It was quite evident as they entered that the visitor had intended to come inside for a purpose, for he did not hide the fact that he was taking in the whole sitting room with a quick keen glance, and even the hall and stairs and the living room beyond. He bowed deferentially to Nannette as she slid back into the room, curiosity in every line of her face. Seen in the light of the room his face was extremely handsome, with an easy carelessness upon it that showed he made no merit of his comeliness, and cared little for impressions. Yet when he smiled even an enemy must needs listen: “I came to see whether Joyce Radway has come home yet?” The tone demanded a straightforward answer, in fact it was like a command, as of one who had the right to know. Eugene stiffened, resentfully: “She has not,” he answered. “I believe I told you that over the phone a little while ago.” “You did,” said Sherwood. “I came to make sure.” He gave a glance about that had a sense of listening in it. “Indeed!” bristled Eugene. “When did she go away, just what time?” “What business of yours is that?” “It isn’t any of my business. I’m making it mine. What time?” “Well, find out if you can. I don’t answer impertinent questions.” Eugene was white with anger. He would have liked to have put this intruder out, only the man was nearly twice his size. “That’s what I intend to do!” answered the visitor taking a step into the room where he could look well through the hall and living room without effort. There was a grim set look about his face that meant business, and yet he turned to Nannette with that winning smile he could flash forth suddenly like the sun coming out from behind a cloud: “Mrs. Massey, I’m not a bandit, and I’m not as impertinent as your husband seems to think, although I may be a trifle unconventional, but it is necessary for me to find out when Joyce Radway left this house and I mean to do so. If you’ll excuse me I’ll just step upstairs and speak to your son a minute. Don’t trouble yourself to lead the way. I’ll find him all right--” He took one swift stride into the hall, before Eugene realized what he was doing and bustled irately to stop him. But the stranger did not need to go far, for Junior in bare feet and pajamas was hanging over the balustrade, his ears alert for the family scene. “Hello, Buddie,” the young man said in a tone he might have used to an older pal. Junior straightened up involuntarily and a gleam came into his eye. He threw one leg over the balustrade and balanced grinning, emitting a low “’ello!” It was plain that he was both pleased and embarrassed. “Still interested in that baseball bat of mine, are you Kid?” “Sure!” responded Junior coming down to the steps again and sticking his tongue in his cheek expectantly. “Well, how about that package you were to deliver? Did you deliver it last night?” Junior hung his head, and wriggled on one bare toe.