"You've solved it," declared Brett, rising. "I'll run over to your house now, Miss Thornton, and catch Fugi before he can get away." "I don't think you'll find him there," interposed Eleanor. "Mrs. Truxton went out in my motor for a drive this afternoon, and Fugi, who acts as chauffeur as well as butler, is driving the car. I expect them here at any moment." "So much the better." "There is a car drawn up alongside of mine now," exclaimed the Secretary, who had gone over to the window overlooking the street. Brett started for the door, but, before he reached it, it was flung open and Mrs. Truxton precipitated herself into the room. Her hat was cocked on one side in the most rakish manner and her flushed face testified to her perturbed state of mind. "I've found you, Mr. Secretary!" she exclaimed, slamming the door shut. "Don't go," as Brett moved past her. "I went to your house, then to the State Department----" She stopped, breathless. "Sit down," said the Secretary soothingly, "and tell me why you wished to see me so urgently." "Oh, dear, I'm so confused!" Mrs. Truxton drew a long breath, then plunged into her story. "I stopped at our house, Eleanor, as I had forgotten to bring my writing materials here. I found my letter book in my room where I had left it, and, on opening it, discovered this letter addressed to you, Mr. Secretary"--drawing out an envelope from her handbag. "I can't conceive where it came from," added the poor woman, "except that I left my letter book in Eleanor's drawing-room on Monday night on my way to bed. I was up early Tuesday morning before any of the servants were down, and, on entering the drawing-room, found my letter book still lying on the table, with several of its leaves turned over. I gathered up all the papers without looking at them carefully, and took them up to my desk and laid them away in a drawer. This is the first time I have opened the letter book, for in your absence, Eleanor, I have used your writing room." Mrs. Truxton paused to take breath. "It's marked 'important,' and that's why I hurried after you; besides, handwriting is like a photograph to me, and I never forget one I have seen--that letter is from Senator Carew." "Good God! the missing letter!" shouted Brett. The Secretary took the letter from Mrs. Truxton and tore it open, and, in a voice of suppressed excitement, read its contents aloud. "MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: "I am writing to you in case I do not see you before you attend the Cabinet meeting to-morrow morning. Your servant tells me that you are expected home on a late train to-night, but I may be detained in reaching your house, or the train may be later than scheduled, and therefore I might miss you. The President will reach Washington to-morrow on the _Mayflower_ from his trip down the Chesapeake, and it is impossible for me to reach him to-night.