coat, on which she had been sitting. She then whisked the
folded garment from her own chair on to O'Reilly's, and covered it with
his napkin.

"I hope to goodness I'll meet him on the way up," she thought, "or
before I get out of the restaurant above. I daren't take the cloak where
she might see it. Besides, he must have the bag and memorandum."

Churn gave the waiter a fifty-cent piece, and followed Kit, who had
started. Neither looked back; and Clo beckoned the waiter. "I've an
engagement," she said, "and can't wait longer for the gentleman I came
with. He's upstairs telephoning. You tell him I've paid. Never mind the
change. I'm leaving my coat for the gentleman to bring home. Can I trust
you to be sure and give it to him?"

"You can, miss," said the man. "I'll take charge of it myself."

He looked trustworthy as well as grateful. Kit and Churn were winding
their way among the tables. Clo pushed after them. O'Reilly was not on
the stairs, nor was he visible in the dull restaurant above. He had the
all-important envelope, it was true, and she could not guess who had
returned it in a way to make him suppose it came from her. O'Reilly was,
however, an honourable man, and he had promised to be "on Mrs. Sands'
side." In the circumstances she saw only one course, and regretfully,
even fearfully, took it. When Kit and Churn walked out into the street
she walked after them, a few paces behind.

Clo had been gone precisely four minutes when O'Reilly tore downstairs
burning to apologize and explain. Mrs. Denham had said that her husband
was out, but she knew where he was, and would 'phone; if
he--O'Reilly--would hold the line she'd have an answer "in no time."
Presently he had been rewarded by "getting" Denham, who, on hearing that
he was urgently wanted, promised to cut short some work he was doing
late at the office, and taxi to Krantz's. This was good news, and
O'Reilly was sure Clo would think it had been worth waiting for. He
could not believe his eyes when he saw the deserted table. What could
have happened to the girl?

He stood forlornly for a moment, staring round the room. As his eyes
searched vainly, the waiter who had served him came hurrying up.

"The young lady's gone, sare. She had to go--very sorry. She left me dis
to give you when you come back. She pay de bill, sare, but I keep de
table for you. You not finish your supper."

O'Reilly had a stab of violent resentment against Clo. But the thought
had o