“It is I—Eric Darrell. This is no place for a lady, especially at such an hour. You may be insulted here.” “But he is here—Joe, my husband, and where he is his wife should not be afraid to go,” she said with some bitterness. “Theoretically true, madam, but there are lots of places in this wicked city where men daily pass and ladies dare not go. You promised to leave this to me and you must keep your word. Take my arm and let me see you to the elevated station.” She might have rebelled, but there was a touch of gentle but firm authority in his tone, and being a woman she yielded, knowing he was right. On the way to the elevated station she was silent, but finally, upon reaching the steps, she turned to her companion. “Mr. Darrell, does my husband know that I have sought your advice?” So intensely interested was she in the answer, that she even held her breath. “To my knowledge, Mrs. Leslie, Joe does not even suspect you of ever having seen me.” “Thank heaven,” she almost gasped, a world of relief showing itself upon her face, for, the better to look at her companion when expecting his answer, she had brushed her veil aside. “You need not borrow trouble on that score. Act naturally, as though you suspected nothing and had no reason to evade his eye.” She moved uneasily at his words. Darrell had spoken them with a purpose, just as the surgeon probes for the bullet before making any attempt to extract it. He believed he had met with a certain share of success too. “What did he want with you?” she asked, as if to cover her own confusion. “Merely a matter of business.” “Did he mention me?” “He said I must come up and meet you sometime—whatever this may turn out, Mrs. Leslie, I know Joe fairly worships you—never doubt that fact. Some things seem hard to put together, but when the truth shines upon them they will be found very simple.” “Like Columbus and the egg, for example.” “Yes, indeed. Now, if at any time you and I should meet in Joe’s presence, don’t forget to treat me as a stranger.” “I will not.” “Then I shall say good evening, and as a last word, advise you to leave this to me.” “I shall, Mr. Darrell.” She flitted up the station stairs and Darrell, with a long sigh, turned down the street again. Somehow the pretty wife of his friend quite fascinated him, and he found himself wishing the sister would be like her. Walking down the street, he soon reached his old stamping ground. The light burned in the second story room and he believed Joe had not left the house. For perhaps ten minutes things went on this way. Then the light suddenly vanished. A minute later Joe Leslie came out. Darrell listened intently to see if he spoke to any one at the door but a wagon rattling by prevented his making sure. Then Joe descended the steps and set briskly off for the elevated station. The detective did not follow him. He desired to do a little work around that region, and knew Joe was bound for home.