Go on, I am listening."

"There are reasons why I do not wish to talk on the public street."

Oscar was only sparring for time; he was measuring the woman, and he had
not gotten on to her purpose when he said:

"Where do you wish me to go?"

"To any public place where we can sit down and I can relate to you my
strange and remarkable experience. You will decide that I need aid and
advice. I have been told that you are just the man to aid and advise
me."

"Who sent you to me?"

"A friend."

"What is your friend's name."

"A Miss Lamb."

Oscar did know a Miss Lamb. He had once done her a great service, and
the woman's answer rather threw him at sea in his conclusions.

CHAPTER VII.

CAD METTI AND OSCAR PERFORM SOME GREAT TRICKS AND AT EVERY STEP
GAIN INFORMATION LEADING TOWARD A THRILLING DENOUEMENT.

The detective was compelled to think quickly, and yet he sought a little
time.

"Miss Lamb sent you to me?"

"Yes."

"You are a friend of Miss Lamb?"

"I am."

"Tell me about her."

"She is a deserving young woman working honorably for an honorable
living."

"And she sent you to me?"

"She did."

"You desire my services?"

"I do."

"Madam, I am very busy."

"You will have time to advise me."

"Is advice all you need?"

"That depends."

"Upon what?"

"Upon what you may conclude after you have listened to my narrative."

Our hero had decided on his course. He decided to go with the woman and
permit her to tell her tale, for as the matter stood he could arrive at
no positive conclusion concerning her.

"Where shall we go?" he asked.

"We will go to some prominent restaurant."

"But, madam, I have not seen your face."

"There is no reason why I should not remove my veil. I will do so when
we are seated at a table. Let me tell you my experience is a very
strange one. I have a very extraordinary story to relate. I know you
will become interested; I know you will decide to serve me if you will
only let me narrate my startling experience."

"You shall certainly have an opportunity to relate your experience,
madam."

"Miss Lamb told me I could rely upon your generosity, but let me tell
you I do not expect that you will serve me simply in a spirit of
chivalry. If you can extricate me from my very singular entanglement I
will be in a position to reward you in the most munificent manner, but
it will require brains, courage and coolness to release me."

"Madam, I will not claim