town soon, I think it might be
a good idea for me to drive back with you."

"By all means. I shall feel much safer. Suppose you wait for us at the
entrance. I shall not be long."

Duvall nodded, and strolled toward the street, his mind busy with the
events of the day. He stood for quite a while near the door, watching
the people who came in and out. Many of them were women. He wondered if
among them was the woman who was responsible for the threats of the past
three days. It seemed improbable, and yet, there were indications that
it was within the studio, rather than outside it, that the guilty person
was to be found.

Mrs. Morton came out presently, accompanied by Ruth. The girl looked
pale and troubled. Duvall went up to her.

"I have met your mother, Miss Morton," he said, "and she has very kindly
suggested that I ride back to the city with you."

The girl nodded, without particular interest.

"We shall be very glad to have you," she said, "but you will excuse me,
I know, if I do not talk to you about my work. I am feeling rather bad
to-day, and I'm sure I couldn't tell you anything interesting."

"I'm sure I would not expect it, under the circumstances," Duvall
replied, as Miss Morton, accompanied by her mother, went toward the
automobile that stood near the entrance. "I