but sappy romance? More likely someone wants a raise."

"Very true, Sir; I hadn't thought of that," chimes in Piddie. "Shall
we call them all in, one at a time, Sir, and----"

"And what?" snaps Old Hickory. "Think I'm going to ask all those young
women if they've been leaving flowers on my desk?"

"Couldn't you fake up some job for each one," says I, "and when they
came in be wearin' the flowers conspicuous, and watch if they----"

"Bah!" breaks in Old Hickory. "What driveling tommyrot! Besides, I
don't believe any of them had a hand in this. How could they? Why, I
tell you, there wasn't a soul in this room between noon and twelve
forty-five to-day; and yet, with me facing that door, these things
appear right at my elbow. It--it's getting on my nerves, and, by the
seven sizzling sisters, I want to know what it all means!"

"We could have in the detectives," suggests Piddie.

"If it was a bomb or an infernal machine, I might," says Mr. Ellins
scornful; "but to trace a few dad-blistered flowers--no, thank you!
It's foolish enough as it stands."

"But there is something behind all this, I'm sure," insists Piddie,
"and if you will allow me to do it, I shall send at once for Dr.
Rudolph Bingstetter."

"Who's he?" demands Old Hickory.