of himself, he began to look on me less as an enemy than an agent; perhaps (a wonderful "perhaps" he could not help envisaging) a deliverer. 

 "For God's sake, speak out and say what you mean!"  The appeal was forced from him. He looked half ashamed of it. 

 "I can't do that—yet," I returned.  "I might tell you my suspicions; but that wouldn't be fair to myself, or you, or—anyone concerned. I must land first. Once off the ship, twenty-four hours are all I shall need to find—I won't say the 'missing link,' because I have reason to think it will not be missing, but the link I can't touch this side of New York. I will make a rendezvous with you at the end of that time, either to tell you I've put two and two together with the link, or else to confess that the ends of the chain can't be made to fit." 

 Odell stared at me hungrily. 

 "You want only twenty-four hours to do what the best police in the world haven't done in a year and a half," he growled at me.  "You think something of yourself, don't you?" 

 "You see, I've known myself for a long time," I said modestly.  "You've only just been introduced to me, and were prejudiced to begin with. About that rendezvous—do you consent to my appointing the place?" 

 "Yes," he agreed.  "Your hotel?" 

 "No. In the manager's private office at the Felborn Theatre; the time, twenty-four hours after we get away from the dock. That will be the most convenient place for both of us in case of my success, for Julius Felborn and Carr Price can be called in to fix a date for the first rehearsal of The Key." 

 The man could not keep back a laugh. It was harsh and short; but it was a score for me and he knew it.  "The Felborn Theatre let it be," he said grimly. 

 The weather was fine and we made almost a record trip in point of time. There was nothing for Odell to regret in the briefness of the voyage, for Grace Callender remained in her cabin till he sent a message by her aunt, promising not to try for a word or a look if she came on deck. After that she appeared again, as if to show appreciation, and Odell didn't abuse her confidence. He kept himself to the other side of the deck; but there was no reason why I should give up my place near the two ladies. After the first night's dinner en tête-à-tête, Odell and I had no more meals together; consequently, the Misses Callender, aunt and niece, 

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