"Well, then, that is what I wanted to see you about. I would like to get the very best detectives that can be had. Don't you think that, if they were promised ample reward, and paid well during the time they were working on the case, we might discover the key to this mystery?"
"I do not think much of our detective system," answered Stratton, "although I suppose there is something in it, and sometimes they manage in spite of themselves to stumble on the solution of a crime. Still, I shall be very glad indeed to give you what advice I can on the subject. I may say I have constituted myself a special detective in this case, and that I hope to have the honour of solving the problem."
"You are very good, indeed," she answered, "and I must ask you to let me bear the expense."
"Oh, the paper will do that. I won't be out of pocket at all," said Stratton.
"Well, I hardly know how to put it; but, whether you are successful or not, I feel very grateful to you, and I hope you will not be offended at what I am going to say. Now, promise me that you won't!"
"I shall not be offended," he answered. "It is a little difficult to offend a Chicago newspaper man, you know."
"Now, you mustn't say anything against the newspaper men, for, in spite of the hard things that some of them have said about me, I like them."
"Individually or collectively?"
