"Indeed! Describe Mr. Gregory."

Not of the clinging kind, evidently, he thought. A raving beauty
- Diana domesticated!

"It is four years since I saw him. He was then gray, dapper, and
erect. A mole on his chin, which he rubs when he talks. He is a
valet in one of the fashionable hotels. He is - or was - the only
true friend I have in New York."

"Was? What do you mean?"

"I'm afraid something has happened to him. I found his bedroom
things tossed about."

"What could possibly happen to a harmless old man like Mr. Gregory?"

"Pardon me, but your egg is burning !"

Kitty wheeled and lifted off the pan, choking in the smother of smoke.
She came right-about face swiftly enough. The man had not moved; and
that decided her.

"Come in. I will give you something to eat. Sit in that chair by
the window, and be careful not to stir from it. I'm a good shot,"
lied Kitty, truculently. "Frankly, I do not like the looks of this."

"I do look like a burglar, what?" He sat down in the chair meekly.
Food and a human being to talk to! A lovely, self-reliant American
girl, able to take care of herself. Magnificent eyes - slate blue,