Esper Indiman bowed ironically. "I presume that my presence at
Police Headquarters is necessary?" he inquired.

"Yes, sir. I have a coach in waiting outside, and we will start at
once, if you please." Mr. Blake, under the stimulus of his
professional functions, lost his embarrassed air and became
severely business-like and official. "This gentleman will have to
accompany us," he continued, looking at me.

"The coffee, Bolder," called our host, "and never mind the sweets."
I drank a demi-tasse and lit a cigarette. "Ready," announced
Indiman, and we descended to the coach, Mr. Blake bringing up the
rear and carrying the precious picture enveloped in a silken table-
cover.

"What reward is offered, officer?" asked Indiman as the carriage
drove off.

"One hundred thousand dollars, sir. It will be a big thing for me
if--if--" He stopped, a trifle embarrassed.

"Ah, those ifs!" quoted Indiman, musingly.

The chief of the detective bureau received us in his private room.
He listened attentively to Blake's report, but seemed rather
puzzled than gratified by its triumphant peroration. Now the young
man felt that he had done a big thing, and this non-committal
attitude of his superior chagrined him. He unrolled the covering in
which the picture had been wrapped.