Page:Harold Macgrath--The girl in his house.djvu/37

 the ancient city of Bagdad. If the Burlinghams were out for the evening he was lost.

When they came to the Burlingham house, which was next door to the house he had just left so ignominiously, Armitage stopped. "He lives here."

"Right. Now waltz up and ring the bell. I'll be right in your shadow, Aloysius."

Armitage pushed the button. Two minutes later the door opened. "Hello, Edmonds!" Armitage hailed, gratefully. Here was someone who could identify him, Bob's old butler.

The old fellow squinted, stepped forward, then backward, and raised his hands. "Why, it's Mr. Armitage come back!"

"Is Bob home?"

"Yes, sir. Come right in But what's this? A policeman?"

"A little question of identification, Edmonds, that's all. Step inside, officer."

The policeman did so, removing his cap. He stood on one leg, then on the other, no longer doubtful, but confused and embarrassed.

The butler hurried off.

"Say," said the policeman, cautiously,