"Madam, that note came from Alphonse Donetti."
"And what does it portend?"
The detective meditated a few moments and then said:
"I can only theorize."
"And what is your theory?"
"I fear Alphonse has gotten into bad company. I fear he is associating with thieves. He may have learned that there was a scheme on foot to rob you. He did not dare warn you fully, but sent you this missive, and the fact that he sent you this note would indicate that no matter how bad a man he has become he still possesses the quality of gratitude. A very rare quality, madam; few possess it. Forgetfulness and selfishness prevail as a rule."
"What are we to do?"
"Will you leave the decision with me?"
"Certainly."
"We will guard against a robbery, and in the meantime I will hunt up this young man Donetti; if he is in New York I will find him."