"You have discussed the place with him--talked over your husband's collection?" "At times. They have been quite casual conversations." Labar racked his brain. This seemed to be leading nowhere. Yet if Larry Hughes was at the bottom of the burglary it was inconceivable that he should not have used his acquaintance with Mrs. Gertstein to further his projects. No doubt those "casual conversations" had told him more than the woman dreamt. A point flashed to his mind. "Have you found positions at Streetly House for any persons in whom Hughes was interested?" She reflected. "I can't quite remember. I believe there was someone--ah! yes--an odd-job man. I can't remember his name, but it was someone with an excellent record whom Mr. Hughes was trying to help. He asked me to speak to the butler about him, and I think he was engaged." "You don't remember his name? Was it Law--or Jones--or Lane--or Wright?" he recited such names as he could recall of the big staff at Streetly House, and she shook her head at each one. He wondered if someone had evaded his questioning when he had examined the servants. "Had this man been engaged in Hughes' service?" She passed a hand with a weary gesture over her forehead. "No, I am sure that he had never been with Mr. Hughes. I believe he came from some big restaurant that was reducing its staff. I've got it. His name was Stebbins." Off-hand Labar could not place the name among those he had interviewed. But, of course, it would be easy to get hold of the man now. Here at least there would be one link if he played his cards well that would lead to the conviction of Larry Hughes. A shadow darkened the French windows and Labar sprang to his feet. A cold voice addressed him. "Keep your hands down if you please and don't make any hasty move. I'm afraid that I'm a little late." Larry Hughes holding an automatic in front of him stepped into the room. CHAPTER XIV Hughes leaned his back to the wall near the window and his gaze wandered from one to the other while the pistol dangled in his hand. He could not fail to observe the signs of the struggle. "I seem to have interrupted a tête-à-tête," he said sardonically. "What's the tiff about?" Labar measured his distance. A flicker of amusement passed over Larry's face, and he lifted his weapon a little. The detective dropped back in his chair. "This is a surprise, Larry," he said amiably. "What's brought you here?" The other showed his white teeth in a grin. "Like the chivalrous idiot that I am, I have flown to the aid of beauty in distress." He bowed to Mrs. Gertstein. "I feel compunctuous that circumstances held me from being earlier." "So you got my letter?" The woman flashed a furious glance to Labar. "This man said that he had intercepted it."