“Very well. Now, I want one of these little boxes left in every room in the house, if possible, except on your floor, which is probably out of the reckoning. Do you think you could manage it soon?” “I think so. I’ll try.” “Do most of the rooms open into one another?” “Yes, all through the house.” “Please see that they’re all unlocked, and as far as possible, open. I’ll be here at four o’clock, and will call for judge Ackroyd. You must be sure that he receives me. Tell him it is a matter of great importance. It is.” “You’re putting a fearful strain on my feminine curiosity,” said Miss Graham, the provocative smile quirking at the comers of her mouth. “Doubtless,” returned the other dryly. “If you strictly follow directions, I’ll undertake to satisfy it in time. Four o’clock sharp, I’ll be here. Don’t be frightened whatever happens. You keep ready, but out of the way, until I call you. Good-by.” With even more than his usual nicety was Average Jones attired, when, at four o’clock, he sent his card to judge Ackroyd. Small favor, however, did his appearance find, in the scowling eyes of the judge. “What do _you_ want?” he growled. “I’ll take a cigar, thank you very much,” said Average Jones innocently. “You’ll take your leave, or state your business.” “It has to do with your niece.” “Then what do you take my time for, damn your impudence.” “Don’t swear.” Average Jones was deliberately provoking the older man to an outbreak. “Let’s—er—sit down and—er—be chatty.” The drawl, actually an evidence of excitement, had all the effect of studied insolence. Judge Ackroyd’s big frame shook. “I’m going to k-k-kick you out into the street, you young p-p-p-pup,” he stuttered in his rage. His knotted fingers writhed out for a hold on the other’s collar. With a sinuous movement, the visitor swerved aside and struck the other man, flat-handed, across the face. There was an answering howl of demoniac fury. Then a strange thing happened. The assailant turned and fled, not to the ready egress of the front door, but down the dark stairway to the basement. The judge thundered after, in maddened, unthinking pursuit. Average Jones ran fleetly and easily. And his running was not for the purpose of flight alone, for as he sped through the basement rooms, he kept casting swift glances from side to side, and up and down the walls. The heavyweight pursuer could not get nearer than half a dozen paces.