beside her plate and held the heavy silver fork as firmly as if she were
talking about the discovery of the north pole. Her voice was steady and
natural as she asked, "How could she disappear?"

"Well, that is more than I can understand. There were three doors in the
room where she sat, one opening into the inner office where I was at work,
and two opening into a hall, one on the side and the other on the end
opposite the freight elevator. We searched the entire building without
finding a clew, and I am deeply troubled."

"Why should she want to disappear?" The question was asked coolly and with
as much interest as a stranger would be likely to show.

"I cannot imagine," said the old man speculatively. "She apparently had
health and happiness, if one may judge from her appearance, and she came
to me of her own free will on a matter of business. Immediately after her
disappearance, two well-dressed men entered my office and inquired for
her. One had an intellectual head, but looked hard and cruel; the other
was very handsome--and disagreeable. When he could not find the young
lady, he laid claim to her hat, but I had it locked away. How could I know
that man was her friend or her relative? I intend to keep that hat until
the young woman herself claims it. I have not had anything happen that
has so upset me in years."

"You don't think any harm has come to her?" questioned the girl.

"I cannot think what harm could, and yet--it is very strange. She was
about the age of my dear daughter when she died, and I cannot get her out
of my mind. When you first appeared in the doorway you gave me quite a
start. I thought you were she. If I can find any trace of her, I mean to