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256 which streamed from a broken-shuttered window at one side, the place was dark and seemingly deserted, and the taxi in which Cissie Chalmers had come was nowhere to be seen.

"Slip around under that lighted window and listen, Miller. It is too high from the ground for you to see in, but you may hear something," Odell commanded.

"Say, this door's unfastened," Smith announced in a sepulchral whisper as the other operative slipped away in the darkness.

"If Drew is in there he evidently doesn't anticipate a flank attack," Odell returned. "He's planned for a rear getaway in case of trouble. Remember that little roadster in front of the open lot?"

"Sure; but what's his game with the girl? If he knows we've got Sims his only chance is to get clean away; and he wouldn't want to be hampered with a petticoat."

"He knows that no third degree in the world will make Sims talk; and remember he still thinks Miller and I are up in that boathouse guarded by Tony and Pete. In his estimation all we've got on him is that attempt to blackmail Gene; and he will be safe from prosecution if he marries into the family, don't you see?" Odell explained hurriedly; adding as Miller reappeared around the comer, "Well? Did you hear anything?"

"If s an elopement," Miller declared. "There's a fellow and a girl in there, but no one else, I don't think. They're arguing, him for a justice of the peace and her for a minister; but it looks like he's winning out."

"All right; we'll waste no more time," Odell observed grimly. "Smith, go 'round to the front door; have your gun handy. Knock and stamp as loud as you can, and de-