"My God! I can't believe it, Anita; I don't know what to think. If it turns out that there really is something crooked about it all, and Rockamore and the others are concerned in it, it will be the biggest conspiracy that was ever hatched in the world of high finance. You were right, dear, bless your woman's intuition; we must have help. This matter must be thoroughly investigated. There is only one man in America to-day, who is capable of carrying it through, successfully. I shall send at once for the Master Mind." "The Master Mind?" "Yes, dear--Henry Blaine, the most eminent detective the English-speaking world has produced." "I have heard of him, of course. I think father knew him, did he not?" "Yes, on one occasion he was of inestimable service to your father. I will summon him at once." Ramon went to the telephone and by good luck found the detective free for the moment and at his service. He returned to the girl. She noticed that he reeled slightly in his walk; that his lips were white and set with pain. "Ramon, you are ill, suffering. That cut on your head and your poor arm--" "It is nothing. I don't mind, Anita darling; it will soon pass. Thank Heavens, I found Mr. Blaine free. He will get to the truth of this matter for us even if no one else on earth could. He has brought more notorious malefactors to justice than any detective of modern times; fearlessly, he has unearthed political scandals which lay dangerously close to the highest executives of the land. He cannot be cajoled, bribed or intimidated; you will be safe in his hands from the machinations of every scoundrel who ever lived." "I have read of some of his marvelous exploits, but; what service was it that he rendered to my father?" "I--I cannot tell you, dearest. It was very long ago, and a matter which affected your father solely. Perhaps some time you may learn the truth of it." "I may not know! I may not know! Why must I be so hedged in? Why must everything be kept from me? I feel as if I were living in a maze of mystery. I must know the truth." She wrung her hands hysterically, but he soothed her and they talked in low tones until Wilkes suddenly appeared in the doorway and announced: "Mr. Henry Blaine!" CHAPTER III HENRY BLAINE TAKES A HAND A man stood upon the threshold: a man of medium height, with sandy hair and mustache slightly tinged with gray. His face was alert and keenly intelligent. His eyes shrewd, but kindly, the brows sloping downward toward the nose, with the peculiar look of concentration of one given to quick decisions and instant, fearless action. His eyes traveled quickly from the young girl's face to Ramon Hamilton, as the latter advanced with outstretched hand. "Mr. Blaine, it was fortunate that we found you at liberty and able to assist us in a matter which is of vital importance to us both. This is Miss Anita Lawton, daughter of the late Pennington Lawton, who desires your aid on a most urgent matter."