retort, and Mrs. Morse swept from the room.

The instant she was gone, the young man closed the door and then rushed
up to Margaret Langmore and kissed her.

"I have succeeded!" he cried. "I told you I would. This is Mr. Adam
Adams. Mr. Adams, this is Miss Margaret Langmore. Now, I guess we are
going to show these country bumpkins a thing or two!" he added
earnestly.

The detective advanced and shook hands. Margaret Langmore was a trifle
disappointed in his appearance and her face clouded for an instant.
Raymond was quick to notice it.

"You mustn't judge a man by his appearance. Mr. Adams makes himself
look that way on purpose. He's the smartest, swiftest--"

"That will do," interrupted the detective with a brief smile.

"Will you help me?" The girl eyed the detective squarely. "I--I need
help so much."

"I must hear your story first."

"Oh, I thought Raymond would tell you everything."

"He has told me all he knows. But I want to hear the story from your
own lips. Something may have slipped him, you know."

"I will tell you everything. Please sit down."