He tactfully tried to draw them out, but with even greater tact they evaded and eluded his questions and contradicted each other and occasionally,—and purposely,—themselves, until the detective began to think the determined masculine mind is no match for the equally determined Eternal Feminine. Indeed, involuntarily and almost unconsciously, they joined forces against him, and presently found themselves aiding each other, which, when they realized it, made them more angry,—if possible,—than before. At last Mrs Everett looked at her watch. “I’ve an appointment that I’m anxious to keep,” she said, drawlingly; “as you don’t seem to be getting anywhere, Mr Detective, can you not let me go, and finish up this absorbing discussion with Miss Prall?” “You’re quite mistaken in assuming that I’m not getting anywhere, Mrs Everett,” returned the nettled detective, “but you may go if you wish. In fact, I allow it, because I have learned about all there is to learn,—not so insignificant an amount as you imply.” Mrs Everett looked at him sharply and was momentarily disconcerted enough to gasp out: “Oh, have you a clue?” “Several,” Gibbs returned, carelessly. “Nothing that I care to make known, but I’ve found out enough to set me on the right track.” Covertly he watched the faces to see how this struck the two principals. With little result, for Mrs Everett, regaining her poise, merely smiled in an exasperating way, and Miss Prall looked coldly disinterested. “Wonderful characters,” Gibbs commented to himself, for he had never before met women who could so perfectly hide their feelings. And he was sure that one of them, at least, was hiding her emotion; that one of them was really aghast at the thought of exposure and was trying with all her powers to conceal her dismay. The maid, Kate, and the companion, Eliza, merely mirrored the other’s calm. Eliza, glancing at Miss Prall, took her cue and looked disdainful of the whole affair. Kate Holland curled a scornful lip and nodded her head in Miss Prall’s direction. And yet, if one pair were guilty the other two were innocent. Collusion between the two factions was unthinkable. But Gibbs had made up his mind, and he rose and opened the door. “If you must keep your appointment, Madame, you are excused. I may say that you are under surveillance, but I have little fear of your trying to get away secretly, and unless you do, you will not be bothered in any way.” “Your surveillance does not interest me,” and, with a sublime disregard of all present, Mrs Everett swept out of the room, followed by the large and somewhat ungainly Kate. “I don’t want to discuss this thing,” Gibbs began, as he himself prepared to leave,—“but——”