the appearance of a lady's maid. Venner could not fail to note the calm
strength of the woman's face. It was only for a moment; then Vera came
back with a telegram in her hand.

"I must go at once," she said. "It is something of great importance. I
don't know when I shall see you again--"

"I do," Venner said grimly. "You are going to dine with me to-night.
Come just for once; let us imagine we are on our honeymoon. That
blackguard Fenwick is away, and he will be none the wiser. Now, I want
you to promise me."

"I really can't," Vera protested. "If you only knew the danger--"

However, Venner's persistency got its own way. A moment later Vera was
hurrying down the corridor. It was not until she was out of sight that
Venner found that she had gone away, leaving the little Yale key behind
her on the table. He thrilled at the sight of it. Here was the
opportunity for which he had been waiting.

Not more than ten minutes had elapsed when, thanks to the use of the
telephone, Gurdon had reached the Grand Empire Hotel. In a few hurried
words, Venner gave him a brief outline of what had happened. There was no
time to lose.

"Of course, it is a risk," Venner said, "and I am not altogether sure
that I am justified in taking advantage of this little slip on the part
of my wife. What do you think?"

"I think you are talking a lot of rot," Gurdon said emphatically. "You