When several minutes had passed and Curt hadn't emerged from the livery stable, Brenner re-entered the hotel and faced Summers across the counter.

``I have a little job for you, Charlie. I'm sure you wonn't mind doing me a small favor.''

Brenner's voice was oily, but Summers wasn't fooled. He moistened his lips uneasily.

``What is it you want me to do, Mr. Brenner?''

Brenner shrugged carelessly.

``It's very simple. I just want you to take a message to Diane Molinari. Tell her to come here to the hotel.''

Vastly relieved, Summers nodded and started toward the door.

``One thing, Summers,'' Brenner said. ``You're not to mention my name. Tell her Curt Adams wants to see her.''

Summers pulled up short, and turned around.

``I don't know, Mr. Brenner,'' he said haltingly, beginning to get an inkling of Brenner's plans. ``It doesn't seem quite right, telling her a thing like that. Couldn't I just'' -- His voice trailed off into silence.

Brenner continued to smile, but his eyes were cold. He turned and looked around at the lobby as though seeing things he hadn't before noticed.

``You know, Summers,'' he said thoughtfully. ``Eagle's Nest ought to have a fire company. If someone were to drop a match in here, this place would go up like a haystack.'' He started toward the stairway, then turned to add, ``Tell her to come to Adams's room, that Adams is in trouble. Tell her to hurry.''