"Didn't the postman ever drop mail through it?" "No. Our mail box is fastened to the front door." Rodgers' gaze had strayed to the floor. Stooping down he rubbed his hand over the bare hardwood boards. "Your flooring is well worn right here," he said. "Some weight or some one has stood here constantly. Bend closer and you will see that the varnish is completely worn away." Kitty followed his suggestion. "I don't understand," she exclaimed, standing erect. "It bewilders me. What does it mean?" "Some one has been using this panel--for what purpose we have yet to find out." Rodgers spoke half to himself, then asked more loudly: "Have you given all your aunt's papers to Mr. Craige?" "Yes--even old letters." "Do you know their contents?" "I did not stop to read them all." Kitty's troubled expression deepened. "I gave him every paper I could find." "I am glad Mr. Craige has them," exclaimed Rodgers heartily. "If he has the papers which the woman bribed Oscar to secure for her, we can solve _that_ mystery. There is just one other question, Miss Baird. Did your aunt see very much of Mrs. Amos Parsons?" Outside in the shadows the listening figure stiffened as it bent dangerously close to catch Kitty's answer. "Not any more than Aunt Susan could help--" Kitty's tired young voice held a hint of mirth as it came through the open panel. "She abominated Mrs. Parsons and deeply resented my acting as her secretary." Rodgers contemplated Kitty for several seconds, then stepped briskly toward the telephone. "With your permission," he said, "I'll call up Mr. Craige and ask if he can see us this evening." CHAPTER XV BOUND IN RED TAPE "Whar yo' goin', Honey, at dis time o' night?" Mandy's voice was raised in shocked expostulation and Kitty could not refrain from a smile. She had interrupted the old servant in the act of arranging her bedroom for the night when she had entered a moment before and taken her heavy overcoat and hat out of the closet. "Mr. Rodgers is going to run me over to see my godfather, Mr. Craige," she explained as she arranged her veil. "Don't wait up for me, Mandy; I have the key of the side door and can let myself in. You are not afraid to stay here alone, are you?" "No'm." But Mandy spoke with no enthusiasm. "I ain't skeered, kexactly, but yo' won't be very late, will yo'?" "Oh, no." Kitty glanced at the clock on her dressing table. "It is only a quarter of nine, Mandy; I'll be back within the hour. Sit down before the fire," pointing to the grate where Mandy, with solicitous forethought had built a coal fire for her young mistress to enjoy when undressing, "and make yourself comfortable. Don't stay in a cold kitchen." "Thank yo', Miss Kitty. I 'spects I'd ruther stay up hyar, it's mo' cheerful." Mandy walked into the hall with her. "Mind yo' keep that collar buttoned up."