“That is a long story. To put it briefly, it was because the messenger carrying the document was Lord Donal Stirling, who is--who is--an old friend of mine. Sir James is his uncle, and Lord Donal promised that he would persuade the old man to let other newspapers have no advantages which he refused to the _Daily Bugle_. I did not give the document to Sir James, I gave it back to Lord Donal.” “Lord Donal Stirling--Lord Donal Stirling,” mused the editor. “Where have I heard that name before?” “He is a member of the British Embassy at St. Petersburg, so you may have seen his name in the despatches.” “No. He is not so celebrated as all that comes to. Ah, I remember now. I met the detective the other night and asked him if anything had come of that romance in high life, to solve which he had asked your assistance. He said the search for the missing lady had been abandoned, and mentioned the name of Lord Donal Stirling as the foolish young man who had been engaged in the pursuit of the unknown.” Jennie coloured at this and drew herself up indignantly. “Before you say anything further against Lord Donal,” she cried hotly, “I wish to inform you that he and I are to be married.” “Oh, I beg your pardon,” said the editor icily. “Then, having failed to find the other girl, he has speedily consoled himself by--” “There was no other girl. I was the person of whom Mr. Cadbury Taylor was in search. I willingly gave him valuable assistance in the task of failing to find myself. Having only a stupid man to deal with, I had little difficulty in accomplishing my purpose. Neither Mr. Taylor nor Mr. Hardwick ever suspected that the missing person was in their own employ.” “Well, I’m blessed!” ejaculated Hardwick. “So you baffled Cadbury Taylor in searching for yourself, as you baffled me in getting hold of the Russian letter. It seems to me, Miss Baxter, that where your own inclinations do not coincide with the wishes of your employers, the interests of those who pay you fall to the ground.” “Mr. Cadbury Taylor didn’t pay me anything for my services as amateur detective, and he has, therefore, no right to grumble. As for the St. Petersburg trip, I shall send you a cheque for all expenses incurred as soon as I reach home.” “Oh, you mistake me,” asserted Mr. Hardwick earnestly. “I had no thought of even hinting that you have not earned over and over again all the money the _Daily Bugle_ has paid you; besides, I was longing for your return, for I want your assistance in solving a mystery that has rather puzzled us all. Paris is in a turmoil just now over the--” Jennie’s clear laugh rang out.