The Tracer regarded him very gravely.
"Is that your wish, Mr. Gatewood? I can scarcely credit it."
"It is. I've been a fool; I simply want to stop being one if anybody will permit it."
"And you decline to attempt to identify the very beautiful person we have discovered to be the individual for whom you asked us to search?"
"I do. She may be beautiful; but I know well enough she can't compare with—some one."
"I am sorry," said Keen thoughtfully. "We take so much pride in these matters. When one of my agents discovered where this person was, I was rather—happy; for I have taken a peculiar personal interest in your case. However—"
"Mr. Keen," said Gatewood, "if you could understand how ashamed and mortified I am at my own conduct—"
Keen gazed pensively out of the window. "I also am sorry; Miss Southerland was to have received a handsome bonus for her discovery—"
"Miss S-S-S-S-outherland!"
"Exactly; without quite so many S's," said Keen, smiling.