III

VISITORS


"The affair promises to be quite interesting," he confided to the
paper-knife, with which he was spearing tiny holes in the blotter of the
pad. "Peacock Alley at five--but there are a few matters that come
first."

He went straight to the safe, unlocked it, took out the photograph, the
cipher message, and the handkerchief, carried these to the table and
placed them in a large envelope, which he sealed and addressed to
himself. Then with it, and the three American Beauties, he passed
quickly into the corridor and to an adjoining apartment. There he rang
the bell vigorously and long.

He was still ringing when a dishevelled figure, in blue pajamas and a
scowl, opened the door.

"What the devil do you--" the disturbed one growled.

"S-h-h!" said Harleston, his finger on his lips. "Keep these for me
until tomorrow, Stuart."

And crowding the roses and the envelope in the astonished man's hands,
he hurried away.