At last Peter, in his desperation, decided to throw himself on the girl’s mercy, and find out at any rate if she was likely to be against him. But first, he thought, he would try a little ruse. So he procured a copy of the circular of death losses of that insurance company, and managed to leave it where he knew Lettie would see it. Then he waited. When he looked for it again the paper was gone. This decided him. He felt sure Lettie must know more than he cared to have her know. He left the room, and in a few moments returned quietly. Lettie was standing by the window, but the paper had not been returned. “Lettie,” he said, “I left a paper here a few moments ago. What did you do with it?” “Why should I touch any of your papers?” she demanded coldly. “The Lord knows why you do,” replied Peter piously, “and I wish I did. This was the same paper you gave me to hand to Elwell--if I dared.” He waited. The girl stood motionless by the window. “Well, did you dare?” she asked indifferently. “That does not matter. I left it here a few moments ago, and now it is gone.” Lettie turned and faced him now. “I have no use for the paper,” she said. “Where did you leave it?” “There on the table.” She slowly crossed the room to the table. There was nothing there. “You must be mistaken,” she said, “unless this is it;” and she stooped and apparently picked up the little piece of greenish paper from the floor. Coleman took the paper, greatly perplexed. “Devil take her!” he said, under his breath; “she is more than a match for me.” Then he said aloud: “How did you know Mr. Elwell was interested in anything in this circular?” “I did not know,” she replied coolly, “until you told me.” “_I_ told you?” ejaculated Peter in his astonishment. “Yes, you,” replied Lettie. “I knew nothing about the paper more than that you had dropped it, and I simply took that way of returning it to you. Then, when you stormed around so, I knew I had hit some weak spot; but it was entirely by accident.” Peter, who prided himself on his astuteness, and considered himself a match for most men in cleverness, had been overreached by a girl. It was bitter. And now, no doubt, she had a copy of that circular, or the means of obtaining one. And his clever ruse had only served to arm her against himself. “Lettie,” he said desperately, “let us come to an understanding. You have always been open and square with me. Now, see. I had a big stake to play for, and it made me nervous. I see now that I have made a mistake, and I would like to know how the game stands. Now, are you a friend of Elwell’s?” “I? Not at all,” replied Lettie quickly. “Are you a friend of his wife’s, then?” There was a slight pause, and then she replied, calmly: “No; nor of his wife’s--in the way you mean.” Then she added: “Don’t be afraid of me. I will not prevent your getting money from him--if you can.” “But you have some interest,” persisted Coleman. “Now, what is it?” Lettie considered for a moment.