"Long ago," said Mask, putting his fingers together and leaning back with crossed legs; "in fact, you should have come to me five days ago. There was no necessity for you to consult the police as to your father's whereabouts, or to call at his bank and hotel, or to put that very injudicious advertisement into the paper." "You seem to know all about my doings?" "Quite so. I know a great many things. To be frank, Mr. Allen, I have had you watched by a private detective, ever since you came to town." Allen rose in a towering rage. "How dare you do that, Mr. Mask?" "I did so at your father's request," said the lawyer, on whom the young man's rage produced not the least effect. "You have seen him?" "I have. He came to me when he arrived." "Do you know where he is?" "I do--but I am not at liberty to tell you." "Do you know why he is acting in this way?" Mr. Mask's calm face suddenly wrinkled. "No," he said, looking perplexed, "frankly, Mr. Allen, I don't, and I am glad you have called. I wish to talk the matter over with you." "Why didn't you send for me, then?" "Because it is never my wish to take the initiative. People come to me. I don't go to them. I get a lot of business by waiting, Mr. Allen. People are only too glad to find a man who can keep a secret; I have made a fine business out of nothing, simply by holding my tongue." "And do you intend to do so in this instance?" Mask shrugged his spare shoulders. "That depends. Johnstone!" He raised his voice rather, and the door opened to admit a small clerk with a large red beard and a bald head, and a face lined with wrinkles. What his age was no one could tell, and he said as little as he could, being as secretive as his master. Without a word he stood at the door, seen dimly in the half light of the office, for the day was dark. "Johnstone," said Mr. Mask. "I'll be engaged with this gentleman for some time. Let no one in, till I call again." Johnstone bowed and departed without a word, while Mr. Mask went on in a smooth tone, "I sit in this office from ten in the morning till six at night. Johnstone comes at nine and leaves at four." "Why before you?" asked Allen, wondering why this information was supplied. "Because I like the office to myself to see nervous clients. The lawyers in the other offices of the building do not stay late, and frequently I am perfectly alone with clients who wish their business kept so secret that they don't want even to be seen entering this place." "Are you not afraid?" Mr. Mask shrugged his shoulders again. "No. Why should I be?" "Some rough client might do you some harm." "Oh, I don't think so. Any one who comes here finds it to his interest to conciliate me, not to threaten. But I confess that I was rather startled the other night." "What do you mean?" "I'll come to the story in time. Because I intend to tell it, I drew your attention to my hours. Well, Mr. Allen," Mask leaned back again, "and what can I do for you?"