Cavendish shook his head, and rising, the attorney disappeared in the direction of the office. Cavendish heaved a sigh of relief; now he was free, absolutely free, to do as he chose. His disappearance would mean nothing to his small circle of casual friends, and when he was settled elsewhere he could notify the only two men who were concerned with his whereabouts--his valet, Valois, and the agent handling the estate. He thought of beginning a letter to John, but hesitated, and when Enright returned he found him with pen in hand. "A trifling task," the attorney smiled easily. "All ready for your signature, too. You sign there, the second line. But wait--we must have witnesses." Simms, the butler, and the doorman were called in and wrote their names to the document and then withdrew, after which Enright began folding it carefully. "I presume you leave this in my care?" he asked shortly. Cavendish shook his head: "I think not. I prefer holding it myself in case it is needed suddenly. I shall keep my rooms, and my man Valois will remain there indefinitely. Now as to your charges." A nominal sum was named and paid, after which Cavendish rose, picked up his hat and stick and turned to Enright. "You have obliged me greatly," he smiled, "and, of course, the transaction will be considered as strictly confidential." And then seeing Enright's nod bade him a courteous "Good night." The attorney watched him disappear. Suddenly he struck the table with one hand. "By God!" he muttered, "I'll have to see this thing a little further." Wheeling suddenly, he walked to a telephone booth, called a number and waited impatiently several moments before he said in intense subdued tones: "Is this Carlton's Cafe? Give me Jackson, the head-waiter. Jackson, is Mr. Cavendish--John Cavendish--there? Good! Call him to the phone will you, Jackson? It's important." CHAPTER II: THE BODY ON THE FLOOR The early light of dawn stealing in faintly through the spider-web of the fire-escape ladder, found a partially open window on the third floor of the Waldron apartments, and began slowly to brighten the walls of the room within. There were no curtains on this window as upon the others, and the growing radiance streamed in revealing the whole interior. It was a large apartment, furnished soberly and in excellent taste as either lounging-room or library, the carpet a dark green, the walls delicately tinted, bearing a few rare prints rather sombrely framed, and containing a few upholstered chairs; a massive sofa, and a library table bearing upon it a stack of magazines.