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Burles resolved to stay. Some cigarettes stood on the table, and he helped himself to one; it was very quiet up there, the band below had ceased, and from the crash of plates it seemed to Burles that the guests were at supper. It was no bad opportunity to examine the mysterious room leading out of the boudoir. As Burles crossed to the door it opened in his face, and out of the darkness beyond emerged the figure of John Stern. He made a sudden dash at Burles and caught him by the throat. Apparently the sudden light had dazzled his eyes, and he took Burles for an enemy rather than a friend. The detective hastened to reassure him.
"Pardon!" Stern panted. "I could not make out who you were for the moment. I dare say you wondered what had become of me. But I have not been idle. And a precious good thing it is that I came here to-night.