Alder and myself a slight divergence of memory, if I may call it so, and
it seems that you are the only person who can settle the dispute."

"I am perfectly willing to tell what I heard to anybody."

"Thank you."

Mr. Hardwick pressed an electric button, and his secretary came in from
another room.

"Would you ask Mr. Hempstead to step this way, if he is in his room?"

In a few minutes Mr. Hempstead entered, bowed somewhat stiffly towards
the lady, but froze up instantly when he heard that she was the person
who had given the Board of Public Construction scandal to the _Evening
Graphite_.

"I have just this moment learned, Mr. Hempstead, that Miss Baxter was in
the adjoining room when Alder and I were talking over this matter. She
heard the conversation. I have not asked her to repeat it, but sent for
you at once, and she says she is willing to answer any questions you may
ask."

"In that case, Mr. Hardwick, wouldn't it be well to have Henry Alder
here?"

"Certainly, if he is on the premises." Then, turning to his secretary,
he said, "Would you find out if Mr. Alder is in his room? Tell him Mr.
Hempstead wishes to see him here."