in London," replied Hardwick, with a glance at Miss Baxter. "As this
young lady seems to keep her wits about her when the welfare of her
paper is concerned, I shall, if you have no objection, fill Henry
Alder's place with Miss Baxter?"

Mr. Hempstead arched his eyebrows a trifle, and looked at the girl in
some doubt.

"I thought you didn't believe in women journalists, Mr. Hardwick," he
murmured at last.

"I didn't up till to-day, but since the evening papers came out I have
had reason to change my mind. I should much rather have Miss Baxter for
me than against me."

"Do you think you can fill the position, Miss Baxter?" asked the
proprietor, doubtingly.

"Oh, I, am sure of it," answered the girl. "I have long wanted a place
on a well-edited paper like the _Bugle_." Again Mr. Hardwick smiled
grimly. The proprietor turned to him, and said, "I don't quite see,
Mr. Hardwick, what a lady can do on this paper outside of the regular
departments."

"I hardly think there will be any trouble about that, Mr. Hempstead. For
example, who could be better equipped to attempt the solution of that
knotty question about the Princess von Steinheimer's diamonds?"

"By Jove!" cried Hempstead, his eyes glittering with excitement. "That
is an inspiration. I imagine that if anyone can unravel the mystery, it