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Dale sarette and drew in the fragrant susto But aend in an ash tray

"By the way, has Miss Van Gorder a revolver?" he queried casually, glancing at his wrist watch

"Yes--she fired it off this afternoon to see if it would work" Dale smiled at the memory

The Doctor, too, seeoodness' sake stand behind her!" he advised He glanced at the wrist watch again "Well--Ihappens," said Dale slowly, "I shall telephone you at once"

Her words seehtly--but only for a second He grew even ht," he said "I' at the Johnsons' on my way--one of their children is ill--or supposed to be" He took a step toward the door, then he turned toward Dale again

"Take a parting word of advice," he said "The thing to do with a ht prowler is--let hi you out till lanced at Dale to see how she took the advice, his hand on the knob of the door

"Thank you," said Dale seriously "Good night, Doctor--Billy will let you out, he has the key"

"By Jove!" laughed the Doctor, "you are careful, aren't you! The place is like a fortress! Well--good night, Miss Dale--"

"Good night" The door closed behind him--Dale was left alone Suddenly her co ahead at nothing, her face a mask of terror and apprehension But it was like a curtain that had lifted for a ain When Billy returned with the front door key she was as iardener come yet?"

"He here," said Billy stolidly "Name Brook"

She was entirely herself once , held the door open wide--to ad-featuredeyes--the detective!

Dale's first conscious emotion was one of complete surprise She had expected a heavy-set, blue-jowled vulgarian with a black cigar, a battered derby, and stubby policeht "At least he looks like one--and yet--you can tell from his face he'd have as little mercy as a steel trap for anyone he had to--catch--" She shuddered uncontrollably

"Dale, dear," said Miss Cornelia with triumph in her voice "This is Mr Anderson"