indifferently, "you don't intend to do anything further?"

"What do you want us to do?" cried his friend. "Ring every
door-bell in Sowell Street and ask the parlor-maid if they're
murdering a lady on the top story?"

"Can I keep the paper?" demanded Ford. "You can keep a copy of it,"
consented the Secretary. "But if you think you're on the track of
a big newspaper sensation, I can tell you now you're not. That's
the work of a crazy woman, or it's a hoax. You amateur
detectives----"

Ford was already seated at the table, scribbling a copy of the
message, and making marginal notes.

"Who brought the FIRST paper ?" he interrupted.

"A hansom-cab driver."

"What became of HIM? " snapped the amateur detective.

The Secretary looked inquiringly at James. "He drove away," said
James.

"He drove away, did he?"' roared Ford. "And that was a week ago! Ye
gods! What about Dalesville, Kentucky? Did you cable any one
there?"

The dignity of the diplomat was becoming ruffled.