"I did," grimly. "But, on the other hand, I did not give you ten years to clear it up in." "Have I ever fallen down on a good story?" quietly. "H'm, can't remember," grudgingly. "Well, if you'll have patience I'll not fall down on this one. It's the greatest criminal story I ever handled, but it's so big that it's going to take time." "Gimme an outline." "I have promised not to," with a grimness equal to the "old man's." "If a line of this story trickles out it will mean that every other paper will be moving around, and in the end will discover enough to spoil my end of it. I'll tell you this much: The most colossal band of thieves this country ever saw is at one end of the stick. And when I say that counterfeiting and politics and millions are involved, you'll understand how big it is. This gang has city protection. We are running them all into a corner; but we want that corner so deep that none of them can wriggle out of it." "Umhm. Go on." "I want two months more." The "old man" beat a tattoo with his fat pencil. "Sixty days, then. And if the yarn isn't on my desk at midnight, you--" "Hunt for another job. All right. I came in to ask for three days' leave." "You're your own boss, Jim, for sixty days more. Whadda y' mean counterfeiting?" "Those new tens and twenties. If I stumble on that right, why, I can turn it over without conflicting with the other story." "Well, go to it." "I'm turning in my regular work, day in and day out, and while doing it I've gone through more hairbreadth escapes than you ever heard of. They have been after me. I've dodged falling safes; I've been shanghaied, poisoned; but I haven't said a word." "Good lord! Do you mean all that?" "Every word, sir." "I'll make it ninety days, Jim; and if this story comes in I'll see that you get a corking bonus." "I'm not looking for bonuses. I'm proud of my work. To get this story is all I want. That'll be enough. Thanks for the extension of time. Good night." So Florence received a long night letter in the morning. And the doctor arrived at about the same time. And called promptly upon his patient. "Fine!" he said. "The sea air was just the thing. A doctor always likes to find his advice turning out well." He glanced quizzically at Florence, who was the picture of glowing health. Suddenly he frowned anxiously. "You need not look at me," she laughed. "I never felt better in all my life." "Are you sure?" "Why, what in the world do you mean?" He did not speak, but stepped forward and took her by the wrist, holding his watch in his other hand. He shook his head. He looked very solemn, indeed. "What is it?" demanded Susan, with growing terror. "Go to your own room immediately and remain there for the present," he ordered. "I must see Miss Hargreave alone."