"I might cable Loria on my own, and not mention it to Miss Stuart until I get the permission." "Do. For as you say, the two ladies cannot possibly be involved, and I, for one, don't believe that nincompoop Count ever pulled off such a complicated affair all by himself." "What about the widow he's visiting?" "Ah, there you have it! Those two are in it, but there's more mystery yet." "I'd like to have it straightened out," said Haviland, thoughtfully. "In a way, I feel responsible to Loria, since he has put me in charge. And if he wants me to get Stone, I'll be glad to do so. As you say, it can't affect the girls,--that stuff Anita made up was only to bother Pauline. You see, Pauline came back at her with a counter accusation. They're both unstrung and upset, and they scarcely know what they're saying." "Then there's that French maid." "Oh, Estelle. She's a negligible quantity. She's hysterical from sheer nervousness, and she lies so fast she can hardly keep up with herself." "Well, think it over, and if you see your way clear to call in Stone, I'll be mighty glad. If the Frenchman _is_ the guilty party, Stone will nail him and prove it beyond all doubt. And if not, we surely don't want an innocent man to swing." "That we don't," agreed Haviland. XI FLEMING STONE "Yes, I have often heard the idea expressed that the more bizarre the clues appear, the easier the solution of the mystery. And this is frequently true." Fleming Stone looked from one to another of the interested group of listeners. They sat in the library,--Pauline, Anita, Gray Haviland and the young detective, Hardy. Haviland had carried out his plan of cabling Carrington Loria for authority to employ Mr. Stone, and had received a reply to use his own judgment in all such matters and charge the expense to Loria's account. Pauline had been opposed to the idea of calling Fleming Stone to the case, but as she seemed unable to put forth any valid objections, Haviland had insisted until she gave her consent. So arrangements had been quickly made, and the great Detective had reached Garden Steps on Wednesday afternoon, just a week after the discovery of the murder. Previously unacquainted with Stone, the whole household was interested in his personality, and this preliminary conversation was by way of introduction. A man of nearly fifty, Fleming Stone was tall and well proportioned, with a carriage and bearing that gave an impression of strength. His clear-cut face and firm jaw gave the same character indications as are seen in portraits of Lincoln, but his features were far more harmonious than those of our rugged-faced president.