with him and know. I imagine that he picked up this fellow Tim to help him play the part, and found out afterward what he was and used him. But that doesn't matter. We have them now on the hip."
"And how are you going to fix him? From what I hear, he is more attentive than ever to the Bay Mare, and people are talking about it."
"That doesn't matter. If Miss Ethel can get rid of him without his telling that ridiculous story, she'll undoubtedly call it good riddance to bad rubbish. And I will fix that."
"How?"
"My dear, if you'll walk up and down on Eighth Avenue, between Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Streets, from twelve till half past to-morrow night, you'll see. And," he continued, smiling to himself, "I think it will be worth your attendance. I think we might ask Shaw to escort you, if he's willing to disguise himself a little, enough so that the count won't recognize him."
"I shall be there," said Valeska.
"I promise a comedy," said Astro. "By the by, it may interest you to know that I have rented a room at number 573 Eighth Avenue."
"Indeed!" said Valeska, raising her brows. "I imagine from your tone that I'm not to ask you any questions; but I would like to know if you are through with McGraw?"
"No, indeed. McGraw is to figure as the deus ex machina; also he is to earn two thousand dollars. One he will collect from me, and one from Mrs. Landor, who will be very glad to pay, I imagine, if he acts strictly in a private capacity. In other words, it is
