As the machine drew up to the Elegancia, Jimmy Knight leaped to
the running-board and said hurriedly:

"Send your driver away."

Merkle did as he was directed, realizing his worst fears. When he
and Jim stood alone on the walk he inquired weakly, "Is he--dead?"

Jim shook his head, and Merkle saw that he was deeply agitated.
"No. But he's got a bullet in his chest."

"Did she--did that woman--?" Merkle laid a bony hand upon Jim's
arm, and his fingers clutched like claws.

"I--don't know. He says he did it himself, and she won't talk. He
declares it's only a scratch, and won't let us telephone for a
doctor or for an ambulance. He's afraid of the police and--he's
waiting for you."

Merkle hurried toward the entrance, but Jim halted him, and by the
light from within it was plain that the latter was fairly palsied
with fright. "For God's sake be careful! D-don't let the hall-man
suspect. Lorelei was with 'em when it happened, and if it's--
murder she'll be in it. Understand? She says she didn't see it,
but she was there."

Together the men entered the building and at the first ring were
admitted to Apartment Number One by Lorelei herself. She led them
straight into the library.