“I had better perhaps explain at once to mademoiselle that we are agents of police,” he said with a smile, “and that the movements of the individual who met you and chatted with you so affably are of the greatest interest to us.” “Then you know who he is?” I exclaimed quickly. “Yes. We have discovered that.” “Who is he?” “Unfortunately, it is not our habit to give details of any case on which we are engaged until it is completed.” “The case in question is the murder of Mr. Thorne at the Grand Hotel, is it not?” “Mademoiselle guesses correctly. She was a friend of the unfortunate gentleman’s if I mistake not?” “Yes,” I replied. “Well,” he said in a confidential tone, while his companion, a slightly younger man, stood by regarding me and tugging at his mustache, “we should esteem it a favor if you would kindly relate all that has transpired this evening. When we saw him meet you we were not certain of his identity. His disguise was puzzling. Afterwards there could be no doubt, but he had then disappeared.” “I had thought that the police had relinquished their inquiries,” I said, nevertheless gratified to know that they were still on the alert. “It is when we relax our efforts slightly that we have the better chance of success,” the detective replied. “Did the man give you any name?” “No, he refused to tell me who he was.” “And what was his excuse for accosting you and demanding a tête-à-tête?” “He said he wished to warn me of an impending peril. In brief, he told me that my life was in jeopardy.” “Ah!” the man ejaculated, and exchanged a meaning glance with his companion. “And his pretence was to give you warning of it. Did he tell you by whom your life was threatened?” “No. He refused any details, but he made certain suggestions as to the course I should pursue.” “That sounds interesting. What did he suggest?” I hesitated for a few moments. Then, reflecting that the stranger was evidently under the observation of the police, and that the latter were still trying to bring poor Reggie’s assassin to justice, I resolved to reveal all that had passed between us. Therefore I gave a brief outline of our conversation, just as I have written it in the foregoing pages. Both detectives on hearing my story seemed very puzzled. “You will pardon my intrusion,” exclaimed the agent of police who had first spoken, “but as you will see, this is a clue which must be thoroughly investigated. Will mademoiselle forgive me for asking whether there is any truth in the man’s surmise that you were about to become engaged to marry M’sieur Keppel?” “None whatever,” I answered frankly. “I can only suppose that some unfounded gossip has arisen, as it so often does, and that it has reached his ears.”