“Of course you understand that I will look after the children to the best of my ability, but that I will not replace the servants.” I fancied he smiled grimly. “That of course. Will you ring twice when you come?” “Ring twice?” “The doorbell,” he replied impatiently. I said I would ring the doorbell twice. The young woman below was caroling gayly, ignorant of the six-barreled menace over her head. I knelt again by my suitcase, but packed little and thought a great deal. I was to arrive before dusk at a house where there were no servants and to ring the doorbell twice. I was to be a light sleeper, although I was to look after two healthy children. It was not much in itself, but, taken in connection with the previous nurse’s appeal to the police, it took on new possibilities. At six I started out to dinner. It was early spring and cold, but quite light. At the first corner I saw Mr. Patton waiting for a street car, and at his quick nod I saw I was to get in also. He did not pay my fare or speak to me. It was a part of the game that we were never seen together except at the remote restaurant I mentioned before. The car thinned out and I could watch him easily. Far downtown he alighted and so did I. The restaurant was near. I went in alone and sat down at a table in a recess, and very soon he joined me. We were in the main dining room but not of it, a sop at once to the conventions and to the necessity, where he was so well known, for caution. “I got a little information—on—the affair we were talking of,” he said as he sat down. “I’m not so sure I want you to take the case after all.” “Certainly I shall take it,” I retorted with some sharpness. “I’ve promised to go.” “Tut! I’m not going to send you into danger unnecessarily.” “I am not afraid.” “Exactly. A lot of generals were lost in the Civil War because they were not afraid and wanted to lead their troops instead of saving themselves and their expensive West Point training by sitting back in a safe spot and directing the fight. Any fool can run into danger. It takes intellect to keep out.” I felt my color rising indignantly. “Then you brought me here to tell me I am not to go?” “Will you let me read you two reports?” “You could have told me that at the corner!” “Will you let me read you two reports?” “If you don’t mind I’ll first order something to eat. I’m to be there before dark.” “Will you let me——” “I’m going, and you know I’m going. If you don’t want me to represent you I’ll go on my own. They want a nurse, and they’re in trouble.” I think he was really angry. I know I was. If there is anything that takes the very soul out of a woman, it is to be kept from doing a thing she has set her heart on, because some man thinks it dangerous. If she has any spirit, that rouses it.