"Don’t open any letters or answer the telephone until I am gone." "Why, yes; but—" He cut off with a look of interrogation. "Pump it into him, Mac," said Gunther, throwing himself back and puffing forth great volumes of smoke. "The truth is, Mr. Beecher," said McKenna, smiling, "Mrs. Kildair played us both to the queen’s fashion." "What was I to do?" said Beecher warmly. "Whom does the ring belong to, anyway? Is there any reason I should do what she doesn’t want me to?" "No—no," said McKenna slowly. "Could I have refused a direct demand from her like that? And what reason could I give if I had?" "You couldn’t," said McKenna, eying the end of his cigar. "She did the job neatly. I admire that woman—don’t know when I’ve met one of that sex who’s caught my fancy so." "I suppose you’re sick of the case and want to get out," said Beecher, believing he had divined the errand. "Don’t know as I blame you." "No, I don’t want to quit," said McKenna slowly, while Gunther smiled to himself. "I should say, rather, there are things in this case that make me particularly interested—interested for my own curiosity to go a little deeper. Only, I want to be sure we understand things the same way. You don’t understand from anything Mrs. Kildair said, do you, that I am prevented from going on working on my own hook?" "Why, no; of course not," said Beecher, reflecting. "I understand two things: one, that Mrs. Kildair wishes to keep in confidence what she said to you, which I should say was the explanation of certain facts connected with her having the ring." "Second?" said McKenna. "Second, that she believes the ring will be returned, and until she is sure it is she doesn’t wish to give us certain suspicions or knowledge that she has." "First rate—just right," said McKenna, rising quickly, showing satisfaction in the instant alertness of his movements. "That’s what I understand; we understand each other." As he spoke, the telephone rang. He made a quick gesture of opposition as Beecher started, saying: "Not now, sir; I’d rather you wouldn’t answer—not just now." Beecher looked at Gunther, who nodded and said: "McKenna’s got a good reason. You’ll understand later." "Now, Mr. Beecher, I’ve just one thing to say before I go," said McKenna, while the insistent bell continued its querulous summons. "I’d prefer you wouldn’t mention to any one that you saw me. At any rate, as Mrs. Kildair evidently isn’t anxious for quick results, there’s nothing to be done now. Perhaps by tomorrow there may be a different turn to the case." "What do you mean?" said Beecher. "Why don’t you tell me what you know?" "You forget, Mr. Beecher; you yourself have stopped me there," said McKenna, with a slightly malicious smile. "However, there’s going to be a little meeting tonight that may have a whole lot to do with the fortunes of a good many people; and when it’s over it may, or may not, throw a new light on this case."