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Rh "Yes," replied Mr. Magee, but had no idea what he had said. As for the old man's advice, he had no intention pf taking it. Melodrama— the thing he had come to Baldpate Inn to forget forever—raged through that home of solitude Men spoke of guns, and swore, and threatened. What was it all about ? And what part could he play in it all?

He entered number seven, and paused in amaze ment. Outside one of his windows Miss Norton stood, rapping on the glass for him to open. When he stood facing her at last, the window no longer between, he saw that her face was very pale and that her chin trembled as it had in the station.

"What is it?" cried Magee.

"I mustn't come in," she answered. "Listen. You said you wanted to help me. You can do so now. I'll explain everything later—this is all I need tell you just at present. Down-stairs in the safe there s a package containing two hundred thousand dollars. Do you hear—two hundred thousand. I must have that package. Don t ask me why. I came here to get it—I must have it. The combination was to have been