"
"But what will I do if she starts to come down? How will I stop her?"
"You'll have to use your wits. Keep her talking as long as you can. When
she starts down come with her. Press the elevator button four times.
I'll leave the door of the Hoff apartment open and very likely will hear
it in time to get away."
"But how'll you get their door open?"
Dean smilingly drew forth a key.
"I borrowed the superintendent's bunch last night, pretending I had lost
the key to my locker in the basement. I knew he had a master-key that
unlocks all the apartment doors, and there was no trouble in picking it
out. I had some wax in my hand and made an impression of it right under
his nose."
"How clever," cried Jane, "but suppose the Hoffs do not go off
to-morrow. What will we do then?"
"You are taking tea with young Hoff this afternoon, aren't you?"
"Yes," said Jane, "that is, he asked me to. I am to meet him at the
Biltmore at five."
"When you're with him propose doing something together to-morrow
afternoon. See what he says."
"That's an excellent idea. I'll ask him to go to the matinee with me."
"That will do splendidly. Has he been with that navy officer lately?"
"Not since Sunday, to my knowledge. I wonder if old Mr. Hoff has left
any more cipher messages at the bookshop?"
"No," said Dean, "he hasn't.
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