“Not far, because the stairs wind around the elevator well. But I went down farther and I caught sight of a woman with a shawl over her head——” “What kind of a shawl?” “Lord, I don’t know! Grayish and softish, it looked, but the night lights are dim and I only caught a glimpse of this hooded figure moving stealthily along the hall. That’s all, and if it’s of any importance——” “It doesn’t seem to me to be of much,—what do you think?” Vail stared at her. He was not accustomed to have his suggestions so lightly received. But he only shrugged his shoulders, and said: “I don’t think anything about it. I merely offer the information that there was a mysterious seeming woman lurking in the halls that night: If it means nothing to anybody, there’s no harm done.” “No; certainly not. How tall was she?” “Above average height, and gaunt of figure.” “About like Miss Prall?” “Good heavens, I wouldn’t say that!” “Why not? Is it a crime to be of Miss Prall’s appearance?” “You’re a funny little piece! Well, then, I may say the shape was somewhat like Miss Prall’s, but I’m sure it was not she.” “How can you be sure it was not she unless you are sure who it was?” “I can be sure anything is not anything else, without knowing positively what anything is!” and Vail glared at her an instant, and then both broke into laughter. “It’s all right,” Zizi informed him; “I’m only pursuing my investigations according to orders.” “Oho! Am I being put through a third degree?” “Sort of. But I think I’ve learned all you know. Or, wait, was the beshawled one of Kate Holland’s style? You know to liken one woman to another in appearance doesn’t necessarily accuse her of murder.” “No, that’s true. Well, the woman I saw could be said to be like Kate Holland or Miss Prall either, in general outline, which is all I could discern of face or figure. But I can’t see what either of those women would be doing prowling about the halls at two A. M.” “Unless it was in connection with the murder,” Zizi said, straightforwardly. “They all have declared they were in bed and asleep but who’s to witness that?” “In the very nature of things, nobody,” Vail said. “And now, I’ll be going. I won’t wait for Mr Wise just now, but I’ll see him soon, if he cares to talk to me.” But just as Vail was leaving, Richard Bates appeared, and Vail tarried to speak with him. “Any developments?” Vail asked. “No,” said Bates, despondently. “That is, nothing of importance. I say, Vail, what do you think about the Crippen deal? You know my uncle planned to see him that night regarding a sale of the business, and——” “Did he see him?” Vail spoke eagerly. “I don’t know. Crippen’s out of town——” “He is! Don’t you think you ought to keep tabs on him?” “Why?” “Only because he was interested in the Binney business.” “So were you.” “True, but Sir Herbert and I had our meeting and got over it long ago.” “He wanted to sell out to you?”