devise some official excuse, a mislaid letter, or an error in a
telegram."

"I think I shall feel confident if both of you are near," and the ghost
of a smile lit Doris's wan features.

"We're a marvelous combination," grinned Furneaux, reverting at once to
his normal impishness. "I am all brain; he is all muscle. Such an
alliance prevails against the ungodly."

"Is Mr. Grant in any danger?" inquired Doris suddenly.

"No."

The two looked into each other's eyes. Doris was eager to ask a question,
which Furneaux dared her to put. The detective won. She sighed.

"Very well," she said. "I'm to behave. Am I to regard myself as a
decoy duck?"

"A duck, anyhow."

She laughed lightly. Furneaux would vouchsafe no further information, it
would appear. For a girl of nineteen, Doris was uncommonly gifted with
clear, analytical reasoning powers.

The detective returned to the Hare and Hounds, and went upstairs. He met
Peters on the landing.

"The devil!" he cried.