Kitty gasped, but she did not cry out. The five days' growth of blondish

stubble, the discoloured eye--for all the orb itself was brilliant--and

the hawky nose combined to send through her the first great thrill of

danger she had ever known.

Slowly she backed away from the window. The man outside immediately

extended his hands with a gesture that a child would have understood.

Supplication. Kitty paused, naturally. But did the man mean it? Might it

not be some trick to lure her into opening the window? And what was he

doing outside there anyhow? Her mind, freed from the initial hypnosis

of the encounter, began to work quickly. If she ran from the kitchen to

call for help he might be gone when she returned, only to come back when

she was again alone.

Once more the man executed that gesture, his palms upward. It was Latin;

she was aware of that, for she was always encountering it in the halls.

Another gesture. She understood this also. The tips of the fingers

bunched and dabbed at the lips. She had seen Italian children make the

gesture and cry: "Ho fame!" Hungry. But she could not let him into the

kitchen. Still, if he were honestly hungry--She had it!

In the kitchen-table drawer was an imitation revolver--press the

trigger, and a fluted fan was revealed--a dance favour she had received

during the winter.

She plucked it out of the drawer and walked bravely to the window, which

she threw up.

"What do you want? What are you doing out there on the fire escape?" she

instantly demanded to know.

"My word, I am hungry! I was looking out of the window across the way

and saw you preparing your dinner. A bit of bread and a glass of milk.

Would you mind, I wonder?"

"Why didn't you come to the door then? What window?" Kitty was resolute;

once she embarked upon an enterprise.

"That one."

"Where is Mr. Gregory?" Kitty recalled that odd letter.

"Gregory? I should very much like to know. I have come many miles to

see him. He sent me a duplicate key. There was not even a crust in the

cupboard."

Gregory away? That letter! Something had happened to that poor, kindly

old man. "Why did you not seek some restaurant? Or have you no money?"

"I have plenty. I was afraid that I might not be able conveniently to

return. I am a stranger. My actions might be viewed with suspicion."

"Indeed! Describe Mr. Gregory."




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