A COOL ENCOUNTER On leaving the house Mershone buttoned his overcoat tightly up to his chin, for the weather was cold and raw, and then shot a quick glance around him.

Diana's suspect was still lounging on the corner.

Charlie had little doubt he was watching the house and the movements of its in-mates--a bad sign, he reflected, with a frown.

Otherwise the street seemed deserted.
He had dismissed the cab on his arrival, so now he stepped out and walked briskly around the corner, swinging his cane jauntily and looking very unlike a fugitive.

In the next block he passed a youth who stood earnestly examining the conventional display in a druggist's window.
Mershone, observing this individual, gave a start, but did not alter his pace.