The grin on the boy’s face declared also that he had been paid for his work by the artist, but this was none of Eric’s business. He took out a quarter. “See here now, boy, I want you to prove what you say. What did you do?” “Knocked on the door—a cove opened it—asked him if Paul Prescott was in—said as how he was the same—handed him the letter—he opened it, grinned, and gave me a shiner. Then I vamosed the ranch and came to you.” “Did he ask you where you got it?” “I told him the girl in black racket, which was really the worst I ever heard, but the fellow seemed to swallow it without question.” “Describe the gentleman.” This was the crucial test. The boy obeyed without hesitation, and speedily proved that he must have seen and conversed with the artist himself. After that Eric had no good reason for longer withholding the promised reward, which was quickly stowed away in the lad’s pocket. The artist’s interview had not resulted in all that he expected, but he could not say it had been barren of profit. Then again what followed had made up in a measure for his defeat. He knew the enemy’s plans. Thus it would not be such a tremendous job to defeat them. Should Joe know? He believed it would be policy to put him on his guard, and in that way the plotting of the enemy would prove less profitable. So it was to end to-night. A carriage was to be in waiting at the corner, and while Joe’s attention was taken up with entertaining his guests, his wife would slip out and meet her lover. Here was a chance for a little diplomacy. For instance, perhaps it could be arranged that the real Prescott be kidnapped or otherwise kept out of the way, while Joe dressed himself up to resemble the other. Then he could carry off his own wife, and at the proper time reveal his identity, and teach her a terrible lesson. That would all be decidedly picturesque and highly dramatic, but there were a number of obstacles to it that would have to be overcome ere they could accomplish the best result. These difficulties were of such a nature that it seemed as though they could not be overcome. Darrell cast around him to see whether there was not some other means handy. How would it do to have the artist arrested on some charge when on the way to the place of meeting? He decided against this on the spot, for it was very apt to make the whole affair public gossip for the newspapers, something Joe would rather cut off his right hand than have occur. Next in order he thought that Lillian might be given something to make her sleepy or have such a headache that she could never carry out her part of the arrangement; but this was offensive to his official taste—he felt as though it was retreating before the attack, and it was not his intention to do this. Finally he decided to see Joe—perhaps the other would suggest something that might open up a plausible scheme—some little hint dropped in conversation would give Eric the clew he was looking for.