“It was blind enough for you, not for me. I was deceived in one thing, however; I thought that you had no papers--nothing from Henry that could help or hurt. The first night you came to us I had Henry's room thoroughly searched.” “Oh, I was indebted to you for that attention,” I exclaimed. “I gave our friends of the other house the credit.” Mrs. Knapp smiled again. “I thought it necessary. It was the chance that you did not sleep there that night that kept this paper out of my hands weeks ago.” “I have always kept it with me,” I said. “I did not need it till Sunday,” continued Mrs. Knapp. “I have been worried much at the situation of the boy, but I did not dare go near him. Henry and I decided that his hiding-place was not safe. We had talked of moving him a few days before you came. When I found that Henry had disappeared I was anxious to make the change, but I could not venture to attempt it until the others were out of town, for I knew I was watched. Then I was assured from Mother Borton that they did not know where the boy was hidden, and I let the matter rest. But a few days ago--on Saturday--she sent me word that she thought they had found the place. Then it came to me to send you to Livermore with the other boy--oh, I hope no harm came to the little fellow,” she exclaimed anxiously. “He's safe at my rooms in charge of Wainwright,” I said. “He got back on the morning train, and can be had for the asking.” “Oh, I'm so glad,” said Mrs. Knapp. “I was afraid something would happen to him, but I had to take desperate chances. Well, you see my plan succeeded. They all followed you. But when I went to the hiding-place the boy was gone. Henry had moved him weeks ago, and had died before he could tell me. Then I thought you might know more than you had told me--that Henry Wilton might have got you to help him when he made the change, and I wrote to you.” “And the key,” I said, remembering the expression of the note, “Did you mean this diagram?” “No,” said Mrs. Knapp. “I meant the key to our cipher code. I was looking over Henry's letters for some hint of a hiding-place and could not find the key to the cipher. I thought you might have been given one. I found mine this afternoon, though, and there was no need of it, so it didn't matter after all.” The pitching and tossing of the boat had ceased for some minutes, and at this point the captain of the tug opened the cabin. “Excuse me,” he said apologetically, uncertain whether to address Mrs. Knapp or me, and including us both in the question, “but where did you want to land?” “At Broadway,” said Mrs. Knapp. “Then you're there,” said the captain. And, a minute later, with clang of bells and groan of engine we were at the wharf and were helped ashore.