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286 studiously modulated voice, when the attorney's dry, peremptory response came over the wire. "Can you arrange to close your office about half-past two this afternoon and come here to the Meade house? … I should like you for a witness … Yes, I think the case will be closed shortly … No; and when you come please don't mention that I sent for you. I will manage to see you alone for a minute; and I must ask you to obey my instructions implicitly or you may spoil everything. The guilty person will never be brought to justice if a single false move is made … I cannot possibly explain further. … You'll be here by three? Very good."

He hung up the receiver, unlocked the library door, and started upstairs, when Miss Meade suddenly made her appearance from the dining-room.

"Oh, Sergeant Odell, I've been looking for you," she said as she came forward.

"And I, you." He smiled. "I followed you downstairs more than an hour ago, Miss Meade, but saw you go into the pantry and decided not to bother you."

"I've been to see about some more broth for Cissie," she explained.

"I am so sorry I upset the other." Odell's tone was the perfection of courteous contrition. "It was stupid of me, but your nephew spoke suddenly just behind me, and in the start I gave the cup was overturned."

"Rannie will play mischievous tricks like that; but he is still only a little boy in spirit in spite of his precocity, and I cannot find it in my heart to reprove him." Miss Meade smiled deprecatingly. "It didn't matter at all about the broth; for my niece has fallen into a deep sleep, and Doctor