“Did they--did they get him?” she gasped impulsively, almost frantically. “Did they--did they get him?” Nick waved aside the several girls who had gathered near. “Open one of the windows!” he commanded. “Give her some fresh air. Get whom, my girl?” The last was addressed to the stricken girl, while Nick gently raised her to a sitting position on the floor. She turned and looked at him, then suddenly seemed to realize what had occurred. She gazed at Nick again, striving to rise, and replied, more calmly: “Get whom? What do you mean?” “Don’t you know what I mean?” Nick inquired, helping her to a chair. “No, I don’t,” she replied. “Thank you for assisting me. I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” Nick was sure of the contrary, but he did not say so. Instead, he smiled and explained his presence there by saying: “I happened to be in the manager’s office when you fainted. I saw you fall and hurried in to aid you. Are you subject to such attacks?” “No, sir. I don’t remember ever having fainted away before.” “You may have heard something that alarmed you, or----” “No, no, sir; nothing of the kind,” interrupted the girl. “I cannot account for it.” “Do you remember what number had been called, what connection you had made?” “No, sir.” “Or what was being said?” “I do not,” the girl insisted. “I remember nothing about it. I know only that I was not feeling well this morning. I awoke with a racking headache. I suddenly felt dizzy and then I fainted. That is all I know about it. Please don’t question me further. I’m able, now, to return to my work. Thank you again, sir.” Nick knew that the girl was lying, but he alone had observed her agitation for several moments before she fainted. She still was pale and nervous, trembling visibly while she replied to his questions, but it was obvious that she was determined to admit nothing in regard to what she evidently had heard at the switchboard. Nick decided not to press her further, therefore, and he bowed indifferently and returned to the business office. Manager Lawton, for whom he had been waiting, came in a few moments later and Nick transacted the business for which he had called. He then quietly told him of the incident and pointed out the girl who had fainted. “What is her name?” he then inquired. “Helen Bailey,” replied Lawton, smiling. “She is the most capable girl in our employ.” “She is a very beautiful girl, too,” Nick observed. “And as good as she is beautiful,” Lawton said, with a nod. “The man who gets her for a wife, Nick, will get a treasure.” “Where does she live?” “She boards in Lexington Avenue.” “With her parents?” “No. Both are dead. She has only a brother, I believe, who--well, I know very little about him. Why are you so interested in the girl?” Lawton added, laughing. “You’re not smitten with her beauty, Nick, are you?”