"The side door," agreed Jane, "for all but one or two. Then perhaps we'll get an answer here."
The ruse worked beautifully, for hardly had the tread of feet—eight of them, four pairs—passed down the steps than in answer to a very lady-like ring of Jane's a colored maid drew open the door.
"May I get a shampoo?" asked Jane sweetly, stepping inside as she spoke and covertly motioning Dozia to follow.
"This way, please," said the white-capped and white-frocked, black- faced maid. And behold! Jane and Dozia were within the mysterious parlor!
Neither spoke. Both were listening. Someone was sobbing in the next room and Dol Vin's voice was remonstrating.
As if suddenly realizing the situation the colored maid hurried out. The sobbing ceased instantly and so did the talking. A step through the hall indicated the coming of Dolorez.
"What does this mean?" she demanded angrily, stepping up to Jane with blazing eyes. "How dare you force your way in here?"
"Is not this a public shop?" fired back Jane, equally angry. "Have you not openly solicited Wellington patronage?"
"As if you came for that! If you do not leave at once I shall phone the police!"
"Do," dared Jane. "And I shall demand that they search the place.
Someone is hidden here."