looks lonesome when he comes alone, with only two women to talk to.
Sincerely,
Ruth Atheson."


That was all. The letter went into Mark's pocket as he saw Saunders
looking over the top of his paper.

"Getting acquainted in Sihasset pretty quickly, eh?" ventured the
detective.

"Yes," replied Mark, "bad pays get acquainted fast." The reply was
obviously inadequate, but Mark wanted the detective to know. Saunders
took the bait, hook and all.

"Sihasset's getting up in the world," he commented. "Square, tinted
envelopes for bills were just coming in at New York two weeks ago."

Both gentlemen were evidently quite pleased with themselves. Saunders
took the cigar Mark offered, and they sat talking over first editions
until ten.

"Going out?" Saunders asked, as Mark threw away his cigar and rose.
Something in his tone made Mark think he wanted him to go. Why?

"Just for a little while. Want to go?"

"No, I'm going to write letters. I'll go out later."

Mark understood. Saunders suspected him to be an accomplice of the