openings into the lobby, and there it either will be, or has been found.”      

       It was this statement, otherwise worded, which gave me my triumph over George.     

  

       V. THE RED CLOAK     

       “What results? Speak up, Sweetwater.”      

       “None. Every man, woman and boy connected with the hotel has been questioned; many of them routed out of their beds for the purpose, but not one of them picked up anything from the floor of the lobby, or knows of any one who did.”      

       “There now remain the guests.”      

       “And after them—(pardon me, Mr. Gryce) the general public which rushed in rather promiscuously last night.”      

       “I know it; it’s a task, but it must be carried through. Put up bulletins, publish your wants in the papers;—do anything, only gain your end.”      

       A bulletin was put up.     

       Some hours later, Sweetwater re-entered the room, and, approaching Mr. Gryce with a smile, blurted out:     

       “The bulletin is a great go. I think—of course, I cannot be sure—that it’s going to do the business. I’ve watched every one who stopped to read it. Many showed interest and many, emotion; she seems to have had a troop of friends. But embarrassment! only one showed that. I thought you would like to know.”      

       “Embarrassment? Humph! a man?”      

       “No, a woman; a lady, sir; one of the transients. I found out in a jiffy all they could tell me about her.”      

       “A woman! We didn’t expect that. Where is she? Still in the lobby?”      

       “No, sir. She took the elevator while I was talking with the clerk.”      

       “There’s nothing in it. You mistook her expression.”      

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