Perhaps my good genius meant me to be successful in this quest; but whether through luck or what not, I was successful, for before the afternoon was half over, I encountered a meaning glance from one of the men behind the counter, and advancing toward him, saw him rolling a small package which he handed over to a very pretty and rosy young girl, who at once walked away with it.

'For one of our leading customers,' he whispered, as I drew nearer.

'I don't think she is the person you want.' But I would take no chances.

I followed the young girl who had carried away the parcel, and by this means came to a fine brownstone front in one of our most retired and aristocratic quarters.

When I had seen her go in at the basement door, I rang the bell above, and then--well, I just bit my lips to keep down my growing excitement.