This contingency had to be faced, however, and the detective faced it. If there were to be new developments, he wanted to be the one to develop them, and spring them upon Scotland Yard and an eager public, instead of having them sprung upon him.

As he sat thinking, lost for the moment to all consciousness of Mrs. Barnard's presence, a knock sounded at the door. Rose went to open it, Gaylor scarcely hearing. A moment later she came back to him, a telegram in her hand.