good detective?"

"I did, but hesitated to tell you. I secured Captain Cronin, of
the Holland Agency. He's managed everything so far--I was too
rattled myself. But, I wonder why he isn't here now? He was to
return as soon as he visited the garage."

As Van Cleft spoke, the butler approached with hesitation.

"Beg pardon, sir. But you are wanted on the telephone, sir."

"All right, Hoskins. Connect it with the library instrument."

Van Cleft lifted the receiver nervously, and answered in an
unsteady voice.

"Yes--This is Van Cleft's residence."

Silence for a bit, then the wire was busy.

"What's that? Captain Cronin? What about him? Let me speak to
him."

Shirley was alert as a cat. Van Cleft was too dazed to
understand his sudden move, as the criminologist caught up the
receiver, and placed his palm for an instant over the mouthpiece.

"Ask him to say it again--that you didn't understand." Shirley
removed his hand, and obeyed. Shirley held the receiver to his
ear, as the young man spoke. Then he heard these curious words: