MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS Vague and indistinct as was that fleeting vision in the moonlight, West felt no doubt as to the identity of his visitor--the woman was Natalie Coolidge.

His one glimpse of her vanishing figure assured him of this fact, and he drew back instantly, unwilling to follow.

Where she had gone he neither knew, nor cared.

She had come to his room secretly, supposing him asleep, and this surprising knowledge dominated his mind.

What could such an act mean?
This was certainly a home of respectability, of wealth.
The guests being entertained were evidence of that; yet this secret entrance into his private apartment at such an hour suggested theft, or even some more desperate crime.