"I do not think much of our detective system," answered Stratton, "although I suppose there is something in it, and sometimes they manage in spite of themselves to stumble on the solution of a crime. Still, I shall be very glad indeed to give you what advice I can on the subject. I may say I have constituted myself a special detective in this case, and that I hope to have the honour of solving the problem." "You are very good, indeed," she answered, "and I must ask you to let me bear the expense." "Oh, the paper will do that. I won't be out of pocket at all," said Stratton. "Well, I hardly know how to put it; but, whether you are successful or not, I feel very grateful to you, and I hope you will not be offended at what I am going to say. Now, promise me that you won't!" "I shall not be offended," he answered. "It is a little difficult to offend a Chicago newspaper man, you know." "Now, you mustn't say anything against the newspaper men, for, in spite of the hard things that some of them have said about me, I like them." "Individually or collectively?" [Illustration: "I feel very grateful to you."] "I am afraid I must say individually. You said you wouldn't be offended, so after your search is over you must let me----. The labourer is worthy of his hire, or I should say, his reward--you know what I mean. I presume that a young man who earns his living on the daily press is not necessarily wealthy." "Why, Mrs. Brenton, what strange ideas you have of the world! We newspaper men work at the business merely because we like it. It isn't at all for the money that's in it." "Then you are not offended at what I have said?" "Oh, not in the least. I may say, however, that I look for a higher reward than money if I am successful in this search." "Yes, I am sure you do," answered the lady, innocently. "If you succeed in this, you will be very famous." "Exactly; it's fame I'm after," said Stratton, shaking her hand once more, and taking his leave. When he reached his hotel, he found the Chicago detective waiting for him.