“This is a lesson to me to provide myself with a couple of Airedales,” Michael asserted. “Things are coming to a pretty pass when one invites one’s friends to come down to a week-end party and get robbed. It’s worse than a hotel on the Riviera.” “Well, they didn’t get anything,” Nora cried. “You should have seen me run. I believe I flew, and I do believe I’ve lost weight!” “But oughtn’t I to go out and see?” Michael asked a little weakly. “Certainly not,” Alice commanded him firmly. “I can imagine nothing more useless than a dead husband.” He took her hand affectionately. “How right you are,” he murmured gratefully. “I think, though, I ought to ask the police to keep a sharp watch.” “That’s sensible,” his wife agreed. “Go and telephone.” “Goodness,” Nora cried suddenly, “I haven’t any rings on. I must have left them on my dressing-table.” Alice looked alarmed. “And I left all sorts of things on mine. Let’s go up together. And you, Ethel, have you left anything valuable about?” “There’s nothing worth taking,” the girl answered. “You look frightened to death, child,” Mrs. Harrington exclaimed, as she was passing her. Ethel sat down on the fender seat with a smile of assurance. “Oh, not a bit,” she said. “There are three strong men to protect us, remember.” “Yes--two men and Michael,” her hostess laughed, passing up the stairway out of view. “The moon is still there, Miss Cartwright,” Denby observed quietly. “Surely you are not tired of moons yet?” “But those men out there,” she protested. “I’m sure they weren’t after me,” he returned. “They wouldn’t wait in the garden, and even if they are detectives, they wouldn’t get the necklace, it’s safe--now.” Ethel Cartwright shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ve got nerves like every other woman,” she confessed, “and the evening has been quite eventful enough as it is. I think I prefer to stay here.” She glanced up to see Monty descending the stairs. All this talk of robbery and actual participation in a scene of violence had induced in Monty the desire for the company of his kind. “I thought I’d rather be down here,” he stated naively. “All right, old man,” Denby said smiling. “Glad to have you. Did you put the pouch where I said?” “Yes,” Monty answered, handing him a key, “and I locked it up,” he explained. “Good!” his friend exclaimed, putting the key in his pocket. Miss Cartwright yawned daintily. “Excitement seems to make me sleepy,” she said. “I think I shall go.” “You’re not going to leave us yet?” Denby said reproachfully. “I was up very early,” she told him. “I guess everything is safe now,” Monty assured her. “Let’s hope so,” Denby said. “Still, the night isn’t half over yet. Pleasant dreams, Miss Cartwright.” She paused on the half landing and looked down at the two men. “I’m afraid they won’t be quite--that.” Monty crept to the foot of the stairway and made certain she was passed out of hearing. “Steve,” he said earnestly, “she’s gone now to get into your room.”