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certain . . .” her voice faltered for the first time since I had known her and spoken with her.

I nodded. “I don’t think that you personally have very much to fear, Miss Sargent,” I said calmly, more calmly than my internal state would warrant, but I couldn’t bear to see her frightened. “According to his notes—I take it it’s the same person. Of course—he’s in love with you, and consequently you would be the last person in the world he would want to harm. It’s those around you who have to be really concerned . . . those who show an interest in you, perhaps.”

She nodded slowly. “Then I must be careful to make no friends, to keep up no friendships, to show no interest in anyone, for fear that—”

“Well, I would hardly say that,” I said. “If I were you, I would go on living just the way I have been. I have been put in charge of this case, and it wouldn’t be out of the line of my duty to stick as close to you as possible for the present, if that will be any comfort to you.”

“Oh, it would, indeed, Mr. Muirhead,” she said. “It would be a great comfort to me, but won't it be rather dangerous for you? I should say that under the circumstances—”

“Nonsense,” I pooh-poohed the danger. “We have to take many risks in this business. This will not be a risk—it will be a very pleasant arrangement, for me, if you don’t mind my saying so.” My eyes were on