With pen poised, waiting until the figures were brought in, the Comas man expressed his satisfaction. "There were three on the job, so I was told in Adonia when I came through. That's all right, Mern. I expected you to use your own judgment. I didn't have much time in Adonia--grabbed what information I could while waiting for the train to start--but it's a sure bet that Latisan is off for good. From what I heard it was your Miss Jones who really put it over--gave Latisan what they call up there the Big Laugh. Now who the blazes is this Miss Jones?" "An operative of ours," the chief replied, with repression of enthusiasm decidedly in contrast with Craig's indorsement of her. Mern did not dare to be other than vague, leaving Lida Kennard's identity concealed until he could understand something about the inside affairs in his agency. The reflection that he was still in the dark--could not talk out to a client as a detective should--was stirring his sour indignation more and more. "I'd like to meet her," urged the director. "She must be a wonder. A great actress, I should judge, from what I was told in Adonia." "She's having her vacation just now." "Look here, Mern! I'm going to stick a couple of hundred more onto this check. Send it along to her and tell her to have an extra week or a new dress at my expense. I've made a side-line clean-up on the Tomah this season and money is easy with me." That was as explicit as Craig cared to be in regard to the deal with the Walpole heir. Still poising his pen, the director turned expectant gaze on the door when the knob was turned; a flurried, fat girl whose manner showed that she was new to the place had received Mern's orders about the figures; now she came bringing them. Craig frowned while he wrote the check after the girl had retired. He was a bit pettish when he snapped his check book shut. "Say, Mern, I always like to see that Kennard girl when I come into your office. I like her looks. I like the way she puts out her hand to a man." "I'm sorry she isn't here. But she's--she's out--sick." "Good gad! I hope it's nothing serious." Craig showed real concern. "Oh no! Just a--a rather severe cold." The chief was having hard work to conceal his mental state--being obliged to lie that way, like a fool, in order to hide the mystery in his own office! "Give me her street number. I'll send up a bunch of flowers." "She is out with some friends in the country to get clean air. I don't know the address." Mern perceived that more questions were coming. Craig was frankly revealing his interest in Miss Kennard. The chief pulled out his watch; he had a good excuse for changing an embarrassing subject. "Latisan is about due. Of course, you don't want to be seen. I'll post you in one of the side consulting rooms." "It seems rather silly, this spying," remonstrated Craig. "I'm taking your word about Latisan. I'm getting ready to start north, and have a lot of matters to look after."