Annette's eyes flashed. "Very well, Monsieur le Colonel; I go. But when I come back you will have to pay me more--but yes--more than that beggarly five thousand!" and with a stamp of her foot, she turned and hastened out of the room. "A nice she-devil!" remarked Thornton, gazing blankly at Douglas. "I think----" Douglas stopped speaking as the portières were again thrust aside and Eleanor walked in. "Uncle Dana, Mrs. Winthrop is waiting to see you in the library. Oh, Mr. Hunter, good morning"--her slender hand was almost lost in his firm clasp--"I did not know you were here." "I called hoping that you might care to take a motor ride," said Douglas quickly. "Why, yes, with pleasure." She sank down on the sofa and motioned Douglas to draw up a chair. "Eleanor," broke in Thornton, returning from the hall door, "did you tell that precious maid of yours that Mrs. Winthrop would give five thousand dollars reward for information leading to the conviction of the murderer of Senator Carew?" "Annette!" in profound astonishment. "No, certainly not; I've never spoken to her on the subject. Where did you get such an idea?" Her voice rose to a higher key. "She has just been here and insists that we pay her five thousand for some information which she declares will solve the puzzle of poor Carew's death." Eleanor smiled incredulously. "Nonsense, I don't believe she knows a thing about it." Her bright color had faded and she gazed anywhere but at the two men. "It may be," suggested Douglas thoughtfully, "that while in this house she has found a certain paper for which Brett is searching." "That's possible," agreed Thornton. "It was announced in yesterday's papers that a reward of one thousand dollars had been offered. But what gets me is how Annette knew Mrs. Winthrop might raise the amount to five thousand--the very sum, in fact, which she first thought of offering." "I'm sure I don't know." Eleanor frowned in perplexity. "Is she a good servant?" inquired Douglas. "I have always found her honest and reliable. She brought me excellent recommendations when she came to me in Paris, where I engaged her," replied Eleanor. "It may be that the mystery has gone to her head," suggested Thornton, "and she is inspired to play detective." "Personally, I think she is taking advantage of the present situation to extort money," objected Douglas. "I believe you've hit it," exclaimed the older man. "Tell Brett, Douglas, he may be able to induce Annette to tell what she knows. I must go now and see Mrs. Winthrop." "Let me know what she decides about Sunday," called Eleanor, as Thornton, for the second time, hurried out of the room. "You are looking tired, Miss Thornton," said Douglas, glancing at her attentively. "I didn't get much sleep last night. Cynthia was miserable, and I sat up with her until five o'clock this morning."