"I have enjoyed my evening immensely," I assured Eve impressively, "every moment of it; and I do hope, Mr. Parker," I added as I shook hands, "that you and your daughter will give me the great pleasure of dining with me any night this week. If there are any other little adventures about here in which I could take a hand I can assure you I should be delighted. I might even be of some assistance." They both of them looked at me steadfastly. Then Eve at last glanced away, with a little shrug of the shoulders, and Mr. Joseph H. Parker gripped my hand. "Say, you're all right!" he pronounced. "You just ring up 3771A Gerrard to-morrow morning between ten and eleven." CHAPTER III--CULLEN GIVES ADVICE At ten o'clock the following morning my telephone bell rang and a visitor was announced. I did not catch the name given me, and it was only when I opened the door to him in response to his ring that I recognized Mr. Cullen. In morning clothes, which consisted in his case of a blue serge suit that needed brushing and a bowler hat of extinct shape, he seemed to me, if possible, a little more objectionable than I had found him the previous night. He presented himself, however, in a wholly non-aggressive spirit. "Mr. Walmsley," he said, as he took the chair to which I motioned him, "I have called to see you very largely in your own interests." I murmured something to the effect that I was extremely obliged. "I have made inquiries concerning you," he went on, "and I find that you not only have a blameless record but that you are possessed of considerable means, and that you belong to a highly esteemed county family." "And what of it, Mr. Cullen?" I asked. "This," he answered, "that I feel it my duty to warn you against the companions with whom you spent a portion of last evening." "You mean Mr. and Miss Parker?" "I mean Mr. and Miss Parker." "Are you making any definite charges against this young lady and gentleman?" I inquired after a moment's pause. "Very definite charges indeed!" he replied. "I warn you, Mr. Walmsley, that this man and his daughter are in bad repute with us, and to be seen associated with them is to bring yourself under police surveillance. We had a special warning when they sailed from New York, and since their arrival in London they have already been concerned in two or three very shady transactions." "If they break the law," I inquired, "why do you not arrest them?"