But--he had promised the girl! Stronger than his curiosity, stronger almost than his wish to deliver the papers, was his desire to keep that promise. It may have been foolish, quixotic; but he resolved to continue as he had begun. "At ten o'clock," he said to himself, "if I have not found her, I will look at the papers or go to the police--do whatever is necessary." He did not like to break promises or miss engagements. There was his engagement with the Wallinghams. It had absolutely gone from his mind. Bessie would forgive him, of course. She was a sensible little woman, and she would know that his failure to appear was due to something unavoidable and important, but Orme's conscience bothered him a little because he had not, before setting out that morning, telephoned to her that he might be detained. Bessie Wallingham! She knew the girl! Why had he not thought of that before? He got the Wallinghams' number. Were they at home? No, they had gone to Arradale and would probably remain until the last evening train. He rang off. It remained to try Arradale. After some delay, he got the clubhouse. Mrs. Wallingham? Yes, she had just come in. Would Mr. Orme hold the wire? Mr. Orme certainly would, and presently he was rewarded for the delay by hearing Bessie's brisk little voice. "Hello?" "Who?" "Bob?" "Well you ought to be ashamed of yourself; we waited over and took the next train." "Oh, yes, I know all about these very busy people." "Nonsense! I was fooling, of course. But we were sorry you didn't come." "What?" "That girl? Why, what's the matter with you, Robert Orme?" "Business importance? That won't do, Bob. You'll have to 'fess up." "Do I know such a girl? Are you serious?" "Why, Bob, I can think of several. Shall I name them?" "Not give their names! What on earth is the matter with you?" "Oh, part of the business, is it? Well, let me see. Tall and beautiful, you say. Dark eyes and hair. A black touring-car. Hum! I know, three girls to whom the description applies. It might be--but you don't wish me to mention the name. Well, you'll have to think of something more distinctive." Orme thought in vain. The image of the girl was ever in his mind, but describe her he could not. At last he said: "The girl I mean lives in one of the suburbs. She has a father who has lately undergone a slight operation. He is, I think, a man who is involved in negotiations with other countries." "Oh! Where did you meet her? Why, Bob, how interesting! I never thought of her, but she's one of my dearest friends." "Now, listen, Bessie. It is absolutely necessary that I should reach her father's house before midnight. You must help me." He heard her laugh. "Help you? Of course I will." "Where does she live?" "Not very far from Arradale. Bob, you come right out here. I will see to the rest. It certainly is the funniest coincidence." "I'll catch the first train." "There's one at six--for men who come out to dine."