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Rh quarter past six. His own office, therefore, would be closed; but there was a public stenographer in the same building whom Hereford often had employed when under press of work. This office, it appeared, was still open, for he got the girl without difficulty.

"I want you to find out," he directed—"using any name necessary to get the information, why it has been impossible to get access to Baraka's room today—the one at the Hotel Tonty where the fire started—you understand, the room next to that from which the great emerald was stolen. Also ascertain the first moment when anyone could enter there unobserved. I will call you again in fifteen minutes."

He went back to the taxicab; and riding in it for a quarter of an hour in a manner