Sitting on the edge of the bed, Harry awaited the arrival of Crawford.

THE bearded man appeared some minutes later. He came through the door with the stealthiness of a cat, and closed the entrance behind him.

“Do not raise your voice,” he whispered. “Keep absolute silence. Do you know who I am?”

Harry shook his head.

“I didn’t think you recognized me,” said the man with the beard. “So I did not reveal my identity upstairs. I was afraid that you might not believe me.”

He leaned forward, and his voice sank to an almost imperceptible whisper, as he announced:

“I am Vic Marquette.”

“Of the secret service!” gasped Harry.

“Hush! You remember the time we worked together — “

“Yes,” replied Harry, “but I would never have recognized you.”