“As to the second man whom the fancy grocer, Berg, saw go into Hume’s, there is a well-founded belief that he is very well known in select circles and had called at Hume’s frequently upon a matter concerning which both he and Hume were always very secretive.  The Star called up both his apartments and his office, but he had not been seen at either place on the day after the murder.  The clubs of which he is a member were resorted to, but with no more success.  As this gentleman is known to be engaged to the beautiful heiress of a huge fortune, the Star’s well-known special writer, Nancy Prindeville, was detailed to get her statement.  But a man servant stated that his mistress had given positive orders that she could not be seen.”

The investigator threw down the paper.

“Well,” said he to himself with a shrug, “that makes it a little annoying for the young lady.  The fact that they refer to Morris when they speak of a young man ‘well known in select circles’ will be plain to everyone, for the facts of Morris’ visits have been rather well exploited in all the other papers.  And as newspaper men are not without daring in their conjectures, I wonder how long it will be before one of them openly associates the ‘beautiful unknown’ with Allan Morris’ betrothed.  I would, I think, offer even money that the thing is hinted at before night.”

He sat for some time in the midst of the scattered sheets thinking deeply; then he pressed the bell call, and Fuller presented himself.

“I want you to take up the investigation of Hume and Allan Morris where you left off the other day.  Put Burgess, O’Neill and any others that you desire on the matter.  I want complete information, and I want it quickly.”

“Yes, sir,” answered Fuller.

“Follow up anything that promises results concerning Morris’ father.  Especially find out if he ever knew Hume.  Get every fact that can be gathered about the latter.  You, or rather Burgess, hinted in the preliminary report that it was thought that he had at one time lived abroad.  If it is possible, establish that fact.  In any event, go into his history as deeply as you can.”

“Very well,” said Fuller, with the easy manner of a person accustomed to carrying out difficult orders.

As the young man went out at one door, Stumph knocked upon another; then Miss Edyth Vale, very pale, but entirely composed, was shown into the room.

CHAPTER IX

MISS VALE TELLS WHAT SHE KNOWS

Ashton-Kirk arose, kicked aside the litter of newspapers, and placed a chair for his visitor.

“Your man told me that I was expected,” she said.  “How did you know that I would come this morning?”

“I knew that you’d be sure to read the newspapers,” said he.  “And I was pretty confident as to the effect the Star’s account would have.”