If it had been a bomb I could not have been more surprised. A
moment before I think I had just a sneaking suspicion of jealousy
that a woman--even Elaine--should interest my old chums. But now
all that was swept away. How could any woman scorn him?

I could not make it out.

Kennedy impatiently worked the receiver up and down, repeating the
number. "Hello--hello," he repeated, "Yes--hello. Is Miss--oh--
good morning, Miss Dodge."

He was hurrying along as if to give her no chance to cut him off.
"I have just received a letter, Miss Dodge, telling me that you
don't want me to continue investigating your father's death, and
not to try to see you again about--"

He stopped. I could hear the reply, as sometimes one can when the
telephone wire conditions are a certain way and the quality of the
voice of the speaker a certain kind.

"Why--no--Mr. Kennedy, I have written you no letter."

The look of mingled relief and surprise that crossed Craig's face
spoke volumes.

"Miss Dodge," he almost shouted, "this is a new trick of the
Clutching Hand. I--I'll be right over."

Craig hung up the receiver and turned from the telephone.
Evidently he was thinking deeply. Suddenly his face seemed to