At Friday noon, while Inspector Queen, Ellery and Timothy Cronin were deep in their search of Monte Field’s rooms, Sergeant Velie, sombre and unmoved as usual, walked slowly up 87th Street from Broadway, mounted the brownstone steps of the house in which the Queens lived and rang the bell. Djuna’s cheery voice bade him ascend, which the good Sergeant did with gravity. “Inspector’s not home!” announced Djuna pertly, his slim body completely hidden behind an enormous housewife’s apron. Odorous traces of an onion-covered steak pervaded the air. “Get on with you, you imp!” growled Velie. He took from his inner breast pocket a bulky envelope, sealed, and handed it to Djuna. “Give this to the Inspector when he comes home. Forget, and I’ll dip you into the East River.” “You and who else?” breathed Djuna, with a remarkable twitching of his lips. Then he added decorously, “Yes, sir.” “All right, then.” Velie deliberately turned about and descended to the street, where his broad back was visible in formidable proportions to the grinning Djuna from the fourth-story window. When, at a little before six, the two Queens trudged wearily into their rooms, the alert eyes of the Inspector pounced upon the official envelope where it lay on his plate. He tore off a corner of the envelope and pulled out a number of typewritten sheets on the stationery of the Detective Bureau. “Well, well!” he muttered to Ellery, who was lazily pulling off his topcoat. “The clans are gathering....” Sinking into an armchair, his hat forgotten on his head, his coat still buttoned, he set about reading the reports aloud. The first slip read: Report of Release 28 September 192— John Cazzanelli, alias Parson Johnny, alias John the Wop, alias Peter Dominick, released from custody today on parole. Under-cover investigation of J. C.’s complicity in the robbery of the Bonomo Silk Mills (June 2, 192—) not successful. We are searching for “Dinky” Morehouse, police informer, who has disappeared from usual haunts, for further information. Release effected under advice of District Attorney Sampson. J. C. under surveillance and is available at any time. T. V. The second report which the Inspector picked up, laying aside the advices concerning Parson Johnny with a frown, read as follows: Report on William Pusak September 28, 192— Investigation of the history of William Pusak reveals the following: 32 years old; born in Brooklyn, N. Y., of naturalized parents; unmarried; regular habits; socially inclined; has “dates” three or four nights a week; religious. Is bookkeeper at Stein & Rauch, clothing merchants, 1076 Broadway. Does not gamble or drink. No evil companions. Only vice seems fondness for girls.