I didn't reckon it was of any consequence at first, but from the questions you have been asking it may be useful to you." Mr.Sabin took the half-sheet of note-paper in silence.

It was the ordinary stationery of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and the following words were written upon it in a faint delicate handwriting, but in yellow pencil:-- "Sept.

10th.
"To LUCILLE, Duchesse de SOUSPENNIER .-- "You will be at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the main corridor at four o'clock this afternoon." The thin paper shook in Mr.Sabin's fingers.

There was no signature, but he fancied that the handwriting was not wholly unfamiliar to him.

He looked slowly up towards the cabman.
"I am much obliged to you," he said.