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DELL put the letter back into his pocket and striding across the room unlocked the door and flung it wide. He was only just in time; for he could hear hurried footsteps bounding up the stairs, and in another moment Gene's head appeared above the landing.

Its owner peered suspiciously first toward his desk and then at the grate; but nothing seemed amiss, and the police sergeant was standing before him with his hand outstretched authoritatively.

Silently Gene surrendered the keys.

"Thanks." The detective made no move toward the other room. "Mr. Chalmers, how long have you known Farley Drew?"

The question came so abruptly that Gene shot the inquirer a startled glance, which then strayed once more uncontrollably to the desk, while a deep flush came again into his cheeks.

"What has Mr. Drew to do with the matter you have under investigation?"

"That does not reply to my question, Mr. Chalmers." From taking part in many far more strenuous examinations Odell well knew the value of the repetition of a name.

Gene flung himself into a chair; and for a moment there 50