Very worried about Stuart drowning stop case presents unusual features stop would be personally grateful if you would come over at once and conduct investigation. It was signed by the Chief Commissioner, who was not only his superior but his personal friend, and Larry put the telegram in his pocket with a groan. “What time do we arrive in Monte Carlo, sir?” asked Sunny when he joined him. “About this day twelvemonth,” said Larry. “Indeed, sir?” said Sunny, politely interested. “It must be a very long way.” CHAPTER II. SIR JOHN HASON Flash Fred, whose other name was Grogan, had a genuine grievance; for, after he had been solemnly assured by a reputable officer of the law that he intended going to Monte Carlo, he had found him on the Paris boat train, and though he carefully avoided him he knew that Larry was well aware that they were fellow passengers. At Victoria Fred made a rapid exit from the station, not being perfectly satisfied in his mind that Larry’s business in London was altogether unconnected with Fred’s own activities. Larry saw the disappearing back of the crook, and smiled for the first time since he had left Paris. “Take my things to the flat,” he said to Sunny. “I’m going to Scotland Yard. I may be home to-night, I may not be home until to-morrow night.” “Shall I put out your dress things?” said Sunny. All that concerned him was the gentlemanly appearance of his employer. To Sunny the day was divided into three parts--tweed, broadcloth, and pyjamas. “No--yes--anything you like,” said his master. “Yes, sir,” responded the obliging Sunny. Larry drove straight to the Yard, and had some difficulty in making an entry, because he was unknown to the local officials; but presently he was ushered into the big room where Sir John Hason rose from his desk and came across to meet him with outstretched hand. “My dear Larry,” he said, “it is awfully good of you to forgo your holiday. You are a brick! Of course I knew you would come, and I’ve given you room forty-seven and the smartest secretary I have seen in Scotland Yard for many a day.” They were old friends and old schoolmates, John Hason and Larry Holt, and between the two men there was an affection and a confidence which is rarely found between men in the same profession. “I don’t know forty-seven,” said Larry, taking off his overcoat with a smile, “but I’ll be happy to know the smartest secretary in Scotland Yard. What’s his name?” “It isn’t a he, it’s a she,” smiled Hason. “Miss Diana Ward, who’s been with me for about six months and is really the smartest and most reliable girl I’ve ever had working with me.” “Oh, a female secretary!” said Larry gloomily, then brightened. “What you say goes, John; and even this paragon of virtue doesn’t worry me. I suppose she’s got a voice like a file and chews gum?”