few of the inconstant hairpins that threatened to bestrew the floor.
"Went a week ago!" And then suddenly: "Why, that was about the time
that first rumor was printed of his engagement to Ethel Quintard. And
again this morning--in the 'Record'--did you see it?"

"I never give thought to the newspapers," was Mrs. De Peyster's
somewhat stiff response.

"You have--have told the police?"

"The police, of course not! But I have advised with Judge Harvey, and
he has a firm of private detectives on the case."

"And they have clues?"

"They have nothing, as you just heard Miss Gardner report."

"Cousin Caroline! With all these--these thugs and hold-up men we read
about--and all the accidents--"

"Olivetta! Don't!" And then in a more composed voice: "I am hoping it
is merely some boyish prank. But even that will be bad enough, if he
misses the boat."

"Yes, I see. You told me about arranging with Mrs. Quintard also to
sail on the Plutonia."

"I had counted on the trip--Jack and Ethel being thrown together, you
know."