overing where the diamonds were hidden. The first answer that she received made some amends for previous disappointment. It offered references to gentlem

books. None of the ordinary courtesies of life seemed to be known to him; he neither wished Mrs. Westerfield good-morning n

"I don't promise to study it u

erfield w

u want a large sum o

ste my time on easy cip

slip of paper

" she said satirically, "

of opinion that escaped him was indicated by his actions. He shut up his book, and gloated over the signs

business

reasons of your own for

es

teeth in a horrid grin. "I understand!" he said, speaking to himself. He looked

his empty chair. His opinion of the cipher was, to all appearance,

the last ten years might be lost - or stolen - or burned if there was a fire in th

sterfield. Her marriage depended on that precious slip of paper. She was confirmed in

out what it means?" she aske

he copy with the origin

ind the clew; I won't attempt

al. He coolly handed back her pa

ded with the worst possible grace. In granting him the week of delay, she approached

you when

I must know th

the experience of such independence as this. In sheer bewilderment, she yielded again. He took back the o

lite," she told him,

d, "I don't interrupt peo

eek p

ated at his desk, still surrounded by his books, still c

d, "have you ear

found th

ut. "Tell me the substanc

ere are some minor combinations, which I have still to d

request. "Write down the substance of it,"

ck her cipher fo

who can square the circle, or the inventor who can discover perpetual motion. With a furious look, Mrs. Westerfield exp

t done at all. This is Saturday, eleventh of the

se would expire, and the wedding might take place. On Friday, the express train conveyed passengers to Liverpool, to be in time for the departure of the steame

ess. I will send you the cipher,

e of her visiting cards