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MASTER
MYSTERIES
OF
BEING
ACCOUNT
AN
BY
SOLVED
AND
HIS
LESKA
KARL
SEER
ASTRO,
AFFAIR
LOVE
HIS
WYNNE,
ILLUSTRATIONS
WITH
THE
OF
ANDERSON
AND
PROBLEMS
OF
SECRETS,
WITH
VA-
ASSISTANT
BY
GEORGE
BREHM
INDIANAPOLIS
THE
BOBBS-MERRILL
PUBLISHERS
COMPANY
COPYRIGHT
1912
COMPANY
BOBBS-MERRILL
THE
OF
BRAUNWORTH
BOOKBINDERS
BROOKLYN,
"
AND
CO.
PRINTERS
N.
Y.
'/
CONTENTS
PAGE
it.
HUDSON
JOHN
MISSING
STOLEN
THE
MAcDouGAL
THE
FANSHAWE
THE
DENTON
BOUDOIR
THE
LORSSON
ELOPEMENT
THE
CALENDON
...
AFFAIR
.44
.
.65
GHOST
......
MYSTERY
83
WHY
MRS.
103
......
128
CASE
KIDNAPING
.....
......
165
........
186
TULLIVER
WITH
......
BURBANK
SELWYN'S
148
LOCKET
THIRTEEN
TROUBLE
AWAY
RAN
THE
ASSASSINS'
THE
LUCK
CLUB
":
COUNT'S
..;
225
....
247
....;...
271
.
...
PRISCILLA'S
291
.
PRESENTS
.
THE
HEIR
Two
COMEDY
.....
THE
203
"
MERRINGTONS
THE
OF
EMERALD
.
THE
.....
THE
MRS.
STREET
DALRYMPLE'S
NUMBER
.23
SHAKESPEARE
THE
Miss
...,..,..
,.;
.311
.
SOOTHOID
TO
326
.....
Miss
...
"
344
MANNINGS
......
VAN
ASTEN'S
VISITOR
365
......
THE
MIDDLEBURY
MURDER
.
VENGEANCE
THE
LADY
OF
IN
Pi
THE
RHO
BLACK
.384
.
407
.:....
TAUPE
.
MRS.
Nu
STELLERY'S
,:
":
LETTERS
LIGHT
.
"""
.428
.
"
-.
443
.
465
.
INTRODUCTION
Astro
The
put
book-shelf
other
the
among
attempts
Shakespeare-Bacon
"it's queer
secret
isn't
it !
It
Chatterton
that's
there
that
to
had
the
other
only
haven't
can't
an
of.
asked, looking
writer
in the
reasons
many
have
books,
Strange
folios,
that
though
more
from
up
thors
au-
her
book,
that
least, in
at
or,
logue.
cata-
in
anything
put
of the
body
It may
It may
reveal
appear
on
secret
the
able
"Perhaps
"One
the
have
to
Astro
be
clever
thought
often
know,
it
over.
Now
number
for the
insert
to
does
name
of
benefit
it."
unless
of such
if his
of
its
accurately.
too
imagine
want
been
enough
friends
Even
can
understand
it has
existence
might
he
wouldn't
his
of the book,
acknowledging
not
secrets.
title page,
to
for
describe
ashamed
be
may
reason
important
messages
those
He
other
some
authorship.
of
his
taining
con-
introduction?"
"For
or
book
it said
heard
of
one
other
Shakespeare
I have
I know
should
plainly
go
mortal
im-
it !"
done
"Why
in
one
Valeska
"Why?"
the
assistant,
pretty
no
the
that
cipher
be
except
me
his
to
to
appears
message
seems
solve
to
his
upon
controversy.
said, turning
he
"Valeska,"
back
Cryptogram
Great
had
one
thing
to
Valeska
done,"
and
the
read
"By
"
Jove
I think
of
suggested.
to
reason
then
pect
sus-
would
one
cipher."
!" he
exclaimed
it there's
one
at
par-
INTRODUCTION
publishedanonymously, that
about.
Clewfinder, I think
ticular book,
curious
been
often
I've
I'll take
"
look at it."
He
wouldn't
he ?
it would
be
had
an
out
it
cipher,
easily,
has
book
something more
"
pages.
his true
easy
complex. This
could hardly hurt the
the
out
the
it found
if he didn't want
But
took
wanted
put it in
would
he
great sale
ran
see," he
known,
name
again and
swiftlyover
book-shelves
to his
went
to
man
be
possible
first."
method
ran
of him
author
the
as
Just look
at
"You
say
very
it's the
easiest
it
on
page
"Give
he would
"Yes
then
there, and
isn't it!
But
few
why
smiled.
the book
the pages,
"Well, that
"The
He
second
face
name
the title
on
that !"
!" Astro
handed
the book
back
cipher,surely,would
easiest way,
Astro nodded.
second
her
stopped here
is a surprise,
likelyto
again,and again he ran hurriedlyover
"He
; as I thought,"he said,finally.
be
of reasons."
has
the pages.
over
minutes, then
I can't understand
me
he
easiest."
Clew finder!
as
possiblemethod
studied
Valeska
novel
it,Valeska."
of such
shouldn't it?"
"Naturally."
the pages.
has the best
to his
assistant.
be written in the
INTRODUCTION
Valeska
in
In
"It
she
'Tie's
have
may
few,
the
I
such
hasn't
advertising,"
he
understood
turned
will
It
it.
other
it's
too,"
she
that
would
gested,
sug-
but
I'll
take
probably
be
see
little
books
have
strange
that
contained
some
one
them."
they
because
doubt
said
"Yes!"
'smarty-cats.'
ordinary
discovered
who
made
once,
smiled.
she
"Possibly,
messages,
eventually
publishers,
before,
as
curiously.
"if
Valeska,
no
ing.
think-
it."
read
secret
"That's
And
to
leaves,
back
message,
volume
for
resting
stopping
went
cipher
the
for
head
!"
too
over.
leisure
said
"Well,"
any
it
not
have
time
more
the
at
thought
Astro
when
She
third
the
faster,
Finally
her
table,
turned
went
right,
looking
for
slowly
recommenced.
said.
she
her
at
occasionally.
and
sure,
she
moment
second,
while
Then
hand.
her
for
for
sat
the
didn't
practical
have
modern
psychology
Astro.
to
play
with
his
pet
white
lizard.
of
THE
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
MISSING
for
give
of
He
that
Teuton
has
he
Arthur
and
The
opened
if I
in vowel
disagreement
with
he
say
friend
our
Ehrenfeld's
at
letter
A,"
and
of
suggestive
I is
love
et
"
cetera,
Verlaine
"Poor
What
!"
up
I should
!"
turned
to
greet
entered.
girl who
making
suicide
exasperation.
cause
and
Max
bright red,
or
sodden
old
softly,
sounds,
letter
per
that
"The
once
sheer
in your
were
at
intimacy,
Poor
blond-haired
"Valeska,
in
glance
physicians.
meta-
ninety
for
vowels.
; the
from
stopped
committed
door
beautiful
joy
or
symbolizes
He
are
final
rapidly, "suggests
Rimbaud
crimes
in
color
youth,
cetera"
and
them
humor,
of the
ranks
madhouses,
of
and
ists
Symbol-
that
rest
give
to
tone
translated
sky-blue,
et
again
in
German
unadulterated
the
tern
lec-
onyx
monograph,
wondered
be
the
scheduled
on
symbolizes
died
the
these
joined
to
the
over
at
gaze
"For
has
hardly
have
paused
little book
to
aloud.
half
them
Nordau
bent
Mysteries
moment
It is
cent,
HUDSON
derisively. "Oh,
said
me
of
a
chuckled
!" he
Mysteries
JOHN
Master
THE
then
of
Master
The
list of the
the
here,
was
Mr.
tonal
sences
es-
yellow,
Ehren-
By the
did you
way,
happen
"It seemed
the floor.
MYSTERIES
purple, verging
this afternoon?"
here
was
be
would
The
feld.
OF
MASTER
THE
to
to notice
He
that
maroon.
on
who
woman
gazed abstractedlyat
me," he
went
after
on
few
"Of course;
describe
I should
but
as
woman
and
her
worried
was
was
"
"
and
other
the
was
church
report,
"
Avenue
Park
"There
hard
A
there
was
few
came
on
ring at
the
ring?
Show
minutes
her
bell.
the office door-
mystic.
It
"Did
twice.
came
quite sure
enough.
nervous
the time."
at
to
notice that
wasn't
dare
she had
you
She
pressed
in,Valeska."
intervened
pausing undecidedlyon
before
his
visitor
the threshold.
peared,
ap-
"Could
MISSING
see
for
you
?" she
"Have
a
something of importance
questioned.
Astro
seat, madam."
HUDSON
JOHN
had
risen,and placed
glare
of the
illuminate
lightwould
electric
drop
the full
her.
to survey
time.
The
fact
I haven't
this Astro
At
"I
I
read
was
your
him
seen
manifested
go
into
go
to
is what
that I may
"Oh,
truth, I'm
have
trance.
house
your
you
over
"
surprise,and merely
was
madam,
away,
No
wish; but
you
to gaze
into my
as
it may
can
take
and
crystals
atmosphere."
much
very
to work
when
"
go
doubt
marked,
re-
for me
to
It will also be necessary
in fact
in order
into his room,
very,
appeared.
dis-
week."
some
husband, has
my
for
no
that he
aware
to
Hudson,
is,Mr.
worried,
"To
and
tell the
anxious
to
possible. I daren't go
ous
all,there may be nothing serisoon
it would
as
cause
shouldn't
him
want
detective
for
OF
MASTER
THE
know
to
ever
anything like
MYSTERIES
that I'd
But of
this.
employed
course
are
you
different."
"I
as you
say," responded Astro,
'different',
am
him,
him
"On
Tuesday,
"And
did you
see
the tenth."
it is the twentieth.
now
doubt, without
no
Just when
suspecting me.
ever
any
ing.
smil-
He
has
had
no
ness
busi-
troubles ?"
"On
the contrary, he
Hudson
"I
He
see.
"Oh,
is
no
is
; not
of late.
there."
deacon
was
well-off,you
that.
Mr.
But
Hudson
say?"
have
we
been
aged
quite encour-
quitehopeful about
was
our
European trip."
"Very well,Mrs.
Hudson
; I shall be at your
house
at
Valeska
had
entered
the
room
left,and looked
again
at the
as
soon
the visitor
as
palmist,with
question
in her eyes.
Astro
waved
he began,
the
his hand
carelessly. "As
thought,"
MISSING
Hudson
has
questions
thought
disappeared.
him
about
that she
church-members,
this
guarded
She
asked
several
pointed
afternoon, although
herself well.
their
and
He
HUDSON
JOHN
ambition
business.
They
is to
Can
both
are
abroad.
go
put
you
she
and
two
together?"
two
Valeska's
in
eyebrows creased themselves
thought. "Let me see.
Judging from her appearance,
in the
they can't have been making very much
money
real estate business.
You
to go
to
say they wanted
in Italy,wasn't it?
to stay a year
Europe, wanted
and wanted
all this badly. He'd
naturallytry to get
the money
in other ways
It
; perhaps illegitimately.
lead him
into crime.
he
might even
Being religious,
haps
would
naturallywant to hide this from his wife. Perhe has been
suspected and has escaped." She
looked up at him anxiously.
"You're
improving,"said the Seer impassively."In
fact,that's justwhat I've been thinkingmyself. What
must
find out is,what crime, if any, he has comwe
mitted.
Perhaps he is dead ; perhaps he has run away
with another
consider every possiWe
must
woman.
bility.
pretty
"
"
Now,
house,
this is
can
At
ten
him
case
so
up
son
to the Hud-
I wish
and
you'd
see
go
what
help us."
o'clock next
studio,where
kept
delicate
over
you
as
I can't very
till two
called
Valeska
where
he did his
in the
into
his
afternoon.
favorite
At
corner
that
time
of the
he
studio
MASTER
THE
OF
MYSTERIES
did you
papers
news-
?"
"I found
nothing
bank
at
than
don't
criminals
The
Hudson
all
of
any
be
to
seem
them
help,
known.
haps
Per-
accomplice."
an
was
how
see
if I'd found
elopement, and
an
"
robbery.
though.
much
so
general principles
"My dear girl,never
; gengo on
eral
the refuge of the hopelesslyincompetent
are
principles
If you will follow generalprinciples
and inane.
long enough, you will find yourselfin a class that is
unlimited
in its generalities
and hidebound
in its principles.
If there is no
detail that dovetails
significant
into Hudson's
disappearance,we'll simply have to go
about
it in another
judge
when
"Mrs.
she
had
showed
of
husband's
have
to
an
; but
of
place,small, and
bookcase, and
drawers
were
an
to
He
old
the
fore
be-
that
news
check-book, and
Then
was
furnished
unlocked
smiled.
this forenoon
to
that
she
bank
showed
me
except
that
with
one.
leather
In
I
lock, and
course,
office-like sort
bare
office desk.
"Of
it
den
own
permissionto pick
found."
able
thought it unnecessary
Hudson's
better
with
me
dollars.
six thousand
some
happened
ready for
was
her
found
will be
to
Hudson
him
what
I tell you
down
came
You
way.
you
couch,
got Mrs.
here
son's
Hud-
is what
understand
these
vibrations."
for me
to get my
absolutely
necessary
They both laughed at the remark, and he took from
his pocket several articles,
which he laid upon the table.
There were, first,
two
advertisingpicturesposed by a
were
of
the end
intricate but
an
relative
lengthsof
swings forward
observe,the weight
will be at
to the
so
regular
the two
curve,
parts of
backward
and
This
MYSTERIES
if you
Y, and
pendulum
compound
in
You
the end.
weight on
OF
MASTER
THE
and
same
time.
more
complicated,and arranged
curve
made
was
so
travel
the
dependent on
the pendulum
rightand
by such a
left at the
to trace
as
it
as
only
one,
line
on
so
formed, curious to say,
plane surface. The curves
to the musical vibrations of various
correspond actually
a
chords."
"It's
how
"How
don't
see
Valeska.
'Number
fourteen' for?"
universal calendar
be used
for any
; that
This
year.
Mysteries,"is
of
is,a calendar
page
that
can
of the pamphlet,
clude
justfourteen different diagrams to ingrams*
all the calendar possibilities,
different diaseven
in which the year begins on a different day of
the week, and another
for the leap years.
set of seven
of
There's
a list in front, probably giving the number
the diagram to be used for each individual year."
"Oh !" exclaimed
the girl. "That reminds
now.
me,
I did see something about a 'two-hundred-year calendar'.
it takes
as
"
Where
It
was
in
an
Stupid of
me
Let
it?
was
of
account
body
to overlook
it,"Astro said,"while
She
flew
through the
she cried.
her
file and
sheets of paper.
Then
she read
that
that !
"Get
to
think.
me
Yes, I have
found
was
I'll see
if I
it.
drowned.
find it."
can
began
"Here
to
go
it is !
:
breathlessly
hurriedly
Here
it is !"
JOHN
MISSING
"The
body
of
unknown
an
eight Street.
The
and
The
and
coat
of
small
pocket
sum
at the
go
down
There's
you
'Dentabella'
In the
of
bunch
dressed
to
gave
him
and
see,
taken
within
back here
the last
that it may
; but
be he, in
I'll have
let
as
soon
do
that
about
this
me
something
to
account
on
anyway,
you'd better
discover
to
like murder
me
I think
try
as
have
you
who
later,the
Astro
Seer.
man
the
and
he had
remains
and
The
keys,
endar.
two-hundred-year cal-
chance
girl. Come
would
one
eager
that
her."
located
No
doubtless
general way
the morgue
of the calendar.
alone, while
in
diagonal cutaway
circumstances.
photograph of
to
evidentlybeen
was
his wife
that
it looks
case
of
man
morgue."
Hudson
no
covered
disindicating foul play were
the body, which
is awaiting tion
identifica-
twenty years.
which
and
corresponds in
had
of
marks
on
"She
black
found
was
of money,
No
of
in
trousers
"That
dressed
was
gentleman in reduced
had
Thirty-
near
that
this
ten
some
was
body
found
water
face
was
River
was
corpse
sixty years,
or
fifty-five
the
man
morning
in the
HUDSON
no
He
alert to
walked
half-hour
Mysteries,
brisklyalong,
impression.
every
At
man
he
sought, and
body
was
that of
been
to
his
view
inspectthe
found
middle-aged man
eyes
the morgue
in obtainingpermission to
difficulty
of the
stylishly
in the
the
ing
cloth-
pocket.
of benevo-
MASTER
THE
io
OF
the face
lent appearance,
showing
The
in its features.
resolution
MYSTERIES
weakness
hands
rather than
delicately
were
had
with
been
torn
What
out.
was
was
curve",
such
as
One
such
coincidence
drawer.
to
pointed conclusively
two
men
been
contained
found
was
corpse
Two
unusual.
not
were
monic
"har-
in Hudson's
connection
some
if,indeed, the
collection of water-
Each
cards.
soaked, purple-stained
had
ever,
remarkable, how-
more
the
between
son
that of Hud-
himself.
This
point,however,
Mrs.
Hudson,
scant
and
soon
that her
found
he
brown.
was
settled.
husband's
The
Callingup
man
hair
was
strong,
was
It was
not Hudson.
curly,and reddish.
slightly
Astro walked
slowly home, plunged in thought,and
looked neither to the rightnor
the left as he advanced.
A block before he reached his studio he stopped stockstillfor a moment,
gazing in front of him ; then, with
a quick turn, he walked
rapidlyback, took a cross-town
ried
Avenue.
car, and got off at Second
Along this he hur-
tillhe
one
came
of the stands
to
second-hand
bookstore, where
of pamphlets and
over
tKe
names:
The
was
magazines. He ran
Swastika, Universal
Vibrations,The New
Wisdom,
and
on
lection
col-
his eye
hood,
Brother-
Cosmos.
He
JOHN
MISSING
took
up
of these and
one
in the
pages
tillhe had
He
paid
He
not
announced
Hudson,
whereupon
to her
and
First I went
to the
bella' company,
the model
her
name
up
to
brief
out
no
isfied
sat-
ing
pass-
Valeska
man
story of her
was
the
latter,
search.
own
her antecedents.
advertising
manager
of the 'Denta-
I wanted
told him
of him
lady, however,
was
I traced
used
the Harlem
not
studio,where
descriptionof
the
girl; but
and
he had
was
hailed
at once
his
It
him.
gave
advertising
that he
to
alreadywaiting for
was
the
to
the Swastika
driven
was
turned
11
he tried another.
through
smiled.
and
then
read
and
cab,
rear
HUDSON
in the ad.
it was
"
he
longer
lived
of the house
FinallyI
Agnes
address
get hold of
to
Vivian
gave
"
wheedled
and
The
me.
there; but
went
young
I got the
the
let it go,
landladywould
not
where
be taken.
that the
it was
girlwas
somewhere;
one
to
for
to
working
she
had
on
and
She had
East
could not
an
tain
ascer-
idea,though,
Thirty-ninthStreet
overheard
her
telephoning
leska
day previousto her departure. So you see," Vahas probably left
concluded, "our friend Hudson
THE
12
"What
Have
he's
only
go
and
up
he
is
already?"
living,temporarily
at
blazed.
eyes
trouble
with
him
is that
he
much."
"That
still stared.
like that
men
where
out
Valeska's
The
all.
Valeska
few
"We'll
Thirty-ninth Street."
very
think
to
girl?"
that
at
found
you
for evil,perhaps."
rather
or
find
inclined
"With
all ;
MYSTERIES
this afternoon."
"I'm
and
good
soon
him
on
OF
MASTER
isn't
likely, there
But
nowadays.
are
"
I'm
much
very
girl'sface
; it's
attractive."
assented, "and
"Yes," Astro
be attractive.
He
Hudson.
we
But
good
is
business
her
paying
head, this
first what
find out
must
is the
to
man
cause
Dove."
of Professor
of the death
is he?"
"Why, who
is the
"He
has
Hudson
whose
man
body
is
in the
lying
now
morgue."
"How
did you
"Look
at
this,"said Astro.
in The
into
Get
pointedto
an
tisement
adver-
Swastika:
LET
ME
your
own
HELP
YOU!
Vibration;
latent
inherent
faculties,
your
power,
Send
50c with
and
He
health,
develop
and
possibilities;
success,
your
develop
beauty, and
love.
ing
birth date for trial readProf. Dove, 198 East
Curve.
and
name
Vibratory
39th-St, N. Y.
"And
that's what
asked.
those
curves
are
for, then?"
leska
Va-
MISSING
Professor
to
more
"Hudson
believed
drawer.
"You'll
have
been
"But
Was
he
have
the
used
looks
in them
If he had
had
been
dupe, do
possession.
Dove
by
or,
13
had
them
of
for;
him, it's
himself."
believed in them
have
must
HUDSON
JOHN
keeping them
you
in
think ?"
several of them
in his
I'd say he
might
only one,
dupe."
what
if he did have
several ?"
queriedValeska.
"Do you think Hudson
murdered
the professor?"
"Ah, my dear, that's what I'd like to know myself. I
call at the Vibratory office,
that we
ever
whator
propose
they call it. You see, I doubt if Professor Dove
six thousand
ever
had
cents
; he
not
was
dollars,or
worth
murdering
six thousand
even
One
didn't murder
Miss Vivian;
thing is certain,Hudson
and I'm glad of that,for I'd really
like to see her. Suppose
to Thirty-ninth Street and
find out
we
go
up
what sort of place it is."
As they walked
of Mysteries
the Master
town
across
said, "That's a very clever graft,that vibration curve
business.
You
The
the upper
get
can
and
the
any
it,the
two
more
I like it.
"
"
infinite number
attach
of
are
infinite number
an
an
can
there
as
see,
I think
more
of
of
significance
you
vibrations,and
curves.
quently
conse-
Therefore, you
please to
the two.
the
Y
"
are
in
arm
eighthsof
an
similar way
into days ; say
inch each. If you set your coma
THE
14
MASTER
pound pendulum
year
can
you
"
please,and
you
OF
the two
to
MYSTERIES
marks
for any
produce a curve
can
always reproduce it to
very
of form
have
fraud order
"And
of the
inquisitiveness
simply have
you
are
that
set
you'll
and
the calendar?"
"What
said
It's
of scientific basis
sort
the chances
againstyou
order.
with
"
any
"
am
most
girl,"and
the
any
22,
1883,
interested
the
week
advice
how
on
to
acquire
beauty."
"Or
love?" Astro
among
window
shade
198. Below,
the
at
It's
two
the musty
smile.
more
now
exciting."
reconnoitered
stairway,appeared,
other
ger."
signs,the legend, "Prof. Dove, AstroloIt was
alreadygrowing dark, and above, in a
the third floor,a dim lightappeared. The
on
drawn.
was
"I'm
"You
myself.
the street
across
number
added, with
going
wait
raise the
to
more
investigate
outside here
shade, come
and
watch
said
closely,"
the window.
Astro.
If I
up !"
So
he
woman
the
Miss
Astro
Vivian
of the "Dentabella"
advertisements.
16
MASTER
THE
leska
OF
MYSTERIES
beckoning frantically.He
she
whispered :
"He
climbed
house
next
"We'll
"It
to,
Come
must
we
In
in the
long
along, and
look
"
though
now,
of
A
wait.
the
bareheaded
man,
beg
your
"A
I wish
you?"
are
Mr.
pardon,
Mysteries,"but
"Who
I have
The
I'll
personate
desire to im-
no
and
game.
and hidden
had
not
excited, came
dashed
by, had
not
As-
him.
said the Master
Hudson,"
ask
to
well,
as
dangerous
cried.
for trouble.
out
building. They
next
he
it will be
down-stairs
they were
more
game!"
perhaps
"
entrance
to
; but
instant
an
there ?"
or
to bluff it out
have
window
him
catch
we
bit premature
after all.
But
Can't
!
have
was
through the
out
man's
you
voice
few
questions."
full of
was
iety.
anx-
friend,"said Astro.
Valeska
put
old
out
her hand
"Don't
man.
and
alarmed,
be
Mr.
ened
fright-
Hudson.
terror.
"I've found
"but at the
same
What,
the death
Hudson
"What!
all I
for
instance, do
of Professor
Dove?"
started,and
stared
Is he dead?
When
you
know
in the young
concerning
man's
face.
MISSING
"He
from
died
JOHN
about
at
the
HUDSON
time
same
17
disappeared
you
home."
Hudson
white.
turned
of
"Great
God
don't
! You
pect
sus-
anything?"
"I'd like to have you explain a few things,that's all,"
the quietresponse.
was
"Who
had pulled himself
are
you?" The old man
defiant.
togethernow, and was more
"My dear sir,"said the Seer calmly,"I am one who
has been sent by your
wife to discover your whereabouts.
As I said,that mission
is now
accomplished.
me
At
the
"
time
same
I find you
in which
from
just escaped
Dove
Hudson
can't!
I'm
!
Come
Astro
and
Wait
with the
paused,
and
fessor
Pro-
innocent
Valeska
All
was
then
in the
cently
repany
com-
for you
to
this
say
report."
you
of
to the
up
You
Surely all
It remains
God!
my
found
You
tell her!
mustn't
crime,
any
in his
violentlyand
and
fugitive,
office door.
have
of money,
woman.
Hudson.
trembled
"Oh,
You
office,and
sum
are, moreover,
of it I shall
much
hands.
considerable
pretty young
very
Dove's
stances
circum-
now
acquired.You
of
the
suspicious.
are
Professor
possession of
in
are
that
admit
must
you
so
help
God!
me
retraced
soon
dark.
found
Hudson
delivered
gave
stood
three
The
another.
before
before
the
knocks,
door
them
was
in
back.
"Oh!"
Hudson?"
"Are
you
arrested,Mr.
MASTER
THE
i8
the
MYSTERIES
know," he answered
"I don't
up
OF
he turned
as
childishly
light.
There
was
floor.
litter of papers
long
table
there
unopened ;
high
from
suspended
shelf,fixed
to
with
desk
hooks
the
of the
opened and
stand, a
in
ing-press,
copy-
corner,
ceiling,the compound
described.
had
end
letters
ledgers,and
in the
the office
upon
typewriter on
that Astro
pendulum
piled with
was
was
strewn
On
the horizontal
pendulum,
table
was
by,
near
white
the
an
arm
lum
pendu-
traced
on
the bottom
of the instrument.
Hudson
waited
sunk
without
Then
said
approached
gently,"pray
The
groaned.
"Mr.
him.
girl
so
find
can
hard.
some
she
Hudson,"
I'm
sure
If you
are
everything,we
us
chair and
Valeska
that you
tell
into
of saving
way
you."
He
in
and
looked
Hudson
took
confirmation.
thing,the
Dove's
death.
occurred.
told
me.
; but
"When
"The
he
is to
course,
I have
was
nodded
no
I knew
weeks
first
explain
idea how
it
did you
"Two
Astro, who
courage.
important thing,of
most
Professor
about
at
pened
hap-
nothing definite."
see
him
last?"
Vivian
has
seen
him
since
then."
The
saw
girltook
him.
He
it up.
was
"It
was
here
intoxicated,and he frightenedme
MISSING
I went
so
Dove, when
gentlemanlyand
drunk
had
there
about
right mind,
kind-hearted
; but
man
it.
wander
and
all
to himself
of daze, talkingaloud
about
he
I
him.
him
the town
over
was
when
out
go
in his
no
was
several
He'd
sort
Hudson
Mr.
I got
"that Professor
have
19
"You
was
HUDSON
telephoned to
and
out
Then, when
most
JOHN
his
fore.
bein
psychic
fond
of the
especially
found him sitting
out
a
on
river, and once
we
away
But I know
absolutely
pier and gazing into the water.
Now, about
nothing about his death, sir,I assure
you.
I'd like to explain
I
my being here.
"That
is not necessary,"interruptedAstro, "I know
i
everythingI wish to, now."
beliefs and
all that.
He
was
"
"
"What
do you
mean
What
do you
about
know
my
privateaffairs ?"
"I'll tell you, Mr.
have
been
more
money
You
and
anxious
than
your
Hudson.
to
you
First,for
discover
some
business.
wife wanted
to go
abroad
; and
you
are
fond
of her
and
"
You
psychicpowers.
his hand
Astro
waved
enterprise,"
in his
in this
own
backed
round
him
the
20
THE
room;
"but, being
couldn't
know
MASTER
afford
of your
of such
office to
call
did
so, when
be
Miss
so
was
morality.
that
well
so
selected her
needed
you
in the
to
assistant.
as
in her company,
finallyinduced
her, and
on
that
much
too
seen
business
especially,
afford to be known
couldn't
wishing to
to
You
in
naturally
you
wife
your
dubious
advertised, and
matter, and
one,
being engaged
help.
more
MYSTERIES
church-member,
let any
to
undignifiedand
"You
OF
her to
you
help the
your
Not
went
fessor.
pro-
the
of it until you
caught. You
were
are
altogether.Is
The
clean
could
old man,
who
assented.
Can't you
the business
about
now
had
"But
he
up
rightnow."
telegraphblank
already written
was
message
he handed
it over
no
you
ready to quitthe
from
on
fair
af-
letter?
Did
you
pocket. There
yellow slip,and
his
the
It read
to Hudson.
"ROCHESTER,
"Why
before
in great astonishment,
listening
are
you going to report all
"It will simply kill
faltered.
from her ? I promise to give
keep this
drew
money
been
her.
Astro
the
this correct?"
wife, sir?"
this to my
up
Oct.
receive
21, 4
mine?
p.
M.
turning
Re-
to-night. JOHN."
safe
to
and
the
"My
OF
MASTER
THE
22
sound
studio.
again
Thank
crystals
are
said
Valeska,
MYSTERIES
Kindly
to-night.
you.
Good
certainly
send
my
check
night."
wonderful,"
said
think
rather
Astro,
laughing.
"Yes,"
yourself."
"and
you're
derful
won-
THE
STOLEN
SHAKESPEARE
HESITATING
enough
only
for
contempt
Barrister,"
The
the
left the
and
the
to
in
Astro,
tious
surrepti-
about
bit
"Mr.
announced,
in the
alone
men
room.
then
foolishly,and
Astro,
?"
I suppose
bowed
turban,
and
robe
long
indicating, apparently,
"
"You're
palmist.
studio
quick
Valeska
"
two
looked
the
Astro
to
eyes
visitor
newcomer
turned
her
of
door
send
to
with
message
the
at
his
and
gravely
glance slumbered.
"Eh
ah
"
"that
the
"
have
here
come
You
The
be
apparent
teetered
in
professed
"I
have
which
are
in the
to
his
be
woman's
full
ness
weak-
folderol
of
in it myself
stock
any
be',
matter,
ah
affably
of
Master
teries
Mysin
seemed,
He
"
out
Mr.
of
times
at
supposed
to
deference
Barrister."
23
that
heard
fortune-teller, besides
Is that
business.
of
had
heels,
and
his toes
on
"She
kind
occasion
had
"
the
annoyance.
manner.
some
palmistry
to
already.
bored
other
this
take
perfectly," said
without
to
has
anything
"
and
peculiar matter,
She
I don't
see,
understand
fact,
occult,
Barrister,
"
; but"
"I
about
wife.
my
anything
fake.
and
fact
be
to
to
so
you
ing
do-
?"
certain
use
occult.
your
descension
con-
manifest
powers
say
posed
'sup-
feelings
"Hum
whether
here
I'm
she'd
anything
are
"Some
wish, and
it
call
"I
let
"Bosh!"
said
that I have
assert
reserved
merely
to
done
do."
Barrister; but
at it
the neat
he
gazed
air of
new
it toward
his
at
own
curiosity,and
the palmist."Well,
can
looked
hand."
at your
stretched
you
Astro
shut
to
willingto acknowledge
you accordingly. I suppose
look
me
moment
what
see
able
are
didn't come,
as""
"Kindly
after
as
then ?"
myself
thingsthat
"Such
pay
medium,
man.
I'll be
this case,
if you
However,
want,
we
you
you
few
MYSTERIES
know.
you
what
young
OF
come,
locate
MASTER
THE
24
sped rapidlyover
his half-
the black
dress overcoat,
"
Barrister
stared, and
to
carved
hide
image
As
he
and
his
grew
bit uneasy.
Then,
embarrassment, he turned
surveyed
presentedhis
it with
back
to
the air of
the
to
parently
ap-
the
seur.
connois-
STOLEN
THE
swiftlystooped
New
York
into
"That's
"Where
check
return
up
did you
earth
C,"
B.
1400
of
slid it
pocketsof
about
on
"From
picked
over,
25
of the
one
SHAKESPEARE
said
Barrister
easily.
to
my
"And
which
the matter
worries
wife?"
your
Astro
inquired.
Again his visitor hesitated,looked about the room,
and gazed again at the sphinx. "Well," he said finally,
"I'll tell you." He seated himself and went
ori : "I have,
of
rather did have, a First Folio Shakespeare, one
or
the few
of the thirty-sevencopies extant.
good ones
It
stolen from
was
I want
to
find""
who
"That, and
the
"Er
Yes, certainly."
yes.
"
"An
you
been
Barrister
I'm
; for
good
it if he
destroy
race-horses
offers
rather
shook
his head.
be much
are
are
as
book.
He
well known
touts.
to
bookman
it for
the
I want
will
so,
naturally,I value
intrinsic value."
it at
even
were
more
soon
know
it back, of course;
the book
we
sell it,
to collectors
She
when
was
He
in the world
sale.
he
can't
me
in that,
use
but it is my
gave
unusual.
these folios
it ; for every
and
?"
police?"
suspected,would
anyway
the
to
there ?
would
with
of quarry,
You
"No.
as
one
sort
interesting
Have
what
libraryyesterday. That's
my
about
it.
great
26
THE
"Have
MASTER
had
ever
you
OF
any
MYSTERIES
asked
carelessly.
"What?
Offers?
all. Why
should
be useless
for any
"But
nobody
miss
you
I want
to
one
is
Anna
see
mischief
Folio, and
the
as
who
knew
walked
from
and
see,
to
to be
the
jimmy,
The
window
It
too.
or
will be
"All
come
had
and
five hundred
been
gazed
But
looked
the
for
pried open
by a burglar
it doesn't
book
look
be
would
into space
away
If I succeed
in
you,
too
and
Barrister,
meditatively."Mr.
stole it from
who
gettingthe
charge
my
dollars."
can
put myself
if I do ; I want
no
He
the person
"I think
case,
talking about
evidentlydone
was
his water-pipe
at
I'll try to
book
the
home
came
we
with?"
tampered
puffed
the theater.
case
"I
did
you
happened
lock been
forced.
and
to
gone."
with
to
wife
my
was
"Yes,
hard
at
home
it I can't
early,disgusted.We
like
offers
no
buy it."
by offering. When
you
came
Held,
knew
you
"Had
sell it?
attempt
harming
night,after
to
it. It
to
indeed;
no
no;
it?"
"Last
went
Oh,
doubt
I shall
the
culpritif I
the
crystals."
Barrister
to
am
did not
on
more
feel the
get
an
rapport with
vibrations,so
impression
the spot.
conceal
en
his
The
scorn.
rest
of the
to
the
speak,
aura
of
I shall do with
THE
He
said, "I
it will
suppose
least
at
"To-morrow
satisfymy
morning, early.
nothing, and
27
wife.
be up ?"
will you
When
SHAKESPEARE
STOLEN
keep
to
even
from
away
to
the
disturb
until
room
I come."
"There's
"but
I'll
magic."
sphinx one
When
and
last
he
was
studio.
Astro
"Did
"Why,
couldn't
"Did
there
"He
with
settingand
You
must
look
"What
purse
be
an
keeps
the pin
beetle
how
so
they mount
it can
revolve
not
the stone.
there ; but
were
closer next
did he?"
one,
know
it; but I
time."
say
in his outside
mark
easy
that up.
anything
for the
He
as
his
He
carrying
will
him
his
always
light-fingered
gentry
It's
looked
about
pocket.
overcoat
lucky for
is wealthy,of course
"Oh, he
anyway.
You
one.
The
"You
?" he asked.
watch-charm
he didn't have
have
to
the
reflectively.
at her
that man's
But
regalia
reentered
was
yes.
used
"
his
"Why,
them,
notice
you
later Valeska
moment
gazed
room.
gone
A
yawned.
left the
glance,and
if he
right,
got that much
well-off,in
were
very
! I
if he
fact."
"I should
imagine he
was,
with
28
THE
OF
in his
loose
lying
speare
got
MASTER
MYSTERIES
library! That's
what
we've
find."
to
"It's
interesting?"
! I should
"Interesting
It's
naping
regular kidTalk
about
diamonds!
case.
Why, they're
stupid things. Every one likes diamonds, and they can
be cut up into smaller stones
and readilydisposedof,
if you're careful about it. But you can't cut a page out
of
sell
the
are
walked
in
to ask
down
of
it.
about
and
like to
you'd
Book-
lectors
interestingcol-
volumes.
rare
about
rapidlyon
"William
"
knowing
'there any
wrote
the
to
over
leadingdealer
"I wish
I know
hint that
determined
most
in the world.
He
so
even
it,without
hunters
can't
Folio, you
First
say
A.
market
tab
for
he
as
He
copy?"
spoke into
the
ceiver,
re-
aire.
Oh, yes, the million-
Hepson.
slammed
snatched
She
up
and
the
it aloud
A.
"Not
if
we
dollars
she
an
is he?"
sage,
mes-
I have
by
you
guaranteed First
reply
to
Jane
Gore,
York."
exclaimed.
answer
for
Wire
Street,New
quite. But
get
"Who
18th
HEPSON,
Shakespeare?
"Why!"
vigorously,
it to Valeska.
"WILLIAM
Folio
down
handed
read
instrument
"Have
an
to-morrow
you
idea, and
located
this will
morning"."
it already?"
help,
THE
MASTER
knowledge
of life and
30
all who
have
lived for
not
cyclesand
of
the
layas!"
Hima-
ripplinglaugh
Barristers
The
house
they went
as
lived in
the
up
of
one
brownstone
ciles,
similar domi-
hundred
into
avenue.
large,solemn
from
in solitude
eons
the Mahatmas
contemplationwith
and
MYSTERIES
OF
necessary.
for
you
of my
great many
told them
of your
such
recovered
about
it!"
"Now,
you?
You
have
Sacarnet
you
Mr.
Then
own
lost,by going
about
want
to you,
gone
sapphire gave
my
Astro
Mr.
you,
things!
Why,
she had
bustled
I suppose
know
friends
in you.
purse
She
about
remarkable
findingthe
confidence
much
so
that
mother
a
and
case
erable
consid-
me
to
once
medium
amiably.
to
see
the
library,don't
THE
STOLEN
SHAKESPEARE
31
in."
During
been
drawn
showing
covered
threw
She
is where
"Here
the
see
went
to
up
It
door.
open
wall
every
; she raised
them,
lined with
glass-
beside
one,
as
was
dow,
win-
if she
were
rifled tomb.
displayinga
can
room,
square
bookcases.
and
had occurred
if a death
as
it
marks
kept, right in
was
of
"
chisel
something
or
You
there.
the
near
Isn't it dreadful?
pried open.
like an only child to us !"
That book was
Astro
apparentlygave it scarcelya glance. "Mrs.
Barrister," he said, "I'll ask you kindly to leave me
I am
here alone for fifteen minutes.
extraordinarily
lock.
The
frame
was
sensitive to vibrations
I concentrate
; but
mind
my
psychic conditions.
with you."
be undisturbed
I must
to induce
sufficiently
Meanwhile
while
the proper
my
out
withimpressed,and withdrew
door of the librarywas
further questioning.The
in the
sat down
shut, and the two women
by a window
reception-room. Valeska immediately began her own
line of investigation.
Mrs.
Barrister
"When
did you
"Thursday
it to
and
went
last
afternoon
caller,and
got home
was
from
then
see
at about
locked
almost
four
the
o'clock I showed
case
night a
immediately to
the
as
usual.
We
littleafter ten,
library,as
we
THE
32
had
MASTER
having
been
"Do
besides
we
yourself and
about
having
one
Mr.
lines
of the
one
saw
of any
know
you
MYSTERIES
discussion
Then
in Macbeth.
OF
was
gone."
entered
the room,
Barrister,between
and
four
ten?"
maid,
"Mary,
my
all I know."
"And
you
"Oh,
don't
! She
no
"And
the caller?"
Mrs.
Barrister
she
said, "It
the
two
trouble
seemed
to
In
so
I had
moment
years."
before
Mr.
But
White.
he's
more
fess
con-
friend
came
left
up-stairsand
I went
an
swering.
an-
husband
fact,my
idea
there
any
club?"
belong to
some
was
So
clubs, you
Barrister
carelessly,"Mr.
justthe
of the world,
man
Club.
Stage
the
Why?"
Valeska
said
such
for
Booklovers, and
White.
"Oh,"
left ;
husband
your
"Yes, the
that's
things;
them."
between
Mr.
mine.
alone.
men
"Does
does
than
me
was
well.
very
White
Mr.
for
thought
husband's
in before
with
been
the tea
suspect her?"
has
Then
in with
was
"
know.
But
who
showed
with
him
long
to be-
man
White
Mr.
the door?"
out
"Why,
Barrister
Mr.
see,
it couldn't
have
concealed
the book
have
looked
"Oh,
yes.
We
Mary's
room
in the house.
At
been
have
"You
It
this moment
into the
silently
Mr.
White
immediately
request, and
to
then
himself.
possiblefor
-everywhere,of
went
at her
went
know
You
to
?"
?"
work, searched
everywhere else
door
and
walked
33
Barrister
Mrs.
"Oh,"
SHAKESPEARE
STOLEN
THE
and
drew
to
It
him.
bore
few
of paper
scrap
The
of
lock
broken
the
held
palmist
handed
and
of
corner
She
it
letter,and
words
lightlyin
it
asked, "Has
then
her purse
from
evidently the
was
it is!'7
Here
case.
else had
one
any
his hand
for
ment,
mo-
this,except
you ?"
he
course,
nothing of
Barrister
Mr.
"Oh, yes.
examined
cast
his eyes
to
the
paper
again.
He
then
shall have
to
to
hand
this paper
by the window
at
again
here.
that showed
See
if you
can
back
the
to
Astro
for
Valeska
a
exclaimed.
Come
moment.
It seemed
through
see
into the
woman
are
the
Barrister!"
Mrs.
"Oh,
originalpersonalityof the
itself." He
whirled
quickly about,
and coughed.
to his lips,
assert
placed his
the
wait
evaporated,leaving
writer
make
it to his assistant.
handed
"I
could
he
it."
Astro
on
to
when
it." As
bay-window
I held
she
so
me
spoke
"Look
the
to
saw
light
mark
water-
it to the
she
light.
drew
the
with her
room.
carefully;but
it
it,and, of
found
himself
five books
keeping his
to
to
eyes
the top of
curved
bookcase
carefullyon
against
rister,
Bar-
Mrs.
of the shelves.
one
protruded about
an
inch
over
from
Four
the
these and
rest
down
MASTER
34
THE
behind
until it touched
had
turned
OF
MYSTERIES
again,his
hand
Mrs.
rister
Bar-
withdrawn.
was
He
spoke sharply.
"Could
lend
you
me
"Certainly."She
and
sent
was
"I'm
We
screw-driver?"
for the
rang
the errand.
on
Mrs.
sorry,
very
In
maid, who
she
turned.
re-
it in the kitchen
always keep
minutes
few
appeared,
there now."
"I
thought so,"
Mary,
The
Astro.
said
"But
question,
one
her face.
The
of
then
Mysteries felt of it tentatively,
looked directlyinto her eyes. "Mary," he said, "where
after dinner-time
on
were
Thursday; from then
you
Master
until Mr.
and
up
Barrister
Mrs.
with
home?"
returned
the cook
of the
most
dining-room beside
into the
the
time, sir.
libraryonce
twice, though."
or
"You
nothing unusual?"
all,sir."
heard
"Nothing
at
"How
did you
Mary
looked
it
calmly. "It
on
was
your
from
finger?"
writing a
Astro, turning to
excuse
soon
me,
as
I'll go.
I find
Mrs.
Barrister, "and
now,
if
you'll
husband
as
anything."
iLeavingwith
his assistant,
he
walked
slowly down
STOLEN
THE
windows,
while
She
he
SHAKESPEARE
soon
they were
as
out
of
did you
sightof
find out
Valeska?"
investigating,
was
the
narrated
conversation
here, Valeska!"
"See
35
eyes
a
while
Astro
roaming
line of ash
exclaimed
from
walked
side to
barrels
near
"I
suddenly.
out
its
among
shoe,
He
sheet
torn
of
overflowing contents,
lot of broken
them
gave
bottles,and
look, then
hard
with
caught up
"Those
Another
paper.
barrels
barrel
several
tin
of
mass
sauntered
on
showed,
a
cans,
sawdust.
tillValeska
him.
have
been
out
since
Thursday,"
she
said.
He
"what
smiled
I want
made
and
you
to
no
do
"Now,"
comment.
is
to
call
on
this Mr.
he
said,
White.
had
better
be
"
"
"
THE
36
It
her
almost
was
OF
MASTER
before
noon
errand, and,
by
as
MYSTERIES
Valeska
this time
the
from
returned
palmist'souter
fice
of-
the lunch
waiting clients,it was
hour before she could speak to him.
"I shall have to raise my
fee again/' he said. "Ten
dollars a reading doesn't seem
to stop them
at all. I'll
make
them
come
only by appointment after this. But
filled with
was
what
The
man,
find out?"
did you
"Hepson's our
girl's
eyes sparkledwith news.
rister,
BarHepson saw
Hepson via White, I guess.
too, at the club the other morning. Hepson's
"
gone
but White""
"Hepson,
with
Hepson!"
pray
the
give us
Seer,
more
White."
he's
laughed. "Well,
Valeska
for
mimicked
"But
about
news
Hepson,
believes
He
reason.
some
awfully sore
Mr.
on
rister
Bar-
Barrister's
fool,I gather."
1
"He
"No
for
than
one
He's
in love with
thing,that
he did about
"Poker!
"Why,
Mrs.
Barrister
Barrister,is he ?"
himself, I think.
knew
no
more
He
about
said,
books
poker."
How's
that?"
I told him
I had
bers
mem-
out of the
Stage Club, I got their names
Blue Book, and knew
they played pretty hard there,
so
we
got to chattingabout our luck. You see, I told
how
him I liked to playmyself,and he began telling
me
successful he always was.
Then
he said he had hard
with some
work
of his friends to collect the gambling
debts they owed
him."
"I see."
The
Master
of Mysteries turned into his
of the
"
"
followed
him.
THE
38
MASTER
why
Perhaps
she
"But
what
OF
Then
MYSTERIES
it must
been
have
the screw-driver
the scrap
of paper,
the
here's
the
rest
he
after
Mary,
away
wanted
then?"
asked
that ?"
"For
instance,
took
from
his
the
and
proceed logically
offers/
But
"Well,
to
an
you
Chicago
turn
This
is
work
it out, and
to
it will pay
bring in
him
low
at the
Astro.
you
are
"You'll see."
finished ?"
than
money
try
to
You
reading.
thought,
it's hot."
when
Barrister
"I
noticed.
for
come
while
and
parcel addressed
been
front door
voice, "Mr.
"Certainly,"said
who
more
follow it up
to
met
a
people
any
down
flat
going
said in
I'll go
in which
ofHce
away
Valeska
and
is different?
express
may
and
what
it
direction
any
to me."
seems
find
in
analytically
he returned,
is here."
telephoned
him
to
be
STOLEN
THE
"I found
SHAKESPEARE
that White
out
39
left town
had
to-day,"she
announced.
!" said the Seer
"Aha
He
in and
went
cryptically.
bowed
gravely to
busied
reception-room. Valeska
and
under
watched
seat
her
herself
Astro
brows.
that I have
to
say
or
the thief."
The
her
at
took
his
desk
tomed
accus-
the divan.
on
Barrister,"he said,after
"Mr.
Barrister in the
been
unable
"I
pause,
am
to
sorry
Folio
other
phatically
immediately rose, shaking his head emand triumphantly. "I thought as much," he
said. "This is what all this charlatanry
usuallyamounts
all alike, you can
to. You're
impose upon credulous
it comes
but when
actuallyto accomplishing
women;
anything,you can't deliver the goods. However, I've
I suppose
there will be
satisfied my
wife, at any rate.
"
charge in
no
The
Master
of Mysteries twirled
spoke dreamily.
services
on
Astro?"
this
"On
case
his
you
thumbs
and
Barrister,my
just one
thousand
dollars."
His
down.
"What
in the world
dollars is my
if you haven't your
thousand
"One
check
"But
"And
yet your
have been
are
Astro
you
mean,
drew
sir?
One
fee.
book
can
with
give you
you."
you
do
brow
dollars !"
thousand
blank
indignantly.His
not
the book
found
fee,if
you
had
found
or
the thief."
either,was
I don't understand
gave
to
what
for
40
THE
gaze.
He
tone
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
spoke now
ous
very deliberately.His languorhad given place to a crisphard enunciation.
"Mr.
understand
perfectly.If
me
You
is true.
say
I had
the
told you
of the
the location
you
name
book, I should
dollars.
Do
you
have
price for
My
understand
me
?"
now
took
He
up
regard it
to
fixedly.
ger,
changed from perplexityto anthen to a sudden
comprehension. He dropped
and gazed at the carpet, standing for some
irresolute and dismayed. Finallyhe walked
that Valeska
check
the blank
to
to
asked, with
"I
"You
check.
sir !" he
behind
handed
over
the
extraordinaryyoung
left the room,
slamming the
man,
knitted.
ute
min-
door
him.
! I've almost
; don't
love with
his
of course,
mean
him,
I could
see
who
"
when
they were
ried
mar-
Astro.
he wouldn't
to
"
given him
enough
"Wait
Barrister himself
was
book
own
forgetthat,"said
; so,
been
"
got it! It
"Which
had
the Seer.
and
name
?" he
most
are
snarled,and
Valeska
"Yes
his
signed
Barrister
up.
his face.
strange expressionon
never
looked
He
I suppose
find the culprit,
to
expect
never
handed
want
dispose of
her to know
it. She
that,and she's
he
is stillin
sentimental
Barrister
signed his
name
and
handed
over
the
check.
THE
old
STOLEN
thing,too.
"And
So he had
to
screw-driver
which
why
mimic
did
stupidlyhe
very
"But
SHAKESPEARE
burglary,did
it, with
the book?
stroy."
to de-
enough
sense
What
he ?"
ordinary
an
"
he didn't have
did he want
41
did he
do
with it?"
"Made
stole it that
afternoon.
for the
Barrister
wouldn't
pay
up.
him
Barrister
it'son
ask
me
this
case
down.
know
because
sore
sadly in
he
of ready
need
his bank.
And
Hepson
now
the
he turned
reason
wasn't
He
cause
interested,be-
his
did you
"How
was
there. That's
its way
Barrister
about
from
three thousand
telegraphoffer
"Let
is
"Then
our
and
money,
that out
cash; I found
"Or
yourselffrom
that out
offered
with
arrangements
copy."
that ?"
you
one
that
was
question.
What
there
was
different from
affairs
most
like it?"
Valeska
pondered. "Why,
it
to
seems
strange
me
once."
policeat
year
that
or
There
was
my
start.
Barrister,losingso valuable
report it
notified.
him
two.
at
once
His
safelyover
and
have
It seemed
treasure, shouldn't
it traced, and
the
queer
of callingin
necessity
was
the
what
got
police.I
THE
42
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
nobody
up
my
suspicion."
"I
rather
suspected Mary,"
"when
ink
the scrap
on
get the
friend Mr.
what
and
Barrister
tackled
writing as
came
we
the
where
did you
it
does
mean
It
chance
to
clues.
job.
do.
to
hide his
only to
in order
ones
the
intended
was
own
to befuddle
I noticed
did Barrister
robbery.
it
tried not
false
to create
detective who
the
the way,
preciselywhat
was
tracks,but
By
fingersjustlike
her
on
Valeska,
astray."
me
"Which
of paper.
of that paper,
rest
quiteled
Our
saw
commented
barrels.
the
any
violet
So, I
sume,
pre-
when
he
came
'Aha!'
he
home
detective that
fool any
clues !'
comes
So he took
after committing
a
hunting for
the piece,tore
part, and
for instance."
"But
"I
I didn't
saw
looked
out
forced, I
one
see
the window
barrel
and
barrel,
that
used
was
printsof a
arranged justas
course
the
left shoe.
When
Barrister took
it to make
burglar."
"Why," exclaimed
"
the
saw
Of
boots."
in the ash
had.
any
in the barrel
the footprintsof
of the
ititious
suppos-
"it'sjustas wonderful
girl,
as
THE
MACDOUGAL
STREET
AFFAIR
ENTERING
the
room
his
flowing
in
glance
not
picturesque
silver
pose
look
"It's
pity
gazing
in
in
who
had
had
look
curiosity
"No
with
of
the
to
the
on
long
fixed
said,
hairy
cushion.
velvet
ing
star-
sat
man
the
ous,
contemptu-
had
entered
another
many
in
from
that
the
liever
unberoom,
very
interest,
to
scorn
the
on
him.
romantic-looking,
Astro
gradually
were
he
slim,
Like
test
to
come
he
thick
red-faced
which
the
turban.
it's her
indifferent
bubbling
the
up
gave
palmist with
eager
perplexity.
and
and
let it
He
the
eyes
doubt
to
he
longer wearing
no
changed
his
now
taking
married,"
attention
bull-necked,
parlors
man
young
in
and
lay limp
expression
astrological
until
the
amazement,
amused
were
red
little
pay
him
Opposite
is
the
at
hand
his
unhappily
are
you
to
himself
Then,
water-pipe,
did
stranger.
languidly
semed
Astro
robes,
seated
divan.
his
of
the
at
the
upon
had
guished
distin-
and
grave
silken
till he
visitor
mouthpiece
sober
He
his
at
slowly,
come
reached
whiff
of
fault," Astro
It
selfish.
to
actual
an
for
his
perfumed
44
continued
be
might
quarrel,
narghile,
smoke,
as
and
"for
better
if
and
be
took
if, as
far
she
you
rated."
sepaa
long
as
he
MACDOUGAL
THE
the matter
concerned,
was
There
STREET
been
had
electric bell.
client stillgazed
His
45
weighed
the sound
at this moment
came
AFFAIR
of
and
stupidlyin
did not
tled.
set-
muffled
front of
notice
the
black
vet
vel-
his
to
seem
signal.
Astro, however,
curtains
hanging
visitor's back.
reflected the
the
bulge of
head
with
within.
On
was
revolver
to
mirror
of the
in his
pairof
above
hung
level with
hip pocket,and
behind.
lighted from
of paper
scrawl, "Plain-clothes
Street
the round
small
on
it
was
the
did
peered
square
glass
written
Working
man.
not
in
on
dynamite case."
from
at him
smiled
was
Against
fastened, and
was
Macdougal
Valeska
his eyes
which
man
feminine
the
one
stocky form
a
went
its short
window,
sheet
at
There
Astro
turn.
and
rose
the secret
cabinet.
magnifying-glass,dropped the
curtains,and returned to his client. Seating himself,
he looked carefully
at the lines in the detective's palm ;
er
after which he took a small crystalsphere from a drawAstro
picked
in the
himself
hidden
up
table,set
it
on
the
to lose
Astro,
indeed," commented
busy man
half aloud.
"Not only are you keeping your eye on the
crooks
the Rennick
around
Hotel, and investigating
several
pool-room layouts,but you come
up here in
to see if my
placeis,as you would call it,'on the
reality
"You
are
square'.How
you
are
so
on
earth you
puzzled about
have
the
Macdougal
Street busi-
THE
46
is
ness,
MASTER
than
more
OF
can
MYSTERIES
You
see.
be
must
of
man
extraordinary resource."
The
like
officer stared
child at the
dreamy-eyed
"Gosh!"
he said almost
Oriental before him.
tively.
plainand
Then
thrust his big hairy hands
he rose
do you know
about that
into his pockets. "Say, what
dynamite affair,anyway?" he asked.
smiled.
Astro
"Nothing. I'm too busy to trouble
about things that are not any of my business."
"But
if it
what
was
business?"
your
if I made
the
continued
it
objectto
an
you?"
assumed
Astro
"Ah!"
you
The
wished
you
drew
man
out
againstit on this
glasses and give
tell
he
up
into them
look
can
me
I could
doubt
to know."
and
case,
omnipotence.
"No
the Seer.
answered
anything
air of
dramatic
it worth
your
while."
laughed. "Oh,
Astro
You
understand,
must
nothing without
the individual.
from
to be
happen
at the
before
The
Do
had
so
offered.
that have
you
officer
in nowise
me
place in order
influences
crime.
sir,that I
into direct
coming
tell about
; but
I should
to become
do
can
lutely
abso-
tact
personalcon-
the
from
emanating
can
that.
quiteso simpleas
dear
my
the vibrations
with
it'snot
scene
because
you,
have
to
or
you
be present
sensitive to the
cult
oc-
of the
permeated the vicinity
understand?"
evidentlydid
deterred from
impressed him.
not
understand
making
use
"I'll take
; but
he
of this power
you
up
was
that
there," he
MACDOUGAL
THE
STREET
AFFAIR
"I'llhelpyou
47
this case,
on
"
Mr.
"
"McGraw."
"
that I
to be left to do
am
necessary.
the
I touch
The
of
"When'll
"At
like,undisturbed
the
you
ble;
the invisible ; I hear the inaudi-
see
stood
like
gazing on an eighth
right,"he said, lamely.
cow
"All
world.
come?"
Meet
number
should
like to know
what
right. But
learned
have
you
in front of the
me
place
"
intangible."
detective
wonder
what
of
harmony
ever,
understanding,how-
Utter
unwatched.
and
tHe distinct
with
Mr.Graw,
"
first I
about
the
matter."
"Well, it'sjustthis
Pietro
950
named
and
grocery
business
weeks
torn
out
of
dollars
bench
by
and
also acts
he got
ago
does
as
the arch
wine
importing
of local banker.
made
was
him
telling
ten-dollar
at number
wholesale
considerable
sort
chap
has
letter that
newspaper,
in
He
Gallino.
shop,
; he
There's
way.
to
into Washington
of words
up
leave
bills underneath
a
a
Square.
Two
He
and
thouscertain
was
to
next
it smashed
Then
up
he
the windows
got another
only he
was
to
and
doors
thing
letter,some-
in
THE
48
a
MASTER
OF
Vestry
231
Street.
of
there
then
was
couldn't
we
explosionon
an
took from
"Have
but,
watching every
nab our
The
next
man.
day
and
top of Gallino's building,
us
twelfth.
If
any
with
how
to
tising
adver:
day and
you,
pay
folded.
follows
as
before
tricks,will blow
more
the
you
to
I"
signed with
a
dollars
piecessure
was
It read
newspaper.
thousand
night. We
"
that time!
his
of
pages
Hand,
buildingat
it were
It
came
He
On
them,
on
Somebody came
the buildingand
MYSTERIES
skull
and
the dread
cross-bones
hand.
head,
carelessly,
pressedit to his foreand
then put it in his
fingeredit sensitively,
pocket with composure.
"Very well. I get from this
I ensubtle impression,and when
counter
a
letter,even
now,
these vibrations in the flesh I shall immediately
ing
The criminal has a violet soul, tendrecognizethem.
toward
purple. Purples are malicious and very
And
he fopdistresses me."
pishly
dangerous. This aura
sniffed at a bottle of smelling-salts.
Astro
at
effect of this
The
know
looked
how
it
the mischief
officer;"but it don't
just so
then.
Astro
he
deliver
you
And
not
was
be
nodded
pressed an
you
matter
the
lost
on
goods.
you
I'll
button, and
the
turn
see
you
"I don't
McGraw.
Valeska
at
trick,
three
!"
left.
Then
Wynne,
his
young
STREET
MACDOUGAL
THE
entered the
assistant,
AFFAIR
room
49
easy,
stride.
She smiled quickly,
and lifted
graceful,girlish
her eyebrows at the departing plain-clothes
man.
"Easy enough to tip you that time," she remarked,
"I passed him
the stairs with a policeman, and
on
caught a few words.
Anything in him ?"
but it's a good advertisement, and it
"No
money;
that I shall be able to rely
so
g-etsme in with the police,
them for help from time to time.
Did you notice
on
the chalk
"Sure
on
; but
vest?"
"No,"
girl.
and decorations
"They're rebronzingthe furnishings
in the Rennick
that is the
as
lobby to-day. Inasmuch
I saw
notorious hotel for crooks of all descriptions,
at
had been there.
Did you observe his
a glance that he
the
answered
handkerchief?"
"Oh,
yes," said
caught one point in
"It
was
small
one
she
"
"No."
Valeska's
What
on
do you
at
last to
have
"And
"Sewed
eagerly, glad
woman's, of course."
of his coat?"
face fell.
with
fine copper
make
of that ?"
wire
"
He
instead of thread.
MASTER
THE
50
She
OF
her
puckered
MYSTERIES
then
moment,
raised
He
seemed
wife's, of
strenuously,I'm afraid,for
attached to it; his only emotion
be
to
be
to
it too
used
sentiment
its size
disgust at
be where
in with
"It
he'd
him,
pick one
his when
the
her
or
in
up
laundry
his buttons
sew
helped me
He
Street
In
with
His
home."
"Why
all.
lack of size.
alive,and
wouldn't
came
or
"
She's
course.
handkerchiefs
"
"
most
wants
with
for
that's his
"
help him
him, then?
what
tip was
your
McGraw
to
me
But
on
name
solve the
really
"
after
Macdougal
mystery."
a
few
minutes
and
affair,
Astro
went
the
over
historyof
the
do
you
know
about
the Black
Hand?"
leska
Va-
asked.
"As
much
that is
nothing. Even
Petrosini,the greatest of metropolitan Italian sleuths,
said that there was
such thing. Warburton, on Immigration
no
has some
ing
chapters concernvery interesting
the bloodthirsty
Sicilian and his criminal organization,
as
all of which
any
one,
have
and
been
"
corroborated
in the recent
THE
52
thrower
MASTER
had
created
of glass in the
OF
terrificdisturbance.
store
back
shattered.
buildingwas
was
MYSTERIES
timber
small
about
hung
in
not
to
of silent
group
top of
front; the
have
been
wide-eyed
evidences
place,eying the
the place a
scarcelygave
McGraw
by
turbed.
dis-
Italians
of destruction
and
panied
glance; but, accom-
and
the store
Valeska, entered
face,gazed anxiouslyat
hunted
roamed
eyes
result of
in
pane
awe.
Astro
spoke
the
As
mass
Every
the
officer. Valeska's
the interior,taking in
vivaciouslyabout
everything.
"Don't
length.
"Yassa, ma'am,
He
ees
no
good,
week
one
he live
for
He
an
Tony,
cop;
he
heem
looked
Nothing
too.
good alibis,
seemed
to
McGraw,"
he
the
announced,
debris, "I've
as
seen
he
me
man's
to that
care
nutty
record.
and
him.
up-a
theory."
pickedhis
what
Tony,
no.
Antonio's
about
ees-a
!"
of his daze
out
come
That
blow
old
up
at
ol' clerk.
my
say-a
He
right-anow.
We
Gallino
I fire 'im.
Astro
among
boy.
it,that's all.
had
take
that-a
You
McGraw
about
I say it ees
da street
across
sure.
I do.
I tell-a da
ago.
she asked
one?"
suspect any
you
began
to
"Well, Mr.
daintily
way
to
inspectin
to wander
influences and
my
to good advantage."
crystals
The bulky officer immediately looked
me
to use
disappointed.
MACDOUGAL
THE
evidentlyexpected the
had
He
STREET
the author
announce
it was
with
"I'd like to go up
"It
at
fore
there-
; and
once
that he withdrew.
said Astro
first,"
to the
was
the
explosion occurred."
showed
Gallino
the way
left Valeska
and
the roof
on
Italian merchant.
latest
of the crime
53
of Mysteries to
Master
unwillingnod
an
AFFAIR
and
up to
her
trap-doorin
companion
the rear,
the
on
ruined
roof.
see
Then
he
like business
find around
can
you
!" he said.
here
that's
"Valeska,
interesting."
walked
in
Valeska, left
search, while
hole that
the
dynamiter
the
spected
herself,in-
to
had
in the
torn
middle
"Here
!"
his voice
a moment
enthusiastically
later. She ran
him
in surprise,to
toward
over
find him gazing across
at the buildingson the other side
of the street.
his thumb
Between
and
forefingerhe
held a tiny object.
we
are
came
announced, and
of the house
"Got
what?"
"The
whole
come
"Because
the chance
"One
There
the way.
she asked.
secret,
across
spection
his in-
continued
as
far
came
that goes.
up here for.
as
But
cifically,
spe-
did
What
for?"
up
you
"And,
too,
on
of
findingsomething."
doesn't
solve mysteries that way,
is no use
looking for something unless
Valeska.
you
know
MASTER
THE
54
what
with
that, you
"It
decided
Until
it is."
twisted
"Oh
have
been
thrown
from
the top of
the bomb
Shot
it
at
find
the
missed
and
"
of
matter
place
surveying.
head
your
where
sightacross
the roof
where
the
caused
idea
the
by
of where
If you
the
makes
will stand
approximate
and
the bullet
Now,
it
with
of
the back
is,
of the hole in
will
probably get
from.
came
merely
this bullet
middle
explosion,you
been
over
one,
"One
where
say
it
from
the
What
do
conscientious
to
it,and
the
Astro.
all,if
we
to
ond
sec-
are
"But
to
be
I suggest
McGraw
again."
As they went
down-stairs,Valeska
the first explosion occur
?"
"At night."
up
from
of
investigatethem
about
one
any
buildingnext
came
of them, certainly,"answered
shall have
look
the
aimed
there, in
we
small
see?"
'f
here
indentation
the
we
was
there
you
ing
build-
it."
at
we
some
you've got
bullet.
"Yes.
then
daylight,
There
anybody could have seen it. No.
possibleway, besides electric wiring, and
He
disclosed
and
opened his hand
a
only one
of
broad
in
bomb
there."
"And
how
nowhere."
are
might
up
here
MYSTERIES
that
was
then
OF
asked, "When
did
THE
MACDOUGAL
"Then
the bomb
STREET
be
not
from
55
the window?"
easier, and, of
be
could
Nothing
it could
course,
merely hurled
was
"Presumably.
AFFAIR
seen
definitely
But
traced.
or
here
is McGraw
"I've been
there.
All
course.
The
party
knocked
McGraw
It
the tenant
had
unmade,
was
cheap lodging-house,
voluble
first door;
taken
his
bureau
was
suddenly
the small
to
push
Seer
his way
detained
vibrations, you
moment
of eyes
had
come
thrown
to
the door
the
rest
decided
on
beneath
cellaneou
misand
started
slim hand
moment,"
prefer to
he
know,"
ransacked
already
newspapers,
McGraw
floor.
soiled
of the
him.
the
on
like,and
the
if
bed
The
with
covered
officiously
; but the
in
street.
but, getting no
departure.
shoes, magazines,
strewed
were
the
fronting on
linen,neckties,cigarettestubs, and
rubbish
til
landlady,un-
room,
lot of
'em."
track
landlady to unlock.
the
small
was
the
on
motioned
answer,
frightened and
reached
they
up-stairsinto
went
sight, o'
second
say
on
room
can
accompanied by
take
us
into every
But
nothing.
saw
let
so
was
shut behind
find.
Astro's
pileof crumpled
the
with
murmured,
unkempt bed.
them,
the
smile.
pairs
two
the first to
newspapers
a
thingsthey
were-
In
The
alone.
enter
place,hunting for
to
commanded.
he
hastily
flash he
had
THE
56
MASTER
seized them
he
and
separated
one
had
page
from
Era
an
MYSTERIES
scanningthem
was
it toward
turned
OF
the
by
rest
of
smiled.
Valeska, and
been
one
Finally
one.
the
She
sheets,
that
saw
out.
torn
"The
He drew out
advertising
page,"he remarked.
letter and compared the torn
the Black Hand
scraps
his head
with the journalin his hand, nodded
silently
in confirmation, then silently
opened the door.
lives here ?" he asked
"Who
"Antonio
Astro
the
of the house.
woman
Soroni."
turned
bring him to my
do
"Did he really
"Arrest
detective.
to the
him
to-night
eighto'clock."
it?" asked McGraw
eagerly.
Astro turned
without answering.
away
"Kindly don't put any questionsto him," interrupted
Valeska ; "for he is now
gettingin touch with the psychic
influences of the place."
for the next
the
"Now
please,"announced
room,
Master
of Mysteries,as if suddenly wakening.
"Oh, that's vacant," said the landlady with arms
"A young
akimbo.
girlhad it until last Friday; but
and
at
apartments
she's left."
Valeska
turned
did you
"When
at once.
say, Mr.
McGraw
was
?"
"Thursday."
?"
did you search these rooms
here when
"Friday, miss. The girl was
"And
when
clerk
or
was.
sort
something ; out
of laundress
of
work,
bring her
walked
him.
around
into the
The
came.
or
stress
seam-
she said."
said
Astro,
with' Antonio."
empty
and
room,
man
plain-clothes
and
the
Valeska
lowed
fol-
proprietress
patientlyuntil they
awaited
fifteen minutes
commanding.
expectation.
McGraw
knocked;
again, some
betrayed nothing
search.
Astro's
others
The
but
57
out
faces
third door!"
the
"Now,
AFFAIR
came
Their
later.
concerningtheir
whatever
and
STREET
MACDOUGAL
THE
voice
prickedup
there
their
in
ears
He
answer.
no
was
sharp
was
looked
door, and
One
the
glance,and
"It's Bull
along
The
prostrate
and
huntin'
been
you
an'
now,
up
come
weeks
two
you
an'
spendin' your
vacation,
man
rubbed
into his
expostulatedbrokenly with
In
jiffyMcGraw
placed him againstthe
accent.
bracelets
turned
on
to
"This
There's
weeks
his wrists
as
been
drunken
upright
outside, snapping the
dragged
Then
so.
him
the detective
warrant
out
we're
to go
for
burg.
two
over
after,too,
and
up
most
give an
count."
ac-
maudlin
He'll be the
now.
up
wall
Astro.
here's Bull,one
Astro
had
he did
took
Get
o'
holy! Think
?"
anyway
eyes
Bull!
Where've
more!
and
this way,
us
volver.
re-
ing
jumped inside,collar-
all that's
O'Kennery, by
you
with
he had
on
the bed.
on
man
meetin'
inside,his hand
hand, examined
the
palm,
the lower
chest. "Bah
!" he exclaimed
with
lid of
against
nauseated
MASTER
THE
58
shrug
of
hours.
Take
his
OF
shoulders, "he's
him
the rest
to
He
makes
Valeska
the blinds.
up
for
drunk
me
It
was
down
shuffling
entered
the
smoke.
weakly
bureau
it.
to
Amid
drawer
With
stood
sudden
the
of
mass
half open.
bish
tangledrubstrode
Astro
gesture he took
staler
stillburned
sluggishkerosene lamp
the mantel.
on
over
room
sickening enough
sixty
quite
of this alone."
been
McGraw.
away,
and
MYSTERIES
out
woman's
box
pock-
paper
fractional currency
of fifty-cent
denomination, and
horn-handled
shoe-buttoner.
"I think
eyes
we're
gettingat it now
discovery.
alightwith
? Bull
sake, which
O'Kennery
? Or
!" he
the
exclaimed, his
of them
one
girl? Or
did it?
all three
together?"
"Or
mood
changed
his hand.
went
what
see
Valeska
wished
very
to
la
is up
McGraw
answer
they were
at
Suddenly his
thoughtfullyin
questionedfurther
never
the marvelous
while
Astro.
was
Cherchez
the street
across
"What
"
smiled
as
"It's
on.
wisdom,
we'll
of them?"
none
work
deductive
than
that it
powers
; then, too, he
"
the Master
merely
turbed
dis-
of his brain
preferredher, as
MASTER
THE
60
OF
In
another
the
moment
MYSTERIES
Gallino
thousand
show
may
officer
them
dollars,
in."
appeared, leading by
ment
badly frightenedItalian. The mothe latter perceived the gorgeously picturesque
the room
and
figure of the palmist he rushed across
sank on the floor,clutchingAstro by the knees.
the
sleeve
"I
very
!" he screamed.
t'row-a da bomb
no
da bomb
Sacrament'
he
shake-a-da
Astro
few
"This
Some
from
"Sometime
lemme
speak-a to
!"
Antonio's
up
let it
drop
you," he
said
to
to
me,
nice !"
The
all-a
room
Da's
in,get-a da match.
come-a
"When
did she
come
Valeska
in and
under
tear
out
scratched
Antonio
come
next
pape',maybe, sometime."
look at
quick significant
brows.
page
bomb
eyes.
lock herself in da
She
she
eve
da
cast
his dark
da
beamed.
eyes
signor!
all. Read-a
Astro
t'row-a
of ten?"
no,
da time.
roomed
his wild
from
no
her, Antonio?"
liked
accused's
"Very
t'row-a
impatiently,took
lady who
young
"
the
no
t'row-a
moments.
gently, "you
The
no
bounce, si!
da
hand, and
in
face ; bot
his hand
waved
trut' !
give-ame
streamed
At
spika da
"I
dees-a
last-a
night
she
wanta-da
right; I
pape' for
tear
off da
I like-a
read-a
to-night/
"
one
piece/
She
say,
'All-a
no
t'row-a
da
bomb
"
he
cried.
THE
Astro
turned
poor
fellow
know
what
"What
"Seems
I want
to
"You'd
McGraw,
to
loose, I think.
do
put wise
was
to
of this
some
ain't it?"
game,
in ten
minutes, if you'lltelephone a
to the proper
question to headquarters,or
find out
if there
loss of
pocketbook containinga
cent
enough.
said
I
this
now."
know?"
it'stime
me
61
better turn
innocent
He's
to know
you
AFFAIR
STREET
MACDOUGAL
the
piece of
horn-handled
been
Bull
of the
complaint made
any
old-fashioned
shoe-buttoner.
friend
your
has
precinct,and
ten-dollar
paper
for
and
currency,
If there
O'Kennery
bill,a fiftya
has, you'llwant
piece of work,
that
too."
McGraw
Astro
does
called
and
how
in the
"That's
girl,then.
world
the
did
the money
"Yes
"But
if any
that
him
she
I
ever
see
had
one
diately
imme-
into the
gone
!" she
expect
"But
cried.
collect the
to
tHe Seer
phone.
tele-
meditatively. "You
him
them
tillthe detective
the
without
money
him, "Tell
the
to
went
him."
waited
was
and
disarm
Valeska
"It
after
with
appear
hall.
wonderingly
rose
and
to
remember
have
that
thousand
know
she
word
sent
dollars
how
with
to
to
him
transfer
?"
; but
she will
know,
so
far."
to-morrow
to
how
62
MASTER
THE
lone
the
girl was
matter
Before
back
came
MYSTERIES
her
accomplish
to
over.
McGraw
OF
she
with
could
reply, however,
astonished
an
look
on
his
face.
"The
girlcalled at
and reported
the
that
She
described
and
I guess
if you
But
it's too
late to catch
"What
Mulberry Street
her pocket had
the money
and
been
the button-hook
it must
so
say
Station
be
picked.
all
right;
of Bull's
one
terday
yes-
jobs.
like?"
asked
Astro.
few
"The
I must
The
have
waves
consult
"Selah!"
at last !
met
thousand
"A
as
five minutes.
Wait
carefully.
him
"We
Finally he looked up.
sharply. "To-night a
Gallino, and
exclaimed.
he
crystals."
my
watched
two
hands.
his
clapped
ether
it."
sergeant about
Astro
left ; and
then
minutes, and
soon
he's
as
must
man
alone
hurry!"
will
come
will
demand
he
to
claimed
exsee
the
dollars."
"I
queried Valeska.
man?"
thought
it
was
the
girl."
"The
girl!"said
never
mind.
house
is watched."
Whoever
"Watched!"
"From
the
in bewilderment.
McGraw
it
sneered
outside, I
suppose
"Certainly,"answered
Master
"
of
?"
McGraw
hotly.
or
"Well,
her.
The
Mysteries.
STREET
MACDOUGAL
THE
can't
keep
may
go
money,
and
walk
He
paused
hastened
along
in ill temper,
"But
they
it,I'd like
He
their
to
We've
got
coat.
to
get
cab-stand, McGraw
the
who's
the
that
they were
When
fare, and
looked
was
nor
down
could be observed.
one
street
itor?"
vis-
that's after
man
spoken all
being driven to Macdougal and
they had alighted there, paid
answer
no
Streets.
Fourth
casual
to know?"
received
the time
man
!"
Hurry
once.
grunted
be chloroformed.
This
his
don
to
moment
suspect
to
You
Gallino's
Who's
63
enter.
can
of the house.
out
pistolat
out.
even
may
there at
As
people
innocent
in, present
"Gallino
"Anybody
Astro.
!" answered
"Fools
AFFAIR
the
Number
word
dark
950
sidewalk,
showed
no
sign of
no
Gallino's,
They started to walk briskly toward
suddenly a person emerged from the Italian's
life.
when
"That's
McGraw,
revolver
Get him
one
the steps.
step, shrank
in the
in
back
fell
long coat,
Instantly,with
sidewalk.
rent
the
back, and
Master
of
"That's
what
could
was
to
the
stone
plosion
frightfulroar, a terrific exand his companions staggered
crash of fallingdebris the
the
above
Mysteries
the balustrade
Astro
air.
the bottom
on
becoming entangled
surprise,and
across
to
!"
At
shouted!
and
be heard
for
meant
shouting:
Gallino
if he
hadn't
paid to-night!"
Then
the
The
the three
rushed
limp figurelay in
clothing had
been
anxiously forward
distorted knot
torn
to
on
to
the
shreds, and
where
flagging.
a
pool of
THE
MASTER
encircled
the
64
blood
downward;
He
"Why,
Astro
bombs
said.
match
it's
turned
exploded
"You'd
prostrate
that
so
struck
OF
the
and
girl
in
slowly
in
better
MYSTERIES
form.
detective
cried
man's
away.
Macdougal
telephone
in
The
had
to
body
lay
turn
it
bewilderment
clothes
over.
!"
"There
Street
to
face
the
be
will
for
no
while,"
hospital."
more
he
66
OF
MASTER
THE
MYSTERIES
he
"Wiedersheim,"
hundred
and
continued, "has
so-called
seven
useful
of them
are
functions
in
Some
survive
some
function
more
merely
one
the
organs
ancestors.
their
physiological
incomplete manner;
less
relics ; and
ancestral
as
simian
our
perform
or
counted
developed
more
in
stillable to
of his
Vestigial organs';
himself
some
are
the body.
to
Take, for instance,
actuallyharmful
superfluous hairs; they are no longer capable of protecting
the body from
cold and often do serious harm.
Wisdom-teeth
are
unnecessary
to
of mastication
are
feeble,and
they
diffused
and
know
how
other
are
completelylost.
embryo before birth
The
the
; but
of the ear,
weak
pairs of
ribs, which
muscles
and
of the
been
and
and
Valeska
there
serve
seat
so
all
health
to
the nursery
"But
what
are
disappears from
the useless
thirteenth
eleventh
no
useful
on.
Why,
of most
hospitalsthe
stared.
We
powers
remain
and
pair of
twelfth
purpose,
the
diseases
the
colon,
of
the
or
mentary
ali-
has
of arterial sclerosis,
practicallyuseless
pronounced
in London
littletail
imperfect
toes, and
large intestine,the
tract
whose
the unnecessary
ribs, the
caries.
dangerous
organs
almost
muscles
tumors
cause
is.
appendix
there
often
dental
how
and
unnecessary
the vermiform
"Then
and
suppuration
their powers
man;
by MetchnikofT,
entire colon
are
they all
is often
moved."
re-
she inquired.
"I
suppose
their chief
use
is to shame
our
vanity.
FANSHAWE
THE
They
67
undoubted
are
Valeska
the
from
descent
GHOST
frowned.
"I
origin,our
like to be reminded
never
of
that."
"Well, then, of
beautiful eyes, my
have
You
which
nose
eyelidyou
possessed as
eagles draw
reptiles.
can't
you
of the third
"
brane
mem-
the cornea."
over
outside.
bell rang
the instant,Astro
on
ceal
con-
is called the
fold'. That
The
birds, or
dear ; but
the
near
'semilunar
that
from
descent
our
Astro
the
the
came,
Philosopher be-
Seer, and
dropped
into
ental.
professionalpoise, calm, inert, picturesque,oriand began her
Valeska retired to another room
for news
the papers
work
of looking carefullyover
of anything that might be of use
to the Seer in his
conferences.
It was
her duty to keep in touch with
the doings of the day.
time she read without
For
interest,making
some
time to time consulting
and from
notes
occasionally,
her card catalogue to look up the condensed
raphies
biogof persons
or
prominent,,in society,politics,
finance, adding to the data there collected. She cut
clippings,too, and pasted them in a blank book for
his
"
'
Astro
to
morning
look
and
No
her
papers,
she
small
his leisure.
at
over
eyes
it with
read
of
amount
or
representativeof
so
Fanshawe
Mildred
a
on
the
the
last of the
followingparagraph,
attention:
gossip has
of
rumors
the well-known
of Miss
fell
In
been
occasioned
supernaturalvisitations
farm,
now
the
dence
resi-
MYSTERIES
While
county.
the sensational
reports, and
Miss
deny
farm
the
at
Fanshawe
lutely
abso-
make
what
to
OF
MASTER
THE
68
be
to
learned,at
be
can
the farm
at
have
the
purported to be
was
well-known
Sally
appears,
side of the
old
ants
serv-
ghost,"
the "Fanshawe
seen
belle of New
so
of the
least three
it is
who
in the 1830's.
York
garden
baby in her
arms.
said to
of
be
persistentlyrefused
has
premises, which
the
are
admittance
them
guarded from
well
now
to
intrusion.
Of
in her
catalogue.
him
she gave
could
Fanshawe, Valeska
Miss
the
But
as
soon
as
and
clipping,
find
not
was
tion
informa-
no
Astro
free
was
disappointedin
his interest.
"It's
read
my
a
note,
that
services.
Fanshawe
does
had
you
confessed
had
been
depreciatethe
as
forthwith, with
appeared
She
sell
Perhaps
did
Valeska
notorietyshe
to
Fanshawe
apply to
unteer
certainlyvolnot
better send
her
anyway."
This
Miss
"If Miss
he had
the story.
for
me
case
few
days later
herself worried
circulated,because
had
gained, and
value
soon
confessed,based
as
on
of the
about
of
the
property, which
possible. The
tales which
enough
the
to
some
rumors
result that
the
dio.
stu-
stories
unpleasant
they might
she wished
were,
of her
relate. There
the
at
she
servants
seemed
to
be
be much
relieved
Fanshawe
anemic-lookingwoman
was
face, full of
narrow
long
fine
hair, almost
Italian
and
and
eyes,
energy.
Her
mustache, which
She
aspect.
she
had
about
"There
know
for
boy
can't.
wasn't
that.
she
could
Then,
that.
tinctly
dis-
just what
about
her
Astro
you
were
eyes
her
I hardly
I knew
ears.
was
great blemish,
have
woman
to
queer.
What
"
noticed, though,
I've often
mustache
pity for
Then, her
with
her
his assistant.
to
"I
wiggled
do
her
It's
it?
with
know
it
who
once
were
foreigner.
to
something strange
thing,that
one
hands
that woman."
is
what
lean
freely with
turned
curious
with
gave
talked
Astro
gone,
She
nearly covered
lipwas
When
hair
dark
upper
aristocratic but
an
perhaps thirtyyears.
nervous
slim ; her
and
was
of
brunette, with
to have
Miildred
Miss
the bottom
something at
69
GHOST
FANSHAWE
THE
was
to
suffer
the matter
them?"
smiled.
Astro
the eye
for
to
spoke
"And
I have
fortnight!
about
you
It
been
'semilunar
the
was
while
lecturing
you
It
ago.
upon
fold'
narily
extraordi-
was
large."
"So
her
it was,
able
being
Stevenson
to
live in
don't half
"Well
Astro
"
at
now
to
pick
Vailima, wasn't
country where
use
and
fork
up
our
the
feet,do
it?
I could
we
ghost?
was
with
her
about
toes, like
always wanted
I
go
funny
barefooted.
We
?"
Have
you
no
theory?"
asked.
"Already?
Of
course
not!
How
can
we
tell any-
MASTER
THE
70
MYSTERIES
thing till we
we'll
"Oh,
OF
of course;
down,
go
it's
but
the apparition?
scarcely
I consider."
necessary,
fell into
hands
Valeska's
lap with
her
How
anything!
secret
see
the
world
"I'll
could
you
hopeless
learn
never
the
learn
of the
"And
What
talk, even.
"Do
did she
She
see.
mentioned
the
appendix removed,
vermiform
abnormally large.
might
be
cant?"
signifi-
Valeska
"Let's
that
that
about
mean
you
say
But
it
proved
her
to
be
anything to
me."
"Think
I have
it
told you,
nikoff!
Life; but
See
over.
and,
more
recommend
I
won't
if you
to
what
tell you
what
chapter especially.
I think
you'll find
I'm
the
gettingat
it."
FANSHAWE
THE
Astro's
week.
herself in
who
such
time
from
Metchnikoff
read
the
studio
had
Valeska, who
long
were
been
readings to all
that
preparing
those
clients
insist
clients
on
were
men.
Every
the
that
of her
moment
was
On
Grand
train
with
Miss
"How
the
almost
Fanshawe.
little I know
journey
nothing?
for
not
to
71
not
of
most
time
palmistry,gave
did
Master
no
absences
often, and
and
on
had
Valeska
But
GHOST
my
"Do
down.
You
an
habit to ask
necessary.
of you,
Valeska," Astro
you
applied in
assistant,and
realize that
to
answer
you
know
personalquestionsunless
But,
to
me,
you
are
as
my
that
said,
it is
vertisem
adit is
lutely
it is abso-
mysterious
I have
ghost we are hunting down.
that I didn't
always had a queer feelingabout you,
much
about
to know
want
too
history; that it
your
was
a
prettiersituation to be ignorant of everything
we
are
working
except this very happy present when
together."
of that, and
"Oh, let's be sure
enjoy it!" she
"I am
breathed, turning her eyes away.
perfectly
happy ! I only hope that we both shall remain so !"
If Astro
had intended
to give her
by his remarks
an
opening for a confession, she did not accept it,
and
he did not
insist. Their
talk changed to the
business that occupied their immediate
attention.
Astro
carefullyreread the newspaper
clipping.
"The
first thing is,of course, to get the accounts
as
this Fanshawe.
"
MASTER
THE
72
OF
then to
MYSTERIES
see
must
that
"With
hypothesiswe
should
seek
been
gested.
sug-
motive," he
replied.
"I admit
"Well,
Miss
that's what
follow
must
we
Fanshawe's
them
met
man
clue,that's all."
every
at
open
Fanshawe's
Miss
who
had
remain
in
woman
to
Miss
them
Fanshawe
shown
to
dressingfor
from
and
high
been
the
The
it
Astro
them
took
herself
the
three
rectangularspace,
in the middle.
and
The
wall
ran
the
had
into the
story
garden
and
the street
place from
sides. The
the
thicket
ing
place,refus-
of the visitation.
scene
on
Valeska
and
left the
old
an
out
stories in
witness,
house.
enclosed
third
cook, had
haunted
dinner
She
her.
pointed out
A
maid.
garden
along
the two
fourth
side
which
itself,
was
laid
was
axes
a
of
tain
foun-
shut off by
there
rose
two
planted
height. Along the south wall was
This
with trees.
of high bushes, interspersed
into the side of the house
just below Miss
MASTER
THE
74
All
this, of
Astro
of her
probability
to give the house a
The
She
showed
times
the
she
heard
discussed
fore,
bethe
possiblyhaving conspired
But
name.
motive
no
devotion
Genevieve's
talk had
had
Valeska
and
bad
MYSTERIES
Fanshawe
servants
apparent, and
was
Miss
course,
with
and
OF
already begun
to
for that
seemed
wear
on
cere.
sinher.
signs of nervousness,
becoming at
hysterical. Seeing this, Astro changed
many
almost
was
there.
That
the two
of the
path.
screened
were
center
of the
took
From
their seats
here,
from
j Beyond
opening
front of
It
was
retired to her
but
was
altogethera
romantic
at the
bench
clear
by
end
windows
vista up
a
moon
the
yond
be-
position,
Fanshawe, pleadingindisroom
a
path leading to
where they sat was
an
on
illuminated
was
had
of the house
most
them;
garden
on
early.
small
the
door
stable.
in the
Directlyin
old-fashioned
spot, one
wall,
sun-dial.
tryst, natural
or
At
o'clock
ten
and
looked
What
out.
and, with
returned
said
he
John,"
about
"Have
"They
things
from
in the
wall
him
smile.
He
and
Genevieve
from
if
don't learn
we
them."
them
bidding
were
door
made
saw
did
some
ghost
seen
you
small
he
and
away,
little sadly,"even
the
the
he
low
learn
might
"We
much
stole to
75
him
distance
some
was
her, but
call
behind
sound
Valeska
not
GHOST
FANSHAWE
THE
each
other
good night
at
the
stable door."
the
see
down
ghost within
hand
their
took
places on
received from
quarter of
Was
the servants'
to
could
not
doubt
of her
"There
again,and
it the suggestion she
love-making, or did she
her
had
gin
be-
sprang
it is!" she
it
and
up,
there
now
was
no
alarm.
pointingtoward
There
the bench
decide.
suddenly she
But
Let's sit
hour.
an
we'll
watch."
and
now
They
opinion that
"Then,"
was
in
exclaimed
harsH
last,indeed,
"
whisper,
wall.
seemingly sheeted
like
little child
in its arms,
them
too
Astro
to
was
He
be
went
seen.
back
to
reassure
Valeska, who
stood, star-
MASTER
THE
76
OF
MYSTERIES
On
"There!
Astro
looked
fear.
voice
she cried.
beheld
the
figureglidingswiftly
along the top of the building. The vision lasted only
then disappeared.
a moment,
He spoke sharply. "Valeska, run
shawe's
up to Miss Fanand
room
to
Valeska
ran
up
in the middle
house.
her
The
knocked
the
on
vehemence.
She
been
Miss
door,
one
pass
sound
left
entered
and
lighted,
she
with
the
found
Here
room.
first softly,
then
at
Fanshawe,
This
she
time
again,and
she
ing
increas-
it locked.
and
she
stairs,
the
At
same
Down
thoughts flew
awaken
or
to
Miss
noise
partlyopened
was
for
something
saw
desire to
new
attention.
disappear. Her
went
there
about to go
was
her
attracted
the back
moment
"
inside the
and
and
in
Miss
Genevieve
chamber,
few
"
moments
Fanshawe
looked
appeared in the
hall.
upper
For
as
strange
not
her
I want
wall, and
Fanshawe's
Trying
hall,toward
some
If,
her
of the south
flew down-stairs
Astro, when
out.
Tell
answered.
one
the
her!
the brick
halls had
easilyto
way
No
awaken
this !"
see
door
and
moment
she
way,
tell of
Fanshawe's
Valeska
could not
suspected, Genevieve
decide what
had
to say.
been, in
some
dared
Miss
FANSHAWE
THE
"We
have
out
come
had
door
your
awakened
you
Miss
Fanshawe
hair streamed
and
her
seen
but it is
GHOST
unlocked,
without
making
white
her
aspect of
extreme
wished
late
to
I wish
have
might
noise."
much
so
you
now.
so
hands.
her
wrung
over
Astro
undoubtedly too
been
77
Her
long black
night-dress
; the costume
disarraymade her figure
almost
grotesque.
"It's terrible,terrible!" she moaned.
I should
why
I couldn't
be
tortured
it!'3
bear
I don't want
so.
She
"I don't
broke
into
to
see
see
it!
violent fit of
sobbing.
Genevieve
attend
her
to
when
knocked
at
the
the
has
and
door
entered.
"I'm
to Valeska.
hysterics,and
can
"I'll
used to
calm
her
if
"Well?"
Valeska
what
narrated
had
happened.
"We
mustn't be caught that way
again. I'll ask her
unlocked
to-morrow
to leave the door
night. Well,
that
there's nothing further to do to-night. I propose
we
in."
turn
"But
have
you
found
who
out
smiled.
and
"I'll have
if she
question of how to
it's most
amusing.
"Why,
did you
see
appears
do
I
it
the
a
what
or
it is?" Valeska
excitement.
you'll see.
delicatelyand
think
was
never
tained."
enter-
MASTER
.THE
78
"I should
But
they
Astro
Valeska
in his inside
"Here's
It
what
good
night."
as
was
Good
garden
circus.
the next
night,
automobilist
an
as
pocket.
like
"It works
explained.
MYSTERIES
into the
out
went
showed
concealed
I did!
go to bed.
must
you
As
say
OF
calls
oil
gun,"
large syringe,and
an
he
is
loaded
blue
for identification."
Valeska
gazed at
!"
lightning-rod
"The
for any
one
she exclaimed.
and
loftytumbling
reply.
it runs
outside
of
to say
mean
"
"
! It isn't
window
down
there
into
window.
It
from
garden."
also
"It
may
be
"But
so
wonder.
prettiest
ground
his
vaudeville,"was
beside Genevieve's
up
in
to
"Wait, and
"But
house
moonlit
the
runs
possiblefor
how
could
quickly?"
"If you'llgo
climb
beside
the north
balcony. Up
her.
any
round
assure
human
you,
to
can
she's
being get
there, you'llsee.
wall, you
the column
Fanshawe's
Miss
almost
the second
an
lete."
ath-
the roof
on
Once
you
reach
the first
is easy
enough.
FANSHAWE
THE
the other
On
a
GHOST
side there's
79
that makes
ivy vine
top."
stout
wailed
almost
the
words.
"Ah,
you
They
he
standingbeside
were
Miss
pointed to
the sash
glass as
the
raised.
struck
moonlight
The
garden.
was
arm.
the central
Fanshawe's
from
seized her
!" and
looked
form
out,
itself till it
the sill,lowered
rapidly across
hung by the hands, and then dropped lightlyto the
top of the garden wall. Quick as had been its appearance
and disappearance,something was
visible,tucked
climbed
under
While
arm.
one
object appeared
figure of
the
on
grass
garden plot,the
streaming about her
of the
hair
with
woman
fascinated,a white
they stood
She
few
swiftlyand
them, then
steps toward
made
retreated
the north
by
wall.
came
In another
to
up
swung
stant
inthe
few
minutes
more,
"Quick, now
in and
go
paint.
what
reappeared
room
she
and
to
If I
enter
the
by
"Run
up
wait
to
for her
south
wall
miss, there's
the
the roof.
on
Miss
to
and
shawe's
Fan-
return.
pop
her
lightning-rod,
the room."
shall I say"
how
can
accuse
her of it?"
Astro
my
it yet ?
Miss
that's all.
Fanshawe
But
hurry!
is
asleep.
Make
It's
any
somnambulism,
excuse
if she's
80
awake
MYSTERIES
her.
Let her go
to
herself."
bed
Valeska
flew
Fanshawe
The
kept
Valeska
window
Valeska
specter
She
wriggle and
Miss
Fanshawe
door
in
one
no
the
instant
that the
baby
and
and
waited.
In
few
twist,and
her
of
lightly
revealed
in the
streaked
and
she stillheld
arms
babe.
power
it sprang
Her
eyes
light,
moon-
spattered
the
stared
pillow,
straight
sight.
vision than if
by this uncanny
stole silently
supernatural visitation,
moved
more
been
rejoinedthe Master.
"I don't
own
my
to
it
how
see
bench
even
though I saw
possible,
on
eyes!" she said, as they sat down
before
talk it over
sleeping. "A frail
like that
to
was
of the
secret
stood
In her
holds
Valeska,
rod,
There
night-dress,now
mother
woman
left her
had
missing. On
was
the
the
up-stairs.Miss
it with
and
still up.
pillow
form
in her
away
promise
supposed to carry.
slipped into the corner
a
it had
and
was
the light. A
house
entered.
understood
moments
in, and
her
was
One
bed.
the
the
into
had
unlocked.
as
OF
MASTER
THE
the roof
was
climb
to
the
to
! I've heard
even
second
story up
stories of
bulists
somnam-
had
read
calmly,"you
would
is not
and
rare;
The
hysteriapersons
you
found
would
that such
have
case
discovered
revert
as
the
and
this
planation.
ex-
in
to the charatavistically
FANSHAWE
THE
GHOST
ancestors.
able to
climb
and
jump
this
in
while
apes
and
run
abnormal
81
They
and
even
often
are
chatter
condition.
Miss
like
shawe,
Fan-
had
as
of her toes.
muscles
glance
at
It
peculiar. In
her
evident
was
if not
was,
to
first
at my
abnormal,
state, of
waking
me,
least
at
she
course,
is
lose that
soon
Miss
power.
in
extraordinary agility
her
Fanshawe
loses her
waking moments,
and
gains
re-
it while
asleep."
why the blue paint?" said
"But
knew
you
the
tell her
"Would
at
you
Fanshawe
of the
secret
Valeska.
"If you
ghost, why didn't
first?"
have
Relieved it possible?"he
asked
smiling.
Valeska
confessed
"Neither
would
been
suspicions. No
resembled
an
to
necessary
would
woman
ape,
and
not.
And
Fanshawe.
Miss
would
have
she would
it
b'esides,
explainthe originof
care
I don't intend
to
to
my
explain Metch-
organs
point out her vestigial
which are not quitevestigial.
No, I'llmerely tell
her she walks in her sleep,as is proved by the blue
and advise her either to lock
paint on her night-dress,
or
to
window
the
to
have
to
or
think
don't
her.
MYSTERIES
retires
she
when
watch
OF
MASTER
THE
82
will
one
any
companion
the
see
ghost
again.
"I
he
wonder,"
the
toward
house,
"if,
the
ghost
investigate
to
her
took
she
lady
body,
pick
or
even
thank
of
walked
better
hadn't
little
past,
your
find
begin
He
girl!"
she
up
while
you,
added,
glad
"I'm
with
things
my
I'm
asleep.
just
drawing
gently
as
it
toes.
quite
is."
in
signs
vestigial
any
answered,
"And,"
hand.
ears
won't
you
anyway,"
all,
after
they
as
affectionately.
hand
"Well,
thoughtfully,
added
can't
I'd
satisfied
away
that,
her
wiggle
rather
with
my
be
my
THE
DENTON
BOUDOIR
MYSTERY
TNDERNEATH
V-J
in
drowse
lines
dreamy
palmist
those
the
gilded
it
near
picked
set
lay
"spider"
of
"So,"
such
he
and
"
His
He
thin
had
the
and
many
do
at
with
strips
instruments
travels,
Angoise
of
the
"
"pear",
hide,
human
horrors.
contemplatively, "Ptolemy
in
it confirms
don't
believe
to
his
in
a
the
theory
in
believe
signs
of
of
was
That's
ways.
many
old
an
persons
in
good
mine.
To
chosis
metempsy-
the
zodiac!"
had
read
smile.
book
again, and
and
hand,
queer
the
perfume
one
vagabond
thumbscrews,
lips parted
turned
his
Inquisition,
himself,
interesting ;
that
in
Seer
him
hung
corner
aromatic
of
message
Behind
table
assortment
murmured
Torquemada
think
of
fearsome
other
and
the
small
reveal
hangings
in
its delicate
a
strange
by
up
dread
occupied
the
pages.
adorned;
was
his
finger
to
as
in
embroidered
and
breathing
censer
astrolabe
an
room
absorbed
leaves
index
line
to
to
though
dull, his
line
from
Master
whose
But,
parchment
damasks
the
folio
and
eagerly
was
antique
loomed
which
rapidity
such
the
that
heavy
lamp
seeming
eyes,
characters.
Arabic
bronze
studio, the
half-closed
appeared
eyes
with
sped
of
of
the
vellum-bound
huge
swinging,
of
corner
with
sat
over
bore
favorite
his
Mysteries
of
shaded,
for
THE
84
few
MASTER
minutes, when
sat
upright;
were
heard
his
quick
outside
and
the
in the
sight of
hour's
an
"The
his work.
It is
President
himself
"I must
in
see
man's
Another
leadingto
and
with
Astro
the
the first
was
than
more
could
was
interrupted in
do it for the
not
!"
him
immediately! I
voice replied. "By
the
and
waiting-room
tell you
I must
heaven
excited
black
see
! I'llbreak
sat, in turban
young
in the
center
man
his dark
from
took
with
doorway,
face
an
robe, reading,apparently
of the room,
face to the
the
him
by this interruption.When
stopped in the
glance shot
Behind
silken
and
velvet
portieres
violently
flung aside,
of about thirty
man
were
appeared
expression.
young
be
not
can
Wynne
unmoved
man
It
announce
impossible.I
moment,
of Valeska
alarmed
touched
light.
years
The
button,
Master
-flushed and
right hand
force!"
main
by
his assistant
with
tillI
moment
exclaiming.
!"
office,where
new
Voices
interest.
listened intently;then
flooded
was
with
He
changed.
interview.
"Wait
him
He
of his
room
attitude
gleamed
eyes
movement
MYSTERIES
his whole
still working.
was
OF
the young
the Seer
visitor,and
eyes,
in
few
steps nearer,
got
to
ing
smolder-
question.
mute
and
slowly
broke
out
again:
"See
mad
You're
if
here!
You've
appealingly."I am
don't help me;
you
the only man
in New
this mystery.
For
God's
at my
no
one
York
wits' ends.
else
can
that
sake, sir,tell
can
me
He
claimed
ex-
I'll go
solve
it.
explain
you'lldo
it!"
BOUDOIR
DENTON
THE
He
in exhaustion
dropped
His
forehead
ringers of
other
lined
was
85
ing
armchair, look-
an
his
nervously, while
twitched
clenched.
into
the crystal-gazer.The
anxiouslyat
hand
MYSTERY
one
fist
with
was
vertical
wrinkles.
Astro, stillunperturbed,looked
him
at
gravely,his
quick
eye
man's
almost
Turks
If you
half mad.'
have
should
in such
were
taken
cab
to
haste
to
see
me,
you
here, instead
come
of
street-car."
The
hard
stared
said, with
"That's
know
all
pulledhimself
man
young
stupid,
"
it,if you
do
can
you
isn't
there
force, I believe.
whole
exactly what
It's
wonderful!
up,
and
relaxed, as he
of
tone
his face
Then
Seer.
at the
together,sat
I did.
The
only will !
with
man
You're
the
policeare
brain
to
man
Oh,
the
on
help
me
!"
Astro
It is my
that
minds
most
body,
esoteric
fortune
see
laws
do
not
to
been
sensitive to
register.
an
a life,
spirit,
have
be
invisible color.
known
Nothing
Where
vibrations
you
see
All these
of
by the priestcraft
is hidden
from
the Inner
Eye."
"I don't know
how
you
get it,"the
young
man
inter-
THE
86
MASTER
OF
rupted.
understand
that
yet, and
their fellows.
that's
and
why
of my
mystery
is
directlyto
came
death
motive
monstrous!"
there
had
He
cleared
could
worked
I'll go
on
their
so
the
Until
or
have
seems
and
up,
executed.
nothing,even
prove
the
I want
you.
can't imagine; it
crime
men
police can
What
some
thingswe don't
yond
are
developed bemysticism myself,
many
I've studied
accomplished, my
The
are
sweetheart's
hellish scoundrel
MYSTERIES
been
that
insane.
own
pect.
sus-
for such
so
unnecessary,
himself
again into
fever of excitement.
Astro
his thumbs
the
near
a
few
and
rose
walked
muscles
two
on
spinalcolumn,
and
"Now,"
he became
said
he
his visitor.
in the young
need
Astro, sinkingback
my
and
may
Valeska
had
entered, and
notes
the
of
indulgentlyon
over
The
young
be trusted
sat
pretty blond
Astro's
head
as
"My
beginning.
eyes
to
turned
it bent
ously
seri-
writingpad.
man
spoke
now
as
if he had
water-pipe,
implicitly."
at a table prepared
conversation.
the
the
flesh for
assistant;she is quite in my
confidence
take
the
neck,
calmer.
mind
not
man's
manipulated
mouthpiece of
taking up the amber
"give me the details of your story from
You
Placing
His
moments.
to
over
the history
He
used
ardent
casional
oc-
and
temperament.
name
is Edward
Masson.
For
three months
THE
88
MASTER
that's the
I think
if she
doubt
did it.
of
possibility
He
turned
almost
palmist. "Can't
life of
study
Astro
affairs.
have
the
I must
run
beyond
do
it?
quiet figure of
You
can
laws
the
the
in
things
see
of nature
lead
; you
research
of the
to
distracting
"I'm
Make
it means
with
me,
I, of my
and
reveal
can
such
what
love
to
"I'll pay
is
are
you
thing
any-
thousand,
price one
My God, man!
you
your
what
in.
broke
Masson
to
come
he
Masson,"
myself
of Being,
Laws
wish!
were
Mr.
rich!"
you
wish
who
Such
dear
ordinarilyconcern
Those
hidden.
two,
brutal.
it proved
savagely to
subtly. "My
not
knowledge
"
me!
Can't you
once.
beautiful
remember
and
woman
want
to
her?"
marry
"I remember
that
account
consent
hurst?"
he
It
was
partly on
that
But
sank
into
poise. "You'll
again,with tude
gratito Hampgo down
chair
want
to
asked.
must
I seek
emanations
down
well.
you."
man
"Certainly. I
itself before
too
I hesitated.
young
in his
only
"
assist
to
The
that
will
the Tombs
has
will accompany
and
be studied
by
see
one
scene
left behind
I shall
rapidly evaporate.
if you
to
He
the murderer.
to-morrow
I shall go
maid.
and
the secret
and
smiled
said, "I do
go
too
do
him
was
But
you
know
crystals; you
you
It
doubt.
MYSTERIES
down
OF
me.
Miss
who
night
To-
Denton's
is sensi-
tive to
89
friend McGraw
My
aura.
MYSTERY
BOUDOIR
DENTON
THE
spector'
the in-
mentioned
smile
fluttering
sentences,
friendlygesture
Masson's
on
with
hand
own
out
of the
room.
partingit was
At
the
lightsbut
in his favorite
one
"Not
bad
for two
"Are
you
sure
golden
while I
Valeska
she
as
any
I
not
were
me
days' work,"
down
speak.
ing.
smilsaid finally,
to
he
do it?" she
can
you
dear," he
again, "am
to
for him
sat
asked, raisingher
brows.
"My
and
waited
Valeska
in silence.
and
corner,
replied,taking
Mahatma
not
the
divine
was
broke
chela
into
of
the
his
water-pipe
Fourth
Sphere,
of cosmic
laws
on
up
the
life revealed
heightsof
silverylaugh. "Do
layas?"
the Hima-
you
know,"
Astro
as
did
yet?"
not
answer
for
moment;
then
he
said
He
moves,
then, in this
THE
90
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
unconsciouslyguide him in
that direction. The same
lem
principleis true of any probof this sort.
Let us wait, until we
are
guided by
characteristic
of this special
something that seems
The
crime.
business was
street-car
simple enough to
you, I suppose?"
Valeska
pouted. "Oh, I'm not altogethera fool.
Why, he had a Broadway transfer in his hand when he
in here.
in too much
of a hurry to take
He was
came
line
long
as
as
cross-town
The
Seer
going.
You'd
zodiac.
Look
teach
get back
better
how
to
see
too
Hamphurst
what
to
fool
be
the stars
lesser
better
need
no
on
But
get
to
It will
good
search
the papers
over
this murder.
about
the
on
fooled.
ones.
I'lllook
of your
subject.His
the
ever
to
go
work
your
something more
to-morrow.
is known
we'd
now
Napoleon's notes
up
biggestintellect
you
blocks."
first. There's
the maid
night'srest. There'll
at
"But
chuckled.
I'll see
the
car
work.
was
his holders
Masson
for
and
was
at
Marie
maid
Denton.
She
talk
was
eager
to
innocence.
Astro
let her
until
which
up
to
she had
was
Miss
finallytold
little enough,
Denton's
room
and
run
all she
knew
of the
apparently. She
at about
had
affair,
started
get
THE
BOUDOIR
DENTON
cashmere
shawl which
Half-way
be sent
to
was
up
voices
MYSTERY
the cleaner's.
to
stopped, hearing
Denton's
Miss
She
91
ognize
rec-
was
key,
own
she had
heard
heard
had
stable
seemed
the
inquired.
"Oh, Mees
letters! It
so
good
me
ees
see
girl
Astro
looked
sudden
at
the
Masson
to
out
smiled
afternoon
same
have
I
He
me.
She
to
I steal
seen
man.
gentle-
ees
began
man
to weep.
hand, Marie."
it for
Masson
slender
few
ever
of color
should
Denton?
trembling palm.
; then
moments
make
flooded
excitedly,"Nevaire!
Why
I send
zat
policesay
ze
to
?" Astro
room
zem
Nevaire
Masson
Mr.
in your
Dieu!
so!
him
wave
beautiful Mees
of
in the
found
Mon
not
gave
par exemple !
Astro
was
chauffeur, who
girlprotested. "Zat
your
butler
The
she
The
letters from
were
like Monsieur
Why
the
paquet.
ze
ze
"Let
voice
she make
investigate.The
old woman's.
an
got her
yard.
Denton, which
Miss
her
like
about
how
to
also the
it,and
across
"And
him
asked
and
butler,went
non,
said,
love to
the
you?"
girl'sface ; but
Mon
he do zat ?
Oh,
he
Dieu!
Had
non,
he not
ze
Monsieur!"
and walked
The rest
out.
cryptically
evening he spent translatingcertain obscure
THE
92
Hebrew
and
impatient to get
agreeable; but
ask
to
was
next
talked
but little. He
was
to the
out
house, watching sullenly
Valeska
way.
Astro
the
date
of your
scowled, then
"Miss
well.
Denton,
The
would
Astro
found
the excitement
be too
resumed
brows.
month
doctors
thought that
her
did
best
to
of
be
marriage postponed,
much
his
Masson
sighed
or
driven
to
the
not
was
at
and
wedding
Valeska
pose.
house,
an
all
They
its preparation
feared
abstracted
Denton
his head.
shook
and
ago,
so
and
nervous
out
came
day, Masson
Masson?"
Masson
her
versions.
"Why
Mr.
them
comparing
and
Hamphurst,
to
all the
window
MYSTERIES
the Midrash
publishedEnglish
morose
the
OF
On
was
from
texts
the
with
MASTER
lapse."
col-
bent
of the window.
carriageand
old-fashioned,
frame
building, painted yellow
two-and-a-half-story,
surrounded
with white trimmings. It was
with beautiful
scattered over
the
were
wine-glass elms which
grounds. A wide lawn stretched in front and on one
side, with a gravel driveway to the residence and a
The
stable in the rear.
place had an air of quiet
peaceful respectability.It seemed to the last degree
of such a tragedy as had been
improbable as the scene
so
recentlyenacted.
and
The
officers had finished their investigations,
THE
94
The
MASTER
old
lady was
corroborated
James
doors
had
been
windows
kind
too
had
had
overcome
to
No
been
found
been
in the lower
outside
had
by the police.James
heard
wondered
thought, sounded
the sound
them.
One
Marie's.
It
at
like
much
three
heard
the
that
also
"
when
the moment
to
"
of voices
voice, he
about
was
the time
laughter for
the
voice and
self
him-
had
and
rugs,
up-stairs,and
further; But
go
and
open.
some
up
MYSTERIES
Masson's
locked
were
OF
he
when
had
called
Marie
he
heard
for him
to
come
She
up.
had
"
She
room.
followed
his eyes
the walls
kiss
Then
them.
and
she
floor.
"that Masson
window-frame,
tried to
behind
door
about
think," said
"I
Marie
ing
regrets exceedinglyhav-
four
about
days
ago.
Poor
!"
chap
Valeska's
was
the
shut
what
"I'm
broke
afraid
"But
was
"Oh!"
narrowed.
eyes
off the
she said.
"That
engagement?"
so."
Marie
in love
with
him, too?"
she asked
eagerly.
Astro's expression was
"I love, thou
love.
lovest,he loves
think, my
animated
more
we
dear, that in
as
love, you
matters
he
replied,
love, they
of the heart
DENTON
THE
taught
not
were
"Masson
He
cared
"I believe
say,
you
sincerelyin
was
never
do
the
Yogis by a
pretty priestess?"
with
love
Miss
Denton.
for Marie."
snap
yet he kissed
And
you.
95
I, although you
philosophy of
the
What
fakir.
Hindu
better than
the symptoms
know
you
MYSTERY
BOUDOIR
her
"
tried to.
or
no
was
"
still a
child.
But
the
learn.
they soon
quick at loving as
"But
what
"That's
Valeska
passionatelittle thing,
hating,full
at
of
and
revenges
until he
It
himself
was
say
in
kept silent. It
smiled, and
requestingthat
to
is
temperament;
grets."
re-
this murder?"
find out.
my
mit
Per-
astral vision
be released."
may
of
Marie
have
races
to
me
Latin
he
had
not
was
down
run
quarter of
hour
an
triumph, "Ho!
at least solved
to be
on
questioned further
before
I have
the
Astro's way
his clue.
he
found
parallel scratches
was
spoke; then
it!
I have
He
pointedto three
frieze, above the picture-
molding.
Valeska
shook
her
head, puzzled.
He
exclaimed
no
blood
was
yet
shed,
"
Valeska.
Miss
none,
Denton
at
was
least,of
strangled,
hers."
THE
96
MASTER
OF
"Whose
"Kindly get
it?"
window
of the
out
MYSTERIES
the balcony, my
on
dear."
She
her
the low
stepped over
left hand
the
on
the
fingerstouched
sill,
unconsciouslyplacing
frame
steady
to
paint about
herself.
inches
two
Her
below
the
bloody smutch.
"Well,
my
blood,
at
least,"said Astro.
"Marie's, then?
"She
both
had
wound
no
there
"Nor
the
her hand.
on
I."
them
I examined
cook.
It
the
policedidn't
all
fit to arrest
see
the murderer.
here for
what
See
hurry to
When
that
paper
and
talk to the
she
had
be
the kitchen
to
There's
while.
earn
much
thousand
my
had
Valeska
can
do.
to
bad
Denton.
but,
you
wish
all you
looked
had
and
To
in
have
in the
said
was
sure,
down
go
James'."
on
If you
aunt's.
might
temper,
none
was
to, you
I'm
is taller than
carefully."
"And
be
She
possibly
I shall
be
as
main
re-
done, and
dollars."
his
resumed
left,Astro
study
of the room,
at
the
with
care
of
which
he
whose
Off
the
balcony
next
to
Then
rail of the
the elm
and
branches
was
the boudoir.
he
smiled
that
showed
the
Master
Mysteries was
glass from
worked
balcony, he
spent
half-hour
stretched toward
another
window,
up
the
bird
gazing at
the window.
from
slightly,put
drew
ining
exam-
the
room
carefully.
glass, and
re-
the
entered
doors
the
to
time
in
down.
went
of the tree
the base
cook
on
were
eyes
the
appeared,her
Valeska
"The
from
they
has
cut
on
to
get
says
few
"Did
she
"Yes
; but
back
come
"Why,
it
was
slicingham.
up-stairsand
window
*on
the
out
back
But
of
you
into the
of the stable
nounced
an-
was
away
The
cook
of the stable
before."
finger?"
She
course.
know
she
said she
might
guest-room, which
balcony, and
same
cony.
bal-
supper."
own
her
on
straightcut,
it
the
the berries?"
the cut
was
of
fifteen minutes.
she
then
and
up,
second
with
much
forefinger!" she
left
gone
so
shining.
for her
strawberries
shape
gone
had
quick look
the yard in
spent
great door
her
for about
that she
"What
did
he had
discovered
the kitchen
herself
into
out
eyes
breathlessly."The
before
found
had
He
looked now
investigating.
He
gazed up at the two windows
His
when
hall,he gave
the lower
to
windows, then
and
rear
that he
evident
was
97
sought.
Descending
at
It
room.
he had
what
MYSTERY
BOUDOIR
DENTON
THE
have
has
"
"
Astro
interrupted.
Valeska
laughed. "She's a country girl,awfully,
awfully in love with James. She's frightenedto death
for fear that he'll be suspected of the murder."
"Did she hear the voices and the laughter?"
"No.
of the
most
with the aunt
Anyway, she was
the cook who did it,
time, in the dining-room. It was
"What
I'm
the second
girl?"
sure."
"And
cook
about
about
how
laugh
Valeska's
at
such
face
the whistle?
a
And
why
should
the
time ?"
fell. "Well,"
she
"for
said finally,
JHE
98
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
that matter
mystery.
It
door?
the
to
I want
in the
was
the
up-stairs
went
know
to
second
when
lock
is the
Miss
key
Denton
time."
indeed, is it?
"Where,
is, where
That
show
would
good
deal."
"If
first I think
need
with
you'llcome
looked
The
"I
"and
was
"A
I may
Will
kindly
you
touring-car.A
and
of
young
he
his work:.
with
on
this
over
car.
went
am
on,
ing
think-
day."
some
did
man
kept
Masson's," Astro
Mr.
myself
In the center
great door.
isn't it?"
like to look
gettingone
to
grunted
friend
I should
of
in the
Lachmore,
chauffeur
am
Masson.
moments.
large brown
nodded.
offered.
few
But
you.
Valeska
Astro
get Mr.
it to
call him?
man
better
little help in
As
had
we
I'll show
me,
not
articula
except by in-
answer
grunts.
Astro
drew
finger?"he
The
to
make
asked
man
young
a
looked
discourteous
in the machine
"I'd like to
a
see
extended
the matter
with
your
abruptly.
however,
Astro
"What's
nearer.
day
he
or
it. I
angrily,as if about
retort.
Seeing Masson
proaching
apreplied,"Oh, it got jammed
up,
two
can
his hand
now
ago.
cure
What's
it. I
suavely.
am
that to you
a
healer."
?"
DENTON
THE
The
No
young
of
need
"Mr.
since
and
I arrived
neither
both.
something
conscious
certain
ever
harsh
very
boudoir, these
in that
grew
that
room
was
nature
fluence
in-
I wonder
peculiar aura.
perceive it even
not
can
nor
the
In
terests
in-
man
Now,
man
young
I felt
odor
an
of
Hamphurst
at
been
much.
Valeska.
I have
vibrations.
intense.
more
of
much.
with
entered
said the
very
painful
had
Masson
99
it's not
darkly. "Oh,
botheringyou."
Masson,"
me
MYSTERY
scowled
man
this time
By
BOUDOIR
with
one
This
that
you
five material
of your
senses."
The
young
the
at
round
stared, more
man
of
the
car,
and
able
uncomfort-
more
Finally he dropped
talk.
the back
to
and
walked
his rag,
took
up
heavy
wrench.
Astro
said,"I
can
material
cut
this
see
frame.
his left
Now,
I notice
he
well
his
as
the
on
Masson,"
as
forefingerof
am
anxious
very
think
you
know
to
is to be
wound
Do
slightly."Mr.
fellow's astral body
could
you
found
induce
whether
his
on
him
to
such
responding
cor-
fleshlyhand.
that
remove
bandage?"
Masson,
that
voice.
mystified, but
something important
"Walters," he
that rag
Walters
would
I
make
jammed
looked
from
up
it bleed
evidently comprehending
was
at
stake, raised
moving
re-
left hand."
surlily."I can't,Mr.
again. It
it in the machine."
by
his
bled like
Masson.
It
anything when
THE
ioo
OF
"My
do
MASTER
bleed
not
to
MYSTERIES
It is
extent.
any
wounds
genially,"jammed
V-shaped
scar
then?"
"What
of it ?"
chauffeur
The
poised in
stood
ister
sin-
attitude.
"That's
what
"By heaven!
anything
I want
do
mean
you
too," cried
know,
to
that
this fellow
"One
moment,"
Masson.
had
here
"
"
Astro
raised
his
"First, I
where
me
He
the
look
the
The
had
door.
had
Astro, who
would
of the blow
next
moment
had
he
drew
the
his sweetheart's
revolver
maniac.
the
ground by
received, now
out
another
was
with
his escape
made
There
the
at
free, and
that he had
thrown
been
force
have
face.
grappled
himself
for him.
before
murderer
rushed
and
tore
convinced
now
show
to
man's
young
and
lithely
out,
jumped
Masson,
the
over
He
rupted.
inter-
is in this car?"
him
struck
man
he
Walters,
you,
in his hand
avoided
Masson
scuffle.
swept
wrench
for the
not
ask
to
gasolinetank
palmist. Astro
dashed
want
of terror
raised
him.
hand.
rose,
the
and
his
covered
and
prisoner.
"Let
go,
between
or
I shoot
his teeth.
for you.
The
law
gleam
these
of
hope
from
him
go,
will attend
bad
as
Walters
in his eye.
to
you
dog!"
Masson
think.
"Oh, I'm
to
man's
He's
Astro
no
out
is
! This
The
him.
turned
he barked
not
evil
derer,
mur-
with
God, I had
know
"Let
so
words
like
you
no
intention of
THE
102
MASTER
it off,and
ward
of the
lady.
laugh
that
Then
fit to
whether
climbed
out
caught
to
run
she'd
hoped
could
never
God
help me
it
it
out
came
get off
prove
I didn't
and
care
the door,
to the
ground.
some
all I could
was
what
do
to
And
the parrot
about
stand
Marie;
for I knew
way,
her.
on
! Where
it!
got down
I didn't know
stay here.
I
it
laughed
then ; I locked
not
was
away,
how
It
hold
my
floor,there
cold.
run
on
after I heard
but
fell to the
or
drop
me
was
didn't dare
she
blood
my
MYSTERIES
as
made
laughed
to
got
OF
that's the
from
came
they
truth, so
I have
no
and
has
idea."
"It
belongs in
been missing for
and telephoneto
He
stopped a
Seer.
neighbor's house,
next
the
could
you
how
now
looked
and
is
Masson
"I
You
will
see
the way
any
if I
am
to
not
see
Then,
a
he
as
check
left,he
in the
marked,
re-
morning.
grateful."
is,how
the
knew
you
Valeska
of the auto?"
key
asked
was
him,
town.
yet
that it was,
sure
you
not
am
gasolinetank
in the
"I
shall send
I don't
"What
on
his head.
bowed
happy again."
happiness,my friend,"
is no
joy but calm, the
such
no
to be
ever
the
wistfullyat
do
thing as
said Astro seriously."There
books say."
Eastern
"There
I'll go
"Now
police."
moment
"Ah, I knew
could tell me
you
the
smile.
chauffeur
but
to
can
hide
you
think
it?" Astro
of
plied
re-
THE
LORSSON
Master
THE
up
from
though
she
did
inclined
seem
to
finger prints.
red
ink
primary
from
the
where
the
finger.
spiral", or
until
and
he
she
and
spoke
did
aloud.
had
oriental
ready
for
patrons.
be
to
interview
puffing
-his
the
to
103
the
ger,
fin-
the
thrown
and
visitors
and
her
his
red
on
tion.
classifica-
her
off
had
then
"arched
an
it took
his
side
out-
entered
Galton's
of
the
were
was
again
palmist, however,
narghile.
the
first separated,
on
loop",
turban
No
back,
diagram
that
He
ined
exam-
till it met
defined
think
pale
out
of
"island"
or
not
his
to
the
curve
according
on
put
the
work
in
traced
not
with
she
inside
the
on
"invaded
her
was
she
in
from
thus
did
work
board,
of this
axes
an
as
absorbing
attention,
the
triangle
The
Astro
these, printed
pencil
or
question
her
bristol
triangle
"whorl",
As
of
by
pattern
index
card
So
the
and
drawn,
speak.
resumed
following
little
corresponding
of the
with
studio
chuckled.
and
desk
lines, coming
then
and
divan
of
with
microscopic
the
overcoat
one
formed
figure
his
not
sheet
then
carefully,
removing
she
Each
small
on
great
her
answer,
the
the
the
on
looked
Valeska
eyes,
without
himself
entered
Mysteries
of
smiling, and,
her
ELOPEMENT
whole
employer
overcoat
silk
robe
yet appeared
Astro
was
lazily
THE
104
MASTER
OF
"Valeska," he said
tions of the
MYSTERIES
last,between
at
water-pipe,"did
you
long inKala-
two
to
try
ever
She
laid
"Why,
no.
doesn't
it?"
He
nodded
his head
that's what
Mrs.
out
put
blower
is
doing
with
?"
smiling.
up
the
hotter,
Lorsson
her
yet
daughter
Ruth."
Valeska
waited
"I had
something more.
time there to-day,"he
interesting
an
"There
on.
for
were
dozen
her
societywomen
at
have
their
read
me
or
you
ever
unless
well, you
And
never
what
see
sample
-I
in the
I want
"
somebody
to
pet her,
for
nocent
being timid and intell by the looks ; that is,
can
saw."
He
smiled again mysteriously.
Valeska
should
you
crossingof
her
have
t's
"
and
by Her
and
demeanor,
decidedly.
most
? She
pet her."
to
asked.
Have
hair,isn't she
dark
as
"Without
all
was
in.
came
to
"A
has
She
worry.
mistaken.
you
That
course.
Lorsson
"Oh,
if I'm
all crazy
were
her?"
seen
"You
they
palms, of
pretty well-known
more
tea, and
went
seen
the
by her
general
But
double
saw
curve
heart line,too,
and
appearance
had
better
proof
"Why,
was
he there?
I'm sure."
I could
Have
told in
an
stant,
in-
LORSSON
THE
"No, he wasn't
evident
though it was
eligibleand
him.
hates
have
seen
is
Of
"Why,
in
well
latest
fad, and
is rich and
dress.
was
shown
her
on
of
it, Ruth
could
I."
specifically?"
admit.
I must
wanted
exploitme
to
come
You
as
the
in
tume.
cos-
Lars-
willingto oblige.Mrs.
and
influential,
was
There
considers him
Very well, I
and,
was;
brightwoman
any
find out
Lorsson
man
match
surreptitious
way,
that Mrs.
"Well, I
as
did you
know
son
or
you
105
Lorsson
make
trying to
as
how
"Then
that Mrs.
course
that
ELOPEMENT
up
I made
out
into Miss
Ruth's
secretary I happened
room
to
see
her
to
writing,I
blotter covered
with
figures.If
shouldn't
read
numbers
piqued
wasn't
at
"
At
have
it had
bill accordingly.
my
curiosity,and
my
I looked
sum,
or
any
been
It occurred
to
me
I don't know
why
meaningless.
so
I made
and
it. It
at
Here
copy.
it is."
He
pulled out
note-book
and
showed
Valeska
list:
36
36
36
3
4
91
91
43
ii
'What
do
81
91
61
91
you
98
91
91
91
8
101
make
71
of it?"
341
96
91
91
the
io6
"Why, nothing
looked
Valeska
"I
Of
she's
of
cleverness
enough
Of
that
didn't
Her
!
eligible
The
wonderful.
Ruth
she did, it
the land
in her
these
she'll do
Ruth
box
of
caramels,
thought she
Ruth
'Why,
dinner
to
read
her
Ruth
young
take
to
had
was
noticed
on
her
at him.
When
easy
enough
to
with
some
Star
The
I tried
her
up
to her
Bible!'
that she
was
see
else.
one
was
things. Among
several
with
the
what
stepmother thought
goes
fectly
per-
copy
an
was
be
to
one
she
fond
room
it
every
exclaimed.
of
sweet
page
spiritualistic
what
throw
can
eyes
tice.
no-
him
seemed
in love
was
on.
was
cynically;but
nantly
indig-
so
the
if she
that
It
my
so
call
mediums
that
was
managed
it. He
scorn.
used
and
out, and
torn
that
scarcelylooked
first,
a Bible
were,
it
ing.
guess-
right. Decidedly
own
doubt
lay. She
room,
is intellige
mouse.
noticed
Lorsson
no
with
was
"Well, I had
up
deep
she
of hers
denied
smelled
in his
There's
willing; but
how
but
Mrs.
way
his head
at
clever.
millionaire
she's
I think
stepmother
immediately
is Sherman
I heard,
"
was
He
that
stepmother
betray herself;
who
man
pretty
in love.
was
very
maturity; but
one
course
that
the
tell you
me
know,
than
more
keep
to
let
is,as you
the cleverness
the
she
far. But
so
you
story. Ruth
course
as
as
girl; but
young
MYSTERIES
up.
with
agree
of the
rest
OF
MASTER
THE
was
that
rather
ful.
wonder-
night after
I next
formed
in-
things, and
LORSSON
THE
her
rest
of the
she
that
she
only
mere
As
doesn't
Lorsson's
going, and
from
the conversation
nowhere
alone.
going out,
it
I could
One
maid
for
was
calmly, as
Miss
if it
it to
handed
brought
for
were
it was
not
her.
watches
letters in
some
Ruth.
where
I inferred
certain
Lorsson
out
go
asking her
was
conventionality.Mrs.
and
Mrs.
on
Lorsson
herself, glanced it
stepdaughter. I have no
Ruth
writes are inspected
her
doubt
But
matter.
went
she
two.
or
Mrs.
salver.
over,
day
without
was
opened
107
by saying that
me
every
easy, and
was
room
was
candy
was
that she
see
of
box
"The
corroborated
stepmother
bought
ELOPEMENT
well."
as
"Isn't it awful?"
of
sort
thing
when
"Not
young
had
you
millionaire
is
woman
tyrant and
her
marry
schemer.
There's
"That
little love
But
look at the
now
family, I'm sure.
cipher again."
said thoughtfully,
think," Valeska
"First, let me
lost in that
on
is not
her.
allowed
I'd manage
to
to
is
whom
man,
young
She
"Here's
hand.
in her
probably in
see
him
communicate
or
to
with
she
love
Bible
"Oh!"
girl
doesn't
like,
with
figuresrefer
to Bible
eyes
texts
Well,
him
way."
in
some
another
write to him.
"Yes, and
the
young
you
grew
bright. "Then
? But
that
was
the way
messages
read
these
our
with
MASTER
THE
108
OF
Scripturalquotations.I
don't
you
he
as
copy.
"Why,
world
in
the
more
Ruth
is
They're
these
"And
there's
took
and
wonderful
most
one!
wish
might
so
It not
only
in
the
contains
every
Why, it's a
isn't only the Song of
send.
to
It
joined,
re-
down
book
beautiful
scattered
"Then
then," Astro
and
one
Bible
bookcase
than
ways
that contains
Songs
reallybelieve
your
lover's codex!
ready-made
you.
to
it's the
that
message
know
went
of human
sum
don't
that."
religiousas
"Ah,
MYSTERIES
I
love messages,
all through the book."
assure
columns
of the
book
to
But
Bible ;
the
Now
second
examine
us
We'd
so
let
naturallyexpect the
first,the chapter next,
come
in the first row
highest number
there are
only sixty-sixbooks
last. The
verse
first clue.
our
column,
of any
that
book.
the
number
and
is
the
enty-one.
sev-
in the
Taking
the
highest number
is three hundred
forty-one. But the longestbook in
the Bible, the book
of Psalms, has only one
hundred
and
can't give the
fifty chapters, so that column
it is,at least. The third column
as
chapter numbers
has only the number
ninety-one. That can't be the
we
see
"
number
He
studied
of every
waited
for Valeska.
it out.
rapt. Then,
her smile
came
verse."
as
For
if
some
some
She
frowned
time her
idea
passed
as
prettily
look
intense,
was
from
she
him
:
to
her,
THE
i io
He
MASTER
down
sat
only
is to
Put
yourself in
use
mails.
own
her
seriously. "The
place. You
watched
are
Think
room.
her
at
imagination and
your
You
MYSTERIES
looked
and
way
or
your
OF
your
can't trust
ory.
mem-
ants
serv-
in
everywhere except
it out ; concentrate
your
mind
the
problem."
Valeska
dropped
and
spoke as if to
on
alone.
room
looked
do
and
thoughtfully,
I
see.
in my
am
get them
him?"
to
She
puzzled.
up,
"Never
with
how
"Let's
Bible
my
her hand
on
herself.
I read
But
messages.
her head
mind
that
How
now.
does
he communicate
you?"
"There's
"
of
box
'
Personal'
"That's
The
easy,
no
be
copy
couldn't
sure
of its
of The
of The
that
and
seems
be noticed.
Besides,
item ; for
news
being inserted,even
an
if he
he
were
advertisement."
waiting-room,and
returned
with
Star.
the
Star
in
be
be in
must
"Correct," he said.
Now
might
'Personals'."
into the
went
it
and
It
reporter. It
He
too
"
wouldn't
"
column."
Star has
"Then
thing to
see
if
"That's
do
we
the
is to
can
tion.
only possiblesolulook through this file
discover any
suspicious.First,what
date
ment
advertiseshall
we
lookup?"
Valeska
were
returned
written.
to
the paper
on
which
the
were
bers
num-
I, I
THE
LORSSON
should
want
to
I send
him
my
in the
have
morning
every
paper.
This
last
night,he
be
would
possible.If
ought to reply
as
show
to
seems
paper
must
one
in
often
as
message
texts
The
messages.
ELOPEMENT
four
yesterday's.That
just four days ago
"
heads.
Let's
known
'Automobiles/
see:
second-hand
all
h'm,
"
well-
"
'Furnished
'Unfurnished
Rooms.'
carefullyhere.
What
recognize them
by
I don't
purpose.
"
go
slow
now
fingerstopped at
do
FOR
19 vols. of Sir
Co.,
"Now,
'Nineteen'
heard
of
wood;
Flatiron
is three
let's go
figures.We'll
the
what
"
on
"
wording, if they'reput in on
see
anything-there. H'm, 'For Sale/
'Fixtures/
'Bargains/ 'Typewriters.'
'Sacrifice/ well!
His
want
we
Flats/
you
think
of
that?
three-line notice,which
reka!"
Eu-
read
SALE
tions
Roger de Coverley, 63 illustraG. P. James "
$6 and $8 each.
Bldg.
isn't that
crazy
enougK
to
tie suspicious?
Who
ever
the papers
MASTER
112
THE
of The
Spectator,anyway
8.
and
Look
and
"
"
sent
the next
It's too
thee
are
19
63
"
turned
to
the Psalms,
soul
upon
bed, and
my
night watches.
followeth
hard
after
thee
thy right
"
had
hard
work
to
nearly as good,
one,
and
followed
they
such
some
"'The
and
twenty-sixth,and
some
carefully. It was
false clues
several
children
the
in Ezra
text
of
let's find
the
of
hurriedlytake
secret, would
one
correspondence quick !
it,and
found
Oh,
it?
Bible, only
as,
Magbish,
an
were
discovered
up.
to
issue
advertisements
the
before
wasn't
the
that ; but
answer
was
scanned
to
be
the
ferred
re-
"
hundred
fifty
six.
"'The
children
Beeroth,
would
go
the whale's
belly.
at last the
FOR
Address
deep
and
into the
rightone
was
column, which
SALE
CHESTER,
forty and
three,
64
"Begats"
'
"
"
off into
led
Hand"
of
hundred
seven
false scents
But
and
thee
in the
exciting!"
opened the
Astro
and
Bible
upholdeth me.'
have
time
you
"The
she
the
remember
on
'My
hand
? There
the sixty-thirdchapter :
'When
meditate
must
to
from
read
MYSTERIES
it up !"
flew
Valeska
OF
; some
discovered
of these
led into
in the "Second
read, innocentlyenough
Office.
tables.
ELOPEMENT
LORSSON
THE
113
And,
chapter
"'Beloved, I wish
mayest
and
prosper
all
above
things that
in health,
be
John,
aloud:
she read
two,
verse
one,
of
even
thou
thy soul
as
"
prospereth.'
far
let's arrange
we
as
messages
set
of love-letters !"
"It may
of
whole
the
correspondence as
have it,"Valeska
suggested,after the four
ing
all deciphered. "It certainlyis a charmwere
"Now
be, written
well
texts, and
them
It's
down.
mysteries and
solving murder
stolen jewels."
Chester, from
the
checked
off the
relief
from
off, read
should
lover
in the second
name
read
dynamite outrages
"You
be
will love
thee, O
Lord,
my
advertisement.
strength. (Ps.
18:1.)
wilt shew
"Thou
is fulness
presence
the
me
of
joy;
at
are
Chester
"
'And
wrote
which
we
one
commandment
new
had
stretch
thirsteth
as
though I
thee, but
beginning, that
we
that
love
(2 John, 5.)
forth
after
(Ps. 143:6.)
unto
the
from
another.
"'I
thee,lady, not
I beseech
now
hands
my
thee,
as
unto
thee:
thirsty land.
my
soul
Selah."'
as
called
Ruth
"'I
and
MASTER
THE
ii4
OF
MYSTERIES
Ruth
"
when
within
thou
come
unto
with
house
my
101:2.)
"'My
myself wisely in
will I
covenant
thing that is
I will walk
me?
perfect heart.
break,
not
of my
out
gone
perfect way.
(Ps.
alter the
nor
Chester
"
'How
sweet
than
sweeter
"'Whom
is
honey
to
earth
unto
! yea,
taste
my
mouth!
my
I in heaven
have
upon
none
thy words
are
thee?
but
and
there
"
(Ps.
73:25.)
Ruth
"
'Cause
morning
; for in thee
the
wherein
way
soul
"
'And
Valeska
without
"Oh
if you
! can't
only
Astro
whole
she
as
help them
her
recited
And
To
comments.
The
tears
:
finally
somehow?
Surely you
warned
him
can,
have
the affair
himself:
of
her,
her of him;
they warned
the courtship proceeded
go
on
with
"It's altogether
too romantic
makes
eyes
said
whimsicallyto
And
them
her
will!"
"'They
Let
series, and
watched
eyes
we
my
"
me
the
Astro
her
to know
glistenedin
me
not
reread
deep.
: cause
in trouble; hear
am
burned
hide
do I trust
in the
I should
thee.
unto
hear
to
me
their
vim
!'"
for
us
clandestine
Wait
interesting.
to interfere
with.
correspondence; it
till we
read
his
re-
ply
in to-morrow's
Star, Valeska.
This
was
that
get
but
she
knew
had
not
day;
that
he
communicated
it up.
into
came
her
Star
Astro
smiled
his
on
and
pointed
spread
He's
out.
"It's
only
which
copy
astrologicalcharts
lover's
quarrel,I
think.
agine."
Fuller, I im-
held
look.
anxious
an
another
his
where
give
solve
She
first words.
to
to
would
Astro
him, with
to
great table
were
next
her
were
out
Ruth
how
to
as
not
studio
morning
wits
matter
he had
the
from
knew
She
She
lay
can
of Mysteries
with
the
Perhaps they
of the Master
out
puzzled her
herself
She
over.
"Oh
115
it themselves."
manage
had
ELOPEMENT
LORSSON
THE
would
Chester
trunk
be wild!"
jump
of the
out
jealousman
to our
to
Psalms,
nineteen.
look.
You'd
anyway.
Job
is
was
made
he
getting
better add
list."
Valeska, therefore,wrote
which
glad
she
had
drawn
down
from
the
followingtexts,
the advertisement
of that
morning's paper:
Chester
"
'I
cried
"'Thou
troubled that I
can
mine
not
eyes
am
so
ii6
THE
"
MASTER
'Lover
and
mine
"
"
me.
friend hast
thine
do thine eyes
'Deliver
from
thou
thought to know
(Ps. 73:16.)
doth
'Why
what
MYSTERIES
far from
put
'When
for
"
and
OF
heart
wink
soul
my
the power
at
from
the sword
dog.'
ful
pain-
too
thee away
?
"
of the
(Ps. 18:18.)
this,it was
carry
me,
? and
(Job 15:12.)
darling
; my
(Ps. 22 :20.)
"Surely you'llhelp them out now, won't you ?" Valeska pleaded. "We
can't let it all be spoiledthis way !
Think
how
hard it is for her to explain!"
"Trust
her"
said Astro, shaking his head. "Only
I'd like to know
that
propose
this
we
evening.
room
take
You
I think
that block
"Oh,
she
does
walk
out
she
know
we
if
walk
we
goes
find
may
eighttillnine
from
and
up
Fifty-thirdStreet
up-stairsinto her
to
every
o'clock.
how
in front of
down
something doing."
!" Valeska
anyway
exclaimed.
They proceeded
walk
to
third
up
Fifth
Street
as
he
Avenue
at
few
had
minutes
eight. Astro
alreadylighted.
past
which
was
Then
down
and
on
the house
the
well in
view.
They had
when
son's
not
the sash
been
was
there for
suddenly thrown
could
againstthe
They
light.A
and
the sidewalk.
room.
fell on
more
white
see
her
than ten
up
in Ruth
Lors-
silhouetted
form
something was
Immediately a
minutes,
thrown
man
out,
emerged
ii8
MASTER
THE
haven't
"I
had
time
to
OF
MYSTERIES
look
over
The
Star.
What
is it?"
Valeska
"
from
read
thou
Tor
thou
hast
'Thou
hast
not
made
(Ps.
made
hast
countenance.
"
her
him
withholden
thy
6.)
given him
hast
ever;
for-
him
21
blessed
most
the
his
heart's
desire, and
of his
request
lips. Selah.
.(Ps.21:2.)
"'Yea,
they opened
and
me,
their
our
mouth
wide
hath
eye
against
(Ps.
it.
seen
35:21.)
"'I
mourning
go
"Poor
Street
match.
It
Ruth
to
"He
;
Astro
in Town
bowed
am
(Ps. 38:6.)
serious.
grew
"I
belle who
about
was
did
about
make
to
see
Fifty-
brilliant
evidentlyreferred
thinly disguised,and
was
greatly; I
down
day long.'"
all the
devil!"
paragraph
third
troubled; I
am
Lorsson."
leska
Vamantic
ro-
lover."
"Now,"
side of the
does
have
to
get hold
to
may
work, and
may
us
to
be
of
to
we
can.
Of
not.
their
that
course
we
are
if I
as
were
misunderstanding
to-night'smessage
it may
make
if
I don't
too, and
interfere with
able
is
How
correspondence?
in this affair
straighten it out
way
of
question is:
see
I've thought of
by
trick.
it's rather
privatepost-office
; but
up
to
them
later.
It
low
we
Anyway,
it will make
at
went
for
that
The
temptation
she
and
to
gave
put
"Turn
Psalms
to
her
"
the box,
that
"'Because
for
thou
to
eat
thine
of
lifted
hast
osity,
curi-
or
"But
you'll
there's
he'll know
like grass
withered
and
bread.
my
and
up,
(Ps. 102:4.)
thy wrath:
indignation and
me
mise
compro-
said.
Astro
forget
throws
the agreement
on
I think
so
she
said.
102.
much,"
too
when
hesitatingconsent,
be tried only once.
she
something wrong,"
it out,
too
on
message
think
and
thrown
already
it."
grab
was
it should
that
have
out, we'll
box
own
bait
to
the sidewalk
will arrive
off. Then,
make
going
place it on
has
she
reason
some
her
"and
on,
119
I'm
and
them.
excitingfor
it
myself," he
box
ELOPEMENT
LORSSON
THE
cast
me
"
down.'
(Ps. 102:10.)
The
succeeded.
ruse
Chester
which
came
Astro
examined
it
minutes
Astro
at
the
Bible which
he
drew
is too
him.
It won't
Here,
do
read
after
eight o'clock,
post, looked
"This
Shortly
from
his
bad," he said
"I
for him
it :"
figures,and
didn't
to miss
then
consulted
small
pocket.
to
think
Valeska, who
she'd
this message,
be
had
so
poor
companied
ac-
strong.
chap
THE
120
"
MASTER
'Deliver
enemies:
"
"
such
'I have
unto
over
'But
against
cruelty. (Ps. 27:12.)
vain
dissemblers.
for me,
up
neither
persons,
will
(Ps. 26:4.)
I will walk
be merciful
and
me,
risen
are
out
with
sat
not
as
redeem
breathe
as
in with
I go
MYSTERIES
and
me,
not
me
OF
in mine
integrity:
me.'"
unto
(Ps. 26:
11.)
her
his house
to
know
what
with
studio
You'll
some
you
will
may
have
give you
I know
won't
be able to ask
; then, as
once
it will
if you
see
and
plenty of
the young
walked
messages
to
much
too
yourself as
time
look
ceiving.
re-
model.
about, and
of the boxes
in
man
make
can't
what
offer
Astro
manage
day. If
at
find out
go
can
this
again;
to
and
way
You
That
this
do
he won't
home, he said
to her
can't
trouble.
sent
was
message
"We
of it ; but
He
boy.
messenger
delivered
was
Valeska
by
make
to
it
how
The
every
love, he won't
stroy
de-
them."
consented
Valeska
the
out
advertisement
"'Let
the
next
in The
Star:
silence; which
to
'For
I said in my
thine
voice of
cordingly
ac-
set
to
eyes
haste, I
nevertheless
when
supplications
(Ps. 31:22.)
my
am
cut
thou
off from
heardest
I cried unto
fore
bethe
thee.
THE
"
LORSSON
ELOPEMENT
I cried them
day when
'In the
strengthenedst me
(Ps. 138:3.)
and
"
'So
foolish
Astro
answeredst
strength in
with
I, and ignorant : I
(Ps. 73:22.)
was
thee.'
beast before
121
"
me,
soul.
my
as
was
assistant
pretty blond
such
twinkled
and
arms
through
the
the
tinseled
costumes
dusk, when
the
at him
up
The
spoke.
shadowy, and
dull and
trophies of
he
look
to
wont
was
whenever
animation
were
and
all
hangings
high lightson
velvet
day. She
sank
He
"He
turned
"He's
speak.
on
for almost
smiled
into
deep
divan
wall
portieresparted,
the
Astro
the
on
appeared.
with
to
feathered,
first time
that
breath.
get her
but
the
world.
romantic
I'd trust
him
and
soon
as
she could
in fact he's
ugly;
chap in
kind-hearted
anywhere.
has
He
red
hair,
and
"
he
and
was
hands."
liked my
funny
to
admire.
She
He
kissed
wall, and
dust, and
them
extended
her
canvases
pewter
ger-tips
fin-
with
pots, and
It smelled
everything".
such
turpentine;but it was
horriblyof
tobacco
and
to
do
much
THE
122
Do
OF
in
nailed
bottoms
I felt like
them
thief.
all those
the wall
on
row
There
you
there
and
MYSTERIES
you
box
MASTER
the
over
they
to
how
see
last
night,
mantel-piece."
one
we
and
take
though !
and
"
"Of
"No.
sent
began
and
to
go
then
all the
he
didn't
back
come
Poor
boy
"Yes,
'some
plan
want
help
to
same,
and
brains
what
look
out
for
like mad.
draw
Then
that meant.
long while,
Oh, he had
!"
to-morrow?"
you
that time
By
teeth
my
say
and
he
I almost
"
up
and
"Does
"Good
that had
at
I knew
the window
signs!
to
looked
was
me
anything significant?"
stopped working every littlewhile and
think; and
to
pose.
make
all over!"
he
But
he
model
looking
I ache
course
find
supposed
was
table
But
was.
hold
and
shoulder.
he'd
delightedto
could
the
old
tel-piece!
man-
all of
were,
candy-
I think
If I
him.
we
shall have
bought
arranged
picture or
two,
Valeska
each
time
wrote
and
posed
evening
more
to
for
Chester
the
studio
the six
to
report
days, returning
to
Astro, each
down
the text
the
cipher message
she found
day
printed in The
on
she
Star,
Ruth's
"
He
looked
at
me
as
if he
were
purchasing
horse."
MASTER
THE
i24
OF
MYSTERIES
Chester
"'Having
would
come
things
many
not
write
with
paper
unto
you,
and
speak face
"
joy
write
to
be full.'
may
ink
and
unto
but
I trust
face, that
to
you,
to
our
(2 John:12.)
Ruth
for
mark
my
they wait
soul.
'And
then
I would
fly away,
wings like
and
be
at
dove
(Ps.
rest.
55:6.)
"
'I would
and
storm
"
hasten
tempest.
escape
my
from
the
windy
(Ps. 55:8.)
Chester
it shall be, if thou
"'And
shall
unto
be, that
the
us,
with
us,
what
same
go
will
we
do
unto
shall
"
thee.5
it
yea,
do
(Num.
10:32.)
Ruth
"
'Then
it is written
book
"'And
or
said I, Lo, I
to
whither
Ruth
return
thou
of
come
me.
in the volume
of the
go;
and
where
thou
my
"
THE
ELOPEMENT
in the world
they are
how
But
pose.
LORSSON
125
going
elope,
to
I don't see."
"But
to
bound
do
it
to
come
afraid
off in
play about
happens ?"
"It all depends
see
now.
the
fun.
I'm
dying
help him
Hadn't
fun.
; but
It's
to
I'm
better
we
just
anything
of
edge
so
or
they'regoing
same,
to
offer to
and
spoil his
the
on
day
Chester
it would
I want
and
somehow,
of it to
speak
Astro.
"Love
that
studio
the
and
to-morrow
if you
see
You
message.
to
go
the
about
elopement."
"All
At
a
the next
on
right,"said
o'clock
ten
messenger
Valeska.
the next
morning Astro
hurriedlypencilednote. It
but when
it was
brought home
and
has
to
the
I'm
fever, and
studio.
he
you
must
got
last
please tell
The
tell
me
what
to
of him
me
was
from
being
crazy,
the
was
how,
some-
Here's
do.
broke
elopement
the
it out;
indicated
text
the
sure
on
almost
He's
by
hospital;
the
to
set
read
! Chester
taken
was
received
so
V."
Psalm,
fifty-ninth
fourteen:
verse
"
make
'And
a
at
noise
like
dog, and
return
go
; and
round
let them
about
the
city.'"
As
and
to
soon
as
Astro
had
looked
jumping into
Washington Square.
coat, and
it up, he
his green
put
on
limousine
his hat
drove
126
MASTER
THE
It
the
of her
raining,and
reflected
taxicab
window
the
lights.
came
At
the
sudden
in
the shade.
inside her
towel
threw
up
sash.
shimmered
opposite her
curb
looked
at it
the
raised
It
with
house
eagerly.
barking of
the
dog
sash,
Then, stuffing
a package wrapped
full
blouse, she
are
you
down-stairs.
ran
Mrs.
doing?"
Lorsson's
petulantly.
came
Ruth
hovered
voice
that trembled
the
Lorsson
asphaltpavement
Ruth
and
waiting. She
was
There
and
MYSTERIES
was
shade
was
OF
address
Smiths'
by the doorway,
moment
a
"Oh, I only
little,
from
to
want
one
of their cards
the
front
say,
to
on
in
get
the
hall table."
She
swiftlyto
walked
noiselessly,
slipped out,
had
She
her.
to
now,
The
door
The
ran
slam
and
it to
She
across
the
it
carefullybehind
it
make
it
latch, and
the
the steps
fairlyflew down
street
straight for the cab.
side.
and she popped inopen,
instantlydrove
cab
shut
door, opened
off at
furious
pace.
are
you
was
dark
Her
voice rang
with
terror.
frightened.Mr.
He has had a slightaccident ;
Chester
couldn't come.
night.
tobut not bad enough to prevent his being married
I'm going to have the pleasureof giving you
all ready at the studio."
I have your bridesmaid
away.
she demanded, staring
"Why, how did you know?"
"My
be
THE
him.
at
the
LORSSON
Then,
as
"You
in your
pretty
eyes
"But
be
he
as
about
reassured
and
reached
studio.
smile.
For
"Your
saw
Harry
it
see
you
Oh, I
so
am
away
"
the
them
met
Ruth
moment
frightened!
to-night."
she, excited,
on
in Astro's
at
had
step she
Washington Square,
Valeska
it in your
saw
you."
confident
more
and
the door
tion.
protechurried
with
Did
her, and
more
They
the
they drove
anticipation,fearful of
with
darted
she exclaimed.
dear, I
bad
taken, but
replied,"My
tell me
It must
eager
crystalball ?"
smiled
He
He
to
cab, she
of the Master
features
127
an
of the
interior
ELOPEMENT
for
her lover,
sightof
her.
"Oh, Harry!"
"Oh, Ruth!"
Astro
said
and
permanent
"For
which
Valeska.
"If
Come,
see
into
the
of
walked
Valeska
three
you
have
ask me,
"Well,"
has
to
lost
speak
society."
smart
to
all her
pay
I'd say
she's got
it out !"
She
magnificenthouses, not
place in
she'd
now.
hall.
life," said
a
going to
bargain.
wait and
THE
CALENDON
ING
KIDNAPCASE
HARDLY
velvet
Valeska
portieres
of
great
to
haggard
wife.
the
looked
"You'll
have
psychic
me
while
call
With
a
and
for
I'll do
that, she
handful
Almost
of
Once
alone, she
and
electric
In
the
few
motioned
her
dignified
"
his
and
face
hysterical
immediately
face
to
; for
decorated
they
apartment
is
his
from
I know
and
it flared
flickered
turned
on
It is
girl
in
rapt
Excuse
dangerous
business
your
is
can."
present
awakening.
; but
entered
at
disturbed.
be
not
can
the
said
moments,"
Master
powder
immediately
It
fifty
richly
what
took
green
smoke.
black
they expected
the
suddenly
too
and
urgent,
of
"The
prepare
him
the
anxiously
Mysteries
wait
to
trance,
I
and
one
air.
friendly voice.
to
about
hesitating
in
begun,
back
studio,
man
of
Master
threw
came
Apparently
curiously
with
in
They
enter.
careworn
meet
the
hours
office
when
sobbing
to
Astro's
morning,
visitors
but
had
up
small
scattered
and
eerily
small
the
antique reliquary
it
sent
as
chamber
studio
on
forth
she
off
censer.
an
matic
aro-
left
the
lights
them.
tion-room,
recep-
from
an
switch.
place
large mirror,
where
she
could
she
see
128
stood
the
now,
looking
visitors, vividly
into
illum-
CALENDON
THE
if in
inated,as
of any
kind.
and
half-startled
The
to another.
Her
Astro
The
skull in
that she
His
movement
raised
eyebrows
curious
one
made
corner
lessly
list-
sat
her
her
ject
obble.
trem-
It
wrap.
fearfully
distraught.
was
cabinet
the
entered
glass.
gazed, with
expression, from
woman
129
man
without
of him
fingersplucked nervously at
evident
was
The
obscura.
camera
staringstraightahead
a
CASE
KIDNAPING
and
close
assistant leaned
his eyes
cast
him
to
the
on
pered
whis-
and
"A
stolen
week
or
reallydreadful.
the
The
kidnaping case.
The
policehave
about
waitingfor
The
poured
I do
you.
Seer's eyes
know.
He's
known
it, anyway,
watch-charm.
when
slept for
the
hope
can
by
dozen
the combine
you
in the tobacco
of them
was
were
It's
locate
to
half
are
crazy
they were
something !"
do
little
was
while
me
in the
busy
that
unable
parents
to
were
little boy
remember?
been
it all out
director
don't you
ago,
so
Calendons'
mirror.
"Yes, I
I'd have
trust.
gold cigar
made
for
his
on
nirs
souve-
first organized. He
hasn't
three
It
two
an
was
Calendon
events
or
agonizing1
story that
little later; one
of
the
mysteries,long-stood
Seer's
out
fell from
the lipsof
in the
unique.
tional
sensa-
solution
Used
as
of
was
MASTER
THE
130
Astro
that astonished
this crime
details in
the
MYSTERIES
astonishingrecitals,there
to
about
OF
voice
him.
hard
as
was
and
ferocity
Calendon
strained
recited
as
taut
wire.
for ten
by the
merciless
most
story concisely;but
child
speak calmly. My
where
he had
little away
crime
she has
I
been
assure
been
far."
paused
His
wife
abducted
in Central
nurse.
her
for
on
a
had
can
not
with
think
not
spared
results,so
overcome.
of
cry
can
tell him
anguish
sit there
you
immediately
has
handed
undid
him
her
self,
her-
her.
Inside
of
the
police,and
without
almost
Park,
less,
Neverthe-
I have
the case,
to
strayed a
connivance.
moment,
Why
He
notified the
once
interrupted him
what
was
I at
at work
pitifulto hear.
and
that it is hard
with
you.
the
tell you
to
York.
you
closelywatched.
they have
He
order
the time.
at
committed
was
money,
her
missing
kept in hiding
assure
with his
gone
from
and
been
of fiends in New
gang
myself, sir, in
restrain
to
try
has
five-year-oldboy, Harold,
days, having been kidnaped
"My
the
was
put
disclosed
small tin
box, such
as
tobacco
in.
This,
sliced-plugvariety usually comes
an
opened, showed
object in crumpled oiled paper,
Astro, with a
packed in the box with cotton-wool.
expressionon his face, picked the thing up and
grave
looked
the
For
studio,
intake
to
not
deep
in the
heard
was
breaths
his emotion.
Astro
he
child's toe.
as
he
the
and
choking sobs,
of her husband's
master
was
sound
Calendon's
Mrs.
save
It
paper.
minutes
few
131
it. With
carefullyat
slowly unfolded
CASE
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
endeavored
then
his hand
extended
strong encouraging
pressure.
"Mr.
God
I thank
trackingdown
do
Mr.
; I
sympathy; but
the whole
story."
Calendon
looked
and
him.
I pray
moistened
gratefullyat
"I'll tell you
to
wife, and
his
God
ice.
serv-
this,and what
you
can
Cheer
Madam,
yourself,for
master
reward.
!
in
success
pray
I must
that you
after she
some
without
help
can
accept my
hear
than
shall be done
Calendon
had
I have
crimes
worse
in this matter
up,
that
at your
am
help !"
can
calmer
He
turned
to
his
he
proceeded.
"It's devilishlyingenious,sir. What
ing
they are holdthe boy for is in order to get tips on the market.
That's their price. I got from them
the third day a
that if I valued
typewritten,unsigned letter telling
me
the life of my boy, I should give them
tion
inside informaof the stock market.
with a
They furnished me
cipher, an easy one that simply reads backward, and
of it I communicate
with them every morning
by means
was
"
in the
personal column
of
The
Era.
am
not
stock
of
information
had, and
it became
harder
132
THE
and
harder
MASTER
MYSTERIES
OF
to deliver the
things go:
big
goods. You
isn't pulled off
deal
misfortune
my
set
as
bloodsuckers
posted
with
luck
for
But
well
as
as
who
were
in
blooded
cold-
they're a
week
these
kept
predictions. They
my
good
have
must
made
thousands; but
should
Why
rule.
but
knees
themselves
interested
me;
my
on
the Street
on
assisted
and
day, and,
every
get down
to
these
how
know
still
intend to work
"But
in
at
"
so
"
advice
my
voted
to
"
had
the mine
rallied later,on
"
the
it,and
pass
but
it
stock
reports
instead
the
fell six
points.
the rise
; but
ors
directIt
too
came
late."
He
stopped
pocket. "Here's
hid
and
took
"This
Be
For
then
you
in the
came
enly,
box/' he said brokMrs.
his hands.
in
face
his
Calendon
afresh.
the note
and
read
we'll do
is what
it :
time
every
you
fool
us.
sharp!"
time
some
and
rose
Astro
gazed
put it away
at
the
sheet
of
paper,
relics. "Have
Calendon
and
what
his
began weeping
Astro
draw
to
handed
Astro
held
took
an
envelope
from
his inside
it to the
the
palmist.
envelope to the light,smelled
of
it,
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
looked
the
at
it
placed
on
flap
to
This
large crystalball.
was
The
"My
woman?"
No
shook
Calendon
his head
shock," Mrs.
on
walked
he
took
velvet
black
"There
asked
is
no
one
you
deliberately.
in silence.
been
completely prostrated by
volunteered.
Calendon
"We
are
she is innocent."
sure
is
Now
tell
tried
to
what
me
the
trace
in
concerned
woman
this,nevertheless.
presume?"
have
"Certainly. We
if any, have
profitedby
unsuccessful.
all the
course,
the
names
so
of the transfer
newspaper
of
buyers
margin,
"You
tried to
all the
I shall have
The
on
placed
he
girl has
nurse
"There
and
rose
which
from
his head.
nodded
and
suspect?
both
he
He
forehead
the
last he
133
cushion.
It
At
cupboard,
with
minute
side table.
quietly over
for
CASE
have
tips; but
persons,
have
been
list,
to-nightprobably,of
Zinc, eliminating,of
Continental
of
find what
vestment
bought for incriminals are undoubtedly speculating
there's littleuse
lookingup the records
those
have
who
office."
your
tip for
to-morrow
all
ready
for the
?"
"Yes, and
this time
I'm
it's safe."
sure
as
usual.
You
have,
suppose,
your
own
detectives
THE
134
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
child's
door.
Before
she left,Mrs.
"Oh, he's
wonderful
have
great
already. He
Her
husband
without
out
faith
in
know
shook
his
and
set
of
man
been
been
hand.
girl's
how
"Some-
I'm
him.
strengthened
everything. Such eyes !"
head skeptically
and went
word.
the
took
man
to
seems
Calendon
brought him,
From
determined.
eagerlyto
turned
inspectionwas
things
inspiredmystic
practicalanalytic mind,
instantaneous.
the
All pose
the
now
was
to
the
transition
had
dropped.
His
studio.
and
so
he
took
down
book
from
his shelves
ran
half-closed
eyes,
inert.
Then
he
rose
and
yawned.
"Well, little girl,a bit of supper
wouldn't
go
bad,
said
would
it?" he
at
feet,and
my
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
that
lady
loop with
invaded
gaily. "Afterward,
of my
eyeletedrods
two
135
you
to
meet
shows
also,of
on
"You
what
heard
"Yes, I
Calendon
in the
was
an
est
inter-
my
smokes
gentleman that rolls his own
Moule
a
Cigarettesand gambles in Continental
Valeska shook her head, puzzled.
in
sit
may
desire
left thumb
snuff, whose
takes
CASE
Zinc."
said, of course?"
cabinet
all the
time.
of
But
I haven't
Kindly
let
that you
may
not
fallacies in Doctor
opening.
your
let
Meanwhile,
Assyrian jellywhich
wish
women.
enjoy
me
crystal-
us
I sent
try
for
so
of
some
long
that
ago.
new
If you
add
believer in the
worth
spoken."
During
pound
most
before
of
the meal,
his animation
the
doctrine
him.
He
an
no
one
occult
of
ounce
would
Seer
mystery
Selah.
commonplace.
that the
difficult
that
have
was
is
have
supposed by
confronted
by
ever
set
THE
136
MASTER
OF
unfinished,sent
Valeska
himself
bed.
The
The
as
went
next
Era
to
MYSTERIES
in his motor-car,
home
and
follows:
ERUS
'97
Otog Lliwcirt
S. O. C.
"What
have
you
found
out?"
he
asked.
"Twelve
"Of
answer.
the
I have
me
Send
your
There
I'm
while
are
the
was
five."
chief of detectives up
some
work
at
Zinc,"
legitimateinvestors.
were
of the other
names
make
Continental
these, seven
"Very good.
in a hurry.
can
bought
persons
on
to
they
investigations
a
more
important
you
found
out
the anxious
anything?" came
inquiry.
"I
am
on
the track.
Tell
disappointedin
After
Astro's
Mrs.
my
Have
courage,
Calendon
that
and
she
follow
struction
in-
will not
work."
routine work
came
be
THE
138
of her mouth
were
smooth
it out.
that
were
MYSTERIES
practise.Now
me
OF
MASTER
Do
you
there before
it
used
was
unmistakable,
are
purpose? The marks
geometric extension, to any one who has
and
filthy
and
Let
dentatio
in-
for this
by
studied
their
ste-
the
"
with
the
detective
The
the
A
Nally "
the
report from
Co.
five
curb
had
been
granulated tobacco.
Lambert
South
F.
Orange,
Owens,
New
race-track
Jersey;
could
bookie, livingin
not
be
traced, but
CALENDON
THE
in
information
"The
KIDNAPING
regard
fifth man,
"I
detective.
Paul
acted
fairlywell-known
little about
out
they
with
the
on
him.
not
was
butt.
to shadow
you
Use
but
men
many
as
don't
let him
reputation.
how
and
As
His
he
fast
You
and
ran
eyes
came
2000
ettes
cigar-
own
ish
Turk-
Keeps
near
was
him
he
threw
Here
you.
strument
in-
it is."
about
bother
Owens.
Now
if the
work
left,Astro
to
boy is to be saved."
picked up the evening
the column
down
the line
to
his
this
man
turned
I talked
But
must
we
the young
paper
said
needn't
"You
want
favorable.
very
incessantly.Rolls
loose in his
"Very good,"
He's
reporter.
pected.
ex-
saw
newspaper
139
momentarily
was
little nickel-plated
machine.
tobacco
him
Stacey,I
as
to
to
CASE
of
stock
market.
figuresswiftly,until
Cosmopolitan
Electric
75 7" 72 ~3
For
the
moment
Great!"
he
he
stood
contemplatingthe
sheet
THE
140
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
then he turned
to
her with
strange
expression.
he
"Mercy!"
again!
wrong
horrible !"
gone
He
interruptedby
was
tip has
will happen
next?
long ring
the electric
at
bell,and, when
Valeska
into the
room,
muscles
of his
it,Calendon
answered
It's
plunged
hand.
The
frenzy of
agony.
"It's
What
again,oh God
come
in heaven's
name
!" he cried.
can
"My
He
do ?"
we
boy !
poor
went
to
up
the
the
opened
you
Astro
package?"
asked
quietly.
Calendon
"Leave
shuddered.
it with
Calendon.
Already
it. One
prove
a
I have
can't
of law, you
court
"Who
the
use
I'll tear
You
work.
at
certain
am
to
ceed.
suc-
it is necessary
crystalvision
wait, Mr.
must
; but
man
as
to
evidence
in
know."
is the scoundrel?"
heaven!
I couldn't!"
then.
me,
hard
am
"No.
him
Calendon
limb
from
demanded.
limb!
"By
I'll""
Astro
"Calm
"It is
your
put
present frame
the man's
name.
jeopardizeyour
of mind
If you
I dare
make
boy's life.
He
not
move
must
trust
you
with
now,
you
may
on
no
account
CASE
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
141
know
have
is
luck
better
to-morrow."
sadly, "I'm
going to
throw
all my
Company
holdings in the Fountainet
and bear the stock long enough for
into the market
these devils to get their shameful
profits.I can't bear
ruin for me ;
to receive another package. It will mean
but I'llnot care, if the boy is safe."
said
"To-morrow,"
It
for Astro
fortunate
was
Calendon
was
House;
it filled
waiting with
see
that the
astonishingburglariesat Glebe
in a tedious forty-eight
hours
of
considerable
Master
was
boy,
excitement.
Valeska
could
profoundly interested
in the
and
that it had
was
great relief,therefore,when
from
later,and
"We've
Nally's put in
made
been
his
the young
appearance
two
tective
de-
days
his report.
all,and
was
hot
on
took
the
THE
142
back
six-twelve
"He
no
saw
with
the
are
"One
is
Mrs.
even
the
mile
live alone."
Both
away.
They seemed
Miss
Easting
to be
it.
suspicious of strangers.
turned
me."
on
"Did
lives in
the outskirts
on
you
dog
in black,
man
Cutter, widow,
Elizabeth
?"
women
Easting, lives
"Did
direct to his
went
one."
who
Miss
Not
else?
one
"And
house
York, and
Rivage apartments."
"Absolutelyno
small
MYSTERIES
tie?"
black
OF
New
to
the Beau
at
rooms
MASTER
you
took
women
snuff?"
them
of
"One
seemed
have
to
looked
She
it.
in the
of brown
smears
sallow, and
was
of her
corners
mouth."
"Which
"Mrs.
was
one
it?"
Cutter."
flash Astro
wall
scribbled
and
a
sprung
pressed
message
it to Valeska.
"Come
had
on
It read
as
immediately
to
the
down
a
Thank
all.
handle.
to
the
what
call
messenger
telegraphblank
follows
for
you
Then
and
on
he
handed
Beau
Rivage.
portant.
ImP. S."
"Give
that to the
revolver?
don
to
at the
take
Good!
the next
station.
Where's
boy when he comes.
my
Telephone immediately to Calentrain for Antwerp, and meet
me
I don't want
to miss
it."
He
threw
CASE
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
143
into
She
she
in the
waited
in the mystery,
become
when
studio,however,
return, it would
did
Astro
be
Va-
had
absorbed
so
with
that,
feared
she
much
so
into
ful
dread-
some
news.
It
with
telegraphboy
Eagerly she tore
a
her.
for
message
It read
open.
evening when
late in the
was
rived
ar-
it
"Problem
294
White
knight
to
king's fourth
black
rook
to
A."
Valeska
Only
never
was
the solution to
When
of
werp,
alightedon the platform at Anteighto'clock that evening,he was met in the
the station by Astro and a burly local constable.
"Plenty
of time
and
; "and
unless I'm
understanding,Mr.
for you
news
"I
hope
can't stand
to
under
life.
Calendon
at
shade
her
exasperated in
knotty chess problem !
more
to
very
anticipationof peril
mistaken
much
before
long."
heaven
you
this much
nerves
only hope
I've
have
that
sent
in my
pleasant
some
longer.
the
man.
Mrs.
"I
don
Calen-
quitegiven away
if we
get the boy
well 1"
as
His
grim.
was
"I
stole him
who
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
THE
144
ever/'
get that opportunity,how-
won't
afraid you
am
the
the Heavens.
At
in the
Beau
he is under
of his
One
Rivage apartments.
rest
arcomplices
ac-
say,
; for
Astro
so
; but
couldn't
If my
to be
the
were
didn't
in The
affairs,
speculate
I had
Era.
ket
attemptingto influence the marfrom them altogether.We
simply
sell
of
change
some
tipped off
enough to
Company common
They
from
been
can
it got away
the game.
cause
as
friends
circle of my
when
far
in the stocks
to-day
tainet
have
must
to
once,
I'm
make
any
stock
about
jumped
Foun-
points,
seven
fiftythousand
is restored
son
The
effect.
ahead
I'll have
to me,
of
good
road, and in
The
constable
and
all three
and
darkness.
There
knocked.
unlocked
men
utter
the door
entered.
with
Astro
was
a
no
strode up
response.
skeleton
lightedkerosene
key,
lamp
THE
146
Calendon
"Your
OF
MASTER
groaned.
boy
this
is safe
last
house
didn't
here.
for
with
Friday
folks'
axle
hope.
story."
I
Jim.
comin'
was
my
break
short
of
three-quarters
one
the
about
of them
back
Joe
to
hour.
an
coffins
was
When
gone,
the
"
the
poor-
if the hind
mile
stable,
con-
along
back
up
Miller's
up
about
of
off
clean
walk
to
scantlin' to prop
see
let you
I had
pected
sus-
I have
I didn't dare
he
"Why,"
unmutilated.
and
Now,
MYSTERIES
o'
house
was
gone
back
come
little one,
"
"
The
coroner's
fell. "Oh,
face
was
too
busy day
it had
where
see
best
our
town
must
we
boy
a
the
go
here.
was
mile
attend
The
drove
away.
to
coroner
from
the
medical
We
breakneck
take
answer,
makes
very
students, and
burials
I
But
occasionally.
had hoped that the
It's
you
in the cellar."
hurried
pace
few
must
We'll
men
Calendon.
the remains
three
at
Mr.
on,
into,Constable.
the
of
out
looked
friend
be
outdoors, and
to
Miss
the constable
rived
Easting'shouse. Arloudly,and, there being no
the constable
entered.
followed
Calendon
There
still
no
about
the
Astro,
little
large
had
And,
three
into
It
happy.
happy,
of
with
the
on
made
There
open.
caressing
nightgown,
round
floor.
heels,
it
wrenched
His
jam.
where
scattered
father's
flannel
red
was
cheeks
chubby
strawberry.
his
the
child
it, and
father
exclaimed
tooked
for
reach
could
"I
joyfully,
it, and
him
in
don't
it, and
eated
ultation,
ex-
care.
don't
don't!"
the
after
hearty
frightful
gazed
who
men
jar
before
liked
care!
his
and
There
were
were
the
fairly
showed
clothes
on
door
door.
bed
playthings
followed
in
boy
the
boy's
up-stairs,
Calendon
tumbled
closed
glass
Then,
old
Har-
slammed
heard.
open
but
few
stained
were
room,
for
lain.
who
directly
147
"Harold!
door
was
threw
sight
had
one
in
one
but
feet
and
up
some
sat
of
pattering
floundered
behind.
close
reply;
no
was
CASE
loudly.
called
he
and
KIDNAPING
CALENDON
THE
But
too.
down
at
the
had
boy,
been
on
the
broke
they
all
was
perfectly
laugh.
Harold
was
that
strain
there
Calendon,
were
several
and
others
he
there
who
were
LOCKET
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
she's
dear,
to
come
see
making
Valeska,
in
stood
Astro
a
the
doorway,
the
Seer
head
her
put
"A
coquettishly.
"whom,
archly,
believe
"The
same.
him
her
been
that
know
look
or
applied
Astro's
dark,
how
that
her
upon?
head
licious,
de-
most
"
last
It
week.
shook
Indeed,
is
finger
saucy
winning,
flattered
delectable
dimpled,
To
men's
could
148
not
years
type
an
her
Was
peared
apto
old, and
that
few
appealing
brown
lovely
more
tell.
that
testified
best
was
Were
the
mouth
smile
innocent
this, there
vanity.
smiling
himself
the
might
more
many
scarcely twenty
was
fied
justi-
assuredly
face
handsome
own
resist.
entered
her, though
to
She
to
Astro
next
adjectives.
witchery.
of
who
woman
Valeska's
on
him
Dalrymple?"
only
She
at
"
most
"Miss
it?"
clients, I
charming,
the
by
is
her
tossing
most
!"
Beware
looked
fashionable
here
was
"Who
your
nodded.
She
young
have
said,
sweetest,
look
indulgent
and
tieres.
por-
disappeared.
and
The
all
the
and
suspicious !
very
side
she
lady,"
prettiest,the
laughed
first
she
as
velvet
black
glance.
one
among
Astro
his
on
the
by
curious
consider
you
the
at
followed
questioning,
second
She
framed
picture
pretty
very
said
again!"
you
eyes
to
it her
look
easy
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
well-bred
delightedhim
most
perhaps
they were
"
face
hat ; her
the most
hidden
shone
like
sable muff.
under
and
her
lines of her
the smart
by
little rosy
Her
picturesqueveiled
charmingly curved, was only
flower
figure,slim
partlymodified
ingenuous,girlishcandor that
He remembered
her dainty hands,
Now
exquisitehe had ever seen.
in her
149
her
or
grace
LOCKET
black
cloth
suit.
She
looked
him
with
Astro.
at
afternoon, Mr.
big
hope
said, "Good
and
eyes
haven't
you
forgotten
me."
his
"Scarcely,"was
She
with
smiled
the
curious
sniffed
"I have
the
for
showed
The
Master
"Ah!
have
"No,
not
her
that I
nodded
of
She
that
myrrh
"I'm
awfully puzzled
such
me
thought I'd
ful
wonderask
you."
littleteeth.
head
his
flattering.
ing
eyes explor-
he offered her.
told
you
I came,
rested
was
great studio.
help,"she said.
line of snow-white
You
of the
the seat
something, and
tone
pleasant smell
she took
as
His
roguery,
decorations
come
about
She
innocent
daintilyat
reply.
negligentlyon
one
gravely.
locket,"she continued.
lost one?"
at all.
I have
found
one
!"
"Oh, you'repartlyright,too
time
ago,
and
I have
mother.
to
see
She
"Long
see,
"When
just got
You
way.
hours
for it
it back
it used
I
lost
was
in
rather
long
markable
re-
belong to my
returned
only in time
to
riouslywhen
to
as
I can't
in
recognize."
troubled
are
you
house
my
about, then,
looked
Dalrymple
her
if not
what
see
at
me
turned
re-
got it back."
have
moment,
to
handwriting that
"Well, I don't
Miss
abroad.
was
by mail, addressed
me
Yonkers, in
if you
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
THE
150
cheek
how
quite sure
Finallyshe
to
what
express
she
meant.
said
Who
moment.
"Oh, she's my
she is
like
more
"How
"Oh,
The
maid
a
and
"
friend
to
you
had
long have
since mother
ever
frowned
Seer
"You've
is
heard
haven't
she's
than
me
Indeed,
treasure.
maid."
her ?"
died."
slightly."Go
about
you?
Fanny?"
about
"
father's will,and
my
The
on,
haye
papers
had
the letter."
the lawsuit,
lot about
it."
"Oh,
father
yes, the
was
divorced
from
married
afterward
regrettedthat
is
of
my
third."
he had
She
all
she's
"
left my
Let's
case.
see
mother, wasn't
your
at
contestingthe
mother.
will
Dalrymple
with
happy
a
vixen
"
mother.
the
"
he?"
woman
and
he
This
Mrs.
made
her
your
always
rymple
Dal-
in favor
widow's
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
"And,
that
by
will, you
legal heir
the
are
151
to
the
of the estate?"
rest
"Of
But
course.
forgery, and,
was
he
as
divorced
the
will
prove
that
though
the will is in
fair case,
claimed
that it
property
unless
his
to
we
can
genuine. Unfortunately,
possession,having been given
was
our
the witnesses
mother, both
to
LOCKET
it
to
dead."
are
"I
?"
see," said Astro, "and the letter you mentioned
from my
"Was
father to my mother, tellingher that
he
had
left her
it would
our
case
You
see
how
portant
imable
to find it anywhere."
what
know
into it?"
come
myself. That's
why
eagerly.
"I
you," Miss Dalrymple exclaimed
can't describe why, but I do feel that the locket has
something to do with it ; for my mother was delirious
just before she died, and talked about the letter and
the locket. She kept saying that she had been robbed
or
perhaps she only feared it. Then the locket was
restored so providentially,
justin time; for the case is
to
came
"
to
to
come
court
before I went
kept
"Let
mother
away
it locked
week.
next
I remember
Then
was
very
that
careful of it,and
up."
it,"said the Master
of
Mysteries.
She unbuttoned
her coat and took it from
a
gold
chain about her neck, a small oval gold locket such
in the sixties. The
as
was
commonly worn
being
cover,
opened, disclosed a small photograph of a beautiful
me
see
"
woman
in
an
framing the
Astro
old-fashioned
calm
round
serious face.
inspected it admiringly.
bonnet
with
roses
"That's
OF
MASTER
THE
152
MYSTERIES
my
Dalrymple, looking
his shoulder.
over
ink, as
follows:
QJU
JULtp
it ! I knew
"I knew
girlcried excitedly,
there was
something to be found out ! It's Greek, isn't
it? Oh, I hope you read Greek ! Do you ?"
well as I do Eng"I read Greek
smiled.
Astro
as
lish;
!" the
"Oh
isn't Greek
this,unfortunately,
but
there
Look
I know
isn't it?
"Why,
isn't that
"
all."
some
and
that Alpha
Delta, and
at
Pi?"
Greek
not
girl'sface
The
excitement
She
you
mysteries;
heard
It's
fell.
cipher,Miss
"Oh
!" she
any
it?
You
breathed.
such
have
In
his
as
she
added,
so
occult
invented
her
shoulder.
solved
wonderful
cipher ever
are
Dalrymple."
leaning on
unconsciously
arm
have
that
characters,but they
almost
read
can
you
Greek
was
his
clasped
"Surely
I've
she
are
many
power!
could
be
solved."
"And
I'm
so
it can.
Yes,
sure.
I'm
I have
your
sorry
solved
locket
that I
am
is
too
harder
than
ones
this,
esting.
certainlygettinginter-
busy
now
to
work
on
it,though. I have
several
postponed. Suppose
153
appointmentsthat
I wire
it.
LOCKET
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
you
as
I have
as
soon
can't be
read
you
messenger."
"All right. I'llbe dying of impatience; so I hope
you'llhurry."
But another
time to-morrow.
"I'll promise it some
question:Did your mother read Greek?"
"Oh, yes, she had a magnificent education."
"And
about the second
Mrs. Dalrymple?"
how
The
girl'slips curled. "I should say not!
Why,
she was
an
ordinary chorus girlwhen father married
her!"
If I
probated
And
and
not
you
crystalsand
tude,
poeticatti-
what
see
can
come
into your
inheritance.
After
congratulateyou !"
quick friendlyhand-shake, like a boy's,Miss
Dalrymple
As
and
am
my
assume
walked
soon
she had
as
showed
her
of the
gracefullyout
the
left,Astro
room.
cipher. Valeska
pored
it
over
without
and
time.
speaking for some
Finallyshe sighed
said pathetically,
"What
a
pity I don't know
Greek!"
"Cheer
grimace.
the
did.
up!"
said
"You
probably
who
one
how
Master, with
know
composed this
"Why!
the
as
much
childish
could you
whimsical
about
it
as
little cryptogram
it."
tell that?"
THE
154
Wouldn't
MASTER
be
OF
MYSTERIES
able to tell
that he was
instantly
norant
igof the English language? It's the same
here.
is used to writing Greek
who
form
would
Any one
the letters easilyand swiftly; would
write, in short,
a
you
cursive
pure
hand.
laboriouslycopied
"Well, who
from
my
in
own
Let
He
them
took
in Greek
soberly, "the
this locket
here
together
run
in order
pad
of paper
characters
Ae
pose
to
be
with
into
message
set
psychic
It is ridiculously
message.
to
appears
in
sympathetic waves
up
the
finitesi
in-
will,if I absorb
letters
all
are
ary."
diction-
or
not
am
from
first read
us
simple.
merely
school-book
some
contemplation,set
aura.
trance.
letters here
vibrations
myself
Greek
it?"
wrote
dear
"My
These
of words
is
false spaces
few
out
wrote
the
following
yapQev,
jrAur
(3wx.t Ae
Ae
When
he
surelyknow
"Of
course
had
finished he
the Greek
I know
looked
alphabet,at
that much.
up
at
her.
"You
least?"
We
used
to
use
it in
in. What
boarding-schoolto write secret messages
girlthat's ever had a 'frat' boy for a beau doesn't know
the Greek alphabet?"
"Then
this should read easily. Kindly write it out,
letter for letter."
studied
Valeska
garden
pommier.
le
dessous
au
le
not
"One
the
garden under
!' The
apple tree
Greek
writer could
the
note
get
of the
use
this
the
the
to
to the
see,
childish to
and
sider
con-
Dalrymple'smissing letter,
Valeska.
stolen,and
be
"I
so
she
suppose
was
buried
it there."
Mrs.
Dalrymple
forget,however, that, if
good Greek
it's
the nearest
was
How
but
nearest
English 'sh,'you
Sigma's, too.
ventured
afraid it would
"You
plus near
puzzle!"
hard
suppose,"
Chi
see/' said
you
bush
rose
character
out
'In the
le
buck
rose
"Partly in English',
partly in French,
Astro.
155
le
Dans
LOCKET
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
written
have
was
this
laboriously."
so
Valeska
looked
found
have
"Could
at him.
quickly up
some
one
buried
own
purpose?"
possible;but it
"It is
to
do.
The
that it is
"Then
the
this
over
Why
it
the
cipher is
easy."
here!
was
who
one
thing
unnecessary
suspiciousthing about
most
are
unsuspectingyoung
closer and tapped
"Look
an
"Don't
on
so
seems
Who
with
Was
it?
friend of Miss
Or
brains at work
He
the person
was
upon
woman."
stole this
it stolen ?
returned
clever
who
the person
Dalrymple's?
If he
took
who
or
it the
returned
she
were,
this person
letter?
be
done
know
about
the
cipher?
Several
over
go
action
cipher there
the
and
the
MYSTERIES
the
should
why
OF
MASTER
THE
156
every
where
any
case
find out
who
are
will suffer
who
ones
If so,
or
why
find it and
she could
the actors
Did
anonymously?
the
dig up
I must
me.
in beginning
must,
about
in the
leave
immediately
drama, who
be benefited
by
are
this chain
of circumstances.
"Now,"
"we
straightenedup abruptly,
Miss Dalrymple's household.
about
more
morning
to
he
shall make
you
this locket
her
return
the
know
must
To-morrow
with
solution
our
of
the cipher,
but
account
bush
is she
Valeska
that Miss
returned
next
Dalrymple
of the secret
"Did
from
you
was
to
me
dig
Understand
noon
in
beneath
with
the
the
on
no
rose
?"
information
over
high spirits
the solution
message.
tell her
not
to
dig
up
came?"
"Yes, and
she
"Well, what
Valeska
promised to
wait."
else?"
sniffed.
"I
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
LOCKET
157
her.
There's
kind
of
much
too
talk,I look
for
out
cat."
"You
snake
the
"Oh,
in
"
mine,
the
got
I sat about
and
"
where
subway
she
three
Kingsbridge.
at
It
went.
what
I followed
Astro
her
she
had
her
to
kept
she
me
see
got off
so
long.
1435
Fulton
she
didn't
shadowed
waited
half
out, hurried
back
Avenue,
come
last
at
"I
sensation.
of
sort
some
number
I'd
Brooklyn."
"Brooklyn?" he ejaculated.
was
evidentlypleased that
Valeska
made
and
we
to
over
started.
"Yes."
her when
thought
express,
an
was
at
behind
seats
an
to
report."
"Well," Astro
you
find out
The
who
girl was
spoke with
expression,"did
curious
lives there?"
crestfallen.
"No.
entirelyforgot
that."
He
threw
pointblank. "Mrs.
it at her
Myra
rymple
Dal-
!"
For
moment
she
could
Then, "Oh!"
blazed.
"Didn't
I say
only gaze
she
she
cried.
was
of it ! She's
girl ever
since her
pay
at him
"Oh!"
snake?
in astonishment.
Her
eyes
Why, then,
of the second
wife !
been
MASTER
THE
158
Mrs.
to
news
OF
MYSTERIES
number
Dalrymple
It's outrageous
two.
but
"Oh,
faced
and
"
I translated the
very
in consternation
up
sprang
with a look of horror.
"I forgot
her master
Why,
Valeska
"
in the
was
up
"My
dear, you
What
did it
come
"Let
us
What
seem
have
to
Dalrymple
will happen ?"
perfect equanimity.
made
several
to-day."
room
Miss
took
lucky blunders
She
cipherto
about
to her
this
stand
"Oh, I don't under-
eyes.
cipher
message
Where
from?"
go
he
at it analytically,"
the sake
of the
discloses
the
argument,
repliedcalmly. "For
there?
He
I don't."
paused.
"Now
suppose
the
second
hypothesis
THE
160
MASTER
Valeska's
She
at
was
danced.
eyes
little revolver!
OF
hope
MYSTERIES
"I'll be
it will be
there, with my
exciting!"
own
waited
without
ter.
seeingthe MasA half-hour and then a full hour passed without
his appearance.
She had begun to be alarmed
seriously,
him
when, at a quarter past one, she saw
walking
her.
the great waiting-room toward
rapidly across
She
gave
her
of relief ; but
exclamation
an
and
arm
pulled out
ran
her
the
toward
he took
at once
subway.
can't wait
"Hurry !" he cried in a tense voice. "We
for the one-thirty;so we'll have
it by the
to make
time
have
no
subway and change to the trolley.We
to
caught
They
the
train
settled
margin; and once
to him
anxiously.
"I
was
said. "It
he
made
in
year.
hope
now
is it?"
"What
was
with
less than
in the
the
only
to heaven
minute's
turned
Valeska
car,
have
Dalrymple
serious
I may
tion!"
the translaI have
error
her yet ;
save
!"
Valeska
shouted
above
the
shriek
of the wheels.
Astro
moved
said
to
nothing. Seeing
that he
no
deeply
further, covertly
was
too
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
his umbrella
signalingwith
with
to
him
161
LOCKET
aside,ran
Astra,
the
to
cab,
quicklyinside.
"To
Miss Dalrymple's,out on Broadway, and drive
self,
he jumped in himThen
he ordered.
like lightning!"
the door in the face of the enraged
and slammed
in quick pursuit.The cab drove off
who
fat man
was
at headlong speed.
she shared
the
Still Valeska
kept silent;but now
pushed Valeska
and
the river.
above
of hoofs
her
was
galloped along
side. It seemed
wrought
house
the
an
hour's
her,
upon
"
tree
drive, so
avenue
had
She was
by house, they advanced.
for anything, for anything save
last the
Before
carriageslowed
dashed
out
assistant.
The
without
She
paying
pense
sus-
to
and
now
pared
pre-
what
to
came
pened.
hapa
least attention
the
stop.
to
his
after him.
hurried
Dalrymple
down
chance
the
"
At
ously
nerv-
high
All she could hear besides the pounding
the muttering of the dark man
by
horse
the
as
excitement
house
stood
on
It was
rounded
suroverlooking the quiet moonlit Hudson.
by a high wall,over the tops of which showed
the thick limbs of a few apple trees. The house loomed
beyond, a brick edifice of two stories. The iron gate
in the wall was
locked, and Astro jerked viciouslyat
the bell.
At
loud
this moment,
if he
as
explosion reverberated
woman's
staccato.
scream
Then
was
all
next
was
himself
had
set
it
off, a
162
THE*" MASTER^
OF
shutter
was
thrown
at one
of the
house, and
the
through
"What
"God
knows!'*
late,as
shaft of
lightmade
woman's
cried Valeska
Astro
Give
muttered
me
In
and
quick
as
instant he
an
dropped
I must
with
up
time
some
as
When,
had
the
We're
what
the
has
side. Valeska
after
The
steps
his foot-
heard
After
walk.
cab
that seemed
wait
had
that
she
driven
off
long
and
horror
on
almost
her
hair
"What
has
"What
led
her
few
past
solemn
the
response.
tree
body.
explosive.Behind
rose
of
gate and
at
latter.
not
to
bush
Miss
"Come
the
lay a
this
of
side
great hole
in the
some
night
woman
by
She
look
a
the
heaven,
apple
an
seem
with
Valeska.
exclaimed
way
unlocked
about
happened?"
the
the house.
She
arms
him
see
disordered.
was
to
apparentlyunharmed.
covering her
cape,
was
mackintosh
her
tro
interminable,As-
stared
eyes
dress,
torn
too
!"
can
gravel
me
happened.
his shoulder, "go
over
in silence.
Dalrymple, who
He
grimly. "Help
mounted
returned, Valeska's
wore
Miss
clatter.
Miss
"Is
terror.
find out
you
the other
to
running
waited
path
appeared.
feared; but
doctor
head
in
Driver," he yelledback
for
brilliant
shot ?"
the wall.
over
deep shadow.
is it?"
Dalrymple
open
MYSTERIES
was
and
made
woman's
DALRYMPLE'S
MISS
"What
here !
Astro
her
Dalrymple
But
pointed
maid
the
said
hellish trick
"Her
it
was
the
translation
and
Astro
began
his
to
buried
to
sistant.
as-
meant
infernal
an
exploded ?"
motionless
"The
body.
Dalrymple
of the
to
son
rea-
to show
not
because
cipher was
Dalrymple
Mrs.
163
stepmother
She
caution Miss
the second
wanted
how
to
I did not
why
now?"
understand
you
LOCKET
believe
that her
afraid
going to be successful. I was
Miss
induce her to dig
Dalrymple's curiositywould
under
the rose
bush before I came.
To-night I wrung
confession
from her stepmother revealingthis whole
a
frightfulbusiness. That's why I hurried. But I had
idea of Fanny's duplicity.Evidently, though she
no
she did not have
was
a
spy for the Brooklyn woman,
her complete confidence.
Fanny thought she would get
the letter before Miss Dalrymple dug it up, and use
it
to extort
"Oh
was
You
money.
! is she
dead
"Luckily, no;
probably
no
?"
only
have
she deserves
though
be
won't
see
contest
more
hadn't, we
of
The
with
could
was
whispered
stunned.
to
it
over
her
go
to
Valeska.
the
Dalrymple
Myra
Mrs.
electric chair
richly. But,
at
to-night; in
now
physician,came
She'll leave
the
for it,
least,there will
the
place,I
second, if I
this crime.
cab
how
our
country
edge
knowlrow."
to-mor-
heard.
It
MASTER
THE
164
"There
has
woman
what
do
Miss
conversation,
in
hand
her
"But
to
mean
this
the
house
her."
been
wide-eyed
listening
in
figure
disheveled
been
that
herself
locket
Astro
and
into
her
Carry
understand
has
say
exploded,
ravishing
said
state,
the
light
moon-
put
now
her
arm.
don't
Fanny
here/'
tank
had
charmingly
Astro's
on
that
for
who
Dalrymple,
the
to
accident
doctor.
can
you
MYSTERIES
gasoline
injured,
was
little
buried
"A
suavely.
and
been
OF
deceiving
Mrs.
and
"Certainly,"
it
to
put
said,
"except
Do
year.
that
cipher
you
in
the
?"
me
"and
Astro,
said
for
me
Dalrymple
sent
she
all,"
at
it
trick
clever
very
was."
"But
why
still
inquired,
about
she
do
baffled.
it
that
way?"
"Why
the
she
was
girl
young
elaborate
so
it?"
"Because,"
lurking
replied
"she
smile,
nature
that's
did
all!"
than
the
knew
you
do,
Master
and
of
great
a
deal
good
with
Mysteries,
more
deal
man
hu-
about
less
than
I,
THIRTEEN
NUMBER
RECLINING
Dr.
on
water-pipe
lazily,
Jekyll
Mr.
and
book
covered
looked
Valeska
and
Hyde,
the
on
read
Astro
from
up
last
the
to
his
at
of
page
the
tossed
then
with
floor
puffing
divan,
velvet
huge
paper-
grunt.
her
his
for
ready
work,
comment.
"If
have
known
written
had
Stevenson
about
more
book
that
this
dissociated
he'd
year,
he
personality,"
remarked.
it's
"Why,
but
nothing
leska
all," Va-
that's
parable,
offered.
it
"Well,
The
might
be
fundamental
souls
or
have
an
idea
is wrong.
personalities
apiece,
infinite
Our
of
number,
normal
when
body
are
isn't
at
such
about
it.
its
when
persons
we
"But
of
drunk
or
there
modern
That
only
two
we
number
any
is
ogy.
psychol-
why
when
angry,
well.
bad
one
into
up
elements.
we're
haven't
to
as
science
good,
one
we
are
dream,
we
insane."
self
subconscious
times?"
Some
We
break
can
be
might
according
self
combinations
different
; it
more
said
Valeska.
psychologists
call
that
"I've
it the
the
runs
ing
read-
been
'subliminal*
self."
"Rubbish!"
nervously.
Astro
"They
and
rose
are
not
165
walked
and
up
psychologists
down
they
are
166
MASTER
THE
metaphysicians,and
if there
as
inside
up
were
like
us
well ! There
"But
is
How
Felida
Their
alternate
the
X
said
known
who
piece \"
their
diagnose
of
course
of
cases
ness?
ill-
their
multiple
sonality,
per-
Beauchamp in Boston?
distinct and separate."
Journal
of Abnormal
chology"
Psy-
were
read
The
selves
"Those
Astro.
self's
of the normal
combinations
all of
are
in
oracle
Miss
and
selves
should
"You
We
predict the
and
An
egg.
an
somnambulists
about
"
in
thing.
such
no
complaints
own
of
chicken
about
how
considering.They speak
secret
submerged soul coiled
worth
not
sort
MYSTERIES
OF
properties; they
subjects are
strictly,
part-selves.The
fortuitous
are
simply
are,
'all
not
there'."
she
fifteen
afterward, look
the time.
"And
did
He
at
hundred
and
forty-seven
his watch
and
write
such
it,in every
think
you
of
read
have
persisted. "I
minutes
has
he
They
Nonsense!
managed
case."
self,a
subliminal
down
sort
of
psychic alarm
up
experiments, too?"
their suggesting that a
post-hypnotictime
those
"And
in
book
personalities.What
tap the
chanical
me-
ing
that's all. It's like look-
library. There
happens
to
in
are
no
co-conscious
'automatic
writing'?
to
pencil in his hand, and it seems
write of itself. Spirits? Rubbish!
A subliminal self?
Poppycock! The hand transcribes merely records of
that have
been
forgotten or
thoughts or memories
were
see
person
holds
hear;
for instance
we
but
don't think
myriads of faces in
everything is recorded, as
pass
of half
the
on
we
street,
a
pho-
168
THE
Astro
MASTER
the
looked
OF
girlover
detail of countenance
MYSTERIES
deliberately,
noting every
and
then
costume,
he
raised
his
eyebrows.
"It's the
explained.
when
was
back
and
ran
to
up
seized my
and
me
seemed
her back
here.
Astro
who
has
was
as
been
"We'll
saying,he
for three
to
clasped
of
hurried
Valeska
not
she
speak
to
brought
be ?"
can
to
her
calendar
put her
till she
the
the
arms
had
Yiddish,
else refused
interested.
became
said
here.
her
and
she
"
Valeska.
to
she
Perhaps
So
confidence."
ordered
is
dinner
near-by restaurant.
studio, the
to
eat
gain us
telephone
from
showing
Mysteries
to
gently led
large one-day
sheet
was
but
so
these, or
will
the
hands
of
studio," he
ecstasy of terror,
an
Astro
was
her
to
up
the
she
suppose
none
the
that
went
Valeska
She
Greek, Turkish,
something
sent
hand.
turned
the
into
If so,
hungry.
the
you
Master
her
have
she
sponse.
girl in Italian; but got no rethe boy
girleyed him as a dog watches
A question in Russian
torturing him.
The
"Bring
do
probably
was
protection;
my
understand
to
answer.
in
Who
unsuccessful.
appeared
As
want
addressed
The
to
to
I met
something;
at
"I
at
the
the
stranger toward
girl suddenly
bosom,
the
there
words,
and
gave
stared
office wall.
above
wail,
fixedly,
There
Valeska's
"Thursday,
trance
en-
May
was
desk,
13."
THIRTEEN
NUMBER
sight of the
She
that the
calendar
girl'sperturbationwas
into the
walked
doggedly
half-asleep. Valeska,
over.
169
great dim
studio,
friendly insistence,
chair. There
the girl sat,
placed her in a comfortable
staringwith expressionlessface at the light.
"Well," said Valeska, as they watched
her, waiting
if
as
for the
dinner
be
to
half-witted, or
or
Astro
had
is why
she's afraid of
terrible
some
hasn't
had
then
and
I'm
thing!
glad
found
who
She
me.
what
see
it
was
you
dumb,
or
figureof his
oriental, of
an
Wait
eat.
to
I'll
the
been
has
ordeal, I think.
nervous
enough
from
his eyes
"She's
visitor.
mysterious
That
taken
not
with
do
and
not
through
I believe
till we
can
course.
had
have
with
a
her.
she
ner,
dinPoor
police officer
her, Valeska."
nestled
hand
littlecloser to her
to
her
brunette, made
On
Astro's
new
the
The
; held
Valeska's
vividly blond
two,
and
strikingpicturetogether.
table
was
desk
small
calendar, with
quietlytook it
and placed it in the girl's
lap. Instantlyshe had a
fit of terror, and leaped up in alarm.
Standing in
full lightof the electric lamp, they could
her
see
memorandum
up
cheek.
own
protector
mouth
sheet
for
each
day.
working convulsivelyas
13.
quicker
She
than
attempted
to
started
on
run
she
her.
stared
for the
He
held
at
door.
the
ber
num-
Valeska,
her, and
again
THE
170
"Oh,
she
MASTER
don't
OF
more
"The
poor
experiments
try any
implored.
thing
that it makes
sufferingso
MYSTERIES
can't
heart
my
with
stand
it. She
ache.
What
is
can
be the matter?"
"Aphasia, for
self
thing," said Astro, seating himoff. "She
tried to speak hard
a little way
enough ;
but she couldn't. The
girl is not deaf or dumb, anyway.
It is growing decidedlyinteresting."
coaxed
back
to the chair,
By degrees the girl was
and
by
was
more
beside
the
time
one
the
persuaded
-easily
the
brought
been
take
to
Indeed, it
Valeska.
had
dinner
seat
evident
was
food
in
her
the
at
was
great mouth-
hands.
She
not
was
her
manner
table
she
that
ravenously, with
ate
in she
cisms
sole-
she
looked
showed
and
but
with
table cleared
not
now
a
Astro
The
Valeska, she
Toward
dog.
Astro
number
took
13.
The
looked
sheet
of paper
girl trembled,
at
up
Valeska
said Valeska.
wrote
girlstared
it without
at
did not
the word
"thirteen"
no
2.
; she
response.
figures: 6, 5, and
The
Roman
intelligence.
of three
column
XIII
word;
She
courageous.
appeal.
numerals
the
violently. She
so
mute
"Don't!"
fear.
away,
the
down
wrote
of
devotion
the
The
without
Astro
at
and
tractable
more
was
He
still unmoved.
.Then he
placed
the
spoke
paper
She
in
took
THIRTEEN
NUMBER
evident
it with
They
make
"H'm!"
said
them
to
it
seems
impossiblethan
more
we
should
have
without
trying with
from
into
her
herself.
her
The
in front
he
of
persisted,
above
and
hypnotic sleep by
she
optic nerve,
she
refused
resolutely
his
of
to
means
motions
concentrate
Direct
to be influenced.
bal
versufficiently
suggestion,the simplest and most effective method
attention
of
she
write
did not
understand
to
appear
is
only
one
said
other
at
automatically, we
method,
"If
last.
try what
in
experiment. One
common
a
conversation
that
we
learn
may
of the
out
course
tion,
ques-
any
guage
lan-
that
will
spoke.
succeed," Astro
is
As
strangeness
suspicion,and
solve the
can
At
in fear.
the
I'll try."
avail.
him
partialparalysisof
aroused
I think
crystalball held
send
to
eyes,
defended
of
ever!"
justbeen talkingabout
lost identity,disassociated
of
case
beyond doubt.
personality,
riddle if I can
hypnotize her.
her
able
un-
the sheet.
on
was
thoughtfully. "Agraphia, as
I think I shall get
getting warmer.
me
"Strange that
of
she
said.
Valeska
her
but
"
while."
"Why,
He
trembled.
tempting
indubitablyat-
was
"
with
hand
Astro
we're
Now
it after
mark
her
lip she
her
communicate
to
well.
bite
her
saw
to
familiarity,and
171
her
if
even
can
get her
something.
conscious
Her
mind.
of 'abstraction'.
holds
compels
his
to
It
sorbed
patient ab-
his utmost
men-
THE
172
MASTER
in
capacity,
tal
"
Hebrew,
places
What
Hebrew,
is
"But
how
Valeska
can
we
asked
paced
He
deeply.
is
it may
the
stands
under-
some
one
his
in
self
ear.
nicates
commu-
conscious
mind
her
ality
person-
absorbingly?"
so
don't
know
her
guage,
lan-
be."
for several
room
minutes, thinking
stopped occasionallyto
resumed
went
her, examined
to
he
writing."
engage
fixedly, and
up
normal
hopelessly. "We
whatever
Astro
'subconscious
the
that he
unaware
going on
whispers
and
the
by writing, and
instance, if
that is
hand
called
have
you
his
MYSTERIES
for
while
and
"
pencil in
OF
his
look
the
at
girl
contemplation. Finally he
her
palms,
his
and
face
lightedup.
"I believe
Valeska
she's musical
stared.
"We'll
see.
hand, and
the
closely,and
began
to
on
if she
himself
beauty
the
to
by it.
table
in
put
her
her
Watch
If she
abandon
himself
seemed
in the
up
intricate
to
be
absorbed,
harmonies.
He
He
swayed
last divine
chords
turned
on
had
the
it
was
and
to
the
to
lose
skilled
fro, giving
passion
till the
not
ceased
was
to
physicallyand mentally
slowly
the
to
tenth
artistic musician.
and
pencil ready
the
walked
the
he
passages,
he
paper
play the
into
swung
himself
the
that, he
With
then""
Have
see
said.
to
seems
"But
!" he
echoes
and
of
reverberatingthat
piano stool
and
seemed
to
awaken.
NUMBER
ran
and
over
THIRTEEN
him
handed
with
partly covered
173
sheet
of paper.
It
was
rude
ingless
drawings, apparently meantering
rough sketches, mingled with attempts at let-
He
took
the
under
"It's not
the
sheet
to the table
eagerly,and went
electric lamp to scrutinize the figures.
very promising material, is it?" said Va-
leska.
"On
take
"I
bit of
leaned
sight of
arms
the
about
"Poor
over
had
beginning; only
it will
it out."
to make
fatal 13 has
girl,who
The
now
the
see
doing
fine
seemed
be in
to
inspected the
girl!"said Astro.
big back of all this.
sort
"I'm
She's
afraid
a
and
again."
of stupor,
sheet.
threw
there's
Turk,
or
At
her
thing
somean
Ar-
MASTER
THE
174
menian,
or
He
risen to
over
and
Valeska
prevented
The
would
have
her.
the
Astro
the
had
did not
member
home
of
the
take
then
walked
studio.
the
the
on
arms
threw
in concentrated
of his
wall, or
Valeska,
take
her
back
morrow.
to-
it out."
think
and
her
tro
left with her ward, As-
length
at full
thought.
Once
length on
intervals he
At
trophy
some
on
into the
or
great dim
of the
himself
gazing
crystalball.
tianity
of Chris-
must
fixed in abstraction
stood
the
They
primitive
see.
bring
stay up
had
down
Occasionallyhe
big couch
of
and
up
mixture
her, and
after Valeska
hours
like
they live
We'll
I must
whose
Almighty,
to-night. You
of
care
Until
For
for
enough
sect, followers
faithful in Persia.
Mohammedanism.
and
not
ejaculate:
to
Bahai
girl
speak.
of the
she's
bookcase, when
turned
and
again, "Baha-Ullah?"
be
may
Wait!"
the
to
girlquivered; but
"She
of
and
she has
flagthat
Babi
go
reached
"Babi?"
Turkish
here?
.
had
MYSTERIES
drawn
roughly
OF
parency
lucent trans-
twice
he sat down
outdoors
When
studio
and
for
he
walk.
returned, an
alone.
Her
eyes
hour
were
self-reproachful.
later,Valeska
red ; she seemed
was
in the
ashamed
176
THE
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
rear
Valeska
Soap."
She
stopped
"What
about
drew
He
it aloud:
read
"Use
looked
and
Babrock's
at
Brown
in bewilderment.
Astro
it?""
the
of houses.
row
From
some
of those
one
the
windows
whose
roofs would
letters. A
the lower
cut
led
rough triangulation
part of which
was
him
cobbler's
last group
of
house
in
This
he
to
shop.
entered.
"Are
of the
there any
at the
man
The
floor," he
dark
and
narrow
whiskered
blotched
a
Astro
you
ask at second
up-stairsand
Carbon
see
and
Soumissin; he
looked
Turkish
"What
"Go
replied. "You
bench.
nodded.
man
to let in
rooms
cigarette.
want
here?"
out.
wore
He
a
had
fez. He
an
evil
was
way
face,
ing
smok-
NUMBER
man
turned
and
and
looked
turned
"All
dollars
Astro
for
his
by
growled
some
Astro
third
room,
from
came
at
177
inside
floor."
the
room.
foreignoath. Then
with a vicious inquisition.
"you go
Door
up.
open.
week."
waited
followed
front
said at last ;
right/'he
Three
at your
voices
of
murmur
THIRTEEN
but
more;
no
assistant.
ran
Once
up
of
out
the
stairs,
earshot, he
looked
said, and
"The
old
at her
with
man
meaningly.
the cigarette?"
"Probably. Now
what
they have
been
to."
up
The
hall bedroom
tained
incrediblydirty,but connothing but a cot bed with vile coverings, a
which
chair, and a crazy wash-stand, over
hung a
cracked mirror. Astro first went
to the grimy
square
window
He
and looked out.
pointed to the sign,and
Valeska followed his eyes. One of the buildingsacross
the street
with
cut
small
was
half of the R.
upper
the girlhad
fact,precisely
as
"This
He
is the room,
took
Then
back, where
were
about
commented.
dormer, obscured
exception of the
all
drawn
pointed to
the paint was
he
an
on
inch
marks
worn
wide, and
It
with
showed,
the
in
it.
let's examine
right.Now
and
the chair first,
up
the other,
it over
looked
on
fully.
care-
smooth.
similar
it."
ones
The
marks
showed
on
is where
"She
paint,"he
undoubtedly fastened securely.
straps have
was
chafed
the
Did
MASTER
[THE
178
notice
you
OF
where
the
MYSTERIES
marks
bruises
or
were
on
her?"
were
below
her
bad
red marks
enough for
her
shoulders; and
with
wrists
her
on
arms
remember.
to
me
and
her
on
arms
almost
were
ered
cov-
ones."
Undoubtedly she
had a rough time of it,if one
judge the character
may
of the villain with the fez. Well, we
find her.
must
There's no use
inquiringhere. If they have used this
for a torture
room
chamber, we'll get nothing out of
them, and they'll
suspicious."
grow
down-stairs, and, while Valeska waited
They went
drove
in the street, Astro
a
bargain with Carbon
Soumissin.
dark, and the
Luckily the lower hall was
Turk
could not perceiveAstro's oriental countenance.
But the Master
of Mysteries had an
important piece
of news
he rejoined Valeska,
to tell when
talking Arabic, or rather Turkish. I
"They were
the dagheard one
of them quote the motto
on
saw
we
ger.
what
Now
I know
they are. Have you heard of
"Oh, they pinched her,
doubt.
no
the Hunchakists?"
The
papers
had
been
knew
the
roughly what
"Every country
said Astro,
as
Hunchakists
the others, because
to
seems
are
merchants.
serious
Their
I'm
afraid we're
sins,"
guerrillaassas-
up-town.
dangerous
better
are
objectis usuallyextortion.
its
have
more
they
leska
society,that Va-
implied.
name
they drove
of the recent
one
Armenian
of this dreaded
murders
full of
so
Now
on
we
"But
than
the Armenian
any
of
organized. Their
must
the track of
something
this time."
route
led them
directlyinto
All
right,"
he
said
at
last,
"
you
go
up.
Door
"
open
"
NUMBER
there
rug
a
was
disturbance.
the
of
cause
little time
Astro
It took
entrance.
179
mystery. On
Turkish
THIRTEEN
The
and
wounded
He
merchant,
pool of
He
unconscious.
the
the
Marco
opened
was
in his
blood
dead, though
not
was
was
out,
discover
to
his shop
of
tally
mor-
the
at
now
"So
"What
luck!"
able to
been
with the
The
two
nection
gain considerable reputationin conMacdougal Street dynamite outrages.
fast friends.
now
were
his lieutenant's
owed
Mysteries. He
grin.
therefore
is the
"What
cap
to
the
Indeed, McGraw
help of
welcomed
them
of
the Master
both
with
Astro
asked.
"Hunchakist
"I
thought
"Oh,
you,
we
Astro
and
as
much.
sure!"
Who
responded
once,
one's
though
girlwho
Valeska
the
tenant.
lieu-
did it?"
sir,for
help. This
murder,
I'd
looked
be
always
done
at
No
thanks
glad of
to
your
it."
each
other.
"A
girl?"
i8o
OF
MASTER
THE
MYSTERIES
It's
in
out
at first.
back
She
in
she
look
here
her
see
back
like?"
that
But
reserves.
There's
down.
come
there!"
The
crowd
with
up
the
ing
hid-
was
faint."
dead
She
closet where
was
does
"What
got her.
we
ago
presently.
patrol wagon
Several officers jumped out
clatter.
the
scattered, and
drove
and
ran
up-stairs.
Astro
turned
time
"What
"I
got
up
Valeska
to
did you
about
and
her
see
spoke
his breath.
under
last?"
midnight,and
she
was
the
lying on
couch."
She
been
down-stairs.
his
"Oh,
arm.
It
the
officers
indeed
was
the
Valeska.
Graw's
"Let
it couldn't have
exclaimed.
that moment
At
the
she
on
Just as
the group
girl who
had
had
in
home
with
touched
Mc-
gone
passed,Astro
been
shoulder.
me
speak
to
her
moment.
I know
this
girl."
McGraw
of the Seer
was
so
a
Astro
addressed
the
girl
in Turkish.
me
THE
182
"We'll
MASTER
Valeska
made
the driver
there
over
go
OF
first,then."
their way
to the
MYSTERIES
And
the limousine
to
and
Astro
and
ordered
place.
disappointed that
so
I'd done
for her.
"Don't
she
I don't
She
see?
you
quite another
was
She
had
talk
or
no
has
had
is often
up.
lost the
even
the
shock, her
mental
it."
of
make
to
Yesterday she
dissociated
personality.
waked
a
and
That
what
know
person,
memory,
write.
I'm
queerly she acted!
didn't recognize me,
after all
Owing
case.
to
power
to
some
normal
personalitywas
broken
up into parts, so to speak. She had justenough
of the functions of her mind
tion,
synthesizedto have voliresembled
and that part-self
She
a crazy
person.
severe
had
and
tortured
been
force her
commit
to
she managed
her
left her.
reason
You
half-witted,with
only
protection. She
had
that
herself
"Or
full
to
room
it when
was
the
his
at the
to
was,
leave you
she
did
to
come
it when
she
got
"
"
look of horror
we
ber
num-
Let's
reach
store?"
leska
Va-
in her eyes.
hope
the
Dyorian is
thing
hospital.Everythat
that !"
hospital,Astro
necessary
she
"
Was
rationality?
time
by the
depends on
asked
what
her
then
question.
conscious
Arrived
found
house, and
sense
she
added, with
"That's
that
the
her
and
in your
up
from
to
how
Some-
Now
13.
in order
doubt
starved, no
physician. A
entered
few
words
only
were
descriptionof
the
Syrian girl'smental
condition
THIRTEEN
NUMBER
great professionalinterest
of
was
183
promised
the Tombs
to
to go
and
but, findinghow
time
to
go
to
waited
It
the ward
to
up
the
answer
that
he
the
pointof
who
as
death ;
the exact
the doctor
consented
revive him
to
attempt
and
ciently
suffi-
Valeska
at
shot him.
last. With
am
almost
died before
He
"I could
returned.
he
understand," he said,"but I
him
did
before
he
soon
as
have
question. Astro
fifteen minutes
was
her
He
in the office.
for him
justbarely make
sure
and
see
to
was
shootingdetermined,
of the
the doctor.
to
he didn't know
in
a
confession
more
easy
himself
from
to be
who
for the
that he had
of blackmailers
he
the
the man,
working
of
one
because
discovered
band
for which
manner
the
hospitaldoctor
enough
been
for her
to
before
told of Valeska's
nothing that
had
was
He
spy
who
ten
her
brought
Porte.
by Valeska,
days under the
to
the
girl
of
care
recovered
were
the studio.
been
had
plottingto
was
to
nerves
witnessed
had
the Sublime
dom,
free-
the tool of
Turkish
be
merely
murderers.
and
of Armenian
been
to
cause
betraythe Armenian
On
hearing her alibi,sworn
was
the
prisoners.It was
had honestlybelieved
cause
of the young
was
famous, extorted
was
She
had
remember
first
began
MASTER
THE
184
wander
to
under
the
intuition
her
But
Valeska's
effects of
and
she
She
feet.
her
but
could
lord
After
she
in Valeska's
had
her
thirteenth
the
was
had
but, when
at
the
day
set
in vain
that, whether
told her
surely die
saving him
to
attempts
escape,
the number
she dressed
to
him.
She
shot, and
weak
state
from
the
until she
thought
she
to
mentors
tor-
strenuous
more
had
memory
with
the
of
been
had
She
could
consciousness
by
as
her
of the house
scene
dread.
merchant
rug
reason.
gone,
and
terror
stole out
should
idea of
the
all she
"
The
the deed ;
Dyorian
with
was
of the
horror
son
rea-
that
Her
do
to
not,
or
It
found
full
intractable,they had
was
quietlyand
restored
her
of Dyorian.
her
had
prove
terror
his murder.
for
she did it
the
lish;
Eng-
were
the
described
was
if he
as
at
slave
of
continually.
wakening to her
13 stillinspired her
Wakening
and
first,
warn
word
from
like
him
the thirteenth.
on
knees
speak
tried to force
found
they
her
Astro
she
room,
over
come
starvation.
protectress without
on
not
told of her
had
and
sufficiently
eloquent to
were
eyes
pain
her
fell
her
MYSTERIES
recognized
OF
in
had
ready
alher
run
remember
two
men.
police-
the murderess
had
drawn
the
in the
"But
the
while
one
what
state
of abstraction, and
Turkish
is this one?"
drawing
he
had
not
flag,and
Astro
had
identified
the number
13.
asked, pointing to
identified.
NUMBER
When
she
"It
awful,
have
chair, and
mirror.
tried
I had
look
to
I could
of me,
in front
all. It
was
inside of
She
"She
is
I can't
ever
turned
to
"What
mirrors
to
you
of any
kind
tell you
how
this little
afraid
to
Valeska
shall I!"
no
her
Then
fancy
no
more
It grew
he
I,
was
Oh, God
said
face
It
face
own
I knew
eyes.
more.
the
!"
simply,
in the
glass.
frightens me."
said, with
he
ture
exquisite tor-
if you
for
the
sure
how
speech
whimsical
do
need
I'm
her
prove
at
more
it wasn't
Valeska
slowly.
to
were
of your
rest
But
are.
that
now
hypnotic
pretty she
of
deprived
be
life?"
replied,blushing.
I shall
for that.
Valeska,
to
expression.
suicide," she
pretty you
girl.
convince
commit
I'd
be
look
translated
would
think
at
was
bear."
with
her
"There'd
soon
he
own
my
any
can
to
before
and
that
By turning
my
while
me,
up
his head
woman
Then,
"I
mirror
use
can
smile, "Yes, I
for
he
She
nodded
faint
leering at
looking
lucky.
Astro
a
and
paused,
it.
was
to
It grew
day.
stand
After
looking through
me
head
my
staring,staring,staring.
devil
it
awful
all
myself
the
see
Astro.
to
right opposite
at
hand.
days strapped
head
Valeska's
how
know
three
was
wall
the
on
more
was
it. I
for
explained
can't
you
"
185
reach
she
speak,
could
was
till you
my
and
girl shuddered,
The
and
THIRTEEN
is, and
always
we
be
must
treatment
she
won't
able
cure
will
be
it."
looked
up
archly, and
added,
"Neither
THE
TROUBLE
WITH
TULLIVER
"T
NOTICE
J-
that
for
running
dropping
his
Valeska,
his
the
be
for
the
those
stopped,"
and
looking
copying
was
she
Tulliver's
said
Astro,
where
to
over
from
horoscopes
how
the
of
Tulliver
?"
How
"There
replied.
Brooklyn
"Strange
let up
aldermen,
perfectly evident
he
her
at
cution
prose-
isn't
it?"
; but
keenly
confident
was
at
the
on
though,
gazed
that
to
city government
has
Astro
seemed
of
his
opinion.
own
he
"Why,
then,
he
has
regeneration
It is strange
was
about
notes.
of
it
assistant,
talk
the
paper
disappointed,"
hope
last.
governor
morning
Master's
"I'm
of
most
just before
to
"Do
his
dark
"You
be
like
case
what
that
energy.
works
the
he's
so
be
to
whole
of
know
we
strenuously;
It
thing.
?"
trial
doesn't
character,
bribed
been
for
brought
his
and
how."
some-
Astro
bent
brows.
never
can
tell
and
was
dropped
believe
you
well
so
the
have
to
seems
seem
began
night
takes
and
it looks
of
tales
extraordinary
He
nowadays.
no
day,
suspicious.
his
can
186
do
he's
usually
such
four
his
and
Edison,
I've
Why,
persistence
sleep than
more
and
But
he
"
times
as
mucfi work
as
his
and
water-pipe. With
silken
about
robe
I'm
said
Finallyhe
"The
I've studied
him.
his gesture.
has
the
energy
Tulliver.
he
aigret in
he thought
not
been
bribed, Valeska,
him
and
seen
with
talked
buy that
He
man.
There
besides.
he has
is
no
only
not
a
mendous
tre-
graft in
This lack of
something wrong.
cious.
ought to strike hardest, is suspiI tell you!" he added, rising,
as
him
held
has
with
force.
new
somehow!
got him
"This
It's not
fight!"
square
Valeska
moved
his
and
caught
of boodlers
gang
his red
there's
But
It's sinister.
the idea
moonstone
force
just when
power,
can't
you
moral
he threw
his voice,
hand, his face,his gait,
his
Money
the
on
I have
of that.
The
thoughtfully,
divan by his
rhythmicallyas
attorney has
district
sure
legs.
nodded
turban
his oriental
it over.
his
seat
of his hand
toss
head
dark
picturesque
187
in similar circumstanc
could
ordinary man
an
nodded
Astro
TULLIVER
WITH
TROUBLE
THE
by
came
up
him,
to
"Oh!"
his emotion.
I'd like to
than
commonly
exclaimed, taking
more
she
help him,
hand
if there is
plot?
something more
worth while than mere
murders
and jewel mysteries.
You're wasting your talents on such ordinary detective
work.
Why not offer your services? Why not take
and
up the fightfor him, and with him, if it'spossible,
You'll never
have
help him win?
a
more
worthy
see
you
try your
at
cause!"
In
her
excitement
with
thrilling
for by
warm
her
voice
personal
her words.
Astro
had
become
vibrant,
counted
wholly acperceivedit,glanced
note
not
THE
188
MASTER
her, turned
at
he
too, when
know
voice had
changed
services?"
that it is not
policynor
my
custom
my
do that."
to
"It's your
He
a
His
"Shall I offer my
"Oh, do!"
"You
MYSTERIES
suddenly.
away
said
OF
duty."
round
swung
her and
to
her
hands
in
me,
undertook
Astro
so
took both
discover
to
what
the
was
It
was
Valeska
upon
three
was
the end
Mrs.
undertake
to
or
enough
she had
select the
to
of that time
Tulliver
it devolved
and
proceeding,at first,
herself
well
ground
at
delicate
she had
gone
over
It
the
made
up
her mind
that
was
efforts.
It did
Mrs.
that the
air in
Valeska
East
went
Park.
with
baby
waited
at
the
her
nurse
came
After
the
park and
To
any
one
who
to
the world.
Fifth
occasion.
Avenue
and
little Alice
Tulliver
the
steps of the
Tulliver
make
to
sit down
Valeska's
inevitable and
the
until
for
of
easy
watched
that
that the
corner
down
happen
and
discover
to
borrowed
that it was
to
Valeska
baby had a
fine morning to take
every
In two
days Valeska
was
Sixty-fourth Street,
house.
and
two
long for
a
baby,
Central
also
there
and
had
Tulliver
nurse,
the
take
not
on
connections
the
same
bench.
whimsical
charm,
confidential
the most
in
natural
acquaintanceship
thing in
MASTER
THE
190
tHat,in
pursued
Her
unofficial
OF
MYSTERIES
solved.
and
studio, amply
suspicions. Tulliver had, the week
Astro's
the
date
for the
set
the
had
All had
worked
barber
fore
be-
material
was
; it
proper
his assistants.
firmed
con-
worked
trial,
His
data.
points of
plan of prosecution,and to divide
select the
of the
opening
hard
by
had
the work
to be
to
his
done
well tillSaturday.
gone
then had
and
He
to
gone
in the
She
shop
had
induced
him
to attend
early and
He
to
was
worried
rise and
dragged
go
himself
his papers.
about
to
about
second
his work
in the
time, showing
o'clock he roused
; but
and
Tulliver
He
made
turned
re-
slept late.
felt almost
unable
found
second
afternoon, and
extreme
himself
he
Sunday
He
study
Mrs.
asleep at dinner-time.
go
case
work.
to his
There
the
On
both
up
him
with
fast
attempt
fell
exhaustion.
to ask
sufficiently
to
asleep a
At
nine
his wife to
TROUBLE
THE
WITH
TULLIVER
191
to
the
court
postpone
had
and
energy.
case,
A
and
had
and
to
just before
reached, and
of
attack
This
of the
the
had
had
citypapers,
disturbed
they had
ing
comwas
an
exhaustion, however,
alreadybeen
affected him
He
Tulliver.
Mrs.
as
showed
with
voiced
in
deeply as
no
clination
disin-
to
future,what
political
the fear of
was
in the
affected her
stain
some
dim
illness and
shadows
on
his
strongly
reputation; and,
of her
haps,
per-
edged,
mind, unacknowl-
the specter of a
was
insistent,
sinisterly
well enough the cunhis probity. She knew
ning
the ingratiating
methods
of political
tion,
corrupthough she would not admit even to herself
but
doubt
of
and
and
It
was
of this potent
force prostratedher.
was
Astro
himself
who
gave
THE
192
and
MASTER
faith.
her
OF
MYSTERIES
She
face, some
her.
The
calm, with
hand
one
One
its oriental
her
gave
her
before
alarm.
its oriental
its beatific
finished.
she left,he
"Who
to
watching him,
sat, so,
question,however,
renew
with
wisdom,
She
trust.
in Valeska's
to
way
him
very
sympathy,
from
went
power
put in
cook?"
he
nine months;
but
is your
asked.
"Why,
she
had
we've
her
recommended
came
"Can
see
you
to
only about
highly. Do
that
or
personal supervision,
your
only at large,well-known
She thought she could
"Be
he
in what
in the future.
intends
to
"Next
"Then
we
she
haven't much
left the
hand.
girl's
she demanded.
that
they
Telephone
both
can,
me
every
what
day
is the
the trial?"
time.
But
door.
Here
"What
did he
"Does
would
detail you
do.
opening of
Monday."
"
under
do both.
the
prepared
restaurants?"
As
he
"
"
find out
what
think
you
she
he think
accompanied
paused
and
mean
about
it can
be
as
clutched
the cook?"
bad
as
that,
to
take
all the
precautions
possible."
"Then
here."
I shall have
to
tell my
Husband
I have
been
TROUBLE
THE
"As
Astro
the
has
She
in
bound
of
volume
"Look
that
article
on
what
it
came
of
an
looked
She
The
He
at him
in
down
it.
to
find that
can
I can't
recall
it was
Austrian, I
already
pointed
Lancet, and
; but
out
York.
taken
had
over
the
year
book.
medical
in New
the
to
that
sure
yet."
failed
never
193
be
"Only
powerful defender
most
returned
absorbed
TULLIVER
please,"said Valeska.
you
have
you
WITH
periments
ex-
think."
surprise. "You
have
theory
already?"
"No,
not
memory,
"
something
line of
our
"The
"Or
why
disturbance
in my
I can't
quite place,or
hard,
it will float up
want
to
you
count
ac-
consciously.
un-
it up.
look
is plain."
investigation
barber?"
I didn't dare
the manicure.
don't want
him
too
is
Tulliver
to
suspect.
ask about
Of
that.
she'll tell
course
must
to
watch."
"Is it poison,then?"
you
way.
to be
seemed
she would
There
Dishonesty is
become
moral
physicalor
yet know."
"I knew
only
whether
as
is
much
infected
by
business
to
was
my
can
know
it
it, except
of his
honesty."
tell him everything. It was
the
always the chance of corruption.
as
so
disease
well
know
to
sure
as
human
be
sure
as
by
cholera.
One
I said it
germ.
nature;
but
no
can
one
all
THE
194
of
sorts
MASTER
dangers
OF
diseases.
and
only fightinfection
can
MYSTERIES
No
is immune.
one
of all sorts.
If this
We
Tulli-
man
is
"
that I like
I'll do it!
gang
It
his
him, I admire
Selah.
I have
was
By
investigations.
worried.
was
his
would
had
directlyfrom
return
it was
assistance
so
with
knew
from
that he
telephoned and
said
From
did not
her tone
Astro
tened
lis-
frown.
him
in
dubious.
of
McGraw
returned
gratefullyas
Astro
look, Valeska
beat that
can
spoken."
when
Tulliver
Mrs.
if I
spiteof himself,then.
saw
our
fess
con-
friend,Lieutenant
force, and
detective
the
old
he
succeeded
of Tulliver's habits.
He
findingout for me some
patronizesa small barber shop on Broadway, opposite
but doesn't go there regularly. Most
the post-office,
in and got
often drops in there on Saturdays. I went
in
shave.
with
There
iron.
she
to
was
her, on
with her.
too
manicure
tow-headed
in
ner,
cor-
ten
I didn't like
felt wrong
about
of the
wave
was
smooth.
several
I had
She
my
never
counts
; I
somehow
nails attended
refuses
an
to, and
invitation
he
continued,"we
can't
possiblyinvestigate
THE
this
TROUBLE
thing from
in that gang
have
we
find
it back
from
bought up,
Saturday noon.
There
too
many
all.
them
So
he wouldn't
have
would
He
195
are
to follow
us
with
contact
was
to
up
for
point of
TULLIVER
Brooklyn end.
of boodlers
to trace
some
liver
the
WITH
If Tul-
worked
have
hard
so
taken
it easy
and
pened
Something must have hapon
Saturday,and if anything happened, whether
he was
doped or bribed, the only place for it to have
in that barber shop. It's too bad I can't
happened was
trail her to-night;but I have a positiveappointment
;
with
Colonel
She
Mixter.
You'll
leaves the
shop
have
shadow
to
o'clock ;
at six
the
so
icure.
man-
must
you
hurry."
With
that, he
threw
himself
his
on
divan, spread
when
his mind
sort
puzzled
most
with
by
occasionally
of
mental
his
a
game
from
bath
strange problems
of solitaire. It
which
he
and
ready for
you
new
to
attack
was
always
rose
of the
rest
a
freshed
re-
question in
hand.
"Did
Valeska
as
"No,"
in
an
The
was
was
article
name
preparingto
her reply; "but
the anatomy
on
that's it!" he
Weichardt!"
"I'll get it now!
a
he
he asked
the studio.
I found
reference to it
of the vasomotor
Weichardt, wasn't
was
"By Jove!
leave
Lancet?"
it?"
cried
repeated
nerves.
the
ardt,
joyfully. "Weichname
to
himself.
subconsciously
while."
Valeska
took
the
subway down-town,
reaching the
THE
196
barber
OF
MASTER
windows,
a
MYSTERIES
an
in the
screen
to
see,
She
corner.
nodded
to
the
men
slowly up the
passed and came
the terrific pompadour
steps to the street, stillfingering
her forehead.
that jutted from
She walked
slowly
the chairs
at
she
as
tering
Broadway, glancing at her watch once, and loiIt was
evident
at shop-windows.
occasionally
that she was
a bit too
appointment. At
earlyfor some
Street she stopped and waited.
of Fulton
the corner
It was
a
smoking a cigar,
long time before a man,
to her and
came
stopped without liftinghis hat.
up
Then
he took the girl'sarm
familiarly,and the two
walked
to the subway entrance
again,descended, and
tion.
took a Brooklyn train,and got off at the Borough stadown
but had
meanwhile
had
Valeska
secured
The
close range.
seat
watch
she could
where
looked
man
their track,
only kept on
not
like
them
at
heeler,a
political
the
more
manicure's
familiar.
here
From
sport.
He
laugh
grew
It
not
was
the
two
got into
out
the
At
street-car.
walked
and
up
to
for
pleasantsight.
out
a
upon
while
Waverley
number
became
1321.
at
the
electric-
Avenue
they got
Here, rather
to
Valeska's
up
came
lightedsidewalk, debated
she
louder, and
THE
198
"That's
MASTER
impossible,"said
I've been
a
house
OF
to
Astro
there to
over
MYSTERIES
; "it's too
it. I
see
found
know, and
rent, you
suspicions.
was
out
well
ed.
guard-
for
lookingenough to
gossiping
neighbors are
about the place already. Dogs go in; but don't come
There are moans
all night long, and
out.
and howls
it'sgetting to be a scandal.
But to-day I hope to find
out
something definite about the relations that exist
between
Tulliver and that girl. McGraw
has agreed
Tulliver goes
off when
I
to tip me
to the shop, and
think I can
get a chance to watch the two together."
Nothing had been heard from Mrs. Tulliver in the
To Valeska's mind that in itself was
meantime.
cious.
suspiarouse
my
Astro's
The
he
story when
did not
returned
relieve
her mind.
"I got in after
just managing
Tulliver
had
to
miss
his nails
that
she
with
She
was
enough
undoubtedly
behind
know
what.
secret
the
But
I'm
this, Valeska
she
heard
no
arrival
upon
her
black
face.
at
the
to
be
she
don't
convey
least
for the
time,
him."
content
studio, Astro
little
the
arousing
till Monday
me
Once
did
about
to
great intimacy.
however.
worried
had
more
ened
bright-
laughed
any
without
lady.
It seemed
and
prove
She
something,
ample opportunity to
him
to
to
and
she had
message
talked
nervous,
screen
suspicion. I confess
and
He
shaved,
was
the manicure
usual.
polished,as
excited.
was
went
With
with
turn
my
up
morning.
met
her
Then,
with
is
down
3
o
0*
"u
"u
t-i
lutelyrefused
work,
to
taking a
on
lost
to
she
had
will
help us
with
out
You
had
obeying
him.
not.
sisted
in-
all,
is fearfully
tion
informa-
better go
and
in
blue.
was
now
He
down
threw
and
gave
problem. Something
usuallywonderfullyin
was
o'clock
to
her
alarm
had
reported that
increased,and
as
delicately
as
and
the office,
less
though still list-
Tulliver's
Mrs.
to
all comers,
his
at eleven
willingto
spoke
Astro
gone
and
"I
and
balked.
returned
Tulliver
ill at
wasn't
divan, refused
it,and
Valeska
said he
strugglewith
in his memory
of
exhausted, and
was
was
time
no
the
on
up
control
199
Valeska
himself
He
objectsor
he
her and
himself
It
TULLIVER
said he
nap.
now,
whether
see
WITH
TROUBLE
THE
about
the
manicure
conversation
fact, that
done
refreshed
there,
"
to
said
he
be her
that
chief
didn't
main
she
had
men's
nails.
her
after
She
scissors
so
his hard
listen
have
even
to
;
high
That
answer.
for Mrs.
gift of gab,
create
In
talent,in fact
a
work.
for
reason
that he could
so
which
to
seemed
his
was
him
ver
Tulli-
striking
showy polish
rather
and
is
aged
clumsy,though. She has manthat she has cut Mr.
unskilfully
Tulliver's fingerstwice."
Astro
jumped
and
"What's
"We're
to
stood
his feet.
staringat
"Abracadabra!"
he
claimed,
ex-
Valeska.
the matter?"
getting
on!"
He
started
to
walk
up
and
200
THE
down.
"Let
MASTER
OF
think it over
me
deep-sea divingin
the
here, and
abysses of
my
look
I'll do
some
if
memory,
you'll
the papers
over
while
in the recesses."
Valeska
She
again.
alone
me
MYSTERIES
took
left and
up
long, having
found
Street has
been
most
something alimportant enough to
immediately that seemed
of Mysteries.
her interruptingthe Master
warrant
do you think ?" she exclaimed, appearing be"What
tween
the velvet portieresthat screened
the palmist's
studio from
the reception-room. "That
house
vast
at
not
was
number
gone
Preston
1321
of
of
instigation
the
police,at
Crueltyto
and
working
were
but there
themselves
whatever.
reason
chemical
sort
the
almost
There
death, for
to
was
and
the
by
tion
Societyfor the PrevenThey entered the placeyesterday,
of treadmill where
two
dogs
Animals.
found
raided
bed,
the
dogs, the
been
parent
ap-
table,and
of the lower
if it had
as
no
floor ;
mill,
tread-
used
for
As
leska
Va-
dissection."
had
Astro
stood
listeningto
into
turban
threw
lips.He
and
corner,
of
man
on
it!" he
exclaimed.
Attorney
Tulliver
will have
fatigue!
The
will be
He
prosecuted from
went
laughingat
up
to
word.
smile
silk
appeared
as
District
tacks
mysterious atboodling Brooklyn aldermen
with all despatch!"
now
on
no
more
the wonder
on
activity.
"I have
of
every
in her
eyes.
to
seat,
WITH
TROUBLE
THE
with
TULLIVER
it all
deep
ory
mem-
connections
this
apply my knowledge to
everything. Herr Weichardt,
recall
in my
I couldn't make
it and
201
Now
case.
Munich
pathologist,
some
some
experiments which
years ago made
showed
that fatiguewas
condition.
actual pathological
an
In other words, he proved it was
disease, by
a
discoveringthe germ and inoculatinglivingorganisms
with it. He took some
animals, pigs,if I recall aright,
made
them
till they were
work
dead of fatigue,
almost
a
"
"
then
the
from
serum
animals.
He
them.
found
all the
caused
in the
removed
patientand
With
that
this he
small
inoculated
of his
dose
heavy
other
ture
cul-
serum
characteristic symptoms
that
extracted
and
of
fatigue
produced even
dose
death."
"But
how
"Through
and paid, of
course.
received
the
her
nail
cuticle
so
serum
from
noticeable
no
caused
and
be
that
distributed all
she
had
; then
cut
over
you
The
then
would
the
Tulliver's
dip
clipthe
scratch
merest
in the
sore
to
was
saw,
solution, and
and
suffice,
; but
man
blood.
to draw
as
the
to
poison?"
engaged
would
finger would
be
body.
It
finger that
was
the
aroused
fact
my
instantly
suggested
Weichardt's
a
devilishly
experiments. It was
subtle plot. You
to poison
see, they didn't dare actually
him, or give him any easilyrecognized disease. All
they needed was to put him out of business for a day
memory
or
so
at
criticalmoments
their
fight."
when
they needed
time to prepare
MASTER
THE
202
"Then
Most
let
the
on
herself.
could
be
some
of
wish
do
what
that
the
manicure
in
front
he
easily
can
about
wishes
leaves
girl
and
her
it.
town,
crystal
spoke
as
besides
One
way.
attorney's
district
huge
symptoms
that
in
the
at
of
other
some
transmitted
the
he
and
thoughtfully
table
"I
him,
behind
police
go/'
looked
ebony
an
see
rest
Valeska
the
plot
he'll
likely
MYSTERIES
Tulliver?"
With
the
down
and
tell
you'll
"Certainly.
run
OF
if
to
fatigue
infuse
might
strenuosity
own
ball
and
for
honesty,
into
instance,
who
persons
moral
need
stamina."
"I
think
can
dreamily
gazed
of
His
him.
the
better
of
lovely
hands,
molded
figure,
would
the
he
in
front
the
hair,
graceful,
cunningly
sighed.
try
you
tro
As-
slenderly
mouth,
sensitive
and
the
do."
curling
fair
the
on
to
face
flushed
pretty
neck,
the
of
the
girlish
the
lingered
eyes
curve
"What
at
that
than
things
to
give
me,
taking
under-
were
without
asked
Valeska
experiment?"
if you
ing
look-
up.
Astro
did
long
tender
"that
first
not
look
I
shall
Instead
answer.
at
have
her.
to
"I
treat
he
think,"
myself
took
he
!"
one
said
more
finally,
THE
204
"Yes.
She
OF
of her
is
return
the
to
crossings:let
He
looked
the
over
but
affair,and
one
beginningto
in the
we'll
has
"
to
on
As
he
But
these with
compare
and
You
it. The
Here's
will observe
again
robe
into
followed
Valeska
as
disappeared in
The
white
visitor
face
with
Astro
first words
"My
is
arc
to
rose
drew
den
sudand
became
answer
with
alert eyes
till
stracted
fell ab-
slow, gracefully-rising,
blue, perfumed
in
censer
corner
of the dim
dio
stu-
again parted.
with
militarytype of man,
and iron-grayhair,tall and well-built,
and haggard. He
strode up to
drawn
was
mustache
with
He
remained
and
the
of the
smoke
who
heap
done, he
graceful form
the
on
That
drawer.
svelt
her
is
same
With
impassive Seer.
him
about
arc
swept
the calm
had
gesture he
them
one
the
bell,softlytinkling,
interruptedhim.
tossed
other
an-
that has
woman
see.
forth
drew
quite outlived
circle,you
first,
go
words."
fine
determined
The
air.
Seer
awaited
the
calmly.
name
is
Burbank,"
us
see
you
be in love.
If you
curves.
but
faithful friend.
collection
specimen. "Here
she
though she
the regularity
others."
some
as
MYSTERIES
hasn't
to
MASTER
delicate
come
the
man
to you
pieceof business, at
began, "Major
an
on
important
"
the advice of
friend
MRS.
WHY
who
has told
to say
to
Astro
if you
think
without
me
home
our
that you
for
I wish
me.
discover
can
a
precipitating
wish
an
painfulletter
very
expressivegesture.
ing
yesterday afternoon, leav-
made
and
left
wife
I have
confidential ?"
nodded
"My
205
what
will consider
sir,that you
as
you
AWAY
reputationfor solvingmysteries.
of your
me
I trust,
RAN
BURBANK
her whereabouts
scandal.
should
not
know, sir,
to
for
the greatest
I have
unless it is
be known
absolutelynecessary/'
Astro bowed
and pointedto a chair,seatinghimself
well. "I am
as
ready, sir," he replied. "If you will
acquaint me with the details,I think I can do what
you
wish."
"There
is,none
no
are
but
this letter.
happilymarried
were
We
have
children,whom
two
far
what
as
I have
He
took
handed
wife and
; my
sir! There
incredible,
all,so
Everything was
to
can
is
I loved
right;we
other.
each
absolutelyno
It's
for it at
reason
look at this,and
imagine
suffer !"
letter in
all
But
see.
; "that
out
envelope
an
his
from
pocket and
it to the Seer.
Astro
looked
"My
the
over
read
the
DEAR, DEAR
again. Don't
try
to
followingmessage
GEORGE
find
long bitter
wretchedness.
for I have
suffered.
"
I shall
I'm
me.
going
Forgive me
you
see
never
to
finish
if you
can
ELLEN."
Farewell.
carefully.He
looked at the back of the envelope again,then held it
in his hands, keeping a serious silence for
sensitively
His
eyes
ran
over
the
pen
strokes
2o6
MASTER
THE
few
minutes.
minutes
he
dear
"My
I
His
find her.
can
it is not
and
I get from
the
I think
radiations of this
well
if I
see
not
can
eral
sev-
I should
house
wife
But
For
writinga
which
he said
sir,your
abstracted.
not
Then
MYSTERIES
became
gaze
did
reverie.
deep
OF
in upon
just yet.
inspect your
to
the
discover
distress
for this
reason
First of
her.
all,I
ask
must
fix her
Burbank
Major
had
look.
anxious
tense
had
hoped that,if
you
could
"If
do it
me
Burbank, that
that
had
you
Mrs.
send
mind."
stood
"Is
claim,
you
simply."
more
wish
you
in my
image
to
you
help
to
her
"
Astro
"
his
shrugged
shoulders.
to
her,
save
"That
It's
her!
"Help
just that!"
without
goes
influences
I want
to
saying. Very
that I may
questions,so
more
than
more
even
exclaimed.
he
be
find. Who
I may
"I want
find her."
well.
Only
prepared for
lives in your
few
ever
what-
house
?"
He
"Besides
girl,and
"Who
"Why,
who
run
wife
my
are
in
ond
sec-
nurse."
your
let's
and
see.
most
Ellen
has
lot of
of course."
occasionally,
women
friends
looked
major
The
attempt for
If you
Major
dear
"My
"I hint at
nothing.
affected
The
by
major,
friend
that my
wife
like him.
me,
have
the
known
him
"I
to
him
only to-day.
"No, I haven't
"Very good.
sir,
did
for
He
can
sure.
quite intimately,
years
"
"
dryly;
disappearance?"
Burbank's
only
uncomfortable
of Mrs.
very
that she
me
disappearance,I'm
this
for several
and
tell you,
it very
with
do
lead
"We
I must
But
saw
likely."
is the
made
But
was
Trevellian
of late confessed
you.
to
replied:
quent
fre-
who
Burbank
Mrs.
it is not
Colonel
family.
It has
nothing
; but
guish
distin-
able to
of those
possiblethat
woman
has
assure
I have
is to be
friend
of
not
All
still frowning,
quiet life. My
close
Astro
I wish
"
"
repliedamiably,
Burbank,"
is
place. It
your
hint that
to
between
most
moment
207
here, sir!
sternly."See
him
at
AWAY
RAN
BURBANK
MRS.
WHY
the heart
had
I should
"but
has
he heard
to tell him."
advise
I think
not
you
Well, I
to.
we
you."
As
soon
Astro
as
handed
look.
her
She
gone,
Burbank's
Mrs.
examined
it under
Valeska
appeared.
letter,with
the
ous
curi-
drop-lightat
the
table.
"She
is in love ; but
major's
severe
conversation
It's interesting,
isn't it?
her
his friend
feelingfor
now?"
her
Do
previous affair,just
And
was
you
husband
in the
suppose
and
fering
she's sufI heard
strain,too.
mental
while
curious !
How
woman.
had
has
secret
the
closet.
she has
is in love
grown
out-
with
THE
MASTER
is she
in love
with
affection
for
208
"Or
her
what
have
we
"You
can
be
"You
knew
haven't
half
in his
arm,
absorbed
"It's
and
shook
grown
out-
that's
"
his head.
alive,though. How
was
?"
examined
he
walked
and
up
his
down,
his other
with
thought.
York, though"
postmarked New
Valeska
has
Trevellian
Astro
she
repliedabstractedly,as
chin
husband
Colonel
that is true
sure
MYSTERIES
her
out."
to find
said you
you
OF
in
smiled
him.
at
She
had
Oh, I
turned
!"
see
the top
back
flap,which
adhered, looselygummed,
and
imprint of
the
Durland, Pough-
stationer.
how
"No
she
post it when
to
'and
time in
notice
man's
he
"Now,"
"I wish
as
sie,and
York
dollar
"If
the station
city. Perfectly
to
no
you
take
if you
her in
see."
she's gone,
it out
at
can
time;
and
ban,
tur-
I'll go
right over to
wait for the photographs. As
the first train for Poughkeeplocate
so
Burbank.
Mrs.
It's
likely
un-
be."
if I find her?"
"Keep
"I
?"
pled
envelope is badly crumevidently been carried some
there,perhaps.
pocket.
they come,
see
in New
at the
that the
It has
be
may
porter
gave
soiled.
it here
"
You'll
simple.
"She
read.
"Hodge
looked
sight,wire
Valeska
of
course
me,
bent her
and
await
brows
in
instructions."
thought.
her, if I
can
"If
get
can?"
overcoat, paused
Astro, strugglinginto
long enough
to
long
gray
In
made
she
return
blew
BURBANK
MRS.
WHY
kiss to
RAN
mischievous
face
taking his
her, and
AWAY
209
He
him.
at
stick and
silk
hat,
limousine
green
brownstone
a
house
West
on
"I'm
about
was
to say
sorry
should
dropped
anything
in tone
as
of
pressivel
butler,im-
the
said
man
has
been
:
expectedly
un-
wished."
you
added
he
to
parlor.
Burbank
sir,and
away,
see
when
Major
that
into the
him
sit down
to
called
you
minutes
Fifty-secondStreet,one
solemn, ushered
Astro
in ten
him
gloomily respectablefronts.
of
row
took
somberly, "The
voice
fact is,
He
wliat
do
to
me
was
you
Burbank
"No, sir,she is
she has
ill and
necessary
So
if you
are
everything."
in?" Astro
asked.
I understand
not,
gone
for you.
out
of town
to
aunt
an
attend
was
taken
to her.
She
of the servant.
countenance
so
that she
up
from
her
morning
"Ah
and
sat
butler
looked
aunt's
people,though
that did
seem
to
stopped to hang
I expect
she
got
the
call
was
letter in the
!"
The
Master
of
never
THE
2io
for
and
gaze,
MASTER
"So
moment
the man's
over
OF
startled
expression passed
face.
Burbank
Mrs.
MYSTERIES
has
to
gone
deliberately.
"That's
what
said, sir."
she
"Do
you
The
to
me
say,
"See
believe
sir."
here !"
lapel of
it?"
Astro
his coat.
and
rose
"You're
took
quite right,my
suspect anything, of
to
the fellow
by the
It
man.
But
course.
if I
know
devoted
anything about human
nature, you are
to the major, and you'reto be trusted.
Now
here !
see
I'm here to help him
in this matter;
but anything
I find out
from
shall go
you
no
further.
Do
you
derstand?"
un-
major
was
Seer
still looked
sending his
the
if
as
searchingly,
cinate
thought through his eyes to fas-
will and
at
The
charm.
and
to that."
sir,as
man's
Gradually
he
and
servant
"All
lost
became
I want
to
see
The
from
him,
butler
is the
confidence.
stolidityof
the
envelope of
that
tro
letter,"As-
man.
hesitated.
I've done
suspicion to
he watched
human.
more
attitude,as
conventional
the
man
him
THE
212
MASTER
Come
ing.
back
OF
in ten
MYSTERIES
minutes, and
have
it back."
As
soon
as
this he moistened
the
letter
Mrs.
handwriting which
hurried
he
parent
trans-
as
inside
only
read
his
With
sponge.
it became
envelope,and
from
drew
velvet
tracing-paper. The
as
nervous,
Astro
gone
so
was
line,in
one
recognizedas
Burbank's:
"I
He
longer. If
it,and
went
out
of the
"One
like to
the nursery
see
butler
The
third
floor.
other
two
building blocks,
window
with
some
go,"
you
and
of
iously
anx-
was
relief.
"I'd
Astro.
said
about
playing on
were
a
smelled
butler
opened
children, one
while
draft,
the children."
and
old,
years
"
it up,
The
it with
took
room.
before
moment,
he
received
waiting,and
"
don't
you
the envelope in
set
minutes
In ten
waited.
and
it any
bear
not
can
nursemaid
butler
The
sewing.
was
door
four
on
the
and
the
busy
at
retired to
the
turn
re-
the letter.
Astro
to
went
the children
fond
used
to
them.
He
was
did
only
not
not
speak
first,
sittingwith them, smiling,and playing with the
at
blocks
a
that he
manner
beside
knelt down
and
as
over
out
to
her
watch
The
of their age.
elder,
arranging a pileof blocks, crawled
himself
if he
and
help
the other
baby
two
and
"Kellem!
arms
was
Kellem!"
him.
As
stared
at
cried
the two
Astro.
sat
Then
there
gether,
to-
she put
MRS.
WHY
Astro
BURBANK
in
stared
surprise. It
that
evidently,
he had
bank's
He
letter.
RAN
found
turned
AWAY
the
was
the ashes
on
word,
same
of Mrs.
who
the nurse,
to
213
Bur-
apparently
noticed
had
nothing unusual.
"What
does she mean
by that?" he asked.
"Oh, that 'Kellem, kellem'?
Why, I don't know,
I'm sure, sir. I fancy it's one
of the games
they play
with
Colonel
Trevellian.
with
romp
the
I've heard
him.
He
often
kiddies,and
they
Agatha
wonder
thought to
never
for
be fond
to
seem
that before
say
in here
comes
of
but, lord ! I
about
it?"
her
out
and
arms
repeated
"Did
play
ever
that
with
particulargame
her
mother, nurse?"
"I
don't
Seems
though.
sir, I'm
remember,
to
me,
Burbank
Mrs.
trying to break
got it mixed up."
I've
doubt
Astro
after
watched
of the
kissingeach
Agatha
for
children
the
expect
so,
I think
now
sure.
of it; but
no
time; then,
some
chubby faces,went
fully
thought-
down-stairs.
He
door
had
opened,
on
reached
sooner
no
Burbank
and
his face.
entered
He
and
bowed
the outer
serious
shook
pression
ex-
his head
sadly.
"My
he said.
too
much
misfortunes
are
brother
"My
for me,
longer; unless
of helpingme,"
"
is
I'm
and
all
on
dead,
my
at
once,
wife
afraid I'llhave
the
unless you
he added.
coming
case.
have
it
seems,"
missing.
to
call in the
I can't stand
discovered
It's
some
it any
way
THE
2i4
"When
did your
far
"As
as
locate
"He
lived
"Yes,
by
till four
even
friend whom
and
gas
it any
this
had
he
he had
found
was
They
at
were
afternoon, when
able
un-
I went
?"
The
servant.
asked
body
to
discovered
was
smelled
call,who
in.
broken
the door
and
The
necessary."
was
alone, I presume
not
asked.
the fumes.
from
did what
and
rightover
in his room,
on
me
MYSTERIES
can
eight o'clock,dead
to
OF
brother
we
turned
was
gas
MASTER
the
for
I can't account
way."
"Did
Burbank
Mrs.
tro
visit his apartment?" As-
ever
asked.
ill,she went
Occasionally when he was
him
things necessary." He stopped
"Yes.
and
took
stared
the
at
there's
that
should
in Mrs.
like to
I have
there is
I must
her
a
"Here
is my
be
given
you
on
the
to
the
evasively.
"I
the
be
may
ments,"
apart-
able
will lead
me
to
ceive
re-
the
on
when
she
there, Mr.
left home.
Burbank, and
I'llwrite
note
asking that
fullest
and
but
brother's
impression."
premises. Of
apartment;
condition
card, then.
morgue,
Burbank's
in
strange discord
the
"
mental
complete
suspect that
Mrs.
investigateyour
succeeded
Burbank's
understand
But
between
some
don't
and
my
said Astro
track.
you
connection
any
disappearance and
"I
"But
Master.
over
opportunityfor investigation
the body has been taken
course
the police are
in charge of the
I think
you
will have
no
trouble
with
them."
"One
more
thing,Mr.
Burbank.
if
MRS.
WHY
Mrs.
Burbank
BURBANK
was
RAN
AWAY
hypnotized,that
ever
did have
We
"And
who
an
was
was
of."
time?"
the Seer.
asked
"Why,
some
Colonel
nothing further
Trevellian.
did succeed
and
power,
of the
two
or
friend
my
that he had
one
know
you
evening party
amusing experiments
rather
some
215
company,
of
came
ever
wife
my
it,and
He
in
fancied
influencing
included.
tried it
never
we
But
again."
"Has
the colonel
known
sir,you
present I
at
As
as
shall
merely holding
am
influences
soon
speak,
to
dear
"
sensitive to whatever
them,
But, my
"
Burbank,
"Mr.
long?"
married.
were
we
wife
your
into
go
come
in contact
soaked
myself
in
and
be
I have
self
my-
trance
I don't know
about
guided by subconscious mind.
these things at all. I observe, I listen,I smell ; but
what works these impressionsout in me
is deeper than
sense
mere
or
and
He
ratiocination.
mere
hope
disconsolate
jumping
drove
the
It
was
from
"She
wire
He
On
Valeska
the
wait patiently,
in
the
Master
library,and
of Mysteries
telegram awaited
him.
address."
despatched
took
Here
studio.
is in
must
left Burbank
to
You
an
way
an
express
to
and
hurrying to
Kingsbridge.
answer,
way,
the sub-
patter by
THE
216
which
MASTER
he had
imposed
waited
for minutes
consulted
at
alert
As
from
drew
his
staring
when
again, and
were
eyes
its contents,
time.
His
it
stopped
he
walked
The
taken
his client.
upon
and
down, he became
MYSTERIES
Occasionallyhe
set.
note-book
at the page
OF
insured
note
was
up-stairs
by an officer
meagerly furnished as
look
about
had
bank
spent
few
it
gave
died next
was
place
quarters.
utensils and
chamber
glance. The
engrossed
The
in better
where
his attention.
in elaborate
ages
pack-
disorderlymanner.
scantilyfurnished, but
half-hour
in
littleflat. The
bachelor's
revealed
strewn
sitting-roomwas
Astro
into
he
der.
or-
Bur-
Here
scrutiny. Still he
he
peared
ap-
he
Excusing himself to the officer,
opened the back door and inspectedthe platform.Here
he saw
ash barrel and a can
for refuse. He opened
an
of each in turn.
the cover
Lighting a match, he looked
eagerlyinto them.
dissatisfied.
In
black-rubber
all the
he had
pocket.
"You
he
moment
have
doubt
no
not.
course
that I know
"No
before
"The
late
one
out
broken, hollow,
was
inside.
returned
suicide,I suppose,
"Of
drawn
He
had
caused
was
by
officer?"
There's
no
evidence
to
the
trary
con-
of."
known
to
have
visited him
the
night
he died?"
people down-stairs
that night; but it may
say
they
have
been
heard
footsteps
anybody.
No-
MRS.
WHY
BURBANK
AWAY
RAN
217
the
"That,
"Of
to
was
Good
night,Officer."
hurried back to the subway station. As
the ticket taker he drew a photograph from
major.
Astro
reached
handed
pocket and
"Did
"I wouldn't
I can't recall
several times.
his
night,late ?"
time before
some
about
sure
he
man.
woman
it for
at
be
it to the
see
you
looked
He
was
suicide,all right."
Very well,then, that's all. I'llreport
It
too.
course.
the
her
entrance
rear
he answered.
seen
certainly
just when
the
was
last time."
"That's
he handed
dollar,ran
down-stairs,and
boarded
the
man
the express
for
down-town.
Another
door
when
One
read
"Your
two
West
despatchesand
rang
has
taken
for
ger.
messen-
child
pneumonia
234
the studio.
he reached
hastilyscribbled
lyingunder his
After reading it,he
was
Bobby
is at
been
ill with
Important."
This
addressed
was
to
Mrs.
York.
The
Belle
other
Grant, Delmar
was
sent
to
leska
Va-
Wynne.
"Follow
B. G. wherever
with
know
you
know
her
her."
get
quainted
ac-
let her
THE
218
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
sat down
to
table under
up
his
the electric
them
warmed
dry. The
work
over
Bunsen
long
was
and
burner
arduous, and
till they
it
was
were
most
al-
job. The
irregularly
penknife he
the
an
a
the
the
protruding glue, and then examined
whole
through a magnifying-glass. Not till it appeared
his inspection
to satisfy
did he desist. But at
last the thing was
done, and without undressing he
threw
of
himself
fell sound
and
arms
His
awakened
him
under
black
Angora,
trophy
asleep.
Deodar,
cat
pet
on
handsome
nine o'clock
As
and
soon
from
table.
mended
box
He
was
a
a
cylinderto
The
wheels
song
by
phonograph, which
bit excited
the drum
whirred;
well-known
as
now,
and
harsh
comedian.
tons
boy in butopened it,and
a
he set
he
voice
After
the
fitted his
started the
dry
on
work.
clock-
announced
preliminary
MASTER
THE
220
his client,and
to
anew
question of
This
few
promise
Astro
OF
him
assured
hours
seemed
back
went
MYSTERIES
that it
return.
old man's
quiet the
to
determined
only a
was
distress.
expression,
new
once
and
on
In
half-hour
waited.
"Colonel
announced
Buttons
and
Trevellian!"
walked
man
in.
visitor looked
The
about
yellow, bony-faced
mustache.
drooping
He
requested to
you
and
of
of
see
and
replied. "I
about
am
tance
imporguidly.
lan-
make
to
"I believe
of
matter
on
me
lean,
did," Astro
"I
man,
scornfully.He was
with deep-set eyes
spoke with a drawl.
quest
re-
you."
"Indeed, you
do
me
man's
The
great honor."
tone
sarcastic.
was
scarcelylooked
Astro
obliged to
up
return
for five
The
colonel
clenched
pitchyou
Astro
"You
infernal
New
of your own
yawned. Then
would
York
step
infinitely
sent
con-
and
and
nearer,
charlatan!
if
not
you'll
sweeping-cap,I'llsee that
corner
any longer ! What
and
this cozy
mean?
be
Trevellian, if you
scowled, took
nightgown
do you
out
"I should
things,leave
years."
don't decorate
the deuce
him.
your
his fist.
Colonel
you,
pack
to
at
By Jove !
window
he
I'llthrash
you
and
!"
brought
his
two
hands
MRS.
WHY
down
BURBANK
on
the
toward
RAN
his dark
colonel,on
AWAY
alert head
whom
221
stretched
out-
was
he turned
two
quite mistaken.
You're
to
bluster.
"What
nothing at all, I
Why, the major
I've done
sir?
mean,
last attempt
do you
assure
you.
is my
best
friend !"
do you
"And
of your
"Of
old
"And
"
"
The
the
The
somewhat
husband
colonel's face
"That
she
touched
the
it ground out
colonel
"
hypnotizingher
influence,that she
your
at
Astro, and
raucously.
dropped
drew
The
out,
at
"
"
his
palmist. He
and
jaw had
what ?" He almost whispered it.
phonograph. "Kellem, kellem,
hard
stared
man
dropped.
kell
as
Burbank?"
It's absurd."
not.
you
Astro
supplant him
now.
gettingher
The
to
sweetheart, Mrs.
course
ashen
was
wish
not
arms,
long breath.
hansom
drew
up
at
number
looked
234.
woman
curiouslyat
got
the front
THE
222
door.
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
Apparentlypuzzled, she
her
and
purse
it
read
She
over.
of thirty-five,
dressed
woman
luggage
her
was
stamped
if not
was
her
as
telegram from
a
fine-looking
was
all in
black, even
to her
wore
no
small
drew
of culture and
woman
influence,
As
she
started
the steps,
ascend
to
car,
motor-
green
down
came
drivingfuriously,
Thirty-fourthStreet
and drew up suddenly before her. A
girl,fresh
young
and pretty, smartly dressed, and with an air of jaunty
confidence, jumped out.
The
who
woman
astonishment.
her
The
stared
she said,"how
do
now
Mrs.
Burbank, only
I knew
I didn't
so
imposed
dare
upon
you.
needn't
worry
other account
the Master
"The
has
my
secured
been
to
his account.
able to
Mrs.
sure
of
and
help
you.
assure
And
that
by
gasped.
Mysteries,my
he
his services,for
dear
come
really
you.
hope
on
this time
straightenthingsout."
Burbank
I'm
sure
my
had
to
on
"Oh!"
you'd never
explain that we
Bobby is quite well, I
been
friend, as
wants
the train
on
who
Master?"
happen
timidityin
detective ?"
friend
in
you
affectionately.
"No,
here;
You
her
at
perplexityand
into positivealarm.
breathed, "you'renot
Valeska
no
first arrived
look of
deepened
eyes
she
"Why,"
here?"
be
to
had
no
help
right up and
publicity.Come
that everythingis all right."
is yours.
one
you
employer
Your
band
hus-
else would
have
without
you'llhear
danger
from
of
him
"
Oh,"
she
breathed,
"
you're
not
detective
"
BURBANK
MRS.
WHY
RAN
nothing
Astro
colonel
distorted
so
else, coming
her mind
unstrung
"When
know
to
piece but
afraid I could
one,
too
every
and
you
the
of
gestion
sug-
struggled
"Kill
the words
the
over
one
any
telephone,
child,had finally
own
run
away
might
I left him
out.
find
to
place to
watching me,
it away.
So
see
ceal
con-
and
when
everything and
tell him
fellow
poor
worry
without
I went
some
be
to
was
to
curiouslyat
my
feared to leave it
when
me
tormented; that is
throwing
apartment
to
enable
phonograph cylinder. I
seemed
one
the heart
found
that
been
it with
intended
had
looked
ever
had
She
destroythat, and
didn't have
She
"
to risk
nervous
ask his
the horrible
"
she
that I should
I got to Edward's
barrel.
"
I had
I took
hoping
it. But
was
first
hypnotic
persistentlyso often
her
evidence
how
not
in the house.
Edward,
herself
had
to
be unintelligible
the
destroyed every
every
that
had
away,"
I went
husband
She
be
of the colonel's1power.
out
get
who
her
lipsof
actuallycommit
should
persecutor
letters,now
the innocent
from
the
iteration
to
in
now
would
husband.
the
as
that there
distracted
kill her
smilingin
sat
her
after
given
almost
him!"
had
her
it drove
that she
had
Va-
Burbank
hideous.
weeks
everything; how,
sleep,the
hard
from
fear
last few
confessed
told
had
to
more
the
made
to
followed
woman
minutes
the studio.
now
223
hopelessly.
Ten
that
The
AWAY
him
was
so
with my
blue
own
that
bles
trou-
saying anything."
Astro.
"I can't
It's wonderful
!"
imagine how
THE
224
look
Astro's
sensitive
one
is
plain
as
Valeska
smiled
"But
Burbank
kill
to
"The
I'm
colonel
said
There
only
is
"What
"The
truth
"
her
with
up
say?"
woman's
to
he
husband?"
my
knows
Mrs.
he'll
everything
!"
"He
has
harm's
had
that
way
of
out
his
know
way,
warning.
of
bly
plausi-
absence."
your
can
tell
to
possible
looked
Valeska
and
message-impression
himself
Astro.
one
explaining
take
ether,
hands.
her
Trevellian
will
the
intensely
bell."
"If
Colonel
sure,"
of
am
exclaimed.
want
the
is
yours
of
folded
and
what
now
as
vibration
ringing
the
as
force
Burbank,"
Mrs.
dear
disturbance
such
to
"My
nervous
effects
it
dynamic;
MYSTERIES
cryptic.
was
"such
replied,
he
OF
MASTER
rather
swiftly,
Mrs.
as
if
to
Burbank
last
cynical
resort."
smile.
anticipate
said
And
his
planation.
ex-
doubtfully.
Astro
vored
fa-
THE
double
salon
there
OF
MASTER
226
not
were
the
of
yet
Selwyns
too
highly decorated
Louis
the
brilliant company
as
in the
ceiling,frescoed
to
present
many
half
about
was
of the
enclosed
The
MYSTERIES
panels
an
the
hide
gance
ele-
rooms
which
ornate
frame.
XIV
in
filled;
with
and
nymphs
mingled
with
the
sounded
head
which
roses
An
dainty women.
languorously from the balcony at
of the wide
"I'm
winter
of
odor
an
was
perfumes
of
chestra
or-
the
staircase.
delighted!"
exclaimed
Selwyn
Mrs.
effusively,
spot
the
of
corner
It
was
hard
to
believe
way
than
either.
her
tempted
not
from
There
costume
even
her earnest
slender
for
was
a
was
as
her
her
matron.
strikinga figureas
Valeska
seemed
more
littleartifice in her
simple.
girlishly
moment
little
and
fingersflashing with
fair hair.
her
mouth,
her
to
One
pearance;
apwas
wander
pretty face.
wyn
glad to see you, Miss Wynne !" Mrs. Selscarcelygave her a glance and returned spiritedly
to Astro.
"My dear," she said archly,"I had no idea
that I had
captured such a lion. People are simply
sensation already
wild about you! Why, I've made
a
by merely inviting
you, I assure
you ! Not that I didn't
and
know
famous
were
popular and all that, of
you
but, dear me, it's a positiverage! You have
course;
stories I've been
idea what
no
hearing about you!
"I'm
so
SELWYN'S
MRS.
They
wall, and
stone
dear
what
knows
"And
him
at
up
caught togetherby
was
corsage
set in small
emerald,
; but
her
"They're
cloth
square-cut
Mrs.
evidentlynot
wore
top of her
The
immense
an
diamonds.
blue
She
delicate,over
black.
daringly with
silver,touched
of
sides and
her
lashes.
her
and
"
gown."
down
of silken
costume
under
from
dead
of you !"
in that
"
demurely
hands
her
spread
looked
also,madam,
through
go
the
conjure
actuallyafraid
I'm
227
and
thoughts
fire,and
eat
I of you
She
one's
read
can
you
say
EMERALD
Selwyn was
Astro's compliment
she
hinted.
Astro
frowned.
She
nodded
dear
"My
shook
"
lady
he
"
her
began.
lightly."Oh, yes,
I know.
I shan't ask you, of course.
I promised.
But at the same
time if something anything should
happen, you know, it would be perfectlylovely; and
it would
make
it?
the thing go, wouldn't
Oh, and
and
fan
"
there's
Italian countess
an
dying
to
have
here, whose
about
hand
"It
an
to turn
away,
eagerly.
was
so
good
invitation!
of you
We
Mrs.
to come
armies
'em
influence
more
him
became
Countess
don't succeed!"
ply
sim-
almost
so
you
unconventional
home.
at
want;
perhaps,"
coquettish,"you
Astro
Trixola
hostess'
you
men
to-night. And
with
I'm
prattle,
Selwyn caught her
on
make
must
positivelyall the
Selwyn
the
at
when
shall have
of
hand
read !"
you
"
than
will be
poor
so
I.
You
I have
here
Mrs.
may
have
Do
talk
disappointedif
to
you
THE
228
MASTER
fresh
she
of the
corner
"I
be
at
ished.
I shan't
dear.
worth
seeing,and
little thing as
and
acquired.
if you
to
were
you
don't
But
on
help it,and
anything. It's the
there
profit,and
'up and
is
down'
"Here's
A
going
the
toward
for my
watch
and
accidents
would
Side
ment.
tene-
would-be's
and
already.
It's all
eyes. Watch
your
tance
impor-
lose
you
sight of
to
with
of life by which
I'll see
that you
we
me
ticularly
par-
duced.
intro-
are
be mobbed."
I'll wager," Valeska
escorting a
glassy;but they
;
but her
vivacious
face
alert
narrow
said.
insipid youth
Nearer, those
up
me,
signals.Be ready
predictingaccidents. Give
sign if you discover anything
them,
considerablymade
my
no
heavily shadowed.
bit hard
you,
bit of information
account
any
countess,
eyed brunette,
use
bearing
prom-
every
interesting. Well,
I'm
can,
to
were
use
can
as
you
if it
to
East
an
tell the
can
you
in
'Til
tricks to
Selwyn
attend
to
bly.
assem-
hurriedly.
Mrs.
to
born
were
I want
the
beautifully.Nobody
quickly
as
and
led her
doing parlor
time
did
I think
bounders
every
much
that you
Why,
the
have
But, really,you
imagine
ever
the
avoid
to
view
began
amuse
for
he
he
and
they could
coming,"
wits' end
my
again,
arm
where
room
what's
see
interruptedher,
them.
Astro's
took
MYSTERIES
guests here
welcome
to
Valeska
a
of
group
turned
OF
were
rouge
dark
green-
and
eyes
quick.
had
was
been
eyes
seemed
She
was
applied
cleverly.
Astro
had
time
only
to
remark
out
of
one
corner
SELWYN'S
MRS.
of his mouth,
countess
"Look
EMERALD
her
at
Valeska
hand
the
gave
!" and
right hand
It
glance.
the
then
him.
fairlybubbling over
was
229
white-
hung,
woman
peeping
bother
is
her
over
going
happen
to
miraculous, after
"even
dear
"But
We're
all we've
have
least you
at
Astro
heard
about
occult
your
smiled
The
countess
"Be
The
holidays.
an
tell
can
into
burst
shook
her
book
open
afraid
cynically,
I
out
am
shoulder
about
something
me
self
my-
by
hope
in
public?"
guffaw.
!" she
bit
I'm
finger at
"Oh,
Astro
quizzically."Surely not
pale youth
life is
said
you
The
him
airily."Why,
protested.
at
blank
bellowed
page,
and
the
countess'
I'm
naughty enough
then."
struck
was
on
fan.
to
nice," she
be
demurely.
"Madam,"
doubt
said I mustn't
Selwyn
to-night."
before
said
and
Countess,"
saints must
miracles
the
side
one
"My
my
to
!"
powers
of
"Mrs.
fan.
I do
; but
you
head
gaily,tipping her
if you
"Now,
what
said
could
Astro, with
be
d'you
positivelyI don't
of compliment or
either
mean
know
the worst
queer
naughtier
by
expression, "I
or
nicer."
whether
kind
it's the
of insult!"
"Why,
best
kind
THE
230
"I
MASTER
it to
leave
said Astro
She
he
MYSTERIES
conscience
your
and
"
vanity,"
your
calmly.
it off and
laughed
such
say
OF
turned
enigmatical things
"Does
Valeska.
to
to
too?"
you,
she
asked.
"Oh,
doesn't
he
group
about
now
was
them
as
knows
compliments."
joined by others eagerly pressing
to listen to the
the
the
as
all
"He
and
of his appearance
him
and
charm
the
personal influence
as
of his
well, and
manner
gave
this
on
first
in
Astro's
colors
flying.
and
among
To
The
the
rivalryamong
the
all hinted
affair
women
men
seemed
at
his
own
for Astro's
itself into
whimsical
notice,
home
flashingsallies.
character
readings, the
and
affable
in this smart
picturesquestudio.
him, fascinated
with
through
resolved
soon
requests for
polished
much
her
for Valeska's
palmist offered
as
carried
support,
own
confidence, combined
Women
by his romantic
company
gathered
and
personality,
as
an
He
excuses.
as
about
rather
occultist.
off; but,
in
anxious
Mrs.
as
hope
I'm
naughty
enough
to
be
nice," she
said
demurely.
MASTER
THE
232
in amiable
smiled
He
Valeska's
"That
OF
I don't know.
alone, in
came
cab, Mrs.
me.
That's
Florence.
He
had
all I
lowered
voice
to
all sorts
told
friends in
"
"
whisper, and
of
me."
Selwyn
mutual
know, except
his
with
she fascinates
; but
hired
you?"
is she?"
"Who
"Are
derision.
dilated.
eyes
MYSTERIES
was
Countess."
moment,
"I want
know
if
one
He
was
to
to
admit
dropped
side,and
Astro
withdrew.
for
"Yes.
Astro's
roguishly
followed
eyes
and
One
one," Valeska
some
nodded.
pompadour
it."
her.
amused.
much
"Looking
I can't fathom
"Oh
"
curled
eye
was
did you
blond
see
ically.
lacon-
suggested
that
chap
with
mustache?"
bigger
than
the
other, the
"
rightone."
"Watchmaker.
eye
by Jove! a diamond
"Decidedly. But
Comes
using
from
it
cutter!
they
seem
so
screwing up
much.
Queer,
to
be
Or
his
right
possibly
"
isn't it?"
sure
enough
of
MRS.
SELWYN'S
EMERALD
positionhere. They're
other guests."
"There's
something awry.
It's all there in my
brain,but
their
it out,
Here's
sailed past
hostess
holding out
of the
at the end
by Selwyn,
whiskers
faced
host.
He
in his
She
courage.
was
might
"Infernal
have
to efface
offered
his
not
was
afraid
not
in with
this
been
an
like the
later.
you
and,
arm,
her to
seat
Nobody could
chubby roundawkward
himself.
in
be
had
as
arm
think
to
promptly annexed
with mutton-chop
house.
own
timid
and
in his endeavors
alone, he
He
to
man's
young
was
fat stomach.
harmless
so
he
Valeska
room.
all at home
seem
short,puffy littleman
and
being at
on
get it.
I'll talk
time
the
as
I could
I haven't
we'll go in.
Selwyn now."
Mrs.
Their
left
I wish
Come,
ready!
well received
as
mind.
Never
here.
and
now
233
Seeing Valeska
sudden
ant,
serv-
others, and
access
of
apparently
of her.
all this sort
humbug,
of
thing!"
he
bled.
grum-
she answered, a
"Why, what do you mean?"
surprised.
"Having this fool palm-reader here, and all
little
that.
Bosh!"
Valeska
could
was
scarcelyrepress a
evidentlyquite serious about
had
no
idea
who
she
"It is nonsense,
of
I think
that
Mr.
she
was,
is
it.
Seeing
humored
course," she
Astro
titter. But
Selwyn
that he
him.
said
gravely;
quitemodest
about
"but
it,don't
you?"
"Oh, he's all right, he has
"
"
but
the
women
make
to make
such
I
living,
pose,
sup-
fools of themselves
him.
about
be
MASTER
THE
234
with
done
might
led
into
her
well
as
and
dinner
give a monkey
it!"
Muttering thus,
he
MYSTERIES
OF
in
the
inconsequent, petulant
an
where
dining-room,
she
way,
mediatel
im-
was
surrounded
remark
discomfort
occasionally,
pitying his
and
his
timidity.
her
Meanwhile,
she
caught sight
with
the
of
pompadoured
did
suggestive, or
with
Mrs.
and
man,
she
the
to
Selwyn,
the
was
in black
plump
A
neck
round
hair,
gray
silk,with
debutante,
bright-eyed
with
holding out
little gushes
her
never
amazed
of
before
her
radiated
for him
and
which
Astro,
countess
in
he
drew
over
read.
to
he
such
dominated
one
in
her
conversation.
lily,ingenuous,
laughter whenever
how
them,
curls
Astro's
in
as
him
furtive,
From
The
innumerable
and
hand
see
it
curiosity,leaned
seen
to
an
fresh
as
Was
ager
heavy soggy dowastoundinglylow-cut dress,
absorbed
was
certain
of
center.
talking
noted
it?
group
Once
room.
countess
she
merely fancy
wandered
glance
green-eyed
in their encounter.
surreptitioushaste
her
the
in the
busy
were
eyes
his
shoulder,
Valeska
spoke.
company,
it,how
after another
eager,
heard
She
and
had
it
his magnetism
into
his
circle of influence.
So
it went
on
for half
an
SELWYN'S
MRS.
gradually to
threes, all
the
more
her
train, or
His
round
if he
looked
with
for
her
Valeska
like
beamed
all the
the next
instant,and
an
lipsmoved
When
smile, he
arch
an
his
light
of his face.
out
Astro
met
sign. It was
denoting whom
the ceiling,
and
a
his
pass
himself.
to
anybody,
to
stepping on
cigars or wine.
continually,and
talking
him
to
shrink
to
for
woman
waiter
seemed
hardly spoke
some
winked
were
at
She
call
to
eyes
child upon
went
He
apologize to
to
who
Selwyn,
smaller.
and
except
as
room,
is,excepting poor
smaller
235
leave
champagne
that
EMERALD
"up
and
she
was
to
observe,
had
it
hand
His
The
plain
as
glance
"
his feet.
to
caught
and
down"
little flourish.
She
pompadour!
hall,passed him,
the
down
with
hair
in the
touched
the
with
man
could
words
as
to
up
tell it.
drifted
She
He
pompadour.
double
a
salon
Hungarian
of abandon
flirted
what
near
was
into the
was
the center
of the
at
the
about
room
her.
Astro
group
into
wave
followed
could
time
the
swept
waft
to
same
in
party
laughter,and
who
all she
was
The
orchestra
men
the
with
man
seen.
seemed
The
room.
jestsand
going on
and
The
which
rhapsody
be
to
talk
crowded.
persistently;it
their
parry
with
humming
now
was
nowhere
was
the
sought
and
away
do
keep
was
of
her
now
to
track
of
standing
wonderfully
each perfect,
dangerously pretty women,
Their
little
and merry.
finished,poised,yet animated
as
aigretsnodded
they talked and laughed. Selwyn,
dressed
and
THE
236
his hands
MASTER
in his
the
piano
OF
MYSTERIES
pockets,moodily
in
the
effaced himself
Every
corner.
time
hind
be-
he
saw
Valeska, he beamed.
she
As
stood
near
new
men
the
She
the
; but
retorts
she
moment
was
out.
sight of
the
room
the
to
For
her.
pompadoured man.
where
Mrs. Selwyn
"
Suddenly
went
lost
gazing across
stood, when
of it all stimulated
newness
the
The
lightsin
room
for
the two
an
electric chandeliers
instant seemed
as
black
and then
cried out in fright,
night. Several women
a
light chorus of laughter rippled round the room
hysterically.In the instantaneous cessation of talk,
all that was
heard.
of feet was
for a moment
a shuffling
for a moThe picturein Valeska's view remained
ment
in her eyes as clear as a photograph against the
darkness; Mrs. Selwyn, merry, jubilant,
talking to a
fat old man;
behind her the dowager, the debutante,
the pale youth, all talkingtogether; and a littlealoof,
the countess, with a strange expression,and her fan
pressed to her lips,looking in Valeska's direction as
if she were
giving a sign! Then the picture faded ; a
babble of voices arose.
ing
Mounting over them all,risto a scream,
Mrs. Selwyn's excited cry:
came
"Oh!
Stop! Help! I'm robbed!"
Valeska at the same
rush swiftly
felt a man
moment
as
"
SELWYN'S
MRS.
there
was
EMERALD
237
sharp twitch
side of
the
at
waist.
her
another
Then
voice
like
came
"Light
one
any
diately
there, imme-
up,
switch
The
tillwe
to move
have
Don't
light!"
pers
frightenedhalf-minute, full of whisand
shocked
expletives,the lights sprang
up
full of shocked
a
room
again, and showed
agonized
faces.
Every one looked at his neighbor with startled
A louder
buzzing of talk arose, only to cease
eyes.
suddenly again as Selwyn, pushing his way into the
last,after
At
middle
like
of
the
shall
move
the matter!
Selwyn emerald.
keep
one
his
had
What
he
took
room,
of the
command
situation,
general.
"Nobody
what's
wife
My
You
place until it is
to
we
find out
brooch, the
lost her
has
all know
awakened
until
step here
found
!"
the littleman
At the crisis
sertive
changed from a bashful boy into a wilful aswith his resolution.
dominating the room
man,
The
talk swept excitedlyabout
the place now;
each
while
questioned his neighbor,or stared spellbound. Meanand
to the folding doors
Selwyn had walked
rolled them
shut with a bang. Then, red-faced, with
a
had
"Now,
who
was
near
back
you,
some
corsage
one
"
see
where
up
is that
to
me
Betty?"
exactly,"she
I know
came
his wife
to
the
when
and
answered
I felt
lightswent
snatch
Somebody
tericall
hys-
called out
at my
stole
THE
238
MASTER
no
"See
if it hasn't
moment
dropped
every
for silence,and
the
on
spoke
one
his soldiers,Astro's
tumult.
had
head
"Mr.
Selwyn,
trouble, no
no
his
keep
one
his
the
upon
place until
its
the
over
his fine
I've
Let
one.
any
will be
There
every
I'll promise
finished,and
the
suspicion to
the
of
his head
to
laxed
re-
company
rassment
embar-
interest.
amused
an
savagely. "No,
of your
responded
room
strain of uncomfortable
nervous
Selwyn shook
None
fusion
con-
throng.
me
rose
chair, and
unpleasantness for
and
But
voice
a
for
let
the
the emerald."
discover
to
sprung
above
appeared
and
at once,
commanding
He
floor!"
Then
maddening.
was
hands
MYSTERIES
"No,
For
OF
indeed
I will
you!
send
the
in
policeimmediately. Meanwhile, every one
this room
is my prisoner. Those
who objectmust
essarily
necbe regarded with suspicion."
"Oh, George !" Mrs. Selwyn pleaded, "do let Astro
try it ! I'm
sure
he
done
and
has
it. He's
he'll be able to do
such
marvelous
clever,
so
things!"
from every
one.
"Yes, yes ! Let him try it !" came
Selwyn hesitated,lookinghalf-contemptuouslyat the
"How
palmist.
do
you
propose
to
find it?" he
asked
finally.
Astro
together.
"I
to
his head
already feel
gathering,"he
the person
said.
who
an
drew
and
disturbing this
influence
"I shall be
committed
drawn
the
his brows
ward
inevitablyto-
theft,as
if
by
was
hush.
Then
like
storm,
and
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
THE
24o
broke out
volleyof exclamations
swept
Selwyn's last objectionswere
a
away.
piqued with
acquiescence. Astro
last the
At
a
curiosity,gave
gesture of
his chair, with a fixed look in his
from
stepped down
paused
eyes, and gazed eagerlyto rightand left. He
one
moment,
standing with his hand to his forehead,
and
his little finger pointed upward.
Valeska
saw
read the signal:
"Follow
the person I pointout !"
he
He then walked
up to the dowager with whom
had been at supper-time. "Will
kindly take off
you
your left glove,Mrs. Postlethwaite ?" he asked.
what
idea!"
do you
she ejaculated. "Why,
"The
mean?
Do
you
dare
Mrs.
wyn's
Sel-
brooch?"
Her
eyes
were
the
"Silence!"
to
the
all
If you
do
"Madam,
matron.
it quickly,
so
hesitate,we
harshly.
commanded
innocent
are
the salon.
over
Astro
gaping
ask, and
as
to
first time
hearty laugh
open
her.
For
who watched
the company
since the lightswent
a
out, there was
ludicrous
was
wide
you
can't,of
as
have
course,
you
must
He
do
turned
what
not
to
you."
She
muttering to herself,
indignantly,
but tugged at her glove nevertheless.
He
took her
bared hand and inspectedthe palm. Then
he took her
right hand, gloved as it was, and inspected that.
left her as suddenly as he had come,
He
however,
with
stared
no
at him
comment
whatever, and
darted
to
the
young
SELWYN'S
MRS.
241
of his group
also been
had
who
debutante
EMERALD
said.
he
in the dining-room.
"Take
off
your
her
Preston
hand
for the
was
looked
and
pale
hand, and
The
man
he
Then
back.
left her
off his
youth. His glove,too, came
examined.
his right gloved hand
was
the pompadour came
next, and the same
with
enacted.
was
two
or
the
at
wan
left
pantomine
young
the
on
Astro's
man's
stayed for
eyes
ond
sec-
sleeve; then
left coat
he
passed on.
So
he
from
went
now
to
man,
Her
eyes
had
upper
"Will
left
left him
the
the
little.
kindly remove
your
you
please. Yes,
you
of his
swiftlyto
of what
The
countess.
away,
and
As
backed
by the windows.
heart.
Her
her
dilated.
Now
your
you."
he
had
woman
methods.
on
you.
had
that moment
was
evidently voicing
Astro's
remained
pupils were
thank
noticed,and from
he
Trixola.
glove,Countess ? No,
the next
hand
woman,
if in abstraction.
as
forefinger,
This Valeska
was
the
examined
hand
; her
beating of
cold but
and
to
the Countess
to
lip quivered a
turned
had
wall
another, now
He
he
came
if to hide
right,if
your
until he
hard
were
Her
to
never
her breast, as
eyes
one
turned
some
she
toward
The
to
her
another
company
eyes
on
the
companion, and
sarcastic
spoke, she
less
regard-
comment
moved
had
insensibly
nearer
group
now
on
begun
the
to
MASTER
THE
242
OF
MYSTERIES
move
her
and
little,
unnoticeable
to
movements.
She
Astro
went
progress
did
who
one
on
to be
as
follow
specially
not
feet
passed a few
from
steadily,
clever
so
was
the window.
nearer
one
her
another,
to
person
however,
examining palms. In another moment,
had stopped dramatically,
to
put both his hands
forehead, staggered and dropped to the floor.
him
in their
through the
At
the
Two
screamed.
woman
that
ran
countess
instant
An
joined the
aside
spoke
him, and
Some
hand
moved
one
to
barked
"No
hurt ; he
to
He
again.
hasn't
failure.
We'll
have
in the
police!"
hurried
He
The
strain
a
i
She
this
knelt
again
and
She
drew
him
laid his
into
was
too
and
will go
his
man
it, when
It's all
beside
on
cover
and
how
between
"Stand
to
psychic trance,
with
hand, and,
trick to
pressedin
Astro.
know
for him.
much
right now,
nonsense
"I
exclaimed.
gone
took
left
behind
to the group,
has
moment,
her
Selwyn's voice
command
assumed
again.
is not seriously
! This man
room
end
up
the bystanders,and
him.
facing the
nodded, looked
water.
fainted.
even
his
please!" she
He
open
leaves this
Valeska
had
the
behind
hands
the pompadour.
callingfor
door
the
one
his way
away.
was
out
port
sup-
toward
stood
she
she
and
him.
to
of
quickly
move
moment,
more,
with
man
and
staring at
Mysteries,
was
the Master
surrounded
There, for
one
every
to
up
physicianelbowed
while
the
saw
window.
men
his
crowd.
that
Valeska
arms.
moment,
group
three
or
he
back,
attend
that's all.
He'll be all
right in
his search."
unseen
by
the
to
company,
pressed it
rose
up;
took
EMERALD
SELWYN'S
MRS.
Astro's
four times.
243
He
opened.
eyes
sat
to
hand.
right hand
Every
He
of the
then
two, and
first
at
was
then
it
of
applause
burst
upside
pidly,
stu-
Out
down.
the company,
from
cried "Bravo
men
handed
Mrs.
!"
She
then
hands
both
Selwyn
she exclaimed.
Then
caught
her eyes
his
crypticsmile, and
suddenly blank, then
"Why
why, it was
I've
thing
worth
was
ever
minute!
wouldn't
you'd be
are
Selwyn
at
seen
mean
a
a
vel""
perfectlymar-
look
in
his, saw
face
trick ! wasn't
it?
fright,really!
done!
thank
I
so
much!
enough
to
refuse
wizard, aren't
amuse
you
strode forward.
thing up,
us
How
It
clever !
the
was
best
suspected it
never
you
nice and
this whole
"It's
the
Oh,
be
look
the palmist's
took
whimsical
her
"
Oh, it
one
gave
hers.
"Wonderful!"
cooked
moment
forward.
Astro
knew
it for
in
Selwyn emerald.
clapped,and
rushed
you
tongue
every
uncertainly,and
at
turned
lifted it and
hurricane
hands
looked
window,
the
dropped
up
the room.
increasingconfidence, directlyacross
standing
stopped before a tall cloisonne vase
front
to the
moved,
Astro
held
out, and
warning gesture.
turned
eye
silent,as
with
with
called
some
knew
for
you
altogether. I
But
way.
my
?"
"Do
sir?
you
mean
Well,
to
you
say* you
certainly
MASTER
THE
244
fooled
me,
didn't
you?
caused
OF
MYSTERIES
Ha, ha!
by Jove!
Think
You
that!
of
got
But
all
us
going,
pretty nearly
you
The
crowd
about
swarmed
congratulateand
Astro
each
now,
praise. Every
eager
gesticulated,
almost
screamed
at
another, laughing, asking
one
of people, their
number.
Dozens
questions without
broken
conventional
down
reserve
by the strain of the
last few minutes, shook
Astro by the hand.
to
The
countess
to
came
also,
up,
one
flatter him
to
his
on
success.
"But
didn't tell
you
me
complained playfully.
The
glance Astro gave
he
"Madam,"
another
stand
to-morrow,
She
test.
I will
give
shrugged
return
him
gave
her
her
character
to
If you
and
sharp.
will
hardly
advice.
studio
do
When
Italy?"
long stare,
all,"she
will call at my
some
you
after
cold
was
replied, "your
such
to
expect
you
character
my
shoulders.
"Are
you
grew
in
hurry for
me
return, Monsieur?"
to
"I
here
for
"Thank
too
are
misfortune
predicta great
more
you
kind !
in this town.
should
than
for your
advice, then.
Yes, I think
I shall be
I shall go.
Au
like to know
remain
if you
week."
much
very
for you,
you
better.
bored
to
You
death
I
revoir, Monsieur!
We
would
make
removed
reluctantly,
her
fine
playmates !"
She
and
smiled, and,
as
if
eyes,
left him.
Mrs.
course,
Selwyn
I know
him
drew
I'm
aside
with
eager
eyes.
"Of
couldn't
Do
know!
talk about
Astro
you
be
see, the
You
Mrs.
was
she
course
of the facets
of
easy.
But
do !"
afraid
innocent
"Of
tightlythat it printed
could
that part
glove ;
be
you
You
sure?
people'shands."
the way
noticed
home.
her
drove
so
taking,seems
were
her white
on
how
They'll
thing I'm
isn't quiteso
you
Astro
as
the stone
grabbed
was
fun, you
more!
one
if you
countess
the marks
it
just
such
be
Selwyn."
to
do
and
receptionforever
laughed. "That's one
are,
"It
nice
my
can't do.
as
It would
it somewhere?
245
you
hide
and
EMERALD
SELWYN'S
MRS.
she
held
her
when
ringers
didn't
spoke to you,
explain. But
"I
had
handed.
when
the
When
I trusted
brooch.
floor and
It
I
noticed
was
was
up
my
to
to
I confess
minutes
I could
herself had
than
find out
you,
been
and
more
she confessed.
me
was
or
she
There
did
dropped
rather
break
you did
anxious
left-
was
dear,
my
what
signal,I
then, to make
trust
she
long chance,
that when
for your
to you,
sure
you
that
time
supper
I took
waited
Valeska
few
at
on
was
with
the
anxious.
me.
But
beautifully."
during
was,
that
however,
THE
246
MASTER
thing
more
one
"What
she
don't
the
wall
the
wonder
who
Astro
that
settles
to
but
way,
had
he's
lucky
wearing
the
look
that
her
some
mind.
the
lights,"
was
ing
stand-
switch
and
was,
brushed
one
twitched
at
waist.
my
or
of
on
over
fast
to
enough
different
emerald
police.
!
Mrs.
persons
next
such
out.
the
my
pened
hap-
chap
in
it
ingly.
mus-
corsage,
your
cut
"Oh,
said
he
pompadoured
think
to
seven
her
me,"
sleeve
coat
smiled.
and
bothered
them
of
side
her
that
busy
cutter,
pieces
out
electric
buckles
left
too
both
six
put
that
out
at
how
his
was
in
you
something
down
wondered
have
tell
went
little
diamond
that
where
something
given
a
to
out
was?"
"Clever
dear!
who
is
forgot
and
it
cast
straightened
lights
roughly,
me
MYSTERIES
understand
"I
immediately
past
be
to
remarked.
near
OF
year,
queer
wish
I
now
expect
Selwyn
won't
Valeska."
is
be
THE
248
had
MASTER
moods.
many
OF
Sometimes
MYSTERIES
he
was
the
man
dreamy
the alert
was
had
and
learned
of the true
something
cult
oc-
seen
in this
nearest
import
of his
life.
He
went
his
half-closed,
in his turban
envelopinghim like a shroud, the diamond
he moved
his head.
His olive-skinned,
as
glittering
and
serene
picturesqueface with its dark eyes was
A little blue-tailed lizard,one
of Astro's
quiet now.
exotic
many
caught it and
"In
the
believed
fancies, frisked
held
thirteenth
that the
equallybalanced.
propitiatedSatan
leered down
watched
and
his
own
it
the
table.
He
he talked.
well;
these
grotesque beasts
the cornices of the house
of God,
as
from
the
as
across
so
holy offices
litany,his
own
of priests.The
science.
They
among
were
devil had
forbidden
the most
tellectu
in-
the most
people as they flourish now
among
then a science,now
it is a fake.
ignorant. Magic was
ing,
Still,a man's chief desire is to get something for nothThe "gargoyle is
to find a short cut to wisdom.
So be it! One
must
replaced by the dollar mark.
one's living. Selah!
I have spoken!"
earn
He
looked
with a smile and a boyish twinkle
up
in his eyes.
Then
his businesslike,cynicalself returned.
He
jumped up, tall and eager, a picturesque
oriental figureinformed
life of
with the stirring
"
the West.
anachronistic
an
really is
shipers
Devil-wor-
the
and
sacrifices,
I'd like to
cult.
of
survival
genuine
any
249
infant
mass,
"
That's
about
reading
if there
know
CLUB
ASSASSINS'
THE
the
of Evil?"
worship
Valeska
shuddered.
be horrible !"
"But
for
for
and
mean
human
suffering
of torture
art
"
"
"Oh,
Valeska
don't!
put
I hate
hand
"Very well, I
rid himself
on
have
to
his
won't."
Valeska
went
arm.
He
to
his
snapped
of the
back
her work.
and
into
button
secret
studio.
For
minutes
some
then, hearing
listened.
door.
she
veil her
portrait,vivid, instinct
high-bred beauty,
rare,
Astro
"I
she
the
she
Then
the
walked
up
if
fingersas
walked
like that!"
talk
you
thought, and
reception-room adjoiningthe great
to
science of
the
"
showed
her
seat
with
grace
full of
under
face
returned,
in brown.
shone
and
character
like
out
delicate,
force.
and
if any
of her
one
could,"
conversation
anything less
in
vague,
OF
MASTER
THE
250
about
elusive.
he
sure
notice
that in other
is not
himself.
"Have
"Yes
I know
been
not
to him
about
"What
I don't dare
to
"He's
Cameron's
at the
him
till
I know
it
marry
can
help it?"
business?"
naval
how
Brooklyn
yard.
navy
worried.
why I'm
important and
it,and
evades
him.
changed
but
asked.
it?" Astro
He
it is that has
is Mr.
I would
drinking;
anything.
say
seems
strange and
yet he is different,he
And
But
right.
what
it's too
frightensme."
he won't
; but
it;but
ways.
spoken
you
he's all
says
It
has
MYSTERIES
He
And
ment
depart-
that is another
has
"
"
call ; but
to
times
he
colors
and
sometimes
in the middle
with
what
even
daze
for
go
on
as
"And
"He
we
are
and
goes
minute; and
if
when
shall you
probably
he stays to
engagements
then
see
come
he
off into
he'll ask
him
nothing
Sometimes
will
"All
discussing.
have
my
At
sleep,of
if in his
as
landscapes that
queer
of the week.
to
do
doesn't
sort
pardon
of
and
next?"
Saturday
afternoon.
ually
Us-
that
prevent."
CLUB
ASSASSINS'
THE
I shall then
be
251
able
astral
influence.
the
psychicdisturbance."
risingto go, looked at
woman,
young
"Oh, I hope I haven't done wrong
cause
The
of any
you
about
him
so
need
it !
have
no
Mannering,"
fear, I
assistant,no
my
in
I can't bear
so
assure
said Astro
to
see
shall
one
With
shall
exception of
the
know
ever
kindly,"you
business
Your
you.
kept absolutelyconfidential.
be
plaintively.
telling
him
!"
Miss
dear
I do love him
But
changed
"My
ascertain
to
that
came
you
here."
"Your
"Miss
She
She
assistant?"
seemed
surprised.
I
moment
portieres,and
asked; then,
she
lady?"
touched
bell.
Valeska
the velvet
appeared between
there, her piquant sensitive face
waited
her
hair
golden
nated
brightlyillumi-
behind.
from
Miss
"A
her?"
see
"Certainly." Astro
a
doubtfully.
Wynne."
timidly,"Might
In
at him
looked
Mannering walked
her hand.
"Might
to her
speak
impulsivelyand
for
to you
moment?"
took
she
asked.
glance, led
reception-room.
"I had
said.
no
"I
feel much
had
better
about
lady assistant,"she
having told him,
now."
Valeska
hers.
I'm
never
at
"Oh, I only do
said ; "but
me.
smiled
he
sure
knew
often
and
can
held
the
hand
of his routine
some
discusses
that he
him
her
his
to fail,"
work," she
important
help you.
He
in both
cases
with
is wonderful,
"Miss
understand
can
trust
can
always
seen
trouble.
terrifies
to
tell Astro.
found
Here
! look
handed
carefullyand
this
this !
the
It
last time
I didn't
some
dreadful; it
dropped
he
am
I have
fiance is in
is too
of
sure
that
now
my
afraid
at
face.
something that
I know
I'm
I'm
am.
of
out
called,and
it after he had
She
it
me
And,
tell you
what
Cameron's
Mr.
intuitions.
but
one
that in your
read
going to
But
distressed I
how
I'm
quite dare
visitor, "no
the
can
of my
sure
you,
you;
MYSTERIES
OF
said
Wynne,"
woman
MASTER
THE
252
gone."
an
envelope to Valeska,
drew
out a singlesheet
ink
written in green
was
"Be
the Assassins'
at
who
looked
at
On
of paper.
Saturday
at
Has-
seven.
kell's turn."
"What
can
"I didn't
mean
to
show
dare
in
trouble
that
some
?" Miss
Mannering whispered.
into
fear of gettingBob
it for
'Assassins'
word
That
way.
Oh, it's
"
awful !"
asked.
"May
for it.
ask
But
you
Cameron
tell
may
miss
may
Astro, if you
it
think
best."
Valeska
be
bad
so
as
When
the
dear
"My
you
may
fear.
at
Miss
the
letter
Mannering,
with
the
Whatever
it
and
don't
"It may
is,Astro
will
walked
into
be sure."
studio
glance
about
worry
another
it back.
handed
not
gave
departed,Valeska
news.
Astro
listened
in silence
his
thing is so simplethat
solution of this
it hasn't occurred
haven't
there may
as
lack
of your
because
At
took
water-pipelazily.
"The
you
253
CLUB
ASSASSINS'
THE
read
be
rate
any
well; and
what
"But
of
to
dear.
my
experienceand
much
so
you,
as
we
anxiously.
"Oh, that's the
prised
sur-
that's
appears
same,
now.
the lieutenant
shall do."
the 'Assassins'?"
about
But
I have.
I'm
Valeska
inquired
But I think
thing,of course.
I'll let you study that out yourself. It will be good
First, let's see
practise for your reasoning powers.
if your powers
have improved. Tell me
of observation
all about
rings and
the
whole
letter."
regarded
"Well," Valeska
He
blew
out
series of smoke
her
quizzically.
puckered her brows,
of
"it
was
ten
writ-
about
ninety pounds
in an envelope of
weight very heavy stock, anyway
the same,
postmarked Madison
Square station,April
that of a
nineteenth, four P. M. The handwriting was
who
had justhad some
stout middle-aged man,
serious
honest,
illness,a foreigner,
hard-working,unscrupulous,diswith no artistic sensibility."
on
"
"
"
"Bravo!
Is that all?"
the
from
Perkins
"
Shaw's.
OF
MASTER
THE
254
MYSTERIES
When
down
sat
had
last he
at
and
his theory,he
to
smiled
to
seemed
her
see
to
"Oh!"
looked
him
ing
accord-
pawn
and
his assistant
something
In that look
to her.
cried,jumping
she
at
over
seriousness.
from
pass
his white
queened
"does
up,
it
begin
with
anH?"
"More
She
and
properlywith
shook
and
went
it until it was
kept at
The
head
her
C," he replied.
afternoon
next
hours
the
at
problem again,
Astro
and
waited
Valeska
for
took
across
seat
Valeska
in
down-town
separated and
of the car,
local train.
took
watching their
seats
man
on
Astro
and
eastward.
Beyond
Fourth
Avenue
was
lieutenant
entered
the
small
from
iron
his
from
front
It slammed
door
of
house.
of three-story,
row
The
the street.
gate
to
of the
one
pocket,went
behind
in the
him.
THE
256
MASTER
"There's
the
man
OF
who
wrote
who
he
Valeska!
Find
We
follow every
off on
was
must
Valeska
is and
or
of number
lead."
the
Swedish
in.
"I'd like to
see
what
"The
one
is
only
stairs,steep and
on
narrow,
furnished.
meagerly
maid
rooms
him
showed
and
you
the
third
to
Walking
whole
an
extension
width
in the
of the
four
rear.
houses
to
came
the door.
rear," she
plied,
re-
flightsof unlighted
two
up
to
over
possible!
another
saw
all that's
him,
the
instant,running down
walking swiftlyup Twenty-third Street.
steps and
Astro
out
MYSTERIES
small
square
room,
the
window,
Astro
tin-covered
It stretched
in the
row.
roof
along the
On
this
he
and
walked
home.
full of news.
"The
morning came
German
kept rightalong Twenty-third Street toward
Broadway," she said, "and it occurred to me that I
quainted
might get him to make the first advances, and get acwithout
being suspected. So I passed him,
and dropped
and very gracefullyslippedon the snow
I began lookingabout on the sidewalk
Then
my
purse.
for the money
that might have dropped out.
man
My GerIt took
friend came
along and offered to help me.
that we
some
time, and the long and short of it was
Valeska
next
ASSASSINS'
THE
CLUB
257
had
more
me
come.
refused, the
anxious
more
he
tion,
to his invita-
Finally,I reluctantlyassented
and
to the
went
we
Cafe
to have
was
Riche.
that German
eat,
ought to have seen
eat ! I couldn't
I mean
you ought to have heard him
he ordered
eat anything myself; but sipped the wine
and
coyly led him on, chatteringaway about myself
Richard
with
ingenuously. I had an
engagement
hundred
Mansfield
and a three years'contract
at one
he died, and was
dollars a week when
awfully anxious
"Well, you
"
chance.
get another
to
of the trust
up
in
on
eating,takingthe
one
leavinghalf
hard
work, I
"Then
he
folk out
He
of
know
job
He
kept
saw
and
in
some
jumped
this season,
him
some
earn
at
wanted
questions,and
me
like to
I reminded
on
money
it!
five thousand
you
know,
"
the
actor
all that.
and
of his dead
"
"
and
he
and
let him
"He
away
you
tied
was
daughter you
I'm
always reminding people of somebody
I cast down
thought he could trust me.
my eyes
said
some
I?
I had
companies,and so on.
biggestmouthfuls I ever
his mustache.
Oh, I put
began asking
Would
side.
assure
if I would
know
to
of it on
the money
All
go
on.
said there
was
confidential papers,
from him without
man
and
he knew
he
wanted
publicity.He
had
who
to
stolen
get them
needed
good
THE
258
clever
so
him
MYSTERIES
out
the
on
job.
ened
bright-
victim.
my
OF
help
to
woman
up
him
MASTER
I said
was
nervous,
^getting
not
"
"
think?"
you
She
handed
Astro
when
with
nodded.
photograph.
!"
"I'm
to
scrape
She
Mannering
off her
took
touched
would
acquaintance
an
then
Herr
to
report
what
poor
tle
lit-
say?"
sables, her
saucy
mirror
her
up
up
I wonder
Miss
lifted
He
at it.
Beimer
end
he looked
Cameron
"Lieutenant
Valeska
cabinet
at
one
of the studio.
Astro
looked
sat
up
his hand.
to
ask, "Did
you
find out
what
He
his business
was?"
She
whirled
the agent
Krupps'
for
steel
round
to
big German
plant.They
a
him.
"Oh,
forgot!
firm, connected
control
the
with
rightsto
He's
the
new
ASSASSINS'
THE
magazine pistol.I
know.
you
half
hour
an
hoist for
Astro
he
descriptionof
battleships."
"You
didn't
with
the
Krupps
stand
have
biggest subsidies
He
wants
the
United
make
to
you
States navy,
I should
say
woman!
to
up
does
that
remember
officer in
He
needs
Herr
he
did!
Was
could
see,
the
in the world?
construction
he?
!"
and
government
contracts
a
"Ah
energy.
German
and
I listened
ammunition
new
electrified with
suddenly
in
in machinery,
death ; but
to
me
his
exclaimed.
259
awfully interested
was
It bored
to
was
the
CLUB
clever
Beimer
sober?"
"Perfectly,as far as
Of course
sentimentality.
he
was
know."
"Yes, I
It wasn't
see.
night, whoever
to
Haskell
This
hurry.
his night. It
looks
I think
But
is!
in
sleepat number
Street to-night.And
meanwhile
I wish
forgery for you, Valeska.
this writing till you can
write
addressed
it and
torn
for Lieutenant
took
He
letter
to
Miss
read
from
it
over
double
than
our
short note
at
; for
emotions
seem
everything
as
when
night
"
can
not
we
freer
"
so
can
we
see
seems
how
some-
farther
see
the stars ?
there
"
are
two
when
worlds
that
handwriting."
from
The
drawer.
a
envelope was
took
Violet Mannering. Valeska
a
single sheet,
carefully.It was
page, and read partlyas follows :
by day
in which
have
Cameron's
than
we'll
thought at
East Twenty-third
I have a nice job of
you'd practisecopying
serious
more
first. I shall
will pass
Haskell's
was
2"5o
THE
MASTER
other
OF
is free from
care
is
there
such
no
suffering.Don't
we
ter
en-
there!
consequences
no
at
or
MYSTERIES
No
doubt
it's
gerous
dan-
of-fact existence
Valeska
"
it
looked
thoughtfully. Her
eyes
der
through the paper as if into a mist beyond. "No wonMiss Mannering is worried !" she said to herself.
poor
She looked at Astro, as if to ask a question.He
the area
of a
was
busy with a planimeter,calculating
sheet of parchon
a
irregularpolygon drawn
ment.
queer
Seeing his tense look, she turned to her study
of the manuscript.
As
his
read
room
on
it was
as
soon
Twenty-third Street,and
of
along the
walked
of
to the first window
cracklingtin roof till he came
the house occupied by the Assassins.
Looking in, he
with a cot,
a small, bare, hall bedroom, furnished
saw
a
wash-stand, and
one
lighted. He
were
men
seated
were
All
The
third
was
cheek-bones, and
front of him
was
Beimer
laughed loudly.
them
windows
two
carefully.Three
lientenant,another
as
zines.
maga-
Astro
Beimer.
Herr
next
with
librarytable strewn
smoking comfortably. One,
the
a
The
approached
at
were
recognizedas
chair.
said
Then
small
and
thin.
something, at
with
which
flourish,as
the
if
others
drinking
looked
Beimer
walked
man
of the
out
and
overcoat,
"Have
"Not
at the
written
you
the
yet,"was
"Well,
Bring
of the sandwiches
air
of
bravado.
yellow-faced
lieutenant
to
read.
to
his room,
took
put
over
telephonebooth
rang
the letter?" he
asked.
up
up
on
his
to
the
Valeska.
answer.
do
must
you
one
down-stairs, walked
went
can.
and
261
lean
The
room.
began
tiptoedcarefullyback
Astro
an
The
his watch.
at
illustrated paper
an
with
it almost
ate
took
Cameron
their health,Lieutenant
and
CLUB
ASSASSINS'
THE
it
it to number
immediately as
and
ill
well
as
you
Silver-
man."
He
then
back
went
the
glance through
his
to
Another
room.
of the
windows
stealthy
showed
club
the
two
was
hand.
Going
sink.
and
a
back
to
from
his overcoat
Next
he
poured
dissolved it in
stand
put it on
and
to wait
sat down
In
half
cheeks
"Here
an
tumbler
of
monia
am-
and
from
the
Then
he
for Valeska.
hour
flushed with
it
white
bottle of
placed it on the
powder from a paper
water, stirringit with
pocket
a
This
spoon.
took
Astro
his room,
she
her
appeared,breathing hard,
her
haste.
is,"she said, as
soon
as
the maid
had
left.
THE
262
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
handed
She
do."
it
over.
see
me
It
read:
"Please
allow
the bearer
important business
on
at
to
time
any
this.
"Good
rightalong the
He
started
his
on
he may
to
you
must
till you
hear
my
it
whistle.
when
she put
'C-a-n'?"
begin with
here
wait
and
Then
and
me
the door
open
"Does
arm.
"Now
roof to
present
CAMERON."
ROBERT
in and
come
hand
she asked
breathlessly.
He
"How
nodded.
"From
"Of
Well, it may
course.
have
this time."
by
"D-a-n-g-e-r?"
"Perhaps. Be ready !"
At
the
he
of the Assassins'
door
down-stairs.
was
Club,
Astro
"Ah,
"Mah
don't
o'ders
stair,when
The
of Herr
?" he
de madder
further
Without
before
past him
there
was
German,
time
in
Ah
yah.
sah."
and
had
set
down
Beimer
his foot
followed
ran
up
it.
started down.
the stair,and,
grasped him
the
on
the balusters.
over
inquired,as he
parleyAstro
any
ant
Lieuten-
see
nobody,come
portly form
"Vat's
leave
brushed
Astro
to
to
perzactly know,
is not
expect Ah'd
white-haired
the bell.
answered
negro
And
by the knees,
the
and
tonished
as-
pull-
264
MASTER
THE
deaf
The
from
away
MYSTERIES
Beimer
to
OF
afraid of trouble
"
spoke
"
as
distinctly,
very
if
man.
lieutenant
seemed
one,
and
puzzled,
himself
out
with-
back
dropped
again
limply.
"The
"
draw
"
"Yes, the
"
drawer!
What
in
mumble.
drawer?"
asked
Astro
eagerly.
"Find
draw
"
lieutenant
The
"
seemed
drop
to
asleep.
"I wonder
his mind.
looked
keenly at
"No
Valeska
reaction
to
from
and
ammonia
"And
found
that it
Mountain
who
course,
found
used
drug
to
Cannabis
any
for with
and
well
that.
know."
moderate
worth
What
curiously,only
Old
'assassin,'
or
hashish
Man
of the
with
bhang
crime, and
or
ment
mo-
the word
the
Indian
hemp,
and
of
I
club to
only a
"
for
his followers
Indica,
enough,
himself
Hashashin
about
up
deeper sleep.
it out,
have
to
seems
it is now,
up
from
commit
all about
out
I looked
I looked
Then
to
what
came
It
into
him
I found
dictionary.
she asked.
comes
know
brows.
yet.
sends
wait till he
the
eater.
something on
something." Astro
drawn
again?"
and
You
naturally.
nodded.
There's
under
him
tryingthe
use
have
She
means?
he has hidden
revive
you
great
We'll
he
doubt
No
"Can't
too
what
dose
trying,
is Beimer
"
assassins
experiment
the sensations
but there's
up to?
with
cent
inno-
hashish ;
wonderful,
are
more
That's
were
in this than
what
I want
to
ASSASSINS'
THE
he
"Is
reallyunconscious
of the lieutenant
breathing,but otherwise
really. He may be dimly
flushed
and
"Not
I knew
three
when
what
I took
he
ble
of dou-
sort
of
talk for
can
alternate
rising
moment.
intervals
The
when
are
in
was
that
overdose
an
are
we
visions,and
sees
I tried hashish
such
lay
until he
speak
process
he had.
dose
minutes.
college; but
he
he
as
that
aware
again. It's
rhythmic
asked,
inert.
won't
He
gone.
consciousness,
265
Valeska
now?"
watching
about
CLUB
again."
The lieutenant now
began to mutter, as if talkingin
his sleep. "I'm
lums.
totteringon the tops of tall pendulages
The
world
is full of spiralatedmuciing,
twistIn a tunnel now,
lovelycolor.
floating
turning, violet,green, orange
."
floatinglike a spirit
tops of tropic trees
Suddenly he gasped and sat up, staring hard at
fore
"What
it? Quick! bethem.
did I say? What
was
I go off again! I was
saying something."
"Find
the drawer," Astro suggested,leaning to him.
"Draw
it?
draw
What
was
Drawings!" he
exclaimed.
"Beimer
the drawings ! For God's
wants
sake, help me ! I'm losingit again ! Drawings ! What
is it about drawings?"
I have
dreaded
to
it
use
...
"
"
"Where
did
you
put them
Yes.
"Drawings!
Un-der
the
"
"
mat
"
His
eyes
the
little
closed.
Astro
room
The
tried
again.
"Under
the
mat
in
?"
lieutenant
stared
stupidly.
"I
forget.
Mat
"
266
THE
MASTER
that meant
All
pink
and
The
Ah
green.
drug
Astro
now,
!"
come
wires
rest
inaudible.
was
the effects
to
the window.
to
sprang
live
succumbed
again
tillI
The
he had
moment
of the
snaky
MYSTERIES
I can't
something.
again.
up
OF
He
paused
there to say
sharply:
"Beimer
is trying to get some
of the lieutenant's
drawings, that's evident, and has given Cameron
navy
of hashish
to keep him
a big dose
quiet till the papers
be found.
I think Cameron
have
must
can
suspected
has hidden
it,and
I'm
going to
they're under
the
whatever
or
blue-prints
they are.
if
and
see
through that bedroom
You
wait here.
is likely
mat.
He
go
the
for two
be unconscious
to
on
With
time."
and
Valeska
could
just as
"No
Astro
while
but
"
wasn't
place and
As
half
see
Valeska
beginning
door
and
to
ran
You
hour.
what
threw
rouse
on
her
again.
As
down-stairs, he
is
had
in
sandwiches,
His
first voyage
he'll have
seasickness
can
you
the
to
dose, and
ever
hashish
circumstance
an
he
nausea
those
at
fairlyloaded
they were
in about
look
of
case
If I know
terrific
have
must
through.
he's had
to
Beimer's
with
him
!"
furs
the
lieutenant
she
sat
dow
win-
leska,
get after him, Va-
to
lieutenant
have
that
low
to the
went
Beimer
carpet.
You'll
pull the
life. I took
now,
leaped out
whisper so
nothing. She
reappeared.
them.
with
got away
in
out
nothing
mat,
more
off.
was
make
minutes
that, he had
lieutenant stillmuttered
The
his
three
or
slipped out
up
on
of
was
the
"
I'm
tottering
on
the
full
top
of
!
pendulums
mucilages
spirilated
of
The
tall
"
world
is
ASSASSINS'
THE
eyes
CLUB
"What
writhing mouth
"It's all
glass of
The
water
plans
"Help
"You
holding
the
his
has
He
ings
the draw-
turned
for the
fierce
for
!"
me
all," Astro
lips."It's
of your
grip.
secret
were
papers
it'sruin
Man,
out
in
arm
! The
me
the man's
glass to
must
you."
this, first of
drink
must
staringeyes.
"Beimer
for
clutched
cried.
!" he
dent
evi-
was
the table.
on
lieutenant
"Gods
ing
mak-
was
faculties
wild
Astro.
right/'said
; but
effort he
demanded.
it ?" he
was
and
267
replied,
emetic.
an
We
before
stomach
you
recover."
can
It
The
late.
too
was
lieutenant
dropped back,
as
He
"Oh,
drink
God
!" he
it ! I'm
with
lines
fought
working
was
he
as
off its
work
"It
began
so
so
"
I'm
Oh, God!
to
! I can't
brow
rowed
fur-
was
the deathly
with
It
waited.
and
the
man's
dent
evi-
was
drug
which
system
must
effects.
own
works
teeth.
in him.
the
put down
moving.
eyes
it away
glass and
that nothing could help now,
thoroughly impregnated the
Astro
had
"Take
going through
tense
that
nausea
murmured.
now
All
fast
.
now
."
Afraid
afraid!
.
black
He
moan.
"You're
all
right;there's
no
danger.
You're
just a
It's
dying!
no
Don't
dead
.
use
you
Tell
Violet
.
...
see,
man?
I'm
dead
al-
THE
268
ready
MASTER
The
whirling through
smiled.
Astro
of
said,no
his
of
with
man
he
sat
in
back
and
For
half
began
den
sud-
His
came.
it had
him
to
kindly, and
passed
waited
took
read
he
d} Arthur;
for
brown
study,his
eyes
was
of
burden
had
and
wildly,
curse
Then
on
ing
moan-
laid the
he
tillhe
sank
into
book
from
his
small
read.
to
Morte
carpet. There
the
at
nausea
he
to
the
convulsion
waited
Astro
while
tremens.
the
he
as
was,
crisis,attendingto
began
revolted
hour
an
symptom
There
For
Cameron
sleep. Then
natural
for the
the bed
on
common
Indica.
nurse.
lieutenant
knew,
bed, and
outraged stomach
bear.
During this
when
he
the delirium
up
I'm
spiral
"
waited
continued; then
like
trained
Death
Cannabis
He
spiralatedmucilages
Dead!"
space
danger.
patientlike
of
secret
It was,
overdose
an
MYSTERIES
is full of
world
inner
that's the
"
OF
the littlevolume
sat
in
worn
half-hour
another
fixed
on
zigzag figure in
the
of
he
it which
bled
resem-
the letter M.
lieutenant
The
in his
moaned
mechanically with
his bed
one
felt under
sleep,and
hand.
Astro's
eyes
lowed
fol-
him.
Then,
quietly,threw
roof.
smile
In
on
his
with
up
face
the
less than
his lips.He
suddenly illumined,
and
window,
five minutes
took
up
he
passed
out
returned
the book
he
rose
on
the
with
again and
gan
be-
returned
in
reading.
It
after
midnight
great disappointment. She
was
when
Valeska
took
and
looked
it
trying
ever
"What
"She
asked
the
saw
that
my
to
you
her."
help
think
don't
you
she
Unfortunately
all.
but
if
tell
not
send
she
that's
advice,
enough,
easily
shall
Mannering
anxiously.
asked
'Assassins'
name
Miss
Did
know?
lieutenant
the
me?"
that
certainly
this,
she
does
MYSTERIES
think
again.
about
know
needn't
OF
MASTER
THE
270
the
confess
to
care
explain
can
you
truth."
"How
can
tell
"Why,
Astro,
"and
her
that
that
at
the
that
said
Cameron
it ?"
explain
club
you
to
met
are
thoughtfully.
kill"
tolerably
said
time,"
successful
THE
LUCK
THE
OF
MER-
RINGTONS
ETE
afternoon
one
the
on
in
February,
of
corner
felt
he
down,
something
!
The
officer
See
in the
egg;
He
her
the
Next
incident
mother
the
the
of
unable
was
tenement
West
on
Third
little
girl
Street, and
Inquiries
that
had
been
in the
seen
had
the
271
four
She
elevated
o'clock
the
the
lived
railroad,
elicited
count
ac-
daughter
little Elsa
neighborhood
about
her
claim
missed
ported
re-
objects
afternoon
incident.
the
with
the
up"
picture of
That
to
came
fully
care-
and
extraordinary
two
explain
level
with
desk.
the
"played
found.
was
her
Taking
at
her
questioned
station-house
the
papers
the
robin's
as
one
hand.
and
sergeant
city
In
large
as
child
to
the
to
baby
o'clock.
Elsa
the
hurried
the
to
ing
hold-
years
amazement.
meaningless.
officer, and
which
three
black
astonishing affair,
the
child, the
with
he
in
eyes
shriveled
from
was
morning
of
them
charge,
scarcely
fire opal
was
prattle
in
bnt
other
grabbed
but
his
held
baby
Looking
trousers.
saying.
was
opened
his
Square,
him.
to
up
!" she
"See
of
little child
saw
Fourth
West
Washington
across
against
brushing
something
and
Thompson
ing
stand-
policeman,
at
the
in the
in
on
five
fact
after-
THE
272
MASTER
OF
in the basement
noon
been
busy to
hanging her
too
the
to
had
baby
five.
impossibleto
The
case
house
the
across
send
her
home.
by
the
the
and
yard
child
had
policeman
been
had
she had
When
found
she
Where
as
wash-room,
been
of
tenement
noticed the
had
MYSTERIES
at
had
gone.
turned
re-
The
to
quarter
interim
in the
ished
fin-
it seemed
discover.
turned
was
to
over
He
eventuallytaken up by Lieutenant McGraw.
worked
at it a day without
and then, recalling
success,
the many
services done him by his friend, Astro
the
earlier
to seek his help. McGraw's
Seer, he determined
experience with the palmist had been at the time of the
Macdougal Street dynamite outrages and the Hunchakist murder, mysteries that Astro
had
solved privately.
had been
Assuming the credit of this,McGraw
promoted and had paid his debt of gratitudeto Astro
was
in
several
for the
would
ways.
He
palmist that
have
been
had
no
often
secured
outside
one
able to obtain.
The
McGraw
having proved profitable,
apply to his gifted friend in this
prominent in the papers.
Astro, free
at
ordinary routine
readilyundertook
on
with
"It
of
did
case,
rather
chiromancy
the commission.
and
to go
about
probably be
easy
and
not
relation
hesitate to
which
bored
had
come
be-
with
his
astrologicwork,
He
the matter
police force
mutual
promise
will
the
information
Graw
questioned Mcdismissed
him
immediately.
he
interesting,"
re-
THE
LUCK
marked
which
THE
interview
with
McGraw.
easilysolved.
Given
had
"It
remarkable
any
crime, and
273
been
present
is these
extraordinarythat
apparently so
are
aspect of
MERRINGTONS
his assistant,
Valeska, who
to
the
at
OF
cases
most
are
variation
in the
know
immediatelywhere to
begin. This will be only play,I fancy. We'll go right
down
and look the ground over
and see the lay of the
land.
the important thing is to trace
Of course
the
child's route
the basement
from
dle
laundry, in the mida
you
of the
noticed
have
playthingsshe
might
"She
was
have
her and
remarked
the
that way,
some
one
surprising
near
up,
the
corner."
"Very
and
routes
I'm
curious
Astro's
must
determine
then
and
go down
We
true.
to
as
was
assistant drove
immediatelyto
Allen
McGraw
them
The
shot
Street.
into
an
opal
with
inner
was
room,
fires.
color
was
bureau
them, and
welcomed
nearly an
colored
lightthe play of
I confess
that hand."
limousine
green
case.
on
taking
displayedthe relics.
inch long,a perfectellipse,
As
it
was
shifted
in
the
mysteriousand surprising.
THE
274
MASTER
It seemed
with
baleful
and
The
it
blood;
hold
leska
within
blushed
Dried
turned
"Well
"A
like
from
away
do
have.had to
horrid
thing. Va-
it in
it,examining it,inch
wrist.
Astro
replied."It
forty. Cut from
of at least
man
life. And
"
yet
He
"
did not
alone with
them
to
child
had
last been
the
ied.
buring
dur-
arm
us
laundry."
preferring
investigation.The
during his
Valeska
pointed
then
and
seen,
had
McGraw
proprietor. She
the
has been
McGraw
entered
two
once
to be
at
was
mummy,
earth, it was
of
negro'shand,"
At
to
never
coarse
; it
like
strung with
turkey's claw, wrinkled, stiff,all color
at
and
It winked
its shell.
glared and
motion.
like
peered
pure
beautiful.
with life or
dulled
of
glowed
yellow
impossibledistances
tendons
it
now
blinding ray
to
worlds
livingthing;
MYSTERIES
with
It seemed
cosmic
atomic
then
green;
shot forth.
suffused
now
pale
OF
introduced
out
went
on
where
the
with
her
work.
front of the basement
The
small
wood
and
of New
was
fuel
lived.
coal
York.
Behind
basket
it while
In
of wet
Astro
each
were
washing.
Valeska
of these
the
the
was
linen and
and
off with
where
this
rooms
went
for
one
of the
in the poorer
common
Partitioned
little chamber
girls,bare-armed,
a
depots
used
was
ing
rough board-
Italian
who
laundry where
Two
out
tricts
dis-
of them
sold
two
lifted
watched.
Astro
spent considerable
LUCK
THE
OF
his
time, letting
MERRINGTONS
THE
in every
rove
eyes
direction,
searching
every
he gave
survey
nod
to
Valeska
275
floor.
and
After
passed
each
The
on.
the
time.
He
watched
laundry itself occupied more
girlsat work and their going and coming attentively.
Then
he went back to the wood-pile and knelt down
on
the rough floor,crawling here and there, watching,
smelling,fingeringeverything in the vicinity. The
track he pursued led back to the little room
where the
Italian slept. There
he spent more
time, searching
and
he rose
dusted his clothes,he
carefully.When
handed
Valeska
a bent
safety-pin.
"Keep that safe," he said. "I think that littleElsa
has been playing under the Italian's cot bed."
Hardly had he spoken the words than the stairway
was
darkened, and a man
bearinga loaded basket came
down
his load and, seeing
the steps. He
put down
roughly:
strangers, demanded
"What
you
doin'
something,and
Astro
kept his
eyes
on
coolly. "I've
lost
to find it."
"What
Italian stared.
The
"
here
came
Astro
said
you
him.
a-lost,what?"
"I've lost
largeopal,"
he said calmly.
The
!
man
"I'll show
and
room
cover
cover
"I
babee
face
was
no
she
the
Between
Wha's
that?"
the man's
it and
the
little
vas
can-
On
appeared a small box.
printed,"Heintz " Co., El Paso, Texas."
gotta eet, I
stole eet
its
cot
no
gotta eet!
away."
The
man
Sure!
watched
De
littla
Astro's
apprehensively.
"Where
did you
THE
276
MASTER
"My
uncle
They
talked
in
to the
MYSTERIES
OF
; but the
the
fell
his eyes
tested.
pro-
persistedin
man
laundry, when
man
about
was
to
the basket
on
It
had
man
was
been
carrying.
skull.
human
"Perhaps you'lltell me
demanded
where
you
sternly.
Italian's face
The
eet to
geeve
Astro
"In
He
for
me
turned
heaven's
to
name
skulls,
play with dead hands and human
to say nothing of giantopals hid in cots ?"
"Yes, yes, a littlaboy, on Washington Square,sure !"
the man
repeated.
tentively
Astro placed the skull on a shelf and regarded it athe said nothing; then,
For
moments
some
shrugging his shoulders, he passed into the laundry.
where
babies
Valeska
"The
a
followed
is
man
all
lying,of course,"she
falsehood !
barefaced
"He's
him.
Astro
We'll
have
our
examination."
And
with
half-filled with
place was
completely bricked
ground was
a
high
to
it may
wait
probable
im-
more
not
till we
that, he walked
be
ish
finout
yard.
The
by
; "but
what
"But
anything be
Would
lying,it'strue," said
false,nevertheless.
said.
fence.
On
the farther
clothes,drying. The
over
and
surrounded
be-
OF
LUCK
THE
THE
MERRINGTONS
277
yond
the
round
three
back
come
the
to
house
the
followed
Meanwhile, Valeska
interprethis
him
have
She
you
discovered
best to
the north
on
to
the
laundry door,
?"
the fence
her
movements.
did
and
there's
side,and
it seems
hole broken
to
me
in
it's big
said Astro.
mind
"Never
They
climbed
the
bell.
some
and
excavations
buxom,
Now
opposite."
them
walked
round
the block,
jollyyoung
woman
rang
opened
the
THE
278
MASTER
Astro
door.
asked
MYSTERIES
OF
for
let,preferably in the
to
rooms
rear.
"We
one
can
it ain't vacant
?"
married
you
on
apartment.
It
in
was
he ain't
"I
she added.
paid
clothing and
with
cooking utensils.
yet, neither !"
me
give him
the bounce
in my
drunk
home
come
and
old boots
newspapers,
"And
confusion, cluttered
I don't
house
He
days ago.
two
keep
ers
lodg-
no
day
it he
was
home
came
drunk?"
Astro
asked.
He
"Only Thursday.
he
was
soused.
so
"What
time
"Oh, about
cried.
took
with
and
looked
"It would
out!"
the
rag
Look
The
cloth
on
and
them
pig dog
!"
the floor.
examined
creosote.
to
at
graveyard,don't
sign
secret
he walked
it. Then
The
like
stronglyof
smelled
and
of that !
"It smells
Astro
the
window,
o'clock.
four
long dirtystripof
up
had
fell out
it?"
was
d'ye think
What
He
nearly
called
He
it
She
picked
"Bah
!" she
it?"
carefully.
laid it
Valeska's
rags, now!
on
table,
attention
up
It
to
the sash,
down.
be
bad
drop, wouldn't
it?" he said.
he
had
fell
LUCK
THE
"Who
lives
"Oh,
here
OF
for two
"And
weeks
and
They
now.
279
they
pay
dog."
my
mind
; I'll go
Astro, however,
chance
to offer
sign to
Valeska
for
again he
deuce
to
I've
down
go
woman.
before
insisted, and
had
she
running down-stairs.
was
while; and
ain't been
story ?"
the second
on
MERRINGTONS
on
Spaniard
THE
the woman's
this Valeska
did
tion
atten-
successfully.
know
about
if I want
room,
I like the
What
are
continued.
landlady better
they doing on West
"Digging for a new
the
"When
the
I do
he
drain ?"
they are
digging up,
tired,this New
me
room.
Street?"
Fourth
It makes
they'd get
than
it,"he said.
York!
it finished."
will your
lodger come
back
pack
to
up
his
things?"
"Oh, I wish
think, that
man
I knew
;
own
my
he's got
bad
soon
self. He's
crook, I
eye.
All
Bags
and
were
alone he smiled
the time
he
things,and
watches."
as
Astro
and
Valeska
as
I said it
was
going
to
280
MASTER
THE
All
OF
have
we
MYSTERIES
do
to
is to
now
search
the
hospitals."
Valeska
"I
thought
that
suppose
wasn't
nodded.
"The
man
window
"The
baby
spoke slowly.
round
the
hand,
yard
under
the
fence
hand
in the
the
it had
been
the
dropped.
kitchen
and
walked
to
the policeman.
That's
all
met
where
in the
did this
man
marks
down
she
the last
"Take
hole
found
where
Fourth
But
plain enough.
where
the
by
?"
passed through
she
where
corner,
She
window,
West
on
down
sat
the
through
that.
see
somehow,
out
the hand
dropped
crawled
the opal, I
came
he
"
again.
with
Then,
drunk
home
and
nodded
and
she
wrapped
was
rag
came
Astro
the
Then
over.
it?"
Astro
open
it
question first.
recall the
up-and-
on
assented.
Valeska
You
"Oh!
The
Italian
climbed
over
there?"
"He
have.
must
climbed
He
notice
who
his stupor.
had
snatched
"Oh
fence
the
have
must
and
Then
hand.
the
this man,
He
the box
seen
grabbed
the
box
and
the
along,
baby came
evidentlya pickpocket,awoke
was
You
see,
he
came
home
drop.
didn't
before
from
with
the
bag
with
the
handle
he
"
"
That
that leather
was
bag
cut?"
"Of
He
course.
unwrapped
the dead
in his
Then
lap.
went
to
the window
hand, and
he looked
at
and
sat
down,
opal,and, beginning
THE
OF
LUCK
THE
to
down
there I
MERRINGTONS
into the
281
yard. When
I went
saw
in the earth."
"But
"How
that
leads
in the world
be in the
"That's
"And
that
bag
what
nowhere,
after all?"
should
immense
snatched
was
have
we
opal
and
hand
?"
to
should
why
an
said Valeska.
skull in
human
his basket?"
laughed. "That's
Astro
lie
in.
comes
wasn't
till I
the
in
where
half of his
the true
It
Undoubtedly a boy did sell it to him.
about the excavations
spoke to the woman
that
here
recalled
that
Washington
in old days the Totters
Field/
Square was
Many
have been found
here, and no doubt the gamins
graves
of the neighborhood have watched
every shovel and got
Italian fancied it, thought perthe skulls there. The
haps
he could sell it to some
doctor, and so brought it
home.
In fact,I think we
have
eliminated him from
street
"
"
he'd never
dare
altogether. Of course,
the opal."
what about searching the hospitals?"
the originalowner
of the bag, of course.
the affair
he stole
"And
"For
thief
had
have
is
or
fight; but,
punished
El
from
at
leave
least the
he
as
his
probably
now
man
with
home
came
hospital.
; for
Paso
box
brought
Miss
That
he
means
booty, he
We
have
it
was
to
I ?"
Merrington."
look
he got the
kept. Well,
I believe I have
"Yes.
off his
there is where
in which
eye.
The
must
man
in
bruised
say
an
for
opal,
we'll
ment
engage-
THE
282
"Who
"I
have
is she?"
haven't
found
out
about
anything
her.
You'll
hurry."
to
They got
studio, where
Valeska
had
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
busied
yet had
as
Miss
Merrington
herself with
no
chance
Merrington
was
drove
and
was
the file of
to
look
rapidlyto the
waiting. While
dailypapers she
over,
Astro
viewed
inter-
great studio.
a
tall
this
284
THE
with
silver
his
clasps. He
parchment,
For
it open.
written
with
beautiful
initials and
"Do
he turned
time
stopped to
you
threw
illuminated
some
MYSTERIES
and
visitor sat
with
OF
MASTER
ask
The
where
near
were
pages
medieval
letters,
zodiacal
many
the leaves
diagrams.
thoughtfully
; then
know
the exact
date of your
grandfather's
birth?"
Miss
"
his head.
"It's too
fact
as
definitely
so
'Luck
the
let's
It's
"
this appears.
Merringtons'is
see," he looked
at
his
If I'm
here
not
mistaken,
in New
York.
diagram and
figures
"
"
"
"
justwhere
it is."
moment,
I may
be able to find
LUCK
THE
I'll wait
"Oh,
luck,bad
THE
MERRINGTONS
time
long
good," she
or
Astro
Then
OF
get back
to
And
brass
see
the
remained
and
buttons
appeared
again, and
Allen
blue coat
"
silent for
to his
Allen.
name
in
man
the
family
said.
285
time.
head, and
said
Street,that's
it.
to
to come
himself.
"What
ingenuously.
Merrington repeated his words.
Miss
that must
"Oh,
the
mean
detective
bureau," said
Astro.
perfectlywonderful
"It's
!" the
so
about
don't
just what
it
him.
"His
Miss
you
No
was.
I have
months
from
I haven't
do.
can
lost any
name
Can
is
doubt
there's
one
he
and
you
have
we
tell me
afraid of being
was
older brother
an
ago,
grandfathernever
see,
of it. But
ask you.
two
out
me.
robbed
turns
I can't
the
it to
what
see
least,if it
exclaimed.
woman
though I
opal,and
at
"
who
had
only
he is
where
to
went
Mexico
two
letters
?"
now
Merrington
stared.
"Why
"
yes!
How
did
know?"
"It's my
"Your
business
brother
hurt.
has
You
to
know
had
an
will hear
such
things,"said
accident
from
him
is not
but
in
very
Astro.
ously
seri-
short
time."
"An
"That
went
accident!"
Miss
586'
is
THE
so
MASTER
OF
suggestive ! My
brother
to
had
trace
the 'Luck
up
MYSTERIES
been
on
pose
pur-
of the
Merringtons.' He
find it. It has always
Mexico
to
went
children took
it
family legend only, but we
it in our
seriously.Lucky or unlucky, we wanted
session.
poshad time
Henry always said that if he ever
for a vacation,he was
and money
going to Chihuahua
a
track
to
because
to
came
down
so
was
you.
not
help him
writing,because
the
railroad
that
would
I've heard
comes
find
it.
I knew
of it. I
expected
never
this, though.
than
it is now,
rich
woman
I'm
predict
Valeska
the
few
to
safe!
be
gone.
seems
sat
can't
at
and
all.
If
only
of
'Luck
need
we
it
worse
for
it
stand
day
stenographer."
for
you
than
that," said
will return.
if I'm
not
soon
as
as
to
me
you
You
wait
right."
Miss
took
Mera
long
down.
If he
possiblybe
a
companion
family luck
days and see
"It
worried.
couldn't
but
fate
chance
I'm
knows
came
rington had
year;
better
going
"I think
patientlyfor
velvet
Now
do anything
heaven
I've been
I think.
for
longer, and
"My
could
we
And
I'd come,
you
back, I don't
if
from
news.
thought
his
at
away
and
care
hint
some
Merringtons,' though
luck
Our
badly enough!
Astro.
so
was
it that I
worried
he
you,
the
"I
I wasn't
me
might be
impatient to have
was
It
was.
about
might give
you
things of
specificas
so
Oh,
; but
such
find out
impatient to
thought
it
on
the red
took
no
adver-
OF
LUCK
THE
'Luck
of
the
whether
MERRINGTONS
her
tised is not
THE
Merringtons';
it is
If her
not.
or
she
but
287
will
brother
of
he
finds
'luck/
But
I confess
story.
"Probably
drunk.
was
without
her.
nurse
He
had
was
if he
jured?"
in-
was
Perhaps
frighten her.
he is here, so
But
I confess
he
come.
as
not
I can't
point
disap-
to
We
wait.
eighto'clock."
was
for
unconscious
recuperating, and
in which
and
demanded
told
him
their
exactly
as
mysterious a
as
of the
he
what
manner,
was
stone
Merrington
aware
and
listened
need
would
had
he
his
to
had
In
errand.
hours;
only
other
an-
sent
a
the
away
few
words
the
to
and
Astro
famous
In
know
that
magic
erties
prop-
Merrington
of the esoteric
nurse
traced.
been
it had
let
could
guests, and
happened
confessing how
opal, without
he
as
before
them
several
quite well.
be
to
frankly curious
hardly greet
Seer
lain
had
now
day
He
sister know,
set
He
but
get his
and
that hand."
about
sea
to
true
ner,
waiting for dinafter Astro had sent up a card marked
"opal",
brought word that her patientcould be seen.
been robbed
and sandbagged, as Astro had surmised.
two
and
let his
it is the
The
stillat
an
ever
slight.What-
immediately
up
didn't want
Now
before
back
I'm
didn't he
"Why
him
look
must
we
I'llhave
and
"
be
can't prove
relic,he
as
he ?
can
"
some
on
gone
know
never
has
the
not
course,
its tradition.
with
immense
interest,delighted
288
THE
to learn
MASTER
that the
probably claim
OF
what
I had
and
murder
with
suppose
you
when
of
and
faithful.
story of the
know.
Baron
diamond
Sancy
the
is not
up
lost!'
of the corpse
stomach
took
left it.
killed,said, 'Never
been
of the messenger,
body
then
clever
the
gem
he could
whole
my
heard
brave
was
He
reward.
MYSTERIES
sent
found
and
mind, the
to
men
the stone
disinter
in the
That's
I reasoned
It was
wildthe way
it out.
a
discovchase ; but I succeeded
marvelously. I ered
something
goose
made
made
;I
the very
shot
found
the attack
first,and
door, had
Some
story,
"
how
his hand
on
my
adobe
grandfatherhad
ruin where
he had
membered
re-
my
it
"
which
was
skull,between
easy,
it
the upper
was
rotten
so
and
lower
my
thumb
sure,
was
"
there, in the
jaw-bone,was
!
if for
It
was
no
snatched
fire
the 'Luck
other
out
reason
of my
THE
hand
on
me.
One
Second
Avenue, thingswent
of my
mosos
put me
old gold-mine that had
month
place became
old schoolmate
an
partnershipwith him,
the nicest
He
luck's
opal
who
and
girlin
"
insisted
on
sank
back
come
to
sister Helen
my
"But
see
thirtythousand
friend.
my
on
going into
coming north,
my
!"
with
and
abandoned
the train
the world
in his cot
an
been
in the
found
one
to
on
interests for
Every
289
gorgeously with
my
I sold out
dollars.
I met
MERRINGTONS
OF
claim, an
In
THE
LUCK
"Now
smile.
going to present
what
it'lldo
my
the
for her."
"
of it?"
became
"You'll
Astro.
"If I
were
you,
I'd
give it
decent
and
able
honor-
burial."
"I
will!"
afternoon
I
hope
"But
I'm
said
Merrington.
going
to
appear
about
"And
and
by to-morrow
surprisemy sister.
me."
unlucky,"said
Va-
THE
290
leska,
"My
she
as
you'd
left
dear,"
thinking
looked
MASTER
at
her
hardly
replied;
it
hospital
the
he
makes
OF
so
bit
understand."
and
sadly,
MYSTERIES
with
the
"nothing
nothing
adding:
is
Master
of
is
unlucky,
lucky
but
"Well,
teries.
Mys-
but
"
He
"
I'm
afraid
THE
292
Astro
MASTER
looked
"I suppose
Astro
to
know
you
part of your
read
Count
The
it and
at
sober
business,I
You
suppose.
also of my
gesture of
down
sat
pockets,crossed
may
sister's engagement
suppose
his
see
you
and
into
"Mr.
his
tro,"
AsI
errand.
queer
profession,
experience would
help.
some
What
I want
you
ble."
something that's nearlyincredi-
is incredible.
it
on
that your
me
me
first is to believe
dear
his hands
to
give
to
here
come
the palmist.
leaned back.
legs,and
many
it seemed
you
from
assent
again, shoved
he said,"I have
"My
?"
am
D'Ampleri?"
Shaw
to do
the table.
it on
tossed
who
in the papers
same
enable
MYSTERIES
again bowed.
"It's
have
OF
From
seems
that matter,
if I
one
can
what
I know
to
be, the
has
only to
help you
of life,the
probable
more
read
in any
more
it is.
the papers.
way,
I shall be
But
possible
imFor
riously,
se-
glad to
do so."
his
from
gold cigarettecase
it against his fist,
knocked
pocket, selected a cigarette,
and struck a match.
After the first long inhalation he
traordinary
remarked, "You'll promise, then, to believe the ex-
Shaw
"Mr.
now
took
me
"
THE
it. You
"Let's have
sharp
COUNT'S
COMEDY
reallyexcited
have
Astro
folded his
eyes.
"You
293
looked
and
arms
show
certainly
ity."
curios-
my
with
Shaw
at
rangemen
of de-
symptoms
no
yet."
Shaw
sister.
That's
course,
that
it is
why
hard
so
this confession
bowed.
Astro
of mine
York," he said
waste
no
appeal
to
his
out
for
"
an
in this head
shoulders.
You'll
time.
the
police,or
heard
help me
enough
secrets
dozen
more
you
kept confidential.
littledryly.
shrugged
Shaw
have
to
of
tell. I assume,
to
will be
you
"I have
destroya
to
it isn't I ; it's my
laugh. "Oh,
nervous
gave
the
of
how
see
to
even
"Very
useless
lawyer.
my
robbery
of
Mrs.
I'll
well.
it is to
But
first,
Landor's
jewels?"
"Oh,
The
yes.
It
always
for
reward
thief,I believe,has
seemed
their return
been
covered.
dis-
to me
had
never
offered.
been
ever
no
But
what
have
talked
what
don't know
get hold
tie them
about
of
up,
to
do.
whoever's
some
way.
I'm
up
is,if
tree.
you
You've
can't.
got
to
It's
Astro
Shaw
took
serious
THE
294
Lander's
MASTER
OF
jewels are
at my
You
the
MYSTERIES
house,
teapotfulof
whole
them!"
"Ah
know
"No, I don't
with
do
do
nor
thief,then ?"
the loot !
what
I know
One
thing you
the deuce
are
do
to
I'm
to
is to
turn
re-
it."
"And
be accused
of the theft
sent
cleptomania;
enough.
The
It would
make
idea of
gorillain
would
people
friends,you
know."
is
thing
talk.
smiled
bad
out; I
have
We
cused
ac-
all that !
found
was
be
to
quite
if it
He
have
sister to be
my
other
the
pretty scandal
fancy how
many
to
I don't want
somehow.
of
can
need
myself?"
follow.
They
great
the
at
cynically
word.
"She
what
is
innocent,I
about
the
"There's
said Shaw.
of you
before
with
ahead
I don't
"
round
My
was
my
I trusted
were
She
in my
had
own
"Oh,
at
old
French
has
gone
room,
.Churches
"
the
and
You
see, it
house
dress
little way
down
We
ten
side,
Lakeall
out
it.
on
the second
I
for dinner.
the
had
it was
this
was
veranda
opening
up-stairsto
at the time.
bull story,
place at
with
windows
sure
I'll go
secret.
littlebalcony ; it's on
make
cock
country
our
er,"
long-
any
hall,and
lot of
pany
com-
days ago."
there?"
were
the
you.
down
"Who
down
closed
was
call it
blame
can
long
with
you
if you
big, rambling
sister's room
door
that I
it and
floor.
in
it,and
We
way
see
"But
gorilla?"
use
no
presume,
count,
you
of
know,
his
course,
and
Simeon
Church
valet, and
and
the
his wife
"
THE
the Raddelle
girls,and
COMEDY
two
295
three others.
or
I'll give
like."
you
COUNT'S
"All
right,go ahead."
"It happened, as I say, justbefore dinner ; about half
It was
don't light up
We
quite dark.
past seven.
much
outside, there was
nothing going on at that
"
pounding
Come
by
her
quick!'
and
she
the
arm
and
the
robbed?'
was
of her.
it out
a
half-dressed
funk.
She
grabbed
shut
shall I do?'
what
Ethel?
as
Have
been
you
And
fact!"
in his excitement, rose
Shaw,
"She
had
her
sent
had
and
her
maid
stooping to pick up
sash
open,
and
"H'm
!" Astro
times, and
a
white
in
front of
her, was
it
the
was
tell
the
me
each
same
Peter
window
she
and
heard
the
fright. There,
big black gorilla,
a
Pan
story half
time.
The
dozen
thing had
kid
thing,
some-
his amusement.
concealed
her
for
room
comb, when
around
I made
"Wait!
gesticulated.
the French
to
looked
she
standingrightin
bowing to her."
and
of the
out
back
was
on
down
said, 'Oh!
matter,
was
drop before
would
of
deuce
pulled me
she
said, 'What's
She
she
in
was
Then
door.
then
and
open,
she
mine, and
on
here
I was,
me
her door
Well, I heard
time.
around
his knees."
Astro
grave
could
his
mirth
no
exploded in a gust of
anxiety,had to jointhe laugh.
demeanor
despitehis
control
THE
296
"What
MASTER
do
that's not
"You
MYSTERIES
you
half.
OF
This
But
baboon""
said
before."
gorilla
"Well, gorilla,then; it doesn't
like that.
hand, and
Jove
fairytale?
He
held
in the other
! that much
china
black
mare
night-
soup-plate in
bag,
cloth
"
to
myself !
I wasn't
swear
can
in
matter
one
bag. By
I've
it.
seen
"
"I
thought it was
"How
I had
baboon."
have
I shouldn't
been
have
known
if
there, and
the difference.
It
may
Shaw, I believe?'"
"Ah
"Now
we're
!"
gettingwarmer
"Warm!
He's made
it hot enough for poor Ethel,
tell you ! Then, without waiting for an answer,
I can
Ethel was
of her wits by this time, though she
out
half suspected a practical
joke,too, the orang-utan
"Or monkey," Astro interjected,
smiling.
"Yes, or gibbon perhaps held out the bag to her.
"
"
"
"
"
It
said, 'From
friends
your
Then
it did
and
well-wishers
in the
gracefultwo-step over
recited lx* plus 2xy plus yV and vanto the window,
ished
sister was
to the balcony. My
so
on
frightened
that she dropped the bag, and
bing! out dropped
and
Mrs.
Landor's
pearls and brooches
rings and
the floor. Now
I ask you
what
things all over
lunatic
asylum.'
"
"
kind
stared
of
at
story is that
the Master
of
to
remarked
town?"
He
Mysteries gloomily.
"Well, it certainlywould
Astro
to
the
quietly;"but
gaiety of
it looks
tions,"
na-
like
Then
it did
graceful two-step,
onto
recited
the
"^
balcony.
and
vanished
298
THE
since.
I'm
OF
MASTER
to
own
there
any
Astro
puffed
silence, as
the
out
he
velvet
can
have
of
skeletons
their
of it, anyhow?
make
you
Is
?"
at his
water-pipe
thought.
The
writhed
in
curve,
We
They
do
What
way
swaying
MYSTERIES
of
hangings
for
faint
the
in
moments
rising in
smoke,
a
few
blue
arabesque against
Shaw
walls.
had
begun
carvings, and
"What
is your
Shaw
seemed
asked
awaken
to
has
bit him
per
cent., I suppose.
all
if
the
It's worth
matter
blackmail, I
return
the
from
He
palmist asked.
daze.
"If
had
you
five
settled.
suppose.
jewels and
to
We'd
no
that
it's
think
to
to
pay
of any
us
to
that
in
way
to
insanitycharge, the
"Had
any dowry been
Shaw
blushed faintly."Oh,
aware
dollars
have
can
fact.
in
your
thousand
If you
ruined,
almost
was
as
this
"I'm
I'd have
ago,
you're in doubt
right.
have
?" the
millions, or
But
worth
father
weeks
two
me
decorations.
I say !" he
Continental
began.
practise,that's
THE
all," Astro
COUNT'S
Ethel
make
can
she
and
the
mother
my
helped
hard
as
do
governor
set
was
the
on
It isn't quiteso
crude
There
embarrassment.
some
his tone.
It
in any
him
it is," Astro
as
know,
it
through
it sounds
as
to
in
the rug
on
of
trace
likes.
in
anger
please
not
way.
well.
"Very
evident
was
was
she
you
do
They
it's bad
for
could; but
match,
but
as
anything
all that.
arrange
know.
lawyers, you
ternatio
in-
an
isn't it?"
fought against it
Besides,
299
marriage,
"Yes.
COMEDY
delivered
I'll undertake
commission, delicate
the
here
to
week.
next
have
the
els
jew-
You
had
best
bring
hour
protested."I
to
know
of the
most
think
if you
"What
to
came
I take
the
was
you
"Oh,
because
weaknesses
in
date, did
you
!" he
now
know
of human
stock
any
you
come,
; but
nature
ism""
occult-
astrology or
say?"
ought
or
Astro's
voice
hard.
was
"October
I4th, 1885
; nine
A.
M.,
I believe."
Shaw
scowled.
are,
matter
to
I presume,
you,
an
said
let
Astro, "if
me
I should
do
you
it my
think, how
give
own
me
way.
I do
agnostic.Very good, I
am
it.
a
THE
300
MASTER
fatalist. Go
detective
science.
modern
"I
to
to
came
ahead
only get
said to
your
doctor, if you
you've
and
things
independent Seer.
mess
like,
safely and
as
said Astro,
Monday,"
on
harder
done
if you
nativities,
this fearful
prefer
lore."
placatethe
cusps
of
out
us
or
because
you
with
MYSTERIES
than this,"Shaw
"Go
OF
bowing
he
As soon
as
John Wallington Shaw left the room.
had departed, Valeska
entered, laughing,the dimples
showing in her cheeks and chin.
Astro's
"Did
turban.
had
pose
Valeska
you
"Of
"Easily. Simple
of
the
cleverest
the uncouth
hear
nodded.
all
milk.
as
schemes
I don't understand
"Have
And
Can
he asked.
time
same
heard
of.
jewels.That
it at all,"Valeska
hear
and
it be true?"
at the
ever
the
history?"
things!
I
"But
threw
He
gone.
one
It's all
we'll have
pouted.
that Count
D'Ampleri
has been paying rather too marked
attention,for an
the
engaged man, to Miss Belle Miller, the lady whom
have dubbed
Hundred
the 'Bay
cruel wits of the Four
you
happened
to
Mare'?"
she
"I knew
"And
she
was
at
was
to
in here
was
the Lorssons
day for
interestedin
much
marry
one
my
reading."
prediction that
a
the gossip
day
sort.
I went
They
to that tea.
are
more
never
important
THE
"I think
leska.
I have
"The
"Rather
Shaw
"And
the
better
Ethel Shaw
Valeska
Miller
on
the verge
count
wants
his
and
of
escape
lightnow,"
said Va-
half of Buffalo."
owns
of failure."
good
of
hopes
than
301
an
man
is
his affections
is
Mare
! Old
COMEDY
glimmer
Bay
"And
What
COUNT'S
excuse
to
transfer
income.
permanent
impute insanityto
to
Miss
like.
Fancy
of the
one
Miss
Ethel
had
Acetanilid
"The
"Ah,
an
affect the
garlicputs
where
our
There'll
an
played
us
on
no
ders.
pow-
know."
?"
gorilla
you'llpardon
the
the scent.
friend McGraw
be
of headache
brain, you
Italian,I'm afraid. If
that
case
From
does
overdose
an
questionis,who
I think
it's a
taken
can
As
the pun,
I
see
help us
particularcredit
it,
out.
in it for
interview
with
policelieu-
MASTER
THE
302
tenant, that
night
OF
MYSTERIES
found
Astro
been
her
fiance
held
both
were
of Mrs.
no
one
Landor's
Ethel
arrest.
at
present
that
out
the
els
jew-
Shaw
Landor
had
and
reception
the
on
his valet.
It
across
taken
plerihad
the
for Astro
furnish
and
man
not
had
he
at
sure
familiar
to
of itself
w.as
request McGraw
few
D'Amcient
of suffito
him
days, revealed
reputation,and
in prison. McGraw
the
his
fact
pected
sus-
himself
with
look
and
it was
dubious
been
his passage
Count
descriptionof
This, in
circumstances.
Pcnumbria,
This
servant.
no
importance
up
was
cer
offi-
York
quarter of New
Kneesy Tim, who had done
the
Italian
identified him as
positively
called among
time for second-story work, and was
so
of his knock-knees.
his pals on
account
It did not take the officer long after that to ascertain
through the detective force that Tim had attended the
Landor
reception as Count D'Ampleri's valet. The
line of evidence
most
bearer
important
of
the
for, of
was
now
direct.
Tim
link of it himself
stolen
course,
jewels.
by
His
had
welded
by appearing as
boldness
was
relied
the
the
counted
ac-
on
COUNT'S
THE
his ludicrous
COMEDY
make
to
appearance
303
Miss
Shaw's
story
cation
preventing any identifiof himself.
In all this it was
impossiblenot to
of being an
if, indeed,
suspect the count
accessory;
he did not plan the whole thing.
But
why had the thief been willingto surrender
valuable booty? If the count
such
were
merely after
incredible,at the
here
money,
The
when
was
in the hands
treasure
answer
Shaw
time
same
was
an
the black
produced
for Astro
one
easy
of his
plice.
accom-
solve
to
Lan-
full of Mrs.
bag
dor's heirlooms.
The
jewels
needed
but
careful
one
imitations
the
except
all
were
look
of
; but
who
owner
Astro's
false.
at
no
would
critical eyes
them.
velous
marThey were
possibleuse to any one
be suspected of
never
It was
dent
evihaving hypothecatedher celebrated gems.
the respectable,
cratic
aristonow
why Mrs. Landor
Mrs.
Lemuel
Landor, of the Landor
jewels
"
"
had
offered
never
cynical as
he
familiar
was,
hypocrisiesof
the
Valeska's
to
"I'll
she exclaimed.
"Not
time
he did himself
dor's
expense.
tellingany
"The
"I
He's
"Did
decided
in
anybody
you
tell Mr.
is
that.
clever
an
on
shake
out
any
than
more
count
doubt
In
of the town,
the
many
could
not
Landor
tiara
of
my
Shaw
?"
said
profession,"
of his
a
anything again!"
or
"That's
head.
hearty laugh at
case,
I don't
the
Lan-
Mrs.
believe
tro,
As-
in
ever
is necessary."
ordinary crook,
Nor
Astro,
view.
envious
with
with
was
believe
never
he
as
ten
upper
reward
is he
even
then?"
an
bourgeois Frenchman.
ordinary count.
I
have
talked
THE
304
with
him
fellow
Tim
We
have
how
"And
hear, he
is
people
"That
him
he
are
him
was
and
used
them
now
on
going
you
more
attentive
are
talkingabout
doesn't matter.
his
without
undoubtedly
call
MYSTERIES
help
to
what
matter.
OF
know.
and
afterward
and
MASTER
him.
the
than
hip."
From
to
the
Ethel
can
ever
out
that doesn't
But
fix him
to
this
what
Bay Mare,
it."
If Miss
get rid of
story, she'll
tellingthat ridiculous
it good riddance to bad
And
rubbish.
"How?"
on
Eighth
"My dear, if you'llwalk up and down
Avenue, between
Thirty-seventh and
Thirty-eighth
Streets, from twelve till half past to-morrow
night,
you'llsee. And," he continued, smilingto himself, "I
think
it will be
might
ask
Shaw
himself
worth
to
escort
I think
attendance.
your
if he's
you,
little,
enough
guise
dis-
willingto
won't
so
we
recognize him."
"I shall be
"I promise
at number
from
but
I have
the
rented
by,
it
room
"I
that I'm
tone
I would
indeed.
machina;
acts
that
know
"By
like to
not
to ask
if you
know
you
are
any
agine
im-
tions;
ques-
through
McGraw?"
"No,
who
to
Astro.
"Indeed
with
said
comedy,"
interest you
may
he
also he is to
be
in
strictly
is to
McGraw
me,
two
and
thousand
one
from
the deus
dollars.
Mrs.
ex
One
Landor,
very
a
earn
figureas
MASTER
THE
306
OF
MYSTERIES
"
"
He
showed
it to Valeska
"Terrible
Meet
mistake
of
made.
Tuesday
me
You
are
in great
ger.
dan-
way
midnight in the door-
at
573
number
translated
and
Eighth
Avenue.
Come
alone.
T."
rate, would
at any
time.
It
would
dare
The
not
was
note
be able to
not
and
put into
convincing.
was
deny
message
it for
some
D'Ampleri
ignore.
Count
D'Ampleri
did not
aristocratic in appearance,
his Parisian
and
paper,
silk
pointed mustache,
Valeska
he
was
his waxed
trousers, and
prompt
at
vous.
the rendez-
and
scene
across
the street.
Shaw
seized her
arm
and
her
hurried
crossingand
the
over
littledrama
The
doorway.
COMEDY
COUNT'S
THE
307
the front of the
to
almost
was
As
over.
they
came
walking
up.
took his
like
cue
grabbed
the count
to
up
He
him
actor, and
an
fiercely
by
the
arm.
then," he
"Now
here?
harshly, "what
said
a-doin'
you
He
that you got there?"
pointed to
the Italian stillheld in his hand.
What's
black
bag
"Who
are
you,
the
said
anyway?"
angrily.
count
beesness
of
"You
don't know
drew
and
out
!" he thundered.
Come
snatchingit from
a
diamond
"We'll
along
with
tiara.
see
about
!"
me
almost
ready
seeing the jewels,seemed
nocent
in"But I am
to faint with surpriseand horror.
very
!" he wailed.
"I am
Count D'Ampleri. I live
ze
I
shall see! Before heaven!
Saint Regis! You
at ze
that things was
knew
there ! It was
never
give me just
He paused, discomfited.
by by
now,
?" was
McGraw's
"Well, by whom
inquiry.
it ees
"You
will not believe
nobody won't believe
zis bag just
A mad
she give me
too much!
woman
The
count,
"
"
"
"
now
zis minute!"
"
THE
308
"What
MASTER
kind of
"Oh!
what
like
woman
woman?
shall I
say?
pitiful
gesture
"Aw, g'wan !" said
believe a pipe dream
heard, and
"But
Out
with it!"
You
will not
believe.
white
with
man,
I tell
ze
down
ever
MYSTERIES
hat, a
made
OF
McGraw.
"D'you expect
like that?
I've heard
truth, I
That's
the
thin ones,
some
worst
!"
too
swear
it!
as
like." McGraw's
She
to
me
have
green
ombrelle."
"Any
"She
big boots
wear
you
tone
of la gomme,
what
"
you
call it
rubbaire."
McGraw
his
towered
"No
arms.
in her
blue
face, was
had
red
fire
you
got
no
out
far
as
affable.
was
""
? Go
more
on
above
him
whiskers,
they ?
her
She
or
wasn't
chewin'
hands, I suppose?
imagination at
things that
calmly folded
purple hat pins stuck
and
now,
would
make
all!
Why,
shavin's
or
Lord, man!
I
can
dream
that old
like a
lady seem
out
they generally
I dope 'em
When
fashion-plate.
wears
armor
plateand glassglovesat least. But I guess
that'll be about all for you. I'm going to run
in."
you
in despairappealed to Valeska.
The count
"But ze
Ask
lady and ze gentleman, she see ze old woman!
them ! I am
spik ze truth to you !"
Valeska, smothering her laughter,did her best to
saw
speak calmly. "We
nothing at all,officer. The
be
must
man
"Or
intoxicated."
crazy," Shaw
"You
see
Then
his head
put in wickedly.
nozzing?"
he
the
dropped
sillily.
in
count
a
ejaculatedin
ment.
amaze-
dejectedhuddle, nodding
THE
COUNT'S
motioned
McGraw
COMEDY
309
nodded
Valeska, and
to
toward
Thirty-seventh Street.
"Well, 111 have
go,"
to
she
careful,officer; he may
better be
be
And
dangerous."
She
repeated the
found
Astro
themselves
studio.
in the
alone
and
she
day, when
next
message
Astro
"If
week."
next
"Oh.
Then
"All
McGraw
of Mrs.
He
wanted
Landor, and
very
wonder
morning
to
say
if Shaw
better.
it the
that
how
out
she
the
gave
way,
the matter
solved?"
was
"He
said he
"Then
took
we
down
intended
may
a
to, before
consider
volume
escape
of Imrnanuel
to
"I'd
congratulatethe
congratulatethe
he went
to
bed."
one
off?"
to
was
this
telephoned me
him
let him
McGraw
Kant.
dasually,"It
I don't know
Astro
Before
was
he
row
nar-
exactlywhich
most."
old
lady
with
the
white
duck
THE
310
and
trousers
had
the
blazer,"
the
merriest
time
"Yes,"
said
Astro,
myself!"
OF
MASTER
of
his
said
MYSTERIES
Valeska.
"I
think
she
all."
eyes
twinkling,
"I
think
so
PRESENTS
PRISCILLA'S
THE
minutes
winter
afternoon
before
Astro
the
over
watched
him
and
bells
fainter
falling
the
surrounded
lights caught
embroidered
patterns
Astro
Suddenly
The
blazed
in
the
to
rugs
lined
with
of
"Mate
His
pretty
to
studying
the
the
Muzio
which
analyze
with
the
him
gambit,
strategics
made
of
him
and,
the
of
of
oriental
the
half
walls,
ings
furnish-
luxurious
rarity
and
museum.
her
For
though
mentally
apartment
elegance
mysteries
play,
the
light.
announced.
game.
the
ling
twink-
of
blaze
The
their
air
ceiling.
wrinkled
assistant
were
planes
or
of
the
!" he
moves
the
two
with
tones
heavy
in
the
almost
seven
of
surrounded
studio,
in
splendor
coffered
books,
place
on
the
gilded
the
the
gave
from
color,
switched
and
picturesque
whole
of
ornaments.
or
rose
eyes
over
the
points
polished
the
on
blanket
studio
an
gradually
enlivened
objects
by shadowy
by
clanging
grown
a
palmist's
twenty
keen
the
spread
snow
for
Valeska's
had
ness
dark-
in
illumined
vividly
cars
the
Within
pavements.
bent
Outside,
of
rattle
had
He
while
attentively.
the
as
spoke.
lamp,
itself
wrapped
chess-board,
electric
overhead
had
weeks
and
she
was
Astro's
able
brows
in
she
the
had
tempt
at-
been
of
complications
well
along
with
agination
im-
extraordinary
to
keep
many
moves
THE
312
MASTER
of her.
ahead
at him.
He
MYSTERIES
sighed whimsicallyand
spoke with
"It all
She
OF
droll look
up
he
ivory piece as
in his eyes.
of your
because
came
black
looked
absurd
fondness
for the
knight!"
"I admit
that I
He
his
waving
hair.
black
There
do, sometimes.
are
nodded
"That's
his
ing
head, shak-
They
too.
queer,
that do ;
races
walked
tame
hardly
eternal
He
were
lizard from
Orient.
the
his voice
of all.
was
many
his little
"Oh, Egypt
is
"
"I
"I wonder
believed
never
what
you
you
are?"
nimbly.
mysteries,"Astro
are
I hate to know
picked up
Somehow,
mouthpiece of
is
her.
and
Egypt
Irish,"he said.
"I have
you.
suddenly
away
mystery."
turned
quickly to
"Pure
now
aren't you
troll."
narghile.
He
replied,and
the most
too
much
rious
mysteabout
picked up
the
THE
3H
MASTER
fully tooled.
but
he
has
every
time
you
can
suspected
received
I have
is
find
out
and
for me,
I'll be
see
you
glad
album
"Slippers
"
didn't mention
"Why
you
robberies and
and
benevolent
think
it's so
"
the exact
be
your
to
know
"
Astro
"
field,Valeska," he
is the
of
intricacy
about
bad
she
It's
Astro
went
Valeska.
on
"You
size,of course."
Gerrish
"
"Too
"
"
"Thompson
criminals."
"
Saturdays in succession
thoughtfully.
"Slippersare a funny present,"said
to know
things.
mysterious?
very
"Five
have
come
wel-
gifts."
; but
course
"It's
the other
Do
romantic, of
"
"
to
appointment,
an
exclaimed.
some
are
you
pay
it not
sincerely,
"PRISCILLA
QUARICH."
the murders
that there
to
time.
any
lovely?"Valeska
relief from
I'm
glad
think
you
I can't stand
charge, as
"Yours
"Isn't it
then,
longer. If you'llmake
I'll come
Since
fee you
any
Gerrish;
Mr.
parcel by mail,
different thing, and I'm simply wild
who
whatever
know
MYSTERIES
sending either.
denied
Saturday
know
Then
every
to
OF
should
the human
the human
"This
rose.
heart.
brain.
Of
course
You
cialty
spe-
ought
it'sa love-
affair."
"And
of
course
know
you
nothing
of
love," she
added.
He
tossed
at her
was
the black
thoughtfully."No
he threw
Valeska, to
from
locks
"
of
his brow
course
not."
and
His
gazed
voice
look at her.
this effect:
"Write
In order
to
her
in answer,
PRISCILLA'S
PRESENTS
delicate
men.
them
there.
You'll
make
it next
listof the
be
invited,of
giftsshe
315
have
the two
meet
to
dinner
to
Suppose
course.
her to send
has received to
have
and
me
we
plete
com-
logical
date, in chrono-
order."
The
day
next
reply to
letter
Valeska's
was
usuallyaway
the
dinner
please,bring
note.
She
would
"And,"
Thursday.
that
Miss
pretty Miss
Quarich
said that, as
Fridays, she
on
on
from
came
butler
prefer to
she
Wynne,
her
in
have
added, "do,
if she
will pardon
"
"
about
town,
mustache, and of
had
he
scarcelyrubbed
full of the
was
Care
jovialmagnetic temperament.
elbows
with Tom
Thompson, and
gossip of the day, cordial,hearty,
and
evidently innocuous.
with
clever
lithe
of
modern
Valeska
with
shaved, with
smiling eyes.
beautiful neck.
figureand
merry,
suave,
after, Miss
moment
the most
and
more
was
head, egg-shaped,smooth
sensitive mouth
A
Gerrish
dark
with
She
was
She
young
and
welcomed
little patronizing
snuggle, and
held
out
MASTER
THE
3i6
hand
her
their
had
turned
to
but the
on
the
and
men,
Miss
her
of the
Then
compliment.
they
while,
mean-
and
wits
in with
indulged;
istic
character-
with
into
the
went
it
Quarich
eyes
women
their healths,each
drank
men
and
met,
kissed
charmingly. Valeska,
Neither
tray.
it and
over
busy. Sam,
cocktails
eyes
her
It became
blushed.
MYSTERIES
bent
Astro, who
to
gracefully. Then
were
OF
dining-
room.
As
his
Astro
and
The
Seer
showed
himself
Valeska's, with
of
possibleshake
and
Valeska
ran
on
he
with
topicsof
Astro
anything more
was
discretion
commonplaces,
newspaper
between
of the
than
suspected.
Yet
look
across
their
secret
Quarich
The
tact.
and
no
again he
her
That
terfly,
societybutwould
one
have
his shrewd
shot
and
assistant,
language pointed
talk
theaters,of the
the merest
again
The
the
tions.
invita-
faintest
Miss
and
guished,
distin-
sought
eyes
questioningexpression. The
the head was
his only answer.
Wynne
in social
sharply.
only au fait,but
accepted such social
men
serving,
not
or
two
another
the company
watched
always when
as
to
guest
one
Valeska
both
Once
from
passed
race,
his
glance in
attention
to
many
things.
After
Miss
and
the
the
sweets,
women
retired up-stairsto
Quarich's privatesitting-roomfor
a
few moments
"Well?"
case
cigarette
said
to
their coffee
of relaxation.
Miss
Quarich, passing
Valeska.
her
golden
PRESENTS
PRISCILLA'S
317
interested in you,
it
seems
to me."
Quarich's brows
Miss
"it struck
Valeska
notice also."
in for some
that you came
"But
I don't expect to receive
smiled.
me
either of them
present from
Miss
Quarich
sat
as
of
of
thing from
and
men,
say, interested
you
being
and
"
these
both
shoe
to
come
either of them
"Not
at
"And
fact,each of
refusal."
the
She
size of your
out, if
enough."
about
dinner
been,
?"
the album?"
Of
all that
have
all ;
he tried hard
In
"
and
men
attentive.
dangerously near to
laughed merrily.
"Do
recall having mentioned
you
has
them
great
romantic.
books
I've had
"It's
animation.
I would
"but it'stantalizing.
course
sort
Saturday, however."
on
with
up
"My
rose.
when
they were
both
I saw,
one
there.
night
one
I must
show
it
was
are
made
stilldecorated
and
of the Renaissance
volumes
sold in Sienna.
board
The
that
covers
were
and
in imitation
castles,and
with
tooled
were
bound
silver-headed
with
nails.
leather
Inside
for
were
tened
thongs,faspages
of
photographs. The
also brought,of golden and blue embroidery
were
slippers
of a quaint design. But, despiteher close scru-
OF
MASTER
THE
3i8
MYSTERIES
mark to hint
tiny,Valeska could find no distinguishing
at the place of their manufacture.
them back finally
Miss Quarich handed
to her maid.
ble,
"Wrap them up neatlywith the other thingson my taand give the parcel to Samugi. Tell him
to give
them
Monsieur
to
Astro
he
when
the house.
leaves
Quarich said,turning to
out a cordial,"we
We
must
hurry down-stairs.
been here long enough. I want
Astro
to hear
of the two
the hands
It ought to be fun.
men.
Now,
here's
him
dear," Miss
my
that
Astro
You
have
read
Oh,
give
can
yourself."
Valeska
and
to
directly
The
date.
to
pour
the studio.
mystery
Astro
laughed
the
entered
Miss
whole
collection of presents.
Quarich
album
had
with
interest.
refused
but
studio
and
drove
to
her
at
paper
November
animated
was
pretty enough
was
enthusiasm.
She
early and
opened
the
displayed the
list was
follows
as
cuss
dis-
to
volume
twenty-first,
teenth,
fourtaigne;
of Mon-
November
umbrella; December
twenty-eighth,
six pairsof gloves.
fifth,
the objectstaken from the parcel,
Astro first handled
and
then looked
over
nothing, walking
silence.
For
up
few
down
moments
he returned
he
minutes
the dim
stood
with
to
ten
he said
apartment
by
smile
the
in
window,
illuminating
the table,glancedagain
at the list of
and chuckled.
gifts,
"To-day is Thursday," he remarked.
"The
day
after
THE
320
went
MASTER
the
to
mesmerized
took
OF
and, as if
table,took up the list of gifts,
by Astro's unspoken thought, sat down,
penciland began
MYSTERIES
to
write
Slippers
Album
Montaigne
Umbrella
Gloves
Inkstand
"What
is that
"Why, Sam,
"You
know
know?
Japanese
butler's
name?"
she
But
did you
manded.
de-
isn't it?"
it isn't.
It's
only happened
Samugi.
hear
to
Miss
how
Quarich
tion
men-
it."
the acrostic?"
"Yes,
does
it mean
Astro
almost
psychology.
It's a mental
have
course.
But
what
?"
yawned.
mind;
'Samugi,'of
"It is difficult to
as
difficult
What
did
knight'smove,
as
to
interpretthe
understand
I tell you
an
the other
indirect message.
ental
ori-
nine
femi-
day?
We'll
to wait."
to take such
fancy that Jap having the nerve
liberties with Miss Quarich !"
"That
Japanese is,as I have succeeded in findingout
the consulate, more
than Miss
at
Quarich's social
equal."
"But
"But
"In
he's
New
only a
servant
York, yes.
!"
In
Tokio, he's
noble
of
an
PRESENTS
PRISCILLA'S
old Samurai
staff.
Oku's
General
So
is
321
an
on
Samugi
may
officer
army
matter."
"Then
is he
why
very
do I
I, nor
Not
servile
taking a
often.
positionhere
knows
Who
he's
Perhaps
care.
book
perhaps he's writinga sociological
millionaires,perhaps he is sent by
for
But
private reasons.
desperatelyin
has
this devious
taken
oriental
army
son
rea-
spy,
the American
his government
likelyof
most
the
an
on
?"
all he
Priscilla
method
ply
is sim-
Quarich,and
of pressing a
hopeless suit."
Valeska's
"Hopeless ?"
"Of
The
to
is, what are we
question now
it? If Miss Quarich finds out, she, of course,
him immediatelydischarged. The only thing
tillwe
definitely."
get his message
course.
do about
will have
is to wait
Valeska
consider
tossed
; and
each
much
day
to
Saturday a
day
new
of-pearllorgnette.On
on
According
her
on
heart, do
furs.
yours," was
of the door
Quarich having
or
been
been
exquisiteinlaid
the nineteenth
the next
been
another.
gifthad
an
you
his
he
I did !"
excuse
human
her out
one
opal,and
magnificently-set
The
"So
away.
about
to Heaven
elapsed,Miss
twelfth it had
she put
then, as he watched
weeks
off from
in the
expert
as
jauntily,
slowly,"I wish
Three
walked
and
I don't know
"I confess
added
her head
yourself an
retort
snapped.
eyes
received.
she had
week
On
put
But
cember
De-
motherreceived
huge box
of the message
was
to the presents so
THE
322
MASTER
little shrewdness
to
probable declaration:
struct
con-
"Samugi
you."
The
eleganceand
confirmed
It
MYSTERIES
it needed
that the
from
loves
OF
Astro's
evident
was
costliness of the
of
opinion
that he
had
not
giftshad already
Samugi's condition.
only birth and social
as
well.
had
He
been
tionery,
nothing edible,such as confecwhich
distrust. His
might immediatelyarouse
tact was,
indeed, most delicate. Should Priscilla Quarich disdain his advances, she need only pretend not to
understand
the acrostic.
wise enough not to
He was
of refusing
want
to subjecther to the embarrassment
overt
an
offer,in case she should be prejudicedagainst
He
the Orient.
actuallydid, it seemed, wish to be
loved for himself alone, as the song has it,with no aid
from his possessionof noble birth.
It became, therefore, a delicate question as to how
Miss Quarich should be informed of the soand when
lution
of her problem. As she did not press for it,
wait a while, hoping to
however, Astro let the matter
from her of the giftsthat might come.
receive word
No letter came, however, and he expressed surpriseto
enough
send
to
Valeska.
"I'm not
"Please
at all
write
surprised,"she remarked.
to
for
her
of what
account
an
she has
and
in what
few
days, received
almost
forgotten that
order," he
said.
This
Valeska
did, and, in
followinganswer
"My
I had
DEAR
asked
I'm afraid
ASTRO
you
now
to
"
I had
unravel
that it is
my
little mystery,
hardly worth
your
and
while
the
PRISCILLA'S
time
spending much
I'll tell you
the
about
on
that I have
violets,a
As
323
ask, however,
received,since I telephoned
of
copy
don't bother
you
Undine,
an
Yours
of
make
; "but
She
hasn't
line
follows
as
took
He
certainlyfillin right.
what
know
given us
she
does
penciland
to
least it confirms
at
their correct
nor
QUARICH."
I don't
that," he exclaimed
originalprophecy.
my
things.
sincerely,
"I confess
whistled.
really doesn't
"PRISCILLA
Astro
emerald,
other
some
it. It
about
much.
matter
it.
opera-glasses, and
pair of
Please
PRESENTS
give
wrote
ou."
"Samugi lov
"But why this sudden
lack of interest in the solution
of the problem ?" he demanded.
"Do
that
you suppose
she can
have puzzled it out for herself; that perhaps
.
she's
of it she doesn't
ashamed
so
want
to
me
know
the truth?"
Valeska
burst
into
shows
out
all you
she looked
dinner.
.
know
at him
Only,
about
rather
wanted
added
the human
with
heart.
soulfullythat
to
see
mirth ; "which
what
first
thought
day
you
at
knew
the
of
women."
"Less
mournful
and
less, every
look.
mock
MASTER
THE
324
OF
MYSTERIES
of
Monday's paper contained an account
Miss
Priscilla Quarich's elopement with her Japanese
butler.
Samugi's history was
given, however, and it
was
one
partlyto reconcile the gossipswith the scandal
of the affair. His noble family,his war
record, his
academic
scription
achievements, all received sensational deSociety exclaimed, shrugged its shoulders,
and forgot the affair next
week.
Astro's bill was
paid
with a yellow porcelainlion of an ancient dynasty, one
The
of the
next
seven
Valeska's
birthdaycame
studio when
an
filled with
them
that week.
expressman
entered
She
with
her.
to
in the
was
big
She
basket
opened
first with
them.
see
tears
were
did
He
in her eyes,
not
enter
Astro
came
too
late to
into three
rows,
in
this way.
At
she
the sound
swept
her feet.
the
giftstogetherin
heap
hall,however,
and
jumped
to
PRESENTS
PRISCILLA'S
"Well,"
new
year,
She
got
all
to
"And
me
no
She
have
I'm
sure
brought
Priscilla!"
at
once."
where
idea
her
be
would
And
but
down
cast
"I
entered,
"OH,"
wish
happy
you
of
me
so
can't
they
even
only
suppose
and
either,
from,
came
munificent
so
pose?"
sup-
ental
Ori-
an
mysterious.
"
thing
one
were
away.
"I
eyes.
they
why
looked
She
They're
presents!
understand
just
"I've
said,
she
wonderful
beautiful,
lovely;
sent
he
blushing.
still
many
simply
as
dear!"
my
was
so
said,
he
325
more
that
"
my
delight
Oriental's
than
presents
hers
did
to
THE
mellow
THE
through
mystery,
as
Branch's
studio
with
he
read
aloud
from
The
soul
he
floor,
with
tetrahedron.
the
obscurity
and
gathered
white
light
of
end
the
streaks
room
the
to
up
"There's
he
monist,"
as
the
the
with
it is, with
as
sure
poet's
But
of
he
as
this
of
is
modern,
326
shattering
At
the
as
the
other
on
rainbow.
challenge
idealistic
of
the
She
reading.
"It's
reverie.
foundation
form
appeared
immemorial
a
playing
lap, piercing
color.
ceased
on
crystal caught
them,
hues
the
her
on
radiance
the
in
in
The
brilliant
I think,
a
fell
of
sitting
was
cushions,
cut
his
Valeska,
at
She
gorgeous
broke
Master
and,
gazed
then
spot
said, almost
world,
and
light
moon
!"
apartment.
rays,
ceiling, splendid
looked
of
and
sun
rock-crystal
of
into
the
by
shaft
the
thou,
art
thoughtfully.
up
of
thee
book
the
piece
Hempstead
Anna
through
to
come
propped
huge
was
while
profound
me?
on
driven
was
dropped
assistant, for
vibrated
of
note
who
mother,
hand
voice
Pilgrim:
not,
lay
Ere
Then
Astro's
great
me
My
of
the
poem,
To
SOOTHOID
barytone
"Touch
the
TO
HEIR
as
that
too.
it is,
of
cry
to
as
mystic
modern
It
voices
the
old
as
terminism
dean
THE
328
MASTER
of music.
staves
OF
Valeska
MYSTERIES
rose,
but
hesitated,unwilling
"Well," he said,"one
for
on
must
he threw
smiled.
one's
earn
off his
living.What's
to-day?"
"You
have
appointment with
an
Colonel
Mixter
at
ten."
he comes,
show him in. I shall
"Very well. When
now
give an imitation of an oriental adept of the Fifth
the crystalball,Valeska, and touch off
Circle. Pass me
that incense in the Japanese burner.
Am
I properly
sedate
how
and
He
his
and
scornful?
it goes
took
and
narghile,
In ten
minutes
left the
took
her
She
of mirrors
also hear
The
the
did not,
with
the
she
could
leska
Va-
Mixter, bowed,
the
black
velvet
in
however, remain
passed
studio, where
see
up
reception-room.
in Colonel
connecting that
"
together,dropping
her.
it all is
picturesqueattitude.
place in
she ushered
two
portieresbehind
rubbish
!"
positionon
assumed
and
What
the mob
his favorite
left him
and
with
Bah!
all that
in
into
a
room
tion
combina-
happened
and
the talk.
of some
man
military-looking
fiftyyears, with iron-grayhair and a curling white
had an active air, full of strength and
He
mustache.
character and showing his habit of command.
lously
Scrupudressed, immaculatelyclean, well groomed from
head to heels,he was
what might have been called both
His voice
and distinguished
in appearance.
handsome
was
crispand hearty.
talk
"Dashed
if I can
he asked.
"May I smoke?"
without
smoking! I have to treat my confounded
new
client
was
HEIR
THE
like
nerves
SOOTHOID
TO
confounded
pack
329
of dogs, confound
it!
haled
in-
Thanks."
reply,Astro
In
drawn
up
Russian
cigar,bit
The
in the bowl.
smoldered
that
had
off the
colonel
tobacco
produced
of
the
advertisements
you've seen
the town,
'Soothoid/ that chewing-gum stuff,all over
haven't you ?" he began.
Astro nodded
gravely.
"Biggest fake on earth," said the colonel, "and the
remunerative.
it, you
most
My old uncle invented
Conceived
the brilliantly
vile idea of doping
know.
ordinary chicle with a tincture of opium and making
"I
suppose
chewing-gum
say
'Children
cry
It's monstrous,
of
it did!
thing !
"
the nerves/
"
I should
of
ought to be suppressed
questionof time when
It
on
ordnance, and
I've
Never
year'send
to
another.
traveled
came
back
all
at
home
to
find
over
from
the
one
myself im-
THE
330
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
time up
mensely rich, last October, and at the same
against a mystery that it's practicallyimpossible to
solve.
So
Understand
to you.
come
decide
to
likelyto
that's
do
"My
die any
of
mine
don't know
suspect
you
The
colonel
exclaimed.
if not, who
And
That's
had.
is to inherit
the question I
I have
day.
to
angina pectoris.
don't want
a
chap
with
get away
than that,before
all that
whether
know.
he's your
or
such
by
mean
son
give
to
ing
say-
You
not.
"
"
"Oh, lord,
is
I'm
questionof
no
the father
me
I decide
do you
What
you.
roared.
"This
you
"Tell
or
"
fine
information
you
son
on."
"Kindly go
thought I
I?"
dear
more
Master.
millions?
right away.
relative
no
money,
me
'Soothoid'
?"
of
that!"
not
no,
matrimonial
a
child?"
story." Astro's
he
licity,
infe-
child,all right;
He
put
brows
it very
bent
on
his client.
in
the child
was
born,
my
hospitalon
THE
and
there
outside.
of nerve,
babies
was
somehow
boy, and
one
girl?
nothing
The
boy
given
was
that
there
brought
him
"But
when
to
to
did
;
as
my
him
You
uncertainty.
woman.
baby.
about
it,and
never
pected
sus-
have
son."
my
you
the
at
see,
any
as
utes
min-
three
so
doubt
any
One
child,the boy
my
about
me
educated
and
up
was
the two
nurse.
within
it stands.
me
was
the
by
up
the shock
died from
wife
My
said
was
all sorts
in the confusion
which
how
That's
the
time
But
They
showed
girl,born
stairs
down-
one
situation?
surgeons
But
was
the
see
you
331
hustle every
to
mixed
other.
of each
or
Do
tell you.
can
were
SOOTHOID
quick. Those
work
to
TO
barely time
was
and
had
HEIR
wasn't?"
asked.
Astro
"Only a month
whole thing. Said
been
for years ;
so
both
children.
The
asylum,
as
at
and
the
that?
much
conscience, and
had
so
to
came
kept track of
put in an orphan
claim
her; then
she
was
heir
to
'Soothoid' !
Wouldn't
you
into his pockets and
"The
nurse
"No.
isn't
It has
her
on
one
no
was
told the
nurse
she's a salesgirl
familyin Newark
; and now
Bloom's
ter
candy store. Working behind a counsix a week, by Jove ! and may
be my
daughter,
adopted by
at
it
former
The
ago.
What
worry?"
regarded
sure
been
which
the Master
is which
to make
Buttercup
in
can't be
say it positively
thought
you
might
do
it
by
the
of
of
his hands
Mysteries.
?"
her
a
conscience
clean breast
those babies
Pinafore. So
Doctors
think
you
shoved
He
tormenting
she had
do
I've
to
come
or
of it.
up' ;
proved, either
palms
for
like
you.
way.
crystalsor
THE
332
MASTER
I've
something.
'em
seen
I believe
India, and
business.
Seer
resemble
of
York."
in New
sleep with
us
Then
I suppose
sun.
I think
it. There's
doubt
he
has
I'm
he's
know
boy
look
the way
like everybody
Well, he
type.
like me,
thumbs
second
toe
curled
inside
up
longer
than
then
and
one
our
the
modestly. "Does
way?" he asked.
Sometimes
is, too.
of
the
record
pretty good
in this occult
something
a
in
stunts
great
some
have
you
his hand
in any
you
is
thing here
waved
MYSTERIES
do
there
They tell me
OF
We
both
our
fists.
his great
toe,
My father
They tell me that's rare.
had it too, though. He has blue eyes, and so have
I.
Red
hair, though, and there's no trace of that in my
family or my wife's,that I know of."
so
have
"And
the
and
"Of
by Jove
though?
act
the
behind
all. What
If she's
do
counter
rats
you
worry
"
inquired.
there immediately,
selling'Soothoid,'
in her
hair, brass
for
expect
daughter,
my
lord, no!
she'll
six
gles,
ban-
week,
soon
learn
been
spoken
how
!"
hasn't
What
do
take
you
her
have
a
little. I've
trying to mash
though, for all her
was
right down
Big pompadour,
only bought
her
Went
seen
to
wouldn't
to
you
"Oh,
have
Astro
about
"
her
and
to
girl
course.
found
and
I.
no
her.
rats.
doubt
She
the poor
was
I liked her,
me
the
world.
and
talked
girl thought
nice
for?
little thing,
something
do
to
Her
TO
for her
in any
resemble
she
"Does
of
sort
said
"Well,"
must
confess
me.
But
astral
away
far-
left-
that
she
was
eyes ; but
her
hair
was
little
Cute
that.
it! I did
like her
immensely,
sight."
first
at
does, in
it is that she
tell about
Confound
is.
thing, she
not.
or
wife ?"
your
Blue
me.
couldn't
so
daughter
case,
I noticed
fashion.
or
you
funny part of
the
"Why,
333
Maverick."
is Miss
name
SOOTHOID
HEIR
THE
that
it
that
I think
set
for
problem
through
determined
consulted
have
you
already?"
"Oh, they'reall a lot of
mine
the boy was
and that
difficult
be
can
doubt
No
means.
have
you
"I
reflectinga while,
Seer, after
the
some
medium
"I
with
agree
ignorant
and
with
The
But
colonel
been
stared.
called
is trite; but
"My
the voice.
it contains
with
but
If you
the eye,
known
to
You
me.
soul'. The
of the
much
as
truth.
of
germ
as
to
My
from
make
science.
methods
use
After
of
know
phrase
tell
can
the
palm
hesitate
modern
Nothing except
glasses; but I seldom
some
the ophthalmoscope.
I don't
is the matter
what
eyes?
the 'window
methods
Colonel?"
eyes,
your
an
it will be difficult,
But
you
are
occult
I have
I ask
may
slightastigmatism. I have
them.
wear
Why?"
peculiarto
"They seem
has
lot.
unscrupulous
afraid.
am
mediums
ordinary
that
me
too, both."
girlwas,
unknown
I
the
The
you.
They told
fakers !
are
the
my
or
yours
own;
instruments
THE
334
merely enables
scope
With
great
that
he
studio.
on
the
The
thread
of incandesce
wires, he
in
moments
cornea
single electric
blue-glassbulb.
the
darkened
went
to
up
peered through
some
turned
showed
to the
see
Valeska, who
in
she
wire
instrument
through
opticplexus."
the
Then
MYSTERIES
to
one
called
had
lamp which
for
OF
MASTER
silence,then
He
switched
gazed
the
on
lightsagain.
"Now,"
he
absurd.
may
seem
by
moles.
It is
an
You
almost
you
may
to be
on
the
had
distribution
of
of divination
but, while
from
human
have
recall,if you
art ;
learned
request that
heard
unknown
marks
such
make
to
have
may
absolute,there is much
dispositionof
have
"I
added,
read
the relative
nova,
body. Casahis memoirs,
theory regardingthe
moles.
For
not
metrical
sym-
instance, if
one
mole
but
the
Now,
the
for that
Vedantic
govern
on
the
has
one
sacred
to
books.
transmission
therefore,if you
know
But
there
whole
are
lore of
laws
that
physical characteristics.
kindly step into this room
of
will
the
THE
336
a
task
MASTER
OF
as
that!"
as
"I
said
think
ought
you
MYSTERIES
fall in love
person
able to
to be
age
man-
easily
so
you
make
fall in
one
any
love," he
while
apparent
there
silence between
was
effort,he took
Then
subjectthey
the
up
them.
had
left.
"The
the
is
evidence
toe.
girl
affects
merely
course,
that.
have
blue
him
he remarked
"How
"We
in his
long
does
We
that's
the
have
faint
have
to
order
blance
resem-
to
some
to
appear
doesn't count."
heredity.Mere probability
asked.
about fingerprints
?" Valeska
little of
know
that.
We
have
shot
mere
and
the
of
records
no
The
of
sinistrality,
Her
himself.
ond
sec-
test.
no
spiritually;but
or
the
that's
so
eyes;
nothing,nor
to
with
same
evidence.
to
amounts
The
mentally,
sentimental
son
do
but many
sleep;
between
bad."
why
birthmarks?"
air!
Do
you
know
what
-"
that
has
on
to
wouldn't
curious
red
appear
birthmark
diagram
the moles.
saw
Now
to
any
the
of almost
it when
what
Also, he
observer.
I
we
was
have
shape
same
pretending
to
do
is to
HEIR
THE
examine
TO
up
while
some
friendship with
If
find
we
enough. Should
positivecertainty."
be strong
to
Maverick,
will
father
help
in
the
painted on
life insurance.
That's
stigmata,the proof
find two, it may
we
behind
Valeska
found
afterward
week
have
with
of the
one
girl,Miss
His
You'll
doctor's sign
laboratory,and
door of my
337
way.
the
investigatethe boy.
that.
in
both youngsters
patch
SOOTHOID
will
be called
the counter
pompadour as big
and sodaas
any of those in the shop, sellingcandy
Her bare arms
water.
were
heavy with bracelets,her
slangy and facetious. Her companion
language was
Bloom's, dressed in white, with
at
at the
counter
was
means
take Valeska
not
to
to
by any
acquaintance.But
chance
long
did not
littlemiss, who
demure
to the other
Maverick, known
Miss
was
asked
Bessie's
advice
no
on
compliments; she
for
word.
week
tale of
with
her.
Valeska
of
"
From
The
two
soon
offered
that moment
hardly
by without
went
misfortune,
details. Bessie
Bessie
gave
sie's
that; she fished for Bes-
this and
Bessie
to
came
lost purse
to
share
all
was
chance
in the
move
and
her
room
own
easy.
Valeska
gradually talked
real friends.
thetic
pa-
more.
THE
338
MASTER
Valeska's
first report
"What
the
the
whole
stand
him
One
is ! She's
to
claim the
the
colonel's
in love
It's
the
with
going
"But
business
to be
about
how
"Oh, you've
had
I offered
rub
to
She
idea how
hard
liniment
looked
ready
to
was
back, and
"
"Well, he
has
Valeska
the earth
burst
about
how
a
or
do now,
to
alone.
find that
Then
well, she
you
said,
Willie Mixter?"
into
is round,
Well, what
fall
cried.
Astro
"It's true.
up
inquired.
"What?"
to
himself
Astro
it
to
estate.
of rheumatism.
her
on
the
has
just for
thought/'
little touch
gave
world, Bessie
is all
the birthmarks?"
no
has
easier than
mediums
in the
herself,and
son,
colonel, and
heirshipof
gold !
colonel's
knows
her, and
the
of those
But
an
to
sensational.
was
affair,and
son!
thing away
in with
Astro
to
'Soothoid'
colonel's
MYSTERIES
think?"
do you
all about
the
even
OF
circle."
"Oh, I'm
glad!
making good for
"If you
so
can
Then
the
there's
'Soothoid'
for
me
chance
for Bessie's
millions."
to
examine
her
eyes."
"But
what
if,after all,I
can
make
the match
out?"
with-
HEIR
THE
TO
"Then
"I
And
agree.
know,
know
that.
And
psychology,
see
no
in any
case
he'll have
he
why
reason
of the word.
the
be
Bessie."
fancy to
thinkingthat
I
He's
sense
He'd
her."
I've been
now.
in every
of
about
taken
see
anyway.
shouldn't
colonel
339
Willie should
to
SOOTHOID.
will
thing
If I know
appeal
anything
him
to
mensely
im-
as
romantic."
It
days later,
leska, three
Bloom's,
leave
leska
to
she
minutes
the two
The
at
toward
stood.
She
too
low
was
girlsto
accompanying Vafor the
came
herself and
discreet
Willie Mixter
saw
walked
went
distance.
off
In five
Bessie, and
overtake
day
next
she excused
enter
walk
Maverick
of Bessie's
followed
Valeska
alone.
shop, and
the time
When
their room,
the
Mixter
the conversation
blush; but
be overheard.
to
Willie
saw
Bessie
which
behind
Bessie
about
his eyes
cast
the counter
saw
interest,therefore,that Va-
was
he
in
came
again. Valeska
asked
no
she did
reserved.
But
questions.Bessie had grown
not go this night,either,to the littledairy place where
the two
girlsusuallytook their dinner. So it went on
fellow
for another
week, Bessie seeingthe rich young
two
or
That
room
three
times.
next
Sunday,
on
Valeska's
East
arm
through her
story.
as
the two
Nineteenth
was
about
sobs, Bessie
girlssat
in their little
Street, Bessie
her
came
neck
out
began to cry.
immediately, and,
with
the
whole
340
"He
love
THE
MASTER
wants
to
him
so
of
much
that account
on
account
me
"I'm
sure
and
me,
on
MYSTERIES
this miserable
be fair with
after
OF
divide.
! He'd
and
money,
he
to
him
after him
was
if I didn't think
even
count
ac-
wants
think, anyway,
of his money,
only
he
was
is not ! He
you."
dividing
our
the money
he only wants
it like
to arrange
; so I'm sure
of those royal familycomplications
I've read about.
one
I've got to tell some
here
can
be
never
If that horrid
us!"
and
"I have
I know
world, it
"Are
careful of
only been more
laughed through her tears hysterically.
nurse
had
shall I do?"
you
He
can
seems
saved
you
"unless
Oh, dear !
you
Bessie
time.
father,"
no
I tell you !
so
settled ! That's
shall I
"What
"Do
she
and
breaking
wildly at Valeska,
father ; and
old
"I'm
on.
mother
no
off to stare
she broke
the colonel is my
it
it. I have
with
heart
my
one
trust.
to
me
in love
me.
from
asked.
He
is the wisest
person
He
has
friend
what
with him
been
was
my
worse
?" Bessie
than
whom
in the
a
death."
interrupted.
is a palmist and
"He
ignored the remark.
He
I used to work
and
for him.
an
astrologer,
solved some
of the most
astonishingmysteries in
Valeska
long
has
this
HEIR
THE
is
city. He
TO
SOOTHOID
continually
doing good.
341
You
be
can
sure
of him."
"What
knows
"He
has
has
him
when
you,
everything, and
help
to
demanded.
all about
told
agreed
trust
I do ?" Bessie
must
solve
the
I tell you
"The
Astro, my
friend,
I know
problem.
this. I want
nel
colo-
to
you
can
him
see
and
"I will!"
leave
Bessie
rose
it all to him.
He
to tell me
that I'm
with
determination.
can't make
looked
the
him
than
worse
on
now."
him
he
then
the two
saw
secret
He
truth.
call
surprise when
the studio.
girlsenter
told
in
up
it any
not
Astro
"I'll just
visitor.
"I've told her
be
trusted.
everything,"said
will take
You
Valeska.
word
my
for
"She
can
it, I know.
And
she's
and
Willie.
father's
to
one
"
you
the
are,
the
mean
that
room
"
are
it will be
descended
from
sand
thou-
ten
became
Astro
of
took
full of shadows.
dim
and
the
electric lamp
up
the
that
him;
wire
purple.
colonel's
you
like your
contrary it appears
in fact,his
lightsand
The
the
If, on
down
The
candesce
in-
rich
instrument, placed
it in
showed
THE
342
front
MASTER
of Miss
OF
Maverick's
MYSTERIES
and
eyes
stared
through
the
aperture.
"Come
He
here, Valeska!"
handed
her the
ophthalmoscope,adjusted it,and
bade her look. Valeska
sie's
gazed into the retina of Besfirst she
At
could
distinguishnothing.
eye.
Slowly she perceived the warm
pink back of the eye,
and in the center
the optic disk
a
ruddy spot. It was
strument
shaped like an angel'swings! She dropped the inand clasped Bessie in her arms.
"
"Bessie
Mixter!"
"No!"
Bessie
she stood
"Oh,
he's
you
tell
you
won't
the
want
always had
"You
staring. For
up,
care.
it ! Don't
let him
!" Valeska
Don't
Willie
I want
she
pleaded.
let him
ever
ever,
moment
hand.
money!
it's yours
"I don't
"Yes
jumped
won't
me
"But
exclaimed.
"Promise
don't
she
ever,
to
ever
know!
have
it,as
know
!"
exclaimed.
understand, Valeska?"
you
mean""
!" Bessie
"Then
cast
down
him,
you'll marry
money's rightfully
yours
Bessie
drew
"Wouldn't
her
herself
eyes.
now
you
know
that
the
?"
up.
course!"
"Of
she
said.
you?"
"It's too
much
are
you
only
man."
"I know
I'm
supposed
not
to
know
anything about
"Nothing
"And
"That's
I'll have
father
tone
after
was
decisive.
all!" cried
Bessie.
father all
HEIR
THE
my
life.
I
way
a
she
And,"
him,
treat
truly
that
going
"he'll
added,
to
ring
know,
anything
walked
She
343
never
missed
he's
daughter!"
"I'm
SOOTHOID
TO
up
Willie
by
by
not
the
toward
right
now,"
the
ing
havphone.
tele-
she
announced.
Astro
watched
pleasant
to
himself,
and
scowl.
have
walked
her
daughter
into
"It
keenly.
the
like
that,"
laboratory
would
he
with
rather
be
muttered
ful
thought-
to
THE
TWO
don't
careful, Valeska,
"T)E
JD
said
They
small
the
in
studio.
Here
microscope,
he
and
he
the
to
nature,
Master's
often
chin
permit
did
He
She
he
not
touch
such
herself
turn
unstopped
feathery
"Oh
tube
subdivided,
and
of
the
bottom
sprang
; and
head.
the
ray
divided
his
tiny
glass cylinder
as
the
vessel
delicate
How
of
mass
very
filled
was
she
colorless
in
if
not
ing
speak-
by
until
magic
in
white
liquid.
dozen
rapidly,
as
did
Immediately
appeared.
it grew
the
shoulder,
without
gently.
the
this.
as
Instead,
of
man
hu-
from
his
though
miracle
in
on
sprung
over
branching
looked
she
comment
looked
even;
leisure.
marvel,
new
had
intimacy
the
from
it,
his
his
test-tube.
for
thought
prolificbrain.
letting her
corked
in
had
dressed
window,
the
studies
he
of
shrewd
some
other
what
or
the
light a
philosophic theory,
new
his
most
spent
off
led
Here
smiling, ready
waited,
that
pursued
pathology.
before
stood
suit, holding
Valeska
Seer
which
over
now,
linen
now!"
arm,
my
laboratory
the
physics, chemistry,
Here,
joggle
Astro.
were
great
MANNINGS
MISS
It
tions
directhe
with
terior
ina
crystals.
beautiful
"
how
wonderful
!"
she
on
the
gasped.
He
put
the
tube
into
her
table.
344
hand
and
sat
down
"The
olden
of
tree
time
MISS
TWO
THE
it
Paracelsus," he
accounted
was
experiment with
have
may
great
charlatans, Valeska.
in the Middle
Ages
paid
well
lives of
for
palmy days
be
to
kings
alchemist
an
to
for it."
death
As
she handed
for
sen
It
the
were
and
the
won,
the
that simple
sulphate dukes
Those
changed.
"In
With
magic.
sodium
345
remarked.
beguiled, fortunes
been
men
MANNINGS
back
moment;
and
then, holding it
burner, warmed
the
tube.
crystalsbegan
He
Valeska
He
It
he
oftener than
human
moral
its
the
and
peared.
disapparent
trans-
was
not
was
mere
she had
first. Here
lesson," he
and
nature
at
this
only follow
could
Bun-
smiled.
and
thinking. But
was
moments
shrank
that
to
few
over
the solution
rack
like him
was
hers; she
"It's
tree
shake, and
set it in
could, what
though
The
waited, knowing
amusement.
if she
it a
gave
again.
melt.
to
In
it thoughtfully
on
said.
"It
mysteries. Why
is
do
times,
at
no
passed
sur-
clue.
parable
of
become
we
angry? I
we'll say, like this clear solution, hermetically
am,
the atmosphere of strife. Open the cork,
sealed from
Immediately, without
or
drop in a crystalof anger.
I am
changed ; but not so beautifully
apparent reason,
absolutelydifferent
as
this.
sprung
this tree
Warm
and
up,
persons
I melt
of
into
And,
when
are
we
acrid
good
nature
came
into
ing
again. Readmind.
my
Thus
attired himself
his costume,
in gown
became
again the
as
inscrutable
he
changed
calm
Seer,
THE
346
ready for
took
MASTER
his patrons.
He
from
gyroscope
OF
MYSTERIES
walked
tabouret
and
studio,
it on
spun
little
standard.
Valeska's
her.
She
followed
look
drew
her
down
him.
His
fair brows
gravitationas
flyingtoo
She
it revolved
fast, too
for
silently,
"
"The
trained
mind,
the
in
it's time
you
and
he
didn't
men
to
women."
taking
were
too
seem
He
who
time
to
some
watched
her
be
to
ceived.
per-
ward
the down-
"
"
"
suggested.
indeed!
You're
for
now
work!
far."
yesterday?"
came
see
cases
anxious.
of
orbit,its wheel
intellect,"he
man
the
power
equilibriumby
the
emotions
held
and
its
watched
its motion
and
from
slowly in
questioned
eyes
off my
I know
from
Besides,
him.
you
hands,
prefer
eye.
protested,
blushing.
Astro
seemed
pleased. "Well, it's agreeable for
the story?"
What
them, at any rate.
was
"Why, it'smost romantic ! It's perfectlyridiculous,
find a strange woman
to
though! He wants
you
whom
he saw
the subway."
on
"Why strange?"
And it's a hard
"Oh, strange enough in every way.
problem, too."
"First,who is he?"
fp
5m
The
'
Tree
of
Paracelsus,'
it
was
"
he
remarked.
accounted
magic."
"
In
the
olden
times
THE
348
only
MASTER
few
shut.
and
moments,
They
"Yes;
always
she
but
in her
the
took
On
She
front
had
paper
news-
the
were
page
lines.
head-
yesterday'spaper."
of
the
scare-head, "Tammany
a
were
in summer."
even
the
copy
Viaduct," in such
the windows
really clever.
hand.
up
MYSTERIES
I suppose
are,
was
Here, I have
She
OF
Will
that
way
Gazette
and
Push
Help
only the
pointed
word
the
to
New
"Help"
was
evident.
Valeska
"Then,"
3324,
"I
the
digit at
one
And
see.
Mr.
"Exactly. Of
;
but what
Astro
time,
street
his
snapped
ber,
num-
fingers."
I suppose,
the
him
gave
her
on
wants
what
address, and
course
number
know
to
she
wanted?"
that
was
of
her
?"
telephone number.
the
Jenson,
and
lady's name
house
continued, "she
she make
her
was
sign to
any
show
central?"
"Why,
out
swept
4, the train
at the
up
she
in
was
Thirty-third-.
Street station."
Astro
with
the
company
all the
merely
while.
What
me."
the
find out
was
the
; but
to
all the
use
and
names
to
of
our
changes,
ex-
pull
addresses
investigate. It's
then.
But
the
tion
ques-
That
matter?
happened yesterday?
to
is, what
to
for
list
make
and
a
telephone book
we'll have
first thing. Then
the
of
thought
requiresthought.
you've finished
suppose
?"
there
was
nothing that
seemed
important
THE
"Then
a
TWO
I'll have
MISS
look
to
MANNINGS
349
over
bore !"
He
to
waiting-room
the sheets.
turn
heard
Valeska
the
into
went
whistle.
low
He
reading a news
headings: "Aged Woman
Run
Over
by Down-town
in View
Track
"Look
at
to
quarter
not
under
Killed
in
lessly
list-
began
gone
Running
item
him
saw
had
and
up
far before
him, she
to
the
following
Subway Station.
Express After Falling on
of Crowd/'
happened at a
yesterday. The mysterious
o'clock
three
"This
exclaimed.
that !" he
been
at
Fourteenth-
the
Street
"And
does
that
for
it's a, chance
prove?"
rate.
I'lltake
clue ;
think,when
queer
I have
leisure."
He
went
back
to
Astro
"We'll
the
to
Valeska
of his first client,
ished
fintered
en-
the list:
glanced it
over,
residence
live. We
had
and
all the
districts where
may
leave out
penciledit as he talked.
stations obviouslynot in
be likely
the lady would
Beekman,
Barclay, Broad,
Worth.
That
leaves
us
chard,
Or-
stillnine-
THE
350
teen
MASTER
numbers
OF
wanted
and
to
for
that
it must
going directlyhome,
then
on
was
it couldn't
Gramercy,
been
does
Tremont,
that
her
she
was
at
of
either
not
ger,
stran-
quick reply. As
Thirty-thirdStreet,
wanted
been
lady
communicate
Square, Spring, or
subway
Melrose, Lenox,
have
express
have
Madison
The
and
subway
tried to
purpose
telephone number,
she
MYSTERIES
go
the
Chelsea,
tricts.
Stuyvesant disthe
near
Westchester,
Harlem,
Williams-
or
bridge sections. Let's see, then, what is left: Audubon, Bryant, Columbus,
Kingsbridge, Morningside,
Riverside, and Murray Hill. Ring up Mr. Potter in
the advertisingdepartment of the telephone company,
and
tell him
of number
I'd like to
find the
in each
of those
3324
left the
Valeska
studio
on
and
names
seven
addresses
exchanges."
as
no
and
picked up his Paracelsus
with his reading. He had finished the chapter
on
Aqueous
on
Vapors
when
she
returned.
He
took
up
her
memorandum
and
the
districts.
and
There
(Bryant, 3324)
were
H.
looked
left
it
over.
The
Audubon
J. Cook,
199
West
as
lows:
fol-
Forty-fifth
Street.
enty-thir
Sev-
TWO
THE
MANNINGS
MISS
351
118
East
Thirty-
sixth Street.
station.
have
is correct.
"Such
You
if he
course,
have
take
her
message
did
say
she
He
We'll
though
He
if my
see
the
too
was
pose?"
sup-
her, of
busy trying
recalled
or
either
or
scar
much.
dish
red-
in her
deep dimple
out
theory
girl,I
he'd know
noticed
have
find
can
wore
hair, and
again.
to
we
descriptionof
much
her
saw
what
see
Mannings.
it is,not
as
local
we'll
and
cause
Hardy, must
go, beThirty-sixth Street,
to Thirty-third-Street
East
to
taken
To-morrow
the Cooks
about
to
going
were
lady would
last one,
chin."
"I
hope
it's
dimple,"
said
Astro, taking
up
his
Paracelsus.
Valeska
The
the
of
West
He
had
an
affable
however,
who
that there
That
with
way
answered
was
the
same
Seventy-third Street.
He
treated
the
commit
himself
the
residence
dealer.
The
with
agent
of
Peter
servant
H.
to
was
cold
to
She
denied,
livingin
woman
J. Cook.
called
by
met
disdain
assert
at
a
and
521
refused
wholesale
out, however,
West
butler, who
J. Manning,
thawed
the
quite won
the door.
agent
than
more
that
young
any
belonged
afternoon
him
in
an
to
was
wood
inter-
THE
352
view
with
for
Miss
say,
He
MASTER
but
but
out;
the
found
Miss
lady
young
Manning
she had
o'clock
at ten
would
call
At
one
West
that
at
lost any
would
ventured
be
well rewarded.
chinchilla furs,
Manning,
them
on
morning.
He
was
Yes,
and
chinchillas,
if the
and
he
with
when
o'clock.
two
return,
Miss
to
it
sure
he
was
had
his
hoped
the young
lady
again.
o'clock
curtains
but
he
to
drew
coupe
Seventy-thirdStreet
The
called later,asking
Manning,
expected back
belonged
opinion that
who
Miss
MYSTERIES
woman
was
heard
not
hoped
furs
young
Manning.
was
had
OF
man's
drawn
were
and
at
up
at
the
Broadway
the
corner
and
side of the
of
stopped.
carriage,
face
of West
corner
End
block.
same
but
In
times
Avenue,
this
also
the
at
the
other
curtains
end
of the
drawn;
were
Street, and
did
spoke
It
ran
not
to the
up
driver
of the
immediately drove
At
rang
up
to
lower
fol-
Broadway,
sprang
in.
off.
went
The
521.
went
Jenson.
immediately to
the telephone
TWO
THE
"The
MISS
she
and
Margaret Manning,
with
that
as
he
test
521 West
at
now
the Master
Street. I gave
left,and
is
353
inquiredabout,"
you
person
MANNINGS
enty-third
Sev-
the card-case
into
went
you
astral
an
Jenson.
"I'm
afraid
The
Master
the
disclose
to
astral
girl is
in
desires
your
events
far
it
before
possible.
tails
into the deAstro.
Astro
hundred
asked
with
leska.
"Did
from
secret
ever
big or
sorrow,
where
he
What
woman
encounter
one
that every
man
little?"
Astro
likes to be
to be misunderstood.
perceptions.
reckless; but
every
one
that Miss
Manning
under
right,
are
to
learn
nature,
is
wom-
like to be considered
Both
No
her
critical,
good judges of human
delicate
have
didn't
who
playfullychucked
the chin, "you are positively
learning. You
of course.
The
first thing a charlatan
has
dear," and
"My
toying
was
lizard.
course!
you
check
you."
Thank
languidly,lookingup
"Why,
to
she
to
One
an
The
that
sure
let you
we
in this
ever,
advisable, how-
is
as
liberty
while
make
must
we
assistance
him
to
prove
as
you,
of her, Mr.
more
feel that he is at
not
revealed
secrets
trouble; but
of her
does
will inform
tell you
not
can
Should
state.
he
and
sitive,
sen-
of
one
course
has
the
some
chances
pet
are
sorrow,
ten
and
MASTER
THE
354
if she
hasn't
have
done
Any
man
who
upon
to
we
It
do
has
cheeked
that
weeks
him
Seer
his most
effete
manner.
I don't know
deliver the
girlin
the
go
that !
told
astral trances
mind
one
it,and
All the
is rot.
"You're
certainly
I
all this
insult
I take
me.
your
did not
exuberance
did
find the
voice
was
here
come
mere
as
it.
about
nonsense
you
same,
you
that
saw
anything.' Of
Miss
Manning, all right."
girl. It was
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Jenson,"Astro's
a
that
friends about
do
can
der,
won-
hat to you,
bet.
Astro
tellingyou
of my
Astro; he
I didn't believe
course,
shaven,
clean-
his oriental
on
do it,but you
the result of
as
to
had
I take off my
you
don't
and
subway
said, 'You
He
afternoon, pink-
one
began.
man
how
goods.
this place
to
may
again,though.
be depended
evidently wealthy.
The
gravely.
and
Astro.
in late
man,
came
idea
affinity
came
fresh, young
"See
him
see
rate,
any
immaculate, in stylishclothes, a
and
costume
At
from.
received
know.
never
We'll
part.
our
MYSTERIES
something foolish."
heard
was
will
Jenson
two
was
OF
youth.
to
As
you
know
visiblyembarrassed.
and
Without
rose
reply, Astro
entered
Valeska
immediately. With
Jenson
was
the young
"I
man,
say,
"The
I'm
Master
touched
a
gong.
gesture toward
has
said Valeska.
THE
356
"Why,
where
that
she
She
wasn't
was
didn't
She
think he
who
lost
was
herself with
said she
was
She
had
just heard
and
take
her
idea
no
stranger,
had
was
remembered
She
the train.
found
she
know
even
MYSTERIES
all; she
what
or
livingwith.
on
OF
MASTER
who
man
she
seemed
to
afraid of him.
was
to
give his telephone number
That
had passed through the car.
was
a friend who
she was
all the clue she had to where
going. So she
signaledthat to me; but didn't have time to give me
She wanted
of -the exchange, 'Columbus/
the name
to take her to Chicago immediately. I told her that
me
was
impossible;but that I'd go. the next day with her
serious
what
know
I
of it
She
as
best I
denied
crossed
She
of
deuce
there
"Well, I suppose
you
nor
me,
are!"
you
at
Valeska
wish
the
gazed
me,
out
appointment.
an
to
I floundered
about.
to know
pretended not
situation.
Sent
coolly asked
and
down
came
something
that
and
"
I wanted.
talking
was
of course?"
"
She
in
was
next
in the Waldorf-Astoria
me
frightened thought
the matter
was
name.
my
and
got
the
for
lowing
fol-
o'clock."
at ten
"No.
appointment
an
to meet
was
was
"And
up
made
She
palm-room
She
home.
her.
morning.
him
what
Jenson
Master
to
explain
this?"
"That's
time
friend
came
what
it
here
came
was
fiftydollars
on
for.
account
that
Astro
of
I told him
a
wager.
couldn't
the
first
I bet my
find the
girl.
MISS
TWO
THE
see
you
think
may
He
folded
Valeska
his
help her.
it
absurd, but
and
arms
nothing ; but
know
I shall
try
to
first
her, and,
her."
marry
defiant.
Master, and,
Of
influence
of that
promise nothing ;
can
his decision.
Will
very
know
to
almost
well.
the
to
I want
became
"Very
rose.
I want
him.
fond
I'm
beginning,the
to
but
I confess
the
it from
357
believingin
come
do?
can
you
MANNINGS
as
said, I
myself I
can
do
him."
tell
what
me
she exclaimed
it means!"
after
she
had
"Isn't
yawned.
his
casually,examining
how
done
"Doctor
"A
callingquite
long
nails.
I didn't know
know?
you
on
he remarked
you
had
the case."
whom
"But
"A
do
anything more
"Oh, very
Manning
often at number
"Why,
Miss
is she
going
to see?"
George HerreschofT."
specialist?"
neurologist."
smiled
and
shook
read.
You'll
find it
his head
book
as
by
indulgently.
Morton
Doctor
excitingas
novel ; I
Prince
might
THE
358
OF
MYSTERIES
excitingas
Manning."
to
venture
with
MASTER
Miss
Valeska
knew
usually gave
Mr.
as
say
than
more
her
"Don't
forgetthe
Fourteenth
Street.
number
let her
accident
And
Journal
an
The
her
exert
in the
there's
of The
further.
ask
to
hint and
Jensen'sexperience
Seer
tion.
imaginastation at
subway
article in the
of Abnormal
vember
No-
ogy,"
Psychol-
he added.
He
went
rose,
the book-shelves
to
walls
of the vast
little
magazine,
and
Then
he
into his
walked
studio, took
gave
down
them
to
He
and
lamp,
"Your
friend
Valeska
was
will
never
Jenson
and
for her
Diange, and
the
lead.
half-hour
the
smile.
prepare,
arbor
of the door
out
where
to
over
with
her
of tin,silver,and
the trees
his head
stuck
called
lined three
the book
laboratoryto
that
later
reading under a
that girl
marry
he's after!"
"Oh, won't
he?"
"No;
going
she's
Valeska
to
stared
he may
she
"Why,
disappear."
him
in wonder.
when
amazement
"But
at
to
he
added
look
Her
changed
Margaret Manning."
still
is Margaret Manning," she replied,
marry
puzzled.
"No, she isn't,"he said,laughing, and
of the
The
Valeska
laboratory.
next
came
leaving the
from
her
to
conversation
"He
the
studio.
with
says
he
him,
has
Miss
met
take
to
her
to
But
Chicago.
her, and
she still is
he
has
if he
doubts
359
urging
begun
ought
be
to
picious
sus-
it. He
do
to
him
advice."
your
Astro
MANNINGS
again, and
Manning
of
wants
MISS
TWO
THE
"You
smiled.
might
tell him
what
I told you
yesterday."
"Ah
what's
! but
the
if he hasn't read
use
The
sociation
Dis-
of a Personality?"
"Then
suppose
Herreschoff
and
advise
you
ask
famous
most
who
America,
in
the
to
knows
"Of
Miss
course.
In her
normal
her
Jenson. In
for help."
dual
personality.
not, of course,
she appealed to
know
not
"Doubtless, from
recall Mr.
where
she was,"
normal
self,she changed
Chicago her own
secondary character, in which she did not
into
in
the
know
her
brother.
own
states, which
two
him
she
Astro.
was
often
the
reading
doubt
of
she
may
that
She
alternated
be called the A
mental
and
even
between
the
the B.
It is
physicalshock entirely
personality. That's what I thought of on
the accident at the subway station.
No
case
changes the
B.
added
up
did
literally
returned
asked.
has
Manning
secondary state
she
"Because
ciated
disso-
address.
Astro
she does
state
Valeska
And
the
now?"
understand
diseases
nervous
multipleor
living."
one
any
telephoneto repeat
"You
Doctor
on
of
more
see.
call
is he?"
specialiston
than
personality
"Oh,
to
his advice."
him
witnessed
the
or
accident.
The
shock
state, into
her
broke
in
Chicago.
THE
36o
MASTER
But, findingherself
OF
with
MYSTERIES
man
she
became
the
first
likely-looking
stranger
she
was
attracted
alarmed.
Her
to
impulse
Jenson,
and
appeal
to
was
for
recognize,
to
help. Somehow
she signaledto
so
him."
"Then
she
was
again when
she asked
him
to take
her to
Chicago?"
"Certainly. Of
between
when
he
been
in
met
she must
course
the
time
her
in the street.
he
have
her
saw
on
She
cago
gone to Chithe train and
recalled having
have
Chicago at three o'clock. She must
changed almost immediately,and taken the train soon
afterward.
Then, upon arrivingin New
York, something
threw her back into the B state again. Owing
to her amnesia, while in the secondary state,she forgot
all that had happened, and thought it was
the same
in Chicago. But when
he called at
day that she was
the house, she had changed back to her normal
dition.
conAll
evident
that is evident
that such
Herreschoff
for
case
would
treatment,
his
from
be
and
story.
brought
doubtless
to
he
It is
as
Doctor
will be
"
Doctor
Felida
Prince
has
written
X, reported by Azan.
of,
nor
Of
of
course
the
celebrated
there
are
all
TWO
THE
MISS
sorts
of dissociations.
three
or
But
four
MANNINGS
Some
361
break
persons
intermittent
separate and
into
up
personalities.
Manning is certainly
interesting.I'd like to
meet
her, myself."
"And
how
I'd like to know
Jensen's lovepoor
affair will turn
"I'm sorry for
out," said Valeska.
Miss
him."
"I've
doubt
no
in love
he'll not
only lose
the
to
len
girlhe has falhelp in putting
simply
horrible !
He
said he'd do
if he'd
do
that?
I wonder
for her.
and
anything
it's all
But
so
remember
Valeska
"It
so
nodded.
is like that.
was
could
of
mass
nothing but
pure
understand
that
at
no
understood
one
different times
is
under
To-day we
merely the sum
functions.
This
combinations
and
character.
We
the
clear
and
that
water.
one
person
forms
see
may
break
volition of this
it every
common
son
perthe
and
of
the
same
In
the
same
could
appear
; it was
emotions
qualities,
have
ment
experi-
chantment.
en-
understand
of his
that
solution
forms
different
solid person
No
magic.
sodium
"
Ages
different
crystalswere
thing, sulphate of
way,
the Middle
In
may
new
day. When
up
and
into other
become
thesized
syn-
group's own
we
lose
our
THE
362
temper
become
we
foreignto
things
too,
MASTER
become
OF
MYSTERIES
temporarilydissociated.
true
our
When
nature.
different in many
We
say
dream,
we
Occasionally
in a state of unstable
natures
some
equilibrium topple
and change their mental
over
and spiritual
ture.
strucThen
have such patients
Miss Beauchamp,
we
as
Miss Smith, reported by Flournoy, as Mrs. Smead,
as
whom
Hyslop describes,or Ansel Bourne, studied by
Doctor
and
Professor
how
Hodgson
James. And
unknown
such
confined
in insane asylums,
are
many
who
to
might be easily restored
normality, God
we
knows
!"
He
had
been
he talked.
as
ways.
walking
Now
he
and
up
returned
rested
Valeska, and
to
her blond
on
down
for
an
head.
shock
thing more
potent than mental
that changes men's personality
often enough," he said
softly.
She looked
up quickly,uncomprehending. "What
do you
"Did
?"
mean
I say
change a
looking at
;
one
things that
he went
man's
character
essentially,"
on,
is a profound sorher thoughtfully. "One
row
thing?
one
the other
is love."
He
understood
"Dickens
There
are
walked
that," he
two
away
to
threw
dow.
the winover
his
shoulder.
Valeska
and
turned
passed into
Three
days
longer the
Instead, he
softer,his
her
eyes
away
after
blithe and
manner
him, then
rose
waiting-room.
the
seemed
from
joyous young
prematurely old.
less careless.
man
His
He
of
was
no
fashion.
eyes
were
364
ka's
she
hand
back
came
in
till
she
his
Our
flask,
a
up,
tree
potent
few
of
tasted
of
him,"
shoulder.
was
her
so
approach
Then
changed
he
wonderfully
look
little
with
pieces
of
it there
about,
said
sorrow.
think."
Astro.
hope
"I
of
zinc.
In
of
it
hour
of
ence
Florhe
acetate,
there
had
the
talline
crys-
foliated,
Saturnse
the
ists,
alchem-
life.
after
she
lead
an
and
arbor
lip
Into
laboratory.
feathery
the
her
two
are
and
love
both,
solution
its parable
bit
"there
softly,
!"
me
the
lead,
with
and
kiss.
his
character,
has
exquisitely
moment,
timid
of
filled
found
notice
face
Astro
He
not
said
she
man
into
Valeska
quick
man
walked
grown
His
Jenson
make
make
dropped
on
human
change
Mr.
will
He
did
hand
right,"
that
poor
may
he
found
and
window.
the
of
startled.
were
"It
though
eyes,
infinitely tender.
became
things
her
studio
great
out
that
laid
round,
"You
it
reverie
had
looked
into
came
the
into
abstractedly
lost
and
tears
MYSTERIES
sound.
no
gazing
OF
till the
made
She
MASTER
THE
in
took
he
left, looked
had
silence.
up
the
after
Then,
flask
at
and
gave
it
a
VAN
ASTEN'S
"T T NLESS
VISITOR
it stops
hat
tilted
was
collar
overcoat
on
the
turned
was
back
"Looks
Keen,
handsomely
of the firm
member
like
pasteboardletter-holder.
"Sure. The midnight train is sure either to be stalled
delayed, and I can go on Saturday just as well. I
to
care
for hours
sit up
in
turned
from
"You
mean
"Yes.
By
I rather
He's
me
his
don't
he
showed
ears.
and
among
or
his
about
up
in
his head
of
to
the
expect he's
him
Asten
has
anybody
asked.
will case?"
Drellmont
doesn't ; and
bigger
fool to expect
"Nobody's been
Van
"Say,
Then
spoke yesterday,
gettingready to compromise.
young
way
fool if he
show
the Drellmont
about
snow-bank."
went
and
365
plowed
his way
through
THE
366
MASTER
risingdrifts
the
at
was
of
games
perusal of
visitingEnglishman,
cheerful
There
things and
given
came
across
had
waist
not
riage
car-
lines
street-car
clear,and
tracks
abandoned
in the
he
snow.
struggling through
for
his
being out of
stopped,surprised. Under
streak of light.
Asten's
Van
live in the
firm
His
kitchenet.
clean
up
the
the
woman
his
there
to
young
used
to
consisted
side
was
enable
thin
him
going
only four
before
of
and,
bath-room, and
on
came
place; except
he
door
bedroom,
studio,
one
At
door
been
apartment
hall,on
had
large,L-shaped
"
order.
stilltoo
was
stylehe
into business.
to
struck, he
hour, and
home,
elevator
rooms,
and
warm
ing
apartment-houseat last,and, stampshaking himself, climbed four flightsof stairs,
and
to
the
of the wind.
reached
the
the
car
to
the sound
He
darkened
one
him
clock
sight. The
trying to keep
up
kept
comic
from
comers
the
as
this
at
in
automobile
an
had
drifts
late
French
out.
went
abroad
few
were
or
He
Then,
till midnight.
his
on
the
theaters
put
gossipwith
convivial
and
papers,
By six o'clock he
by eight had finished his
pool, a long talk with a
Club, and
Gavel
MYSTERIES
station.
the subway
to
Several
dinner.
OF
in every
for
ing
morn-
that, he
was
alone.
that no
remembered
light had been
distinctly
he had left the place at ten o'clock
left burning when
No
that morning. What, then, could the lightmean?
the janitorhad
a
key to the place. His
save
one
thought went naturallyto burglars.He hesitated for
He
VAN
ASTEN'S
VISITOR
367
some
summon
and
turned
and
he
the latch.
could
The
door
through
see
opened without
the
noise,
opposite into
one
the
long studio.
There,
in mink
woman
to
as
if
The
Asten's
The
tension
of
muscles
and
though
his
was
that
nerves
gave
over,
knotted
Van
had
to
way
littlelaugh.
him
amused
encounter
curiositywas
bending
bag.
suspense
the
of
romance
She
her back
alert.
doubly
keenly,
He
took
step forward.
At
the
round
with
expression of
an
She
dressed
with
masses
of
was
the
footsteps,
minute
alarm.
beautiful
elegance. She
stood
Her
staringat
hand
of
woman
was
went
to
him
her
twenty-three,
vivid
looked
woman
blonde, with
hands.
then,
Van
to
threw
and
Asten's
her
about
arms
she
amazement,
his neck
ran
and
ward
for-
pressed
"Oh,
know
all
for
quickly,and
heart.
her
his
of
sound
Paul!
what
to
night alone
Van
embrace
Asten
and
I'm
do !
!
glad you've
so
Where
was
in the world
you
have
took
another
are?"
look
you
at
her
stay here
to
you
I didn't
come!
from
face.
kindly tell
been ?"
me,
She
her
was
first of
THE
368
"Why,
"I
and
MASTER
What
Paul!
I haven't
mean
OF
in the world
the
have
naturallyI
MYSTERIES
do you
pleasure of
mean?"
acquaintance,
your
little curiosity
about
visitor
at this hour."
For
second
"Are
lipsparted.
two
or
drunk, Paul?"
you
her
steadily,
she
demanded
finally.
"I'm
should
step, as
frown
know
don't
know
Why
you.
tone.
if she feared
him.
folded his
and
Then
she took
He
backward
stared at her
"What's
arms.
she exclaimed
sister!"
own
your
sister is in Boston."
with
littlegame,
your
?"
anyway
don't
"You
know
sister!" she
own
your
she
helplessly. Then
a
simply don't
intense
vibrant
"My
I?"
"You
in
drunk.
not
staggered back
face in her
and
repeated
into
sunk
hands, and
began
to
weep.
"You
are
do!
What
not
sister,and
my
do
know
it
as
well
he
here, anyway?"
want
you
you
as
manded,
de-
stillstanding,staring at her.
I want
"Why,
come
sprang
from
up.
to
to
visit
idea!
It's
Boston
"The
I've
just
She
suddenly
you!"
a
stupid practicaljoke
Come, Paul, drop it,
this awful
sadly through
; but
He
Van
her
tears.
Asten
stopped and
effect
The
was
She
are
smiled
zling
reallydaz-
reflected for
few
moments.
Then,
You
don't
know
your
own
sister?"
she
exclaimed.
370
THE
his
bedroom
"Come
MASTER
door, and
in here!"
"All
OF
he
stood
she
humility,and,
room.
Just before she
him again.
"Aren't
going
you
answered
castingdown
heard
her
closed
with
extravagant
walked
eyes,
the door
kiss
to
answering her
swiftlylock it
her
frowning, he
walked
Once
minutes.
door
moment.
she
came
near
night, Paul,
good
me
into the
she asked.
Without
ten
for
there
commanded.
right, Paul!"
dear?"
MYSTERIES
to
he
and
or
twice
door
inside.
the
on
up
listen,but heard
pulled the
down
to, and
Then,
still
the
long studio
stopped outside
he
nothing. Later
for
the
He
night, Paul!" to him in blithe accents.
bit his lip and resumed
his promenade, more
worried
The
than ever.
He
thing was
no
longer
uncanny.
accepted the situation as romantic; he felt decidedly
"Good
uncomfortable
a
and
fool of
him,
or
fullythree
reply.
"Madison
5555
one
was
ing
mak-
worse.
Some
embarrassed.
him, and
to
low
minutes
as
he
went
to
possible,"Madison,
he waited
doesn't answer/'
without
receiving
the word
came
at
last.
"Ring
In two
'em
again !"
up
minutes
He
he
more
spoke a
bit
more
loudly.
heard, "Hello!"
"Yes.
"Wait
What
a
the deuce""
minute
"Well, hurry
"I'm
Paul
and
up !
Van
I'll explain."
You've
Asten, and
got
am
me
up
at
my
out
of bed."
apartment
at
VAN
the
ASTEN'S
VISITOR
371
Elton,
444
West
Twenty-first Street.
home
and
found
come
She
she's
says
strange
sister.
my
dressed, and
not
worries
I can't put
me.
What'll
anyway.
There
was
her before
she
"Standing
"Dressed
"Did
her out;
all
mad.
and
Could
that, well
she
But
she
won't
go,
up,
you
you ?"
saw
she
was
there
and
doing?"
looking into
she was."
bag,
something."
or
it looked
"Yes,
obviously
do?
and
possibly come
It's mighty embarrassing."
then this inquiry,
"Did
a pause,
you find
here?
over
otherwise
just
place.
in my
woman
Pretty
I've
you
if she had
as
how
say
she had
long
been
"I think
"Where
is she
now?"
"Locked
in my
bedroom."
"Good.
I'll come
this blizzard ;
so
take
there ?"
time."
some
I can't get
right over.
it may
in."
just come
half
three
or
cab
in
quarters of
hour."
an
"All
what
know
she'll do next
"Oh, wait.
"A
for heaven's
right. But
Describe
blonde, with
eyes.
right. Good-by.
Van
Asten
marvelous
did
Astro
not
place
not
much
of
much
however,
stole and
I'll hurry."
the
up
heard
solution
was,
and, if
hung
had
!"
her, please!"
"All
He
receiver
of Astro
with
the
sigh of
Seer
and
mysteries,but
the young
faith
sensational
in
these
close student
of human
lief.
re-
his
lawyer
tales.
nature,
his knowl-
THE
372
MASTER
OF
edge of society,and
however
case,
in
his
delicate,made
Van
Asten
view
of the bedroom
sound
willingnessto
threw
from
came
him
undertake
any
desirable companion
crisis.
embarrassing a
so
MYSTERIES
himself
into
door
and
chair commanding
took
his chamber.
From
book.
up
No
all that
could
be
great scandal
could
somehow,
bring the
went
by.
affair to
fell into
before
the
Van
the
two
or
it open,
picturesque in
would
half-hour
and again
yawned, read a little,
It was
of an hour
three-quarters
door, threw
there; and
men
pleasant solution.
Asten
reverie.
with
ensue
slouch
Van
Asten
Astro, covered
and
hat and
Inverness
with
cape,
to
ran
snow,
entered.
"She
Asten.
"She's
in that
room
now."
"Oh, didn't
walked
she?"
toward
Astro
the
shrugged
bedroom
door.
his shoulders
and
"Well, let's
see
her."
"But, heavens!
probably in
bed
you
and
mustn't
asleep!
open
And
that
door!
She's
locked."
"So
have
it
to
ask
you
for
button-hook."
except
one
in that room."
"I shall
VAN
Astro
you
ASTEN'S
reflected
canned
any
"I have
"And
canned
Asten
Van
the kitchenet.
he
asked, "Have
chicken, I believe.
looked
took
He
373
larder?"
in your
Why?"
?"
gas-stove, I presume
"Yes."
to
Then
moment.
goods
some
VISITOR
puzzled, but
down
tin of chicken
and
it to the Seer.
handed
Astro
the
the
of awakening or disturb*
responsibility
ing your visitor,"he said,smilingat Van Asten. "You
must
give me full authorityto do what I please."
As he spoke he was
trying the lock. After some
"I'll take
unsuccessful
the handle
and
commanded
Van
the
to
threw
Asten,
switch
the
on
"Of
the
than
embarrassed
more
finallyat Astro,
hasn't
turned
up !" hr
sharply.
illuminated.
gone,
"Light
the door.
open
He
he
wall, and
the
ever,
room
stepped
was
diately
imme-
and
has
she ?"
course.
night,did
You
didn't
reallyexpect
her to
spend
you ?"
she
said
she
was
going
"
to
do.
he
then
Unless
glad she didn't, I confess.
stopped suddenly. "By Jove !" he ejaculated."Could
the
she have been a burglar?" His eyes roved
round
in trace of corroboration
of his surmise, and fell
room
I'm
"
THE
374
court,
"Could
she have
window
It
was
threw
and
he
up
MYSTERIES
window
which
escaped
that way
on
gave
inner
an
air-shaft.
or
As
OF
partly raised
upon
MASTER
?"
He
ran
to the
the sash.
up
stooped
to
picked
hair.
He
said
followed
"She
for
nothing of
Asten
Van
with
woman
his
an
immense
of
mass
discovery,however,
but
the window.
to
could
window?"
He
it from
took
the
long enough;
was
window
"I don't
the
Asten
laughed.
mention
and
it. He
pulled down
sash.
didn't expect to
her
see
hanging by
casually,"what
though
you
are
women
"Where
Van
never
Asten
tell
can
stood
got
out
of
his
the hair of
"But," he added
pounds of it,apparently,
all the
nowadays, when
wearing rats."
is your telephone?"
corner,
"She
kind
"Yellow
the
of the court.
to the bottom
saw
himself
"I
her
down
the
outside
his head
it above
her," Van
see
If Astro
drew
held
looked
and
back
sight of
the
the Seer
inquired.
chamber
Around
door, the
ceiver
re-
librarytable.
while
you
were
talkingto me,"
said
ASTEN'S
VAN
plain enough.
"That's
Astro.
VISITOR
375
the question is,
Now,
what's
missing?"
"By Jove ! That's
Hold
"The
fixed.
eyes
on
for that
true
! But
!" he
stood
will!
Drellmont
"
Instead
if she
lord!
of
he ran
back to
finishing,
Astro
the chamber.
followed him quickly enough to
find him at a writing-deskthere, rummaging through
the pigeonholes.
He
the Lord!"
and
stopped and exclaimed, "Thank
held up a package of papers.
"Here it is,safe enough.
came
"
that she
It wasn't
"What
about
wanted,
took it home
with
it.
You've
course
?"
the bad
to
or
year
only a
his
months
few
so
into the
This,
you
handed
see,
the
it
Albert
ago.
scapegrace
inquired
the
case
Drellmont,
of
is in
document
son,
who
went
inheritin
Well, this is the will dis-
Drellmont
had
before, leavinghis
Young
property.
Astro
Yes."
Old
him.
will?"
of
he had
know
you
rate."
yesterdayto study on
heard
millionaire?
"Then
any
Drellmont
the
casually.
"Why, I
"The
at
Drellmont
has
another
made
son
the bulk of
been
trying to
fortune,by claiming his legacy
assertingthis to be a forgery.
favor
to
of
his
half-sister."
Astro, who
took
it and
He
amined
ex-
carefully.
"Drellmont's
himself
attorneys
hasn't
are
cent, and
see
how
mont
Drellhe
can
to
376
THE
MASTER
wanted
to
showed
it to him
see
if I had
had
MYSTERIES
stolen, we
should
we
I shouldn't
course
should
have
"January
have
have
it
was
been
up
in the end."
won
was
"And
Of
been
against it,though
"What
will.
our
If it had
here.
OF
will ?"
1908."
i,
this, I
just six
is
see,
months
later,July
i,
1908."
"Yes, it was
affair with
After
made
chorus
that,he
girl. The
West
went
the
understand
after Drellmont,
wanted
see."
Astro
back
the document.
and,
as
lay
and
when
Asten
Van
He
As
the desk.
on
was
got into
to
more
that
full of it.
I
scrapes.
My client,
compromise, just to
have
now.
it."
spoke abstractedlyas
he
handed
the secretary,
near
sitting
picked up a red blotter that
rose, he kept it in his hand,
was
listened,had
he
were
papers
after him
policeare
Drellmont, has
Miss
and
junior,had
he
Astro
put the
pocket.
strange lightin his eyes, however,
as
if he were
as
lawyer. It was
gazed at the young
scientifically,
analyzing him, deliberately,
reading his
character in his features,
one
by one, weighing his soul
he
in the balance.
got
know
"What
Van
"Ah
get home
before
the
drifts
phone
higher. If you miss anything else,teleHe
too.
You
might inquire of the janitor,
any
me.
may
to
now," he
how
do
your
you
think
she
wanted,
anyway?"
said
Asten.
! I can't tell you
there
are
evil
THE
378
MASTER
OF
there to do?
Outside
of life. Had
the doorway
might have
ten
was
no
be
alone
fur
he
had
of the Elton
end
would
from
to
found
fitted
the
was
and
bribed
the
woman
for
reasons
place at
stole,and
than
more
her
His
hairpins
the
down
It
avenue.
the driver
leska, and
would
man
have
at number
him
and
It took
half
on
the box
stopped
to
give
it up.
an
But
animate
and, taking the in-
234,
Astro
taking
out
carried
up-stairs.
her
her
Then
he
stillgripped
returned
leather
to
bag
his
charge.
in her
frozen
throat.
Wrapping
her hands
two
quickly.
with
alone
and
warm
till the
snow
for
in
her
It contained
handkerchief,
forced
Next, he
away.
the
once
doctor.
urge
studio.
Astro
into
the
ring for
She
the
pocket.
in his arms,
form
of
doorway
outer
torn
Astro
little scrap
in the
Thirty-fourth Street.
arrived
they finally
the
had
girl. A
into view
protested that he
the
the
He
of
office
in at this hour.
astrakhan
bullied
or
to
hour, and
to
small
carriage,laboring painfullyinto
blizzard. As it approached, Astro
ran
of the
and
the mercy
two-horse
teeth
to
suspiciouslywith
splotch came
gray
entrance
caught
in his
one
residence, he
to
be
with
signs
no
were
appealed
his studio.
of this woman's
matched
the
there
that of
been
was
one
blocks
wanting
mink
it
But
building,and
in the street
rung
the residents.
MYSTERIES
few
minutes, he
several
blankets, he
doctor
penciled note.
opened
This
her
chafed
Leaving
arrived.
bills,a bunch
hands.
the
bag
of keys,
he
opened.
VAN
The
ASTEN'S
note-paper
Swastika
imprinted with
was
Hotel.
VISITOR
It read
379
the
of the
name
follows:
as
"The
job
late.
let
S. will
know
me
be done
must
give
immediately
Valeska, livingonly
the
arrivingat
By the time
she
their
her
limbs.
studio
The
Rest
when
to
study
to
give an
wire
voice.
imitation
remain
weak
had
stored
re-
use
of
fering.
suf-
and
doctor
left definite
in bed
all
day.
to
lady awakens,
her
the
in
morning.
the
and
however,
to
was
you
in the
the doctor
and
enjoined, and
was
I want
this
o'clock
was,
"What
four
can,
succeeded
away,
consciousness
woman
you
P. D."
blocks
in Astro
patient to
it if
here.
two
by
came
Do
to-morrow.
up
it will be too
to-night,or
talk with
to
By nine
o'clock
her
be
must
you
long enough
over
able
telephone
without
being detected."
He proceeded, then, to narrate
the whole story of the
awakened
night, from the time he was
by Van Asten's
listened attentively.
Valeska
message.
"You
saw
you
that when
say
hidden
"Yes, almost
passed
He
that?"
her.
it to
took
by
the
"Do
you
the
see
?"
And
snow.
blotter
air-shaft
the
down
from
his
here's
other
an-
and
anything significantin
he asked.
"There's
spot where
disappeared,"
that
looked
broken
clue."
you
means.
she
You
said.
say
the
"But
ink
that
I don't
was
on
quite
was
see
all
it has
what
right,
380
THE
wasn't
it?
MASTER
OF
thought
MYSTERIES
down
have
might
make
so
gone
valid/'
"But, in that
of the erasure,
the marks
case,
if
even
with
done
Astro
passed
Drellmont's, and
I'm
see.
"By
no
to
in her
doubt
had
found
You're
her
bent
I won't
have
brows
to
tell him
to
failed,he'll
He
longer.
knows
He'll
lawyers.
Asten
"The
make
to
to
fightthe
he
beaten, and
and
compromise,
reasonable
riddle.
"Well,
will
case
any
his
can't pay
I shall tell
offer."
whatever
girlfailed,then, in
for?"
she went
"Then
more
"I
of money
without
"Oh
from
Drellmont
he'll leave
about
immediately.
compromise,
delay."
to
! And
him
you
make
it,and
and
expect
If he accepts
I think he'll
to
quit New
sum
York
away
"Exactly. This
Asten
find out
trouble?"
hope
Miss
see,
to
care
he's
offer
failed."
into details."
go
not
?"
done
that you
the
over
the telephone,
over
means.
Valeska
Van
he
the note
over
no
bag.
"I
hope
of Paul
friend
blizzard
Drellmont."
was
godsend
for
Van
ASTEN'S
VAN
VISITOR
yet what
rooms
381
she
went
to
his
part."
was
I couldn't
the receiver
dropped
"What
and
tell
to
the business."
do
with
refuse
"I
there and
get down
shocked
expression.
asked.
Valeska
you."
leska
Va-
put up
ment
the instru-
rose.
"Didn't
he
ask
even
where
you
were?"
"No, indeed."
"Then
this
on
to
it's as
girl; making
her
use
further
Perhaps
it will teach
rang
returned
Valeska
janitortold
him
name
in his apartment
I
suggested that
blackmail,
on
the
agreed to suggest
as
But
and
to
his
it's
lesson.
agreed
note, with
one
serves
Now,
no
her
right.
I'll give my
Asten."
Van
up
to
"He's
The
to
her
ing
play-
failed,he has
she's
Well, I think it
for her.
use
Now
has been
love to
his tool.
as
instructions
He
suspected. Drellmont
That's
how
hint at
prosecutingDrellmont
strength of that episode,and he
to
he
calls.
compromise, if Drellmont
this lady presented a typewritten
forged to it,invitingher to wait
for him.
he
said
the conversation,
of the conditions
ticklish game,
of the
altogether.I
for
has
mediatel
im-
compromise.
don't
know
THE
382
whether
MASTER
ought
OF
MYSTERIES
to
Asten
not."
or
I should
"Why,
think
he
ought
to
said Va-
know,"
leska.
then, you
"Why,
lady'serrand?"
"I confess
haven't
solved
the mystery
It's
ingeniousand
asked.
he
I haven't."
is,that she
July
the
i,
she
1908.
on
was
sure
When
the
saw
evidence.
damaging
of it. The
I cast
"
with
it.
hadn't
But,
taken
the date
as
thrown
I noticed
been
that
bleached, I
whether
was
the paper
home
right,of
was
on
eyes
bottle at the
When
the
date,
my
broken
fact
on
same
only question,then,
himself
Asten
tamper
in the
wrote
immediately
spot
Van
it
saw
the date
erase
ple
sim-
The
some
away
to
document.
foot of the
there
down
went
so
get it alone.
will. This
of the
to
course,
he couldn't have."
"What
her,
was
rather
or
That
and
when
would
doubt
no
for
reason
date, then?"
the
could
Drellmont's,
will
erasure
was
probated they
and
subsequent
suspicionon
cast
the whole
be
writing.
re-
ment
docu-
accepted as
legal."
"Oh, it
Van
was
simple, wasn't
it?
But
you
didn't tell
Asten?"
"No,
as
if it had
handle
not
yet. I
it. I
him
to
it is. You
been
want
see,
it is
my
study of
his character.
ASTEN'S
VAN
I'm
going
Drellmont
with
she
take
to
leaves
this
the
Asten
Late
the
"Give
me
No
into the
the
saw
there?
This
address?
with
waited
to
what
see
as
clever.
girl was
she
one
might
would
Valeska's
enough
always
The
fine
for you,
used
go?
The
ceiver
re-
next.
looked
there !
followed
have
who
would
do
portieresand
was
one
Asten
Van
have
Any
did he
snap.
waiting-room. No
Is
that's
Why
sure?"
you
the hook
on
Hello!
.
Are
.
listened.
and
afternoon ? Where
will
left?
He's
.
minutes
few
Drellmont
oratory
busy in the labgirl pass swiftly
was
went
Valeska
that
impossible!
.
Valeska
studio, she
Drellmont
know
never
off the
Mr.
care
that afternoon,as
toward
If
communicate
can
Miss
and
myself.
this blond
it may
he
is,he'll
she
as
before
town
383
on
responsibility
lady, whoever
be safe. When
VISITOR
be
could
a
act
valuable
as
her.
well
ant.
assist-
her."
lips curled.
sir ! She
was
"I think
assistant
is
altogethertoo blond.
one
smiled.
"Well,
as
for
that, I
prefer
blondes, myself."
He
took
step toward
him, and
THE
MIDDLEBURY
late
RETURNING,
which
Astro
from
thrown
had
Seer
the
MURDER
them
carried
their
by
seats
the
to
Battery,
suddenly
were
sudden
tion
investiga-
an
down
Valeska
and
from
night,
one
of
stop
nearly
the
green
limousine.
They
the
vicinity
looked
the
driving
were
in
the
window
the
from
surprise
Street,
deserted,
apparently
was
Canal
along
of
Seer
to
and,
secrets
what
see
as
was
matter.
police
the
to
window
"I
beg
just
so
to
see
ordered
gave
just
Officer
comes
joint,
murder,
to
man
Miss
Ah,
her
ant
Lieuten-
as
police
officer
came
hand.
I
recognized
your
car,
I wanted
to
speak
stop.
it's
Wynne,
hand
from
called
giving
I'm
there
the
you
glad
to
am
crook
the
are
the
as
I know
help
third
sometimes
degree,
; but
this
"
"
McGraw,
how
out,
me
you
even."
"When
elaborately.
goods
384
smile.
office," said
might
winked
with
murders
and
interesting,
be
may
McGraw
to
and
him
Perhaps
like mysteries.
And
his
sir, but
your
been
that
case
The
in
hat
pardon,
your
Valeska
"on
his
relief.
him
command
!"
you
"I've
with
moment.
you
in
of
tones
recognizing
Astro,
smiled
McGraw,
in
speaking
was
chauffeur.
the
to
officer
or
it
raiding
like
looks
386
THE
"Better
MASTER
ring for
OF
MYSTERIES
couple more
McGraw,"
men,
said
Astro.
After
rang
up
boy
had
the office,
then
just come
returned
out, and
face in the
scared
with
"Now,
know
dilated
the elevator.
to
standing with
was
corridor.
youth of eighteen,with
eyes
the corridor,McGraw
entered
He
was
pupils.
at
did you
find
first,thinkinghe
tillI found
"What
this
office on
shot fired,
waited
in the
car
down
to
there ; then
the boiler-room
I tried each
floor
have
you
taken
up
the elevator
on
evening?"
at
o'clock,about.
Mr.
now
turned
I don't remember
to
the
"Why,
I had
his
he must
be
up
but
left
the others."
night watchman,
who
he
stood with
son,
Thomphis mouth
if fascinated.
as
listening
have
to
went
"
"What
Moffett
eighto'clock or so
Smythe, on the fourth;
the ninth
"
Mr.
two.
or
one
at ten
open,
I went
people
now
heard
Thompson?"
was
there
Astro
you
him."
many
"Only
do
"About
"How
"what
the door."
on
"On
anemic
this ?"
about
"Where
white
roving,pale blue
young
thin
The
you
been
doing
bite of lunch
this
son?"
evening,Thomp-
in the boiler-room
at
MIDDLEBURY
THE
387
MURDER
rounds
my
look
to
wrong,
for
you
know."
"How
offices
many
were
"On
stairs,going
the
"This
you
this
when
"Where
lightedup?"
and
Mr.
Middlebury's;
you?"
sixth floor."
to the
up
called
boy
running at night?"
"Yes, sir. I'm supposed to keep run of this boy and
that he stays till midnight."
see
At this moment
officers appeared at the entrance.
two
"Tell them
Astro turned
to keep hidden
to McGraw.
ing.
outside," he said, "and nab any one leavingthe buildNow
we'll go up and see what
has happened."
the car, Astro, whose
look had
As the five entered
fallen on
the rubber
matting on the floor, moved
the elevator boy, and, pushing him
tle
lita
nearer
over
aside, picked up a slip of paper on which he had
been
standing. It proved to be blank; but the Seer,
in his pocketbook.
after scrutinizing
it,put it away
the door and the car started up the
The
boy slammed
touched the boy's arm.
shaft. Astro
"Stop at the ninth floor!" he commanded.
The elevator boy looked
up in surprise;but pulled
is the only elevator
"You
lad.
"Come
They
they came
threw
at a
threw
on,
walked
to
open
the door
down
We'll
wide
roll-topdesk
open.
man
Moffett
see
lighteddoor.
around
Astro, without
It
was
jumped
and
Thompson
to
up
small
the
first."
corner
till
knocking,
room,
quicklyin
and
conster-
THE
388
In
nation.
a
MASTER
OF
hand
he held
one
cleaninginstrument.
beside
"Good
are
evening,
doing
you
box
of
cartridgeswas open
unexpected visitors.
Mr.
that
with
stared at his
He
him.
MYSTERIES
"What
pistol?"
"Why"
dropped
"
"
"Good
God,
his hand
to
no
his head.
"You
don't
from
revolver
chambers
empty.
were
cartridges.Five
scattered
on
did
"Last
night"
Astro
looked
floor, and
over,
examined
Next, he looked
Of
put
there's anything
"
walked
missing.
were
mean
He
at
picked up
it.
The
the box
these, four
of
were
the desk.
"When
McGraw
the
increased.
you
at
last?" he
demanded.
laughed aloud.
went
out.
to
The
the
window,
roof
of the
threw
up
adjoiningbuildingwas
M1DDLEBURY
THE
only
stories below.
two
the window
lowered
"Will
him
bring
don't
"You
glance, then
said
McGraw.
MofTett, remain
Mr.
please." And
mind
389
the door.
to
along, sir?"
out.
it
gave
walked
alone.
for you,
come
He
and
MURDER
here till
that,Astro
with
went
McGraw.
to
my
asked.
"You
don't
bet
why
see
"He
don't!"
McGraw
Moffett
want
you
"That's
shells
right.
"No.
We'll
have
see
make
any
"But
get-away."
he?"
can
empty cartridge
?"
examine
to
to
down-stairs,
men
did you
below
the roof
on
we'll
But
exclaimed.
the roof
later.
Now
lost too
Middlebury's office. We've
much
time already."
"Have
a
key to Middlebury's office,Thompson
you
?" he asked on reenteringthe elevator.
"No, sir. Mr. Middlebury lost one of his office keys
this week, and was
given the duplicate the superintendent
to
up
go
"
till another
had
"What
"One
he
need
he
for his
was
"Oh,
The
did
had
elevator
could
one
be made
for?"
two
stenographer,I believe."
typewriter,then?"
for him."
said
Astro.
had
one,
but she
left to-day."
"How
youth
The
The
out.
with
you
know
keen
gaze.
elevator
"Why"
The
do
she
told
elevator
boy
boy
threw
cowered
so, that's
me
had
that?"
reached
open
the
Astro
under
turned
his
the
inspection.
all."
door
to
and
the party
stopped.
stepped
THE
390
Almost
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
appeared
which
lighteddoor, on
legend: "John Middlebury,
Architect
Gardener."
transom
"Give
it
Above
was
hall,
narrow
painted
was
the
Landscape
and
Graw.
"We'll
have
to bust
down
the door,
then,"said
the
officer.
"Unless
"No,
boy
the
crawl
can
"You
the
through the
boy. "It's too
transom."
narrow."
"I don't
dare
McGraw
laid
then, my
With
son,
to !"
the lad
heavy
hand
it,and
to
go
lifted the
that, he
whimpered.
his shoulder.
on
"Now,
talk!"
no
lad
bodily to
handhold
the lintel.
outstretched
one
hand
and
the
still held
The
was
on
man
sparse
floor.
a
beard,
thirtyyears,
some
a
handsome
slightlyforeign appearance.
eyes
black
shut off
counter
of
small
The
were
rubber
view
with
shut, and
drawing
of his feet.
angle.
triHe
black mustache
picturesquetype
of
MIDDLEBURY
THE
MURDER
in the counter
Astro
with
"There's
blood
no
is
"What
made
at
391
the
over
it,anyway?
can't be
body.
ment.
amaze-
shot!"
but examined
moments,
reply for some
At last he
detail of the body with care.
every
rose.
"Thompson," he said, "have you a gun?"
"Why, no sir!" Thompson
spoke anxiously. "At
Astro
no
I got one
in the
down
least,I ain't got any with me.
boiler-room, though. I don't carry it all the time, sir."
"Go
down
it to
me
take
the
elevator
a
The
Astro
and
left without
the
about
had
down
sat
the
been
several
His
room.
board, where
boy
gazed dismallyinto
for
stood
the officers to
doctor."
elevator
the counter
yourself. Tell
down
watchman
head.
spoke sharply."Bring
telephone for
The
Astro
get it!"
and
minutes
eyes
went
perspectiveview
roughly sketched
ground-glass windows
which
chair outside
the
corridor.
silentlylooking
from
the drawingof
dence
country resi-
in
pencil,past the
admitted
light from
room.
of the
followed
inner
an
room.
stillstared in amazement
McGraw
for
At
"He's
if I
eyes
of
can
some
sign of
last he arose,
dead, all
see
what
at
bullet wound,
the
but
ing
body, look-
without
cess.
suc-
killed him!
Could
it be
suicide?
Look
at
the
THE
392
MASTER
OF
corpse.
office in there.'5
As
she
He
started
MYSTERIES
pointed
find in the
can
you
the inner
to
private
door.
in
on
to
small
the
to
attentively.There
a
evidently
paper
spirals. He
Astro
and
Valeska
was
and
held
you
ink had
with
drew
Valeska
in here
"Do
was
bottle of India
pocket.
Suddenly
woman
drawing-board
a large black
fastened down
was
of wire
go
one
and
it where
on
spilled. The
thumb-tacks
out
it
examined
blot
been
Then
in the form
and
has
been
to-night!"
McGraw
hurried
into the
she
exclaimed.
privateoffice.
in the
bowl
"The
bowl
ner
cor-
is full
have left in a
She must
soap-sudsand dirtywater.
hurry without stopping for her ring."
shot him," said McGraw.
"Ah, it was a woman
Astro examined
it,took a long look about the room,
tried the private door that led to the branch
hall,and
of
then
Mr.
the
went
back
to
Middlebury's stenographer'sname?"
elevator boy.
"Miss
Wilson."
Dennis
looked
up
he
with
was
asked
look
alarm.
"What
take her up
of
of
OF
MASTER
THE
394
Valeska
shudderingly did
drop of blood
and
puzzle
case
would
wonder
what
"There's
so.
who
one
the tiniest
"It's
exclaimed.
any
old
poor
MYSTERIES
hadn't
would
McGraw
strange
brains.
have
done
alone?"
Astro
smiled
grimly.
"Do
you
"Of
course."
know
"What,
already?
three persons
"Who
to
"That
if she
lessly.
breath-
impossible. There
seems
are
the watchman
corner
it,as I knew
attempted
"Which
one
"That's
what
and
the
mysterious
undoubtedly here to-night."
is still in the building. I saw
her
of the stairwayas we
came
up ; but
was
I didn't mention
her
and
woman
hidingby
asked
Moffett
who
woman
It
it?" Valeska
they?"
are
"Why,
did
who
did
to
the
men
below
would
get
escape."
it,then?"
I shall have
to
before
prove
I leave
the
out
ran
McGraw
entered
The
descended.
its descent
Astro
to
the
car
listened.
dial in the
to
it.
and
moment
the
car
pointed
men
In
the marker
"They've captured
stopped.
the
girl,"
MIDDLEBURY
THE
he said.
"We'll
through with
not
MURDER
my
395
Wilson
investigationyet."
He
walked
read
it aloud
"Mv
DEAR
for
MIDDLEBURY
that money.
"Looks
an
bad
or
I can't wait
positivelyhave
You'll
by the fifteenth
I'd like
there'll be trouble
immediate
any
to
longer
it
pay
for you
sure.
J. MOFFETT."
answer.
I'm
"And
for Miss
sorry
Wilson."
pistolyet to be accounted
"Oh, I think
Astro.
comes
her.
You
the
know
red
made
behind
"We
as
soon
door
suit and
her
and
found
opened
as
See what
was
with
by
woman
young
office. She
with
that,all right,"said
get the
you
time.
make
of
women."
holding a
outer
now
for
account
elevator
Graw,
can
Here
The
snap,
the
and
Mc-
wrist, entered
eyes
blue tailorneat
a
weeping. She wore
in
stylishhat. The elevator boy came
gazed at her hungrily.
her on
the fifth floor trying to get
THE
MASTER
OF
down,"
said McGraw.
"She
she
up
396
was
Astro
did
in
say
take her
wanted
at
was
the
She
had
turned
body
Then
to
going
to
fully,
shame-
didn't
He
looked
his eyes
her
she
told her
away
you
too
kissed
back
for
say
also, and
afresh.
attentive to me,
me.
I did leave
here.
to
had
tween
Be-
story:
He
leave.
come
have
; but
to
ready."
al-
gone
She
!"
Middlebury was
then yesterday he
was
him
one
gasps
me
get
sob
to
away,
marry
she'd
"Mr.
and
I didn't
muttered
in
lie demanded.
Why?"
he
in love with
I'm
taken
her
there ; but
up
hysterically.
"Well, then, Miss Wilson, what
yourself?"
began
and
for?"
up
shield her?
his head.
hung
I didn't want
down
she
to
do
her
taken
she walked
"Because
And
has
up-stairs.I hoped
I thought she'd
nobody'd know.
you
Dennis
I knew
!
;
up
and
"And
hadn't
you
"Oh, God
away
acknowledged that
Middlebury's office this evening."
swiftlyto the elevator boy. "What
turned
you
MYSTERIES
Mr.
said he
So
thought,
wanted
I told him
to-day,and
never
pected
ex-
everything,only I found
house
then
and
keys. So I had dinner down-town
back here, because I knew
Mr. Middlebury would
came
be working late alone in the office on
rush job he
a
me,
and
I didn't
had.
I had
me;
so
want
told him
I waited
Dennis
about
tillhe
went
to
Mr.
up
know
I went
up,
cause
be-
Middlebury'skissing
in the elevator,and
MURDER
MIDDLEBURY
THE
397
ran
refusingto
Middlebury
let Mr.
have
key
extra
an
to
the door."
"Where
is
with
safe enough
he's
"Oh,
asked.
Astro
Thompson?"
down
men
my
the
on
firstfloor."
with
"Well, go ahead
"Why,
ogized
awfully nice and apolMiddlebury was
kissingme, and proposed to me again. I
didn't know
what
tried to hold
hand,
my
"
took
"You
She
"
to
up
with
using.
hands.
my
the
desk
so
So
he
He
me.
it away
from
afraid
was
game
was
wash
covered
revolver
but I
some
ink he
to
I snatched
and
private office
in there
was
was
him
to
say
bottle of India
his
into
to
it and
mean
I upset
Wilson."
Mr.
for
didn't
story, Miss
your
quick
I went
While
her hands.
drawer?"
said
Astro.
She looked at him
eyes.
my
"A
hands
heard
revolver?
at
the
in amazement,
No!
Of
bowl, and
and
pistol-shot,
then
just as
I heard
you
widely opened
not!
course
fall."
"Did
with
was
Mr.
I washed
finishingI
Middlebury
MASTER
THE
398
"Oh,
no;
waited
opened the
to
to.
then
dare
slam:
down-stairs."
ran
nobody?"
I didn't
there?"
look!
I could.
as
door
the elevator
"Oh,
the
didn't
soul."
"Was
fast
till I heard
door
saw
"Not
MYSTERIES
frightenedI
so
minute
"You
was
OF
only
wanted
to
afraid that I
was
get away
going
was
as
to
be
You
there was
a
suspected and arrested.
see, I knew
pistol in the private office,for Mr. Middlebury had
shown
it to me
ened
one
day. I thought that if he threatI
me
might
"Yes, and
said McGraw
Valeska
it to protect
use
took
myself with."
you
gruffly.
Miss
Wilson's
be
hand
afraid, my
and
affectionately
this
With
calm.
friendlyhelp the girlbecame more
ness
Astro, calm and picturesque,the cape of his Inverhis shoulder, scrutinized
thrown
across
negligently
the girlkeenly for a few moments.
His eyes passed
ture.
over
every detail of her costume, analyzed every feaHe
able,
was
standing so, mysterious,potent, inscruthis face changed suddenly.
when
"Do
was
you
small
there
when
She
I'm
a
calendar
you
looked
sure
there
thumb-tack
been
his
Miss
remember,
taken
pinned
to
whether
the wall
by
there
the
door
in?"
came
Wilson,
That
still streaming.
yes,
yesterday,and
down."
"Why,
She
I don't remember
looked
at
him
its having
in
surprise
question.
The
door
opened again, and the doctor, who had
obtained a key to another of the elevators,
coming up
at
THE
MIDDLEBURY
the
alone, entered
MURDER
and
room
gave
399
curious
look
around.
"I'm
Flynn,"
Doctor
"What's
announced.
he
the
trouble?"
man,"
"There's
your
to
the
of Middlebury.
or
so.
body
You'll
bullet
find he
the
pierced
said
"He's
shot
was
brain, and
through
the
than
more
"So
he
done
it?"
the doctor
leave
said the
I'm
criminal
and
Seer.
about
will confess
patrol wagon
Leaving the doctor
Valeska
and
by McGraw,
grip. The
the
officer
As
Astro
the
came
front
"I've
small
from
of
each
Thompson,
up,
his examination,"
stairs.
down-
Wilson
promise
get the
can
into the
the
you
coroner
Miss
Wilson
the
body,
in his
the
heavy
door, and
ground floor
Moffett, and
with
of the
elevator, followed
standing
was
make
to
descended.
car
then, who
Now,
his examination
to
stillheld
elevator
ternally
in-
only
here."
walked
who
you
The
the eye.
now.
before
hour
an
you'llsee."
take Miss
through,
dead
bled
man
sure.
here
"We'll
the
Astro
find
was
"We'll
I could
been
another
an
with
another
policeman hurried
in from
entrance.
found
copper
Moffett's window,
on
the roof
of
the
build-
of the next
ing."
"Yes, I threw
before
I cleaned
night with
it."
it out
the gun.
window.
I told you
It
I shot
was
a
cat
just
last
THE
400
MASTER
laughed in
McGraw
Astro
derision.
over
Moffett, that
Mr.
some
Moffett
looked
MYSTERIES
OF
Mr.
lieve,
beyou
did he not?"
money,
"Yes"
why?"
"And
you
Then
threatened
if he didn't pay
"By George!
up,
we
Moffett's
that he
did you
got the
not
man
face
would
changed
have
to
ror.
ter-
trouble
?"
all
right now!"
said
McGraw.
"I got my
from
"It
was
the
pay,
of circumstance."
night watchman
on
that!"
said McGraw.
up
his
case
next.
Let's
see,
he
he done
with
it?"
The
turn.
THE
402
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
last week
here ?"
watchman
as
"Yes, sir."
"And
it
Mr.
was
"Yes, sir."
who
Middlebury
stared
Thompson
caused
charge?"
dis-
your
his
stupidlyat
large
feet.
"Then
shot, and
looks
"I
had
you
And,
the
into the
is
He
furnace.
It
innocent
!"
looked
Thompson
he did
I think
you.
I'm
God
to
as
thrown
him?
man!"
bad, my
wildly into
hate
to
reason
revolver
your
swear
good
Astro's
so,
softened.
can
you
face
"I believe
Graw."
"Take
it !
'em off !
Why,
fool could
Any
"You're
fool
be the
he must
enough to, no
shoulders; "but
said
doubt,"
the credit
want
you
Astro,
man
listen to me."
Astro
had
intuition too
or
Graw's
"It's
many
advantage, for
sure
too
"Well,
now
the
we'll
have
an
She
Astro
echoed
was
no
opened
to
over
with
the
the
two
terrified at
self
him-
real
girls.
him;
could
reassure
could
not.
there
began deliberately,
speaking so
through the
to
that
expression
her
refuse.
muttered
interview
there
her.
he
to Mc-
handcuffs.
much
too
the officer to
for me!"
much
of deduction
powers
times, and
own
he unlocked
as
but
done
that !"
see
if
shrugging his
of detectingthe murderer, you'd
and
who
one
corridor.
"Miss
Wilson, by your
THE
MURDER
MIDDLEBURY
own
confession
bury
at
the time
were
you
he
the
ejaculated.
found
was
re-
one
ftleburyhad
[You
kissed
cried.
where
"Your
pected
sus-
her and
had
the
to
attempted
inner
room
his
flimsy,"said Astro,
too
as
with
Wilson
handcuff
sprung
forward, had
to
McGraw.
the
crime
he turned
sorry
to
"
hands
my
Miss
charge
Valeska, who
of
I'm
son
Wil-
kept."
harsh,
grown
Arrest
escaped
was
story is
suddenly
I
wash
to
me
scuffle. He
was
You
the revolver
"Only
only
hand.
your
false and
was
was
loved
he
sure
"Nevertheless, there
take
he
now
sure
am
of
him
riage
mar-
with."
fool you
to
game
proposal of
suspected
you
offended.
were
you
made
that he
confessed
have
that
and
you
to-night that
a
there
Solver with
office,where
inner
Middle-
shot."
was
403
voice
cers,
"Offi-
of
der
mur-
her !"
surpriseand indignation,
instead
protest. McGraw,
in
up
taken
step backward,
up
and
seized
when
Astro's
arm.
"Don't
her, don't!"
arrest
he
shrieked.
"I done
it
myself!"
"You
"Yes
done
!
it?" McGraw
Arrest
imploringly.
me
!" and
echoed.
the
boy
held
out
his wrists
THE
404
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
Astro
and lighted
case
coollytook out his cigarette
a cigarette.
"Well, McGraw," he said,smiling,"didn't
I promise you a confession?"
McGraw,
claspedthe handcuffs on Dennis'
stupefied,
wrists.
Miss
Wilson
the
fell, almost
fainting,on
bench, where Valeska put her arm
tenderlyabout her.
"Well, Dennis, you're fairlycaught," said Astro.
"I've known
for some
time that you were
guilty; but
it's so much
out-and-out
to have
more
an
satisfactory
confession.
Now
I'll trouble you for the key to MidAnd, so saying, he reached into the
dlebury'sdoor."
boy's trousers pocket and brought forth a small Yale
key.
"When
did you find it,Dennis?"
"I found it last week, sir,on the floor of my
car."
"And
in handy,
you kept it thinking it might come
and perhaps get the night watchman
into trouble, eh?
So you were
son's
jealousof Mr. Middlebury on Miss Wilaccount, were
you?"
"Oh, it made
me
wild, sir! I just couldn't stand it
when
her
she
going
"So
you
when
up
told
door
with
he
me
there
had
to-night I
you
ran
voice
saw
told him
"Yes, sir.
you
Oh,
went
was
faint.
the cellar,threw
to
up
heard
had
went
was
car
your
when
crazy."
stole Thompson's gun from the cellar,
went
his rounds, opened the
was
Thompson
on
key, and shot Mr. Middlebury?"
your
up
found
and
the gun
Thompson
shot ?"
crazy!
was
crazy
about
her!"
"And
she would
you
thought
escape ?"
if you
said
nothing
about
her
God's
want
ever
"Patrol
walking
MURDER
MIDDLEBURY
THE
her
see
wagon's
sake take
I don't
away!
me
again!"
sir,"said
come,
to McGraw.
up
405
He
of the officers,
one
Dennis'
on
arm.
"One
boy, will
And
!"
you
you
please hold up
the boy did so
as
thumb-tack
wire
that
left foot?
your
Astro
my
Thank
removed
spiral
in the rubber
imbedded
was
"Dennis,
heel
of the boot.
that for?"
"What's
"The
to
law
doesn't permit
charge of
when
he remarked
"Sure.
to
"He's
the
elevator
boy
find his
criminals,poor
"You've
had
that I
I don't know
worked
was
up
insanitydefense."
an
You'll
It's fortunate
"Oh,
As
pityingly."Cocaine,"
him
at
dence
this for evi-
need
may
pleadguilty
to
McGraw.
do for
Wilson.
dear.
You
looked
mattoid.
Miss
defendant
were
to
inquired.
is tried."
case
he
it. It may
to
murder.
the
led away
was
McGraw
parents
The
devil!"
a
Seer
lucky escape,
turned
too, my
here."
was
gratefulI
to say how
how
parents
grand-
or
!"
am
she exclaimed.
"We'll
this shock
know
with
drive
us
She
you
drew
good night to
waited
talking for
the
come
!"
bade
green
Do
has been
"I
volunteered.
home," Valeska
limousine.
McGraw.
a
the
As
moment,
doorway
Astro
the
McGraw
left Miss
they
the officer
and
girlsentered
doorway hurriedly.
and
had
the
returned
gone
to
inside.
"Do
let
please
now.
Dennis,
hadn't
he?"
it
handed
surface
was
I'll
"Yes,
if
Graw
in
it
hadn't
would
custody
his
confess,
to
been
for
to-night
up
in
clue,
first
your
stepped
indented
Valeska,"
he
it,
on
and
pocketbook
Faintly
the
its
on
spiral.
have
have
had
his
assistant.
small
got
boy,
from
paper
picked
you
you
elevator
the
to
paper
where
see
the
took
Astro
think
elevator.
that
see
me
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
THE
4o6
had
I"
that
three
small
scrap
prisoners
of
said,
"that,
Mc-
paper,
instead
of
one
THE
408
her
MASTER
his head
hand, nodding
that
in trouble.
are
you
shall be
glad
Miss
Wister
from
"I
mysteriously."I
see
help, I
I can."
drew
she looked
at
small
the Seer.
married
be
can
be of any
can
as
MYSTERIES
If I
do what
to
which
trembled
OF
morning at ten
o'clock/'she said ; "that is,if nothing happens to prevent
it." Her
fingersclasped the letter more
tightly.
"I am
but I
Farralon; but
engaged to Mr. Edward
to
am
to-morrow
"
haven't heard
in her
tears
were
since
him
from
brown
big
him.
As
"I
telephone to him
he didn't
not
at home;
at least,
forenoon, and they told me that
on.
was
this
down
tried to
"You've
Miss
Wister
been
I'm
and
"
almost
had
seeing him
I tried
answer.
he had
to
be married
been
morrow
to-
into tears.
broken
often and
not
quiteregularly,
suppose?"
"Oh,
so
And
his office.
to
!"
gravely,she went
last night,and he
nodded
day!
yes, every
Do
strange.
to
tell any
you
right,that
think
for
would
fear of
be
what
anything
I don't know
him?
one
That's
what
to
makes
have
can
do!
But
seem
pened
hap-
I daren't
if he's all
making talk,and
dreadful.
it
there's
something
else
here, look at this letter I got this morning!"
Astro
glanced at the envelope she passed him, saw
that it was
addressed with a typewriter,and took out
the singlesheet it contained.
On this was
typewritten
"
the line:
"Beware
the
Vengeance of the
Pi Rho
Nu!H
OF
VENGEANCE
PI
THE
RHO
NU
409
girlthe
have
no
idea
what
I'm
awfully alarmed;
"No.
I'll have
"
it means,
tell you
to
and
be
can
but
Edward
"
Miss
he's
suppose?"
is
He
time
same
awful
an
jollier,
I
so
me;
he's
says
smiled
Wister
missing
the
at
playing jokes on
humor."
fact that
the
of anything.
sure
of
sense
the
on
creeps
give
to
is different.
never
trainingmy
sadly. "But
It frightens
me!"
"My
hand
time.
Astro
you'll
You
I'm
only try
used
to
son,
and
could
you
know
amuse
them
out.
I'll
me,
and
You
she
would
know,
Ruth
was
me
I shall
that if you
mystery.
when
Chester
you
Lors-
helped
her.
to tell you."
want
me
smiled.
me,
solve the
Mrs.
she told
Astro
to
I knew
relieved!
so
that made
was
this
leave
said, claspingher
you
it
be
It
"if
in assurance,
promise
As
Wister,"
Miss
dear
I'm
So, if you'rewillingto
do
exactlyas
I say,
"Oh,
I'll do
"It may
"But
considerable
cost
think
awful!
anything!"
Why,
of
having trouble
I don't
it'snecessary
"Go
have
; it's a
right ahead,
Mr.
Farralon
Of
and
on
with
but
know
the invitations !
too."
money,
course,
terrible
trust
time.
to
wedding ! It's
mand
ought to counter-
my
I don't want
thing to
less
un-
do."
I'll promise to
me.
Is it at
to
church
?"
THE
4io
MASTER
"No, we're
OF
be married
to
MYSTERIES
at my
Avenue."
"All
"Who
make
Stringer knew
and
come
"Yes
"Very
Astro
?"
sure
smiled
this afternoon."
said he'd be up
well.
Let
offer to
he
it?"
about
you
"Mr.
rose.
Did
nothing, I suppose?
see
he
as
know
me
if he's
found
out
thing.
any-
His
guest had
telephone. He
whose
be
no
of
the
for
called
friendshiphe
famous
left than
sooner
had
Edward
Of
the conversation
the
palmist'sstudio,heard only
"Is
this
Mr.
any
local secret
1904?
one
mystery.
the
Were
?
.
fraternities there
along
name
Stapleton
was
side.
You're
Masson?
What
man
Universityman,
tion
of the solu-
murder
boudoir
Denton
that
Masson,
the time
at
won
the
took up
Astro
there
from
of
to
1901
it?
.
OF
VENGEANCE
Can
Nu?
Rho
The
Pi
the
members?
.
Well, thank
here
Telephone me
He
hung
"We
receiver
telephones,and
Masson
Ring
away.
can."
and
turned
better
stay tillI
Lieutenant
up
you
You'd
till later.
explain
get
me
411
list of
Valeska.
to
there's much
have
I can't
as
soon
as
the
up
but
you,
NU
Rather
.
RHO
you
PI
THE
to be
wait
ask
and
McGraw,
till
here
off
I'm
come.
done.
right
if
him
he
get
can
about
crooked
If
me
Masson
rings
house, look
up
it
over
ready to report
the
for
headed
alighted and
There
was
of
flight
wall
bell, and
open.
the
on
be
car
motor-
green
he
Here
doorway.
singleelevator,and
A
office of
the
third
shortly afterward
red-headed
"Mr.
Farralon
"Yep
; but
"Been
in
list of
names
"Edward
on
the
Farralon,
Syndicate,"occupied
Astro
floor.
pressed the
an
elevator
in shirt sleeves
man
has
the
office here?"
you
he ain't in."
to-day?"
see
him
go out
last
door
was
rolled
inside.
"Nope."
"Here
yesterday?"
"Yep."
"Did
and
twelve,
room
narrow
leadingupward.
that
in
was
through
hall with
narrow
showed
American
in
Wister's
back
Thirty-second Street.
West
Oh
can.
the land."
lay of
went
stairs
hurry
outside, and
Miss
to
out
go
after that,Astro
minutes
Two
soon,
as
soon
as
night?"
MASTER
THE
4i2
MYSTERIES
OF
was
other
gettingan-
in the lurch
like that!"
"Do
know
you
"Out
East
on
I believe.
Hundred
One
Farralon's
package
office,I
look and
give a
car
want
which.
to
?"
in Mr.
yesterday,or
If I can't get
the
see
boy, in
if I
see
can
here
about
two
the greasy
pages
of the note-book
come
over
in the
him
want
you
in my
case
he
it."
"Well, you'llnever
He
into Farralon's
Fifty-sixthStreet,
and
Did
somewhere.
dropped
found
he lives ?"
pocketbook
"I
where
"Here
page.
it is: 1575
That's
sixth.
months
East One
right. Well,
Let's
He
back."
I'll
But
looked
tillhe found
Hundred
see.
the
Fifty-
and
hope you'llfind
your
package, sir."
Astro
to
back
went
the address.
and
his
he
It
was
to
would
only
avoid
and
trouble
he
tenement
drove
immediately
dren,
swarming with chil-
short
was
took
was
talk
to
if he
convince
told what
the
boy
he knew
that
It
he
ately,
immedi-
asked
and
he
then
about
Along
Then
was.
o'
'Go chase
Dis
yourself!
for
back
got
an'
job/
new
give you
way
to
piked out
in
easy
de Circle T'eater
to
up
413
so
'an'
he says,
don't
you
come
tions.
ques-
no
make
a
to me,
t'irty
hurry, and went
de show.
to see
it out'n
fist. 'Beat
me
says.
like
coat
me
is
here
week/ he
It looked
an' I
it into
shoved
NU
into de hall
chaps come
Farralon up-stairs.Yes, I says,
de chaps peeledfree tens ofFn a
Mr.
one
RHO
swell
two
was
me
PI
THE
OF
VENGEANCE
An
dat's all I
know."
did
"How
"In
buzz
give
Mickey's
worshiper.
bit of
it to
asked.
dat off all
copped
that, or
without
me
right. Say,
ten."
for anoder
de number
! I'm
arrested
wagon.
?" Astro
they come
I'll have
you
He
evidentlya
pocket and drew
it
On
hero
was
in his
fumbled
newspaper.
he
big;
grew
eyes
scrawled
was
the
out
number
11115.
goin' to be
'teck
job ?"
laughed.
give me
Astro
and
de mark, all
"Dat's
what
see
"If
those
you'd had
two
rightnow," he said.
Mickey groaned.
didn't I t'ink o' dat?
de money.
"Well, what
such
good
was
crazy
did
the
was
he
exclaimed.
dopin'out
to see
men
enough
men
"Gee!"
I
sense
wait
to
a
job
"W'y
show."
look
like,then, if you're
detective ?"
THE
4H
specs
and
other
was
Looked
MASTER
little mustache
built like
like he
gold teeth,he
"Was
there any
"Dey
was
couldn't
De
hairy coats."
"All right.
neck ! De
in the
called him
chap
when
car
you
That's
the
worth
passed
ten
Frank."
left ?"
Astro
And
think."
gee ! w'at
other
one
reckernize
and,
"
ch'uffer
MYSTERIES
could
had.
OF
o' dem
one
wanted,
you
over
so
up
started
down-stairs.
Mickey
leaned
de tall guy
Astro
had
leather
nodded
bag
!"
regained his
and
"Drive
car.
to
the
dealer," he ordered.
big automobile
car
warerooms.
stopped before the Aeromobile
nearest
The
Astro
got
11115
he had
12
look
Street.
be
the automobile
see
that the
by Frank
telephone book
Brigham
Astro
the
reentered
of number
village,New
cab
York.
ness
Brigham's busi-
showed
his office to
brokerage, and
list. In
ber
registerednum-
car
Street, in Greenwich
at the
to
to
found
owned
was
Charles
12
asked
and
out
minutes
two
over
be
1000
returned
and
Wall
to
the
studio.
Valeska
not
was
that
him
in the
she
place.
had
left
boy
in buttons
half-hour
ago,
after
the telephone.
having answered
McGraw.
A
from
Lieutenant
package had come
Astro opened it,and took out a burglar's
jimmy and
note.
It read
"Be
careful; but if
Belg. Rub.
you
Synd. O. K.,
as
far
as
can
me
know.
find out.
"McGRAW."
formed
in-
MASTER
THE
416
he
means
doesn't
He
found
be
to
will
Wister
down-stairs
ran
In
cab.
MYSTERIES
; but
must
you
give you
try
description.
off!"
I'm
Now
want
Miss
find him.
to
OF
less than
into
jumped
and
minutes
twenty
he
the
waiting
Frank
at
was
of
There
looked
at
the elevator
automobile
an
was
took
down
to
the
and
the number.
He
11115!
was
street.
he
back
went
his taxicab.
to
"Can
to
five-dollar
The
that car?"
keep up with
Brigham's machine
you
and
he
asked, pointing
the chauffeur
handing
bill.
touched
man
and
his cap
"I'll do
grinned.
it or
window.
Within
five minutes
in eye-glasses,
Brigham appeared with a tall thin man
They
wearing a small, black, close-cropped mustache.
the
entered
off, followed
moved
of the
out
until
two
it
men
up-town
stopped
table not
as
minutes
make
before
at
the
too
he
the
traffic,
the
for three
were
the
he appeared, and
up
his
his mind
car
Hotel
far away
awaited
automobile, and
the taxicab.
by
Nemo,
them
where
the
the
room,
grill-
to
eyes
the
had
Seer
was
took
them.
brought. Astro's
third conspirator.
that he
suspicion was
in and
themselves, and
watch
to
car
easilyfollowed
was
Saint
seated
the
Winding
followed
alighted. Astro
waited till they had
Cocktails
to
of
tonneau
of secrets
the
In
rowed
nara
missing best
corroborated
by
few
time
man
Valeska's
OF
VENGEANCE
unobtrusive
a
his table
she
do
"I
asked
one
it
what
the
on
to
Who
As
his
she
Nu.J
Rho
to
came
soon
trouble
no
lantly.
jubia
was
least idea
I
hung
up,
I could.
as
in
some
It
the
he answered,
as
I had
and
these
are
soon
her
gave
she asked
haven't
apartment-house as
hansom,
and
417
telephone, and
replied,'Pi
He
doorway.
I got him?"
up
name.
my
means.
got
took
him
called
NU
expected.
though
inspiration,
sudden
and
been
suppose
you
RHO
safelyjoin him,
could
if she had
as
"How
in the
appearance
sign that
PI
THE
He
followinghim.
?"
men
I wish
Hanbury.
they'd talk
"Wait
littlelouder."
cocktails,"said Va-
leska sapiently.
One
three
The
was
his cheeks
men
as
were
he
that To
"Not
quite."
At nine
to
to
"I'll have
ralon's
act
thinks
Astro
the
was
seated
continue
to
be in the
come
and
from
for that.
some
for
chase
what
his man,
the group.
signs of being
Astro
the
find out
See
maid
policecourt
to
if you
Any
had
being
can
can.
served.
ob-
said.
alone," he
you
about
Valeska
make
apartment.
you
health.
nearer
showed
men
the French
narration
the ride'?"
o'clock
just time
"You'd
drank
leave
of the
the close
glassesand
"Was
At
spoke.
from
Far-
You
can
woman.
burglary by
As
for me,
to-morrow
I may
morn-
MASTER
THE
418
another
chase of
I'm
OF
not
at
MYSTERIES
the studio
by eight o'clock,
Here they come,
McGraw.
Lieutenant
I"
his cab
minute
had
taken
again
the
up
11115.
of the upper
one
floors.
was
door, he
and
cloudy.
could
stillhear
justentered.
The
As
he
was
vacant
Here
the
was
and
pass
one
the
at
room
any
them
arrive, saw
up-stairs. At
time, if
his
about
to
give
eleven
watch, lightedhis
opposite,evidentlyto
time
safe, to
were
vestigat
in-
floors.
floor he crept
From
had
who
looked
into the
the upper
Up
men
visitors
several
walked
sleep. This
his
nearly an
the watchman
pipe, and
he waited
hailingsign
o'clock
shown
room
up
door
after he had
went
higher up
found
softly,
came
now
all
dark, and
the sounds
of
tened.
lis-
laugh-
.VENGEANCE
OF
ter, of singing,and
the
THE
PI
occasional
an
RHO
NU
cheer.
He
louder.
flight;the noise grew
the rightof the landing,and found
next
door
at
once
used
The
machinery.
for
419
crept up
He
opened
largehall,
of feet
pounding
the
on
he had seen
enter
were
ceilingtold him that the men
immediately above. He paced the room, and found
feet by fifty.Opposite the long row
to be a hundred
of shuttered
and
an
windows
found
with
office,
he
minute.
and
ascended
now
sounds
of
This
door.
it
tered,
en-
for
window.
one
the
he
used
evidentlyonce
room,
mantel,
fireplace,
Step by step
stairs,the
small
another
was
flightof
next
louder
revelry growing
every
streak of light
a
glance above showed
approach
through the half-opened door. A nearer
showed
another
fice
door, correspondingto that of the ofA
noticed
he had
below.
He
the
to
darted
handle
on
was
cot
and
bed
with
below.
wall
"Brigham
From
Brigham
in the
be it from
I can't!
the utter
to
lightof
try
But
and
the
drawn
pitcherof
A fireplace
he had
one
the
leading
door
to his
came
was
lips.
yelling.
back
the broad
only
candles
seen
he could
; but
that followed.
I'll take
the
see
many
to make
depravityof
to
smile
could
of the Pi Rho
me
table.
perfectlythe speech
"Brothers
on
keyhole of
listened.
of Brigham
know
him
blankets
food, and
of
corresponded
stole to the
Astro
pair of
bottles
beer
many
the other
hear
it
door, and
it behind
closed
water
ing,
the land-
to
about.
There
up
of
up
this
speech to-night
"
my
turn
prisoner."
in
as
you
to
testifying
THE
420
they were
"The
OF
of "Hear, hear!"
Cries
Rho
MASTER
MYSTERIES
interruptedhim,
Nu
on.
the
pieceof
I'llbriefly
state the
event
; but
now
after
and
history of the
facts. Two
years
Pi
ago
married."
was
"How
delightfulto
be
the crowd
married!"
began
sing.
to
"And
it
fond
intention to pass
honeymoon
in an automobile.
In fact,it was
begun all right,
and I'd have been safe if I had contented
myself with
drivingonly daytimes. But on my very first evening
married at noon
I was
held up by a band of
were
we
desperadoes on the road from Albany to Troy. I should
was
my
my
"
"
been
have
able to
scream
been
able
result
was
carried into
take
look
never
that I
of all of them
care
was
with
in the muzzle
gun
tied up
with
Mrs.
my
calmly.
Brigham
of""
"Death!"
shouted
after which
bury
rose
there
the rest
were
invisible from
was
in
calls for
Astro's
of
chorus
laughter,
"Doc
Hanbury." Hanbut his voice
peep-hole,
a
clearly.
"I also
rupted
married," he began, and was also interby the popular chorus ; "but under painfuland
was
embarrassing circumstances," he
afternoon of the wedding my
flat
was
men.
garroted by two masked
continued.
entered
was
was
"The
and
tied to
I
a
then
chair, and
of them
one
PI
THE
OF
VENGEANCE
RHO
painted my
NU
421
ately
face deliber-
with iodine.
He painted my
fancifully
cheeks in circles,gentlemen,and my brow
was
a picturesqu
Those
of you who
were
plaid of squares.
the grease
possiblyremarked
present at the ceremony
paint that attempted too unsuccessfullyto cover
my
I had to do it. You
can't explainan absence
shame.
from your own
wedding except by
"Death
!" came
the jovialchorus.
One
after another
stantly
proceeded to testify,each conof the
interrupted by the hilarious members
fraternity.
Astro had heard enough. It was
evident that Farralon, the master
spiritof the association and fiercest
of its practical
jokers,had met his just deserts. Just
what
they would do with him, Astro could not guess ;
but that the bridegroom would
need a friend was
not
How
termined
dehe to be helped? Astro
to be doubted.
was
of the building
to complete his investigation
before he decided.
Undoubtedly the gang would make
and keep Farralon
a night of it in the house
a prisoner
till the last moment,
if indeed they did not prevent the
but
too
"
"
ceremony.
and
Seer
stole
up-stairs.
floor
The
same
The
took
planned
was
big hall,the
small
his
looked
over
like those
was
fraternitymembers
the littleroom
barred
and
from
his
below, with
the
electric torch
fireplace.As
and
office,
an
to
be
was
locked, evidently,
had
departed,
carefully. The iron
immovable.
it
There
Astro
ters
shut-
only one
safe means
of communicating with the prisoner after
left alone, by way
he was
of the chimney. Astro took
the jimmy from
his pocket and set to work
inside the
were
"
was
THE
422
to
fireplace,
flues
two
to
each
on
ready for
be
must
MYSTERIES
; but
out
by
of the
impossible
It took
both.
Which
side.
floor it was
down
work
hole
open
ran
to tell. He
of hard
OF
MASTER
hours
two
the time
the
the
Astro
had
racketing down-stairs
in
satisfaction of perceivinga faint lightdeep down
of the openings. It was
now
one
only a question of
To
alone, and hailinghim.
waiting till Farralon was
find out what was
going on, he had started down-stairs
still in the larger
when
he heard
voices. A man
was
were
company
speaking through
room
"Don't
make
try and
you
the closed
row
of the office.
door
we'll
or
now,
come
in and
the
In
make
few minutes
Astro
he
the
floor,took
line of silk.
he
at
let
In
"Who's
up
to
out
long
to
jangled
hole, and
minutes
the hole,
he sat down
raveled
short
it. This
it
softly
"A
the
few
took
Farralon
taut.
wrote
cautiouslydown
the bottom.
Then
pocket-knife,and
into his
paper
his mouth
came.
answer
Next, he
in the hall.
cot
snoring.
was
No
on
over
up-stairsand put
stole
callingFarralon.
on
You
he rolled
in the door
key
a
quit!
you
in
it,and
a
loud
came
back.
whisper.
replied.
thereupon
taxicab,and
was
was
ensued
driven
he
in his studio.
MASTER
THE
424
At
the other
end
from
stretched
sidewalk
and
spoke.
then
It
curious
crowd
number
11115
full of
another.
others
Two
house
to
the
had
gathered, a large
had stopped just as he
"
One
men.
was
long awning
the Wister
As
however, there
dropped.
"
was
MYSTERIES
the door
a
red automobile
OF
sudden
the sidewalk,
on
commotion.
man
seemed
fighting. They
jumped from the car.
were
other
Anjoined by two more, who
dropped, and another, and then
the block
wild fantastic
came
a
Sprinting down
creature, half in man's clothes,half in woman's, with
ribbons streaming,with short skirts flapping,
fighting
his way
with excited gestures through the passers-by,
several as he strove.
Behind
him instantly
knocking down
who
followed the crowd, led by the men
had
risen to their feet. As the fugitivecame
to the
up
"
where
house
sidewalk
dashed
rest
gave
Astro
and Valeska
the
swung
againstthe
barrier.
table round
One
But
the ends.
round
ran
long
waited, the
or
and
enter
and
bolted
behind
and
up
on
the
hurdled
the moment's
the
two
men
the
mob
it ; the
handicap
doors
were
closed
him.
"Now
ladder.
it's a
plaintrack
beyond
Your
here.
clothes
You
are
to
"You'll find
have
three houses
ladder
justeightminutes
in Wister's
to
room,
dress in.
and
the
ring is
best
THE
OF
VENGEANCE
in the
pocket of
sake ! isn't it
make
to
get-away!" cried
"My
RHO
waistcoat.
your
I'llwait here
man.
PI
NU
There'll
ready for
Farralon
be
no
away."
get-
your
en's
heav-
wildly. "For
over
425
of this
more
confounded
practical
joke?"
"More!"
said Astro smiling. "You
ought to know
There's a hack covered
the capacityof the Pi Rho
Nu.
with ribbons
I've had
which
ready at the door, and
there's a brass band
and a demonstration
waiting at
the pierthat will make
a crown
you feel as if you were
prince."
Farralon
wilted. "Well, I guess I'll get what's coming
this time," he said,grinning feebly.
to me
Miss
Wister's
on
"No, you won't. You'll escape
got it all fixed.
I've
account.
and
you
Say you'regoing to
in half
an
Street
come
hour
ferry
back
instructions
"But
my
to
drive
and
As
by
Christopher
of the
way
get up
are, and
roof,
the
to
darted
across
disappeared
over
beyond.
Valeska
the
Then
clothes,and
Kitty'smy
trunks, and
watched, with
again.
stairs.
up-
go
your
?"
Farralon
house
to
are
can,
you
as
wife
your
Then
Hoboken.
soon
the
furniture
two
roof
minutes
reckless
at
at
the
!"
speed.
descended
into
arranging a queer
clothes in a rear
room
up-stairs.
"Is everything ready?" he asked.
was
van
thing""
every-
the
house
collection of
THE
426
She
MASTER
burst
blue
gingham
bandana
MYSTERIES
out
costume
away
OF
kerchief.
roof
and
be
ready to
had
roof. Then
up
Farralon
gave
whoop,
and
the two
came
laughing.
They laughed
roared
as
"
and
room,
she stumbled
as
down
Astro
with
the
Valeska
with
changed their
clothes
bridegroom
in
rear
the
"
front
the
pair
for the
that
emigrant costumes
were
ready. Then down-stairs they went, Astro carrying
filled with the wedding clothes.
two large suit cases
At the door he stopped them
and went
to the window
The
reconnoiter.
still
to
was
Brigham automobile
standingat the curb, near to the hack which was fairly
white with ribbons and bridal flags.
"Take
this chair
Farralon
Farralon
took
the other.
at this end
end
one
of the
There
climbed
with
in
behind
Astro
was
Morris
chair
no
on
old
shoes.
the
chair
and
and
the shutters
one
crowd
and
Mrs.
the sidewalk
was
collected
themselves.
safelyoff.
block,though
of
The
The
into the
two
in another
Valeska
couple
minute
a
house.
and
noticed
un-
then
followed
teamsters
waved
of the empty
van
were
the
van
discreet
was
adieu
OF
VENGEANCE
Astro
dollars
and
than
follow
must
we
The
ferry as
They
all
times
soon
hurried
to the
Here
the
couple.
and
steamer
pier where
band
the
"But
now
out."
comes
hurried
the
to
their quest
cabin, where
the
and
sat
Then
fraternity
gay
lay with
in readiness
was
pushed
raised.
slipthe
Carothian
fraternity
steam
serenade
to
swarmed
the
aboard
Astro
and
of the crestfallen
baffled members
the
said.
had
Nu
I deserve
think
it all
in the
was
steerage passengers,
was
Rho
Pi
The
the third-class
as
how
see
thousand
in their search.
brass
he
427
the boat
as
up.
and
for
"I
Valeska.
NU
the
as
roamed
As
them
RHO
check
clergyman,"
of the
soon
several
van
the
members
it to
handed
credit
more
his
from
took
PI
THE
Valeska,
Pi Rho
the
near
Nu, awaited
denouement.
Just
before
the
last line
cast
was
perfectly now,
appeared at the rail of the
promenade deck, waving their handkerchiefs
merrily.
dressed
shout
went
up
the Pi Rho
from
Nu.
Astro,
was
Stringer,who
standing near
his companion. "Well," he said, "they fooled
all. But
a
small
when
floor
way
across
and
!
Valeska
were
grain elevator.
the
she
he
in the
Hooray
smiled
a
as
There's
mattresses.
stateroom
good
He'll
were
littleenvious, too.
Nu
turned
us,
to
after
it'lllook
like
of
on
ton
get his
rice
the
on
!"
as
if
THE
LADY
"T^XCUSE
A
the
He
call
of
the
as
clever
with
my
of
have
assure
innate
you
gifts, years
You
contemplation.
confess
reproduced.
think
you
self-assurance
blue
for
"
had
sparkled,
you
purpose
found
be
have
to
here
came
the
shall
shall
eyebrows,
eyes
have
could
you
his
raised
humor.
here
that
you
do
of
come
studio
ter
bet-
no
have
to
sorry
it."
redecorate
Some
for, then?"
vanished
the
from
young
face.
man's
Astro
his
of
narghile
be
easily
rugs,
and
pay
that
and
your
he
the
rent
divan
be
should
leading lady
One
advertising
door
can
428
there,
brought
be
sit
on
it and
the
granite Thoth
papier-mache.
by
with
pointed
"That
spoke.
in
should
the
as
and
calmly
imitated
for
There
course,
about
looked
could
so
and
deep
sense
though
stem
of
product
His
place,
the
head
his
calmly, "what
palmist's client
strong
to
""What
Astro
thought
might.
"Clever
did.
is the
The
woman
lighted
clever."
are
nodded
mustache,
said
one."
?"
so
blond
infinite
and
"How
certainly
you
sir," said
cleverness
study,
are
dear
very
my
"but
you,"
smiled.
and
"My
his
up
patronize
to
appear
man,
young
twisted
slowly,
if I
me
TAUPE
IN
on
R.
can
hire
the
gram.
pro-
U.
E.,
down
look
of
front
up
over
MASTER
THE
430
let's see,
it
"
after A
was
MYSTERIES
OF
Run
of
with
Luck
"
that
on.
when
put
was
was
repeated
the
phrase
humor.
what
"That's
that
color
I called her.
'taupe/
"
something like
only lighter.A gown
wore
it,usually with
gray,
"Where
did you
see
you
know
what
with
black
She
"
they
always used
a
of
sort
to
purplish-
call 'London
good lines,too.
lynx furs."
wear
She
smoke,'
always
her?"
"
"
"
"Have
"Yes,
you
ever
I confess
followed
her ?"
clumsy."
do about it?"
THE
LADY
IN
TAUPE
431
4
"I want
to
what
'That's
simple enough.
know
"Ah,
doubt
no
she
girlwithout
wants
to
heard
the
"That's
of veto
have
elaborate
"Well,
"So
"And
hope
finished.
I
to
reserve
I naturally
there's
terrific
But
it
girlshave
to
curious
know
things.
the
to
help her."
contracts
my
as
say
seems
an
the
to
struggle.
what
book
It's
coming
or
more
will make
soon."
less of
talk.
an
of
expose
I'll send
you
gard
diagnosisproves correct in redear Astro, I
to the Lady in Taupe. If not, my
conclude
merely a clever guesser."
you are
The
tone
young
such
was
at the banter.
He
man
that Astro
rose
gave
"How
did
you
the Master.
know
could
smilinglyto
Valeska, who
asked
She
say!"
she'll
hope
is
time comes."
her
is your
how
society,and
The
much
I. I
pression
im-
struggleit
could probably
members
of how
"Nearly
shall
In
I've heard
am
an
engagement.
an
weight, though
when
gagement."
en-
make
to
hard
have
and
must
me
an
fancy she's
play produced,and though
method, I
will say
copy;
to
some
It strikes
wants
get
of influence in these
amount
she
as
to
always
enough.
get
then ?"
new
established
true
to
curious, interested.
doesn't
are
wants
what
influence
to have
are
author
cast, you
know
get you
you
power
She
will. She
first. You
to."
lady'sup
"Why
for
the
he
was
not
show
was
be offended
Pinkard
busy
out.
in the
he left.
playwright?"
she
THE
43*
"I
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
room,
in my
into the
laboratorywhen he came
and watched
him
unobserved.
He took in the
whole
studio
at
the
door
was
back
in
few
who
to
glance, very
to
inspectsthe curios
enters
He
of
men
appear
up
I knew
him
to
can
afford
business
not
the
well-off. A
four
brains.
with
man
the
for
time
by
pearance
ap-
Few
morning
definite information.
of the
man
literary
than
more
be
some
the appearance
and
furnishingsone
general effect. By his
summed
not
it would
as
went
one.
had
He
interestedly.
can
idle
hours
rich; yet he
his inventive
use
day
He
without
was
faculty
excessive
not
up
every
his sleeve.
"Well, what
would
to the author.
except
almost
draft, and
final
writes
who
man
It
was
of the
But,
as
has
an
pherable,
undeci-
almost
be
far
as
that goes,
unfinished
play
safe
guess."
Lady in Taupe,
then ?
I'm
terested
in-
in her."
"What
I surmised
something deeper
than
is
probably true;
that.
It's
but
I suspect
bit elaborate,
as
he
THE
LADY
said.
than
cleverer
433
turn
may
to be
out
still
look
at her.
It takes
to
woman
women."
read
I believe it would
"True.
her.
The
I think
more
I'll
he's
do to-morrow."
going
He
to
took
with
the
he said to Valeska
morning
will
"Pinkard
fifth Street
leave
the
at
play Wild-fire
then
his
curious I
more
and
find out
am.
what
had
The
playwright.
house
ten
on
West
o'clock,go
Club, attend
Grill
at the
you
next
about
to-day at
office,lunch
up
have
to
conversation
short
amusing
ring Pinkard
the
up
be
of it,the
his
TAUPE
it looks."
see
IN
Monster
to
SeventyDayton's
rehearsal
of
in the afternoon,
Theater
the Park
evening Valeska
That
saw
too
to
go
her!"
she exclaimed
! I liked her
office,and
almost
at first
she
met
returned
with
her
report. "I
exultantly."She's
sight.I
him
followed
him
beauty,
to
ton's
Day-
in Forty-second Street,
the firstthing."
"Where
did she
go?"
part of it. After
she had
passed
of Forty-second and
him
the corner
she waited on
along with a lady in
Broadway. An automobile came
it a reallyswell girl stopped,and the Lady in Taupe
"That's
the queer
"
"
do you
MASTER
THE
434
"Number
and
consulted
down
He
looked
Valeska's
that
have
Amsterdam's
"99,954."
waiting-room
Helen
was
That's
for
an
at
of New
whistled
Amsterdam
!"
heiress?"
the number
of the Van
least."
the
why
then
and
Van
"The
rose.
been.
see
number,
automobile,
I don't
looking
the
up
eyebrows
"It must
in her purse.
paper
the automobile
softly."Why,
"Then
?"
went
took
York.
MYSTERIES
of the automobile
Valeska
Astro
OF
engagement,
has
such
be
rich
friends."
that
"Oh,
about
queer
have
too
doesn't
it. Well,
many
The
important things to
time ; I
more
attend
for reference.
to.
We
may
We'll
hear
debonair
confident,and
look at the
said
something
again."
playwright came
and
there's
we
information
Pinkard
He
signify. But
morning,
one
He
ever.
as
studio,then
sat
took
down
handsome,
as
Astro
as
cal
criti-
new
came
in,
on
me
at last !"
"Yes?"
"You
wanted
waxed
were
a
quite right
"
part in the
eloquent over
You
should
cast
her
have
as
of
far
The
attempts
heard
as
you
went.
Chameleon,
to
her
get
talk!
an
She
and
ment.
engageThat
girl
has
"
She
played
as
pretty
scene
in
on
the
library
stage."
my
as
I've
ever
watched
THE
436
lazy
too
MASTER
make
to
first draft
OF
carbon
MYSTERIES
copies. I
haven't
even
my
of the
It
told you.
I have
course,
raised
places and
It's
pretty frank,
was
Of
things to
characters
could
cad.
But
day
in New
"Oh,
could have
from
seen
secret
no
found
no
some
of
one
to
care
the
altogether a
might happen
the
of it.
in
good
not
that you
people know
I've made
that
so
in others.
power
taken
life;what
to
York, and
many
higher
of the
really,as
it down
identified. I'm
be
few
expose,
I've
details
"How
an
not
toned
a
to
set, and
smart
any
inside,too."
writing it?"
were
Any
one
who
wanted
out."
time I left my
"Did
you
"Why,
me,
and
promise
I said
might
her
I'd do
go
well
place in
what
for my
The
I could.
heavy
Chameleon?"
She
woman,
interested
though
THE
bit too
doesn't
LADY
But
young.
IN
TAUPE
of course,
I'll
now,
likelythat
not
437
that she
see
she'll let
me
her
see
again, anyway."
"On
much
the
her
as
ever."
as
Astro
Valeska
and
that
over
called
at
Pinkard's
rooms.
only
Vanberg
three o'clock
afternoon
the
at
fifteen
and
went
Valeska's
To
ments
apart-
surprise,
then
minutes, and
fully
care-
Astro,
only
you
in the
good
"May we
a
"She's
She's in
not
a
tenant
see
the
to
unlocked.
can
janitor.Have
before
over
to
out
move
replying.
if she
can
apartment?"
; but
the third
I guess
I
promised
to
help
floor."
Valeska
building?"
wants
in, I think
on
of.
sure
the
here's
It's up
the
party
make
to
them
janitor looked
"Well, there's
on
But
flats to rent
The
her.
have
just now.
guess,
any
find
we'll
what
in
glee. Pinkard
taken
up,
and
lived
the door
43^'
THE
"She's
been
"She
get
can
here
didn't
walked
only
the
requisites.The
and
it
meals
and
"Who
that
She
the
was
nodded
Miss
you
but
place. Only
Astro
one
with
scantily,
contained
few
only
utensils,
of the apartment
walked
the
to
waiter
dumb-
"A
the
lifted
feet away,
Pinkard's kitchen.
necessary.
and
outside.
three
furniture;but
place is like."
kitchen
evident
her
all her
rapidlythrough
the
was
MYSTERIES
in
move
fitted up,
was
took
OF
idea what
an
They
room
MASTER
Demming.
asked.
She's
actress, I hear.
an
her.
see
Much
obliged,I'm
sure."
"Do
"I'm
went
think you
you
afraid
it's too
were
had
left
there she is
Astro
small," said
would
the
the
the
them, when
Valeska
out.
them.
By
known
in
Lady
very
her,
even
as
Astro
they
turned
her
pocketbook, unlocked
without
"Which,"
her
held
made
woman
was
ing
walkhe
descriptionalone
in
her
way
in time
the
janitor
exclaimed, "Why,
pretty
Pinkard's
Taupe. She
steps, and,
vestibule.
vestibule,and
!"
now
have
for the
hesitatingin
looked
toward
janitorasked.
the Seer, as they
out.
They
up
suite.
the
spring costume,
head
ran
her, entered
for
to
erect,
her
see
She
took
door, and
went
lookingbehind her.
said Astro, smiling,"explains how
open
a
key
stairs
up-
she
is
THE
able to know
when
how
to walk
the
spellbound with
"But
dollar
her
TAUPE
439
Pinkard
is at home, and
abroad."
entered
was
talk," added
she
while
Valeska.
is able to afford
flat when
month
flat
how
not
IN
easilywhen
so
he leaves
"And
LADY
she's out
eighty-fivejob," Astro
an
of
scowled.
"Nor
who
it
Pinkard's
Astro
have
"I
apply
Van
"How
particularsI
study."
think
we'll
steward
in the
Peerless
several
in
over
when
ago,
owns
she
was
there
in Wall
steward
half interest
power
The
him
Vinola."
tips on
friends.
years
Count
to
it. I lunched
know
two
way
threw
She
engaged
once
was
did you
is
that Pinkard
Amsterdam.
"The
don
his
Amsterdam."
Van
tell you
forgot to
particularly
nasty
engaged for a time
some
ransacked
further
Miss
to
across
Miss
to
climbed
kitchen, and
finished,"For
to
"Oh
who
was
of the
this noon,
and
Now
that Mr.
Street, he doesn't
interesting
things. I
shall cultivate
him
gave
Calen-
forget his
and
duly grateful,
was
bers
mem-
told
him
me
in the
future."
Amsterdam
was
Valeska
"Ah!"
she?
looked
up,
quickly."
"Yes," said Astro,
"I
hardly
anything more.
Lady in Taupe
think
they
as
walked
back
it will be necessary
I venture
will call
on
to
make
Pinkard
to
for
the studio,
us
to
prophecy.
again within
do
The
three
THE
440
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
It
was
when
Pinkard
made
his
third appearance
at the studio, smiling broadly. "By
Jove, Astro !" he said,"I wish reallyyou'd tell me how
you
much
it for my
it's too
for me!"
"Well,
what
happened?"
see
why I need tell you, by Jove !"
head.
"You've
certainlygot your
"I don't
shook
his
ball well
trained.
I wish
I could
make
You
Of
could
make
I got
course
got your
dio
stu-
to
take
get you
audience
an
the
to
crystal
character
my
I've
Pinkard
believe
manuscript back,
thing.
any-
as
you
said I should."
"Is your
Pinkard
you
think?
heavy
woman,
after
all.
She's
right!
Talk
made
"Do
tell me
about
about
romance
in
me
I taxed
her
in Taupe
do
for the
adventuress, all
every-day
life!
She
for fair!"
it."
an
of it. What
with
up
again, as
bold
as
bluff. And
consented
on
it
LADY
what
do you
the
to
study
my
Sometimes
in
Lady
I raced
your
hundred
and
Taupe
on
Astro
earth
said, as
soon
You're
in cahoots
were
the whole
as
manuscript
immediately,and
dollars.
that you
441
in
planned
is
TAUPE
think ? She
bargain,that
I suspect
who
IN
table.
! Here's
was
But
THE
there
wizard.
with
the
thing yourself.
?"
she, anyway
chuckled
wise
not
good-naturedly. "I'm
that. She is certainly
clever,though.
enough to know
If you hadn't engaged her, I think I should."
"Well," said Pinkard, risingto take his leave,"there
tricks in all trades, they say. I won't inquireinto
are
but if I want
more
sleuthingdone, I'll
yours;
any
know
where
send you a box for the
to go. I'll certainly
I'm going to rewrite
opening night of The Chameleon.
that part for the Lady in Taupe, by Jove! It
wasn't half good enough for her as it was."
again the
plus a friend
knowledge of human
'below stairs.' I fancy Miss Van
a rather
guiltyconscience to be
value
Pinkard's
of
nearly a
cost
through.
I'd rather
herself who
the shaft.
across
that he
would
wasn't
have
Valeska
"But
never
At
cad,
he
lations
reve-
to
have
know,
though,
whether
through
lucky for
crawled
was
said.
It must
it
the door
Pinkard
I'm
the light,else."
seen
placed her
you
as
have
certainly secured
Taupe.
rate, it
any
must
afraid of the
so
in
dollars
like to
Amsterdam
She
Lady
thousand
the heiress
was
book.
assistant in the
clever
nature
hand
didn't
mean
lightlyon
"
I mean,
der.
the Seer's shoul-
you
wouldn't
THE
442
really
MASTER
have
would
answer
in
Taupe
as
ant
assist-
your
you?"
not
was
satisfied.
longer
MYSTERIES
Lady
the
engaged
"
His
OF
fear
of
It
any
in
was
such
words
evident
dilemma.
but
Valeska
that
was
she
had
parently
ap-
no
THE
MASTER
"You're
like
444
there
is any
With
your
gray
has
delicious
very
well. That's
took
"I
one
full at me,
like
have
to
by
owned
in the
evident
culture, more
house.
Once
what
so
know
can
the
her
had
you
caste,
looked
it would
like you.
To own
wonderful
creature!
a
wife
that
night. You
last
I wondered
and
Stel-
Oh, she
letters doesn't
apparent
woman
any
too!
one,
It's very
the opera
style, more
than
right,"remarked
more.
at
you
satisfaction."
one
up
saw
more
enough
Are
demure!
!"
see
writing these
who's
Astro
and
evoke?
to
me
so
seem
you
that mouse!
charming,
fellow
alone
you
look
you
lery,"and
be
eyes
for
you
if
I wonder
mouse.
lurking devil in
talk with
"She
MYSTERIES
little gray
reallyas quiet as
you
a
OF
you,
How
seem
and
be
proud
I'd be!"
well
that
remember
"I
she's dressed
when
Writing
You'll
to my
see
Stellerydoes look
But curse
such audacity!
! It's an outrage, by Jove !
to go to the policewith
I must
be stopped,and
night.
up.
why
care
letters. But
these
find out
"How
"For
at home
The
Mrs.
they must
who's doing it !"
long has this thing been going on
two
months,
wife
that my
letters
the
on
blanks
now.
and
I have
gave
bunch
?"
of 'em
more
me."
table
enclosed
were
in
all written
on
graph
tele-
government-stamped
envelopes.
typewrittenlike these?"
were
crudely printed in pencil,
"No; the first ones
"All
as
if
child had
done
them."
STELLERY'S
MRS.
all of them
"And
"Every
LETTERS
445
complimentary?"
of them."
one
they come?"
"Every two or three days. Mrs. Stelleryhas been
visitingin Philadelphiathe last three weeks, and
away
there.
She
they followed her down
brought back a
often
"How
do
lot of them
whole
"Did
show
she
show
to
you
Stelleryconsidered
Mr.
"No,
for
not
me."
to
the
time;
some
when
them,
she decided
Some
anyway.
letter-box,but
till she
not
that I
of them
to
ought
have
had
want
most
little.
questiona
it came?"
me,
worry
know
to
about
left in the
were
been
received
sent
through
the mails."
"Does
Mrs.
to be much
Stelleryseem
worried
at
ceiving
re-
them?"
"Decidedly. Of
as
didn't
go
hasn't had
responsiblefor
you, you're the one
see."
"I
stared
at
Astro
them
while.
; but
and
fingered it,walked
antiquebit
and
returned
thought
point of fact
In
to
what
find out
I've heard
palms
and
time.
some
nishings
examining the furpicked up a gold stiletto
the
of tapestry, smiled
in its cage,
she
down,
He
to
But
pleasant
un-
it."
as
are.
I want
and, from
do
to
of the studio.
and
after
Stellerywalked
they were
them, and
about
you
this week
any
who's
of
to
they'dstop coming
that
she
to
me
if
letters sometimes
anonymous
want
it isn't as
course,
to
wall
at
the
and
looked
Astro's
Seer, who
white
at
an
lizard
looked
up
to say:
"It's queer
that
man
who
professesto
admire
her
446
THE
much
so
it?"
MASTER
OF
doesn't have
He
MYSTERIES
the courage
tell her
to
isn't
so,
watched
to
trouble.
It
literaryin style,as
too
And
what
to
seems
if he
the
me
used
were
he says
letters
are
composition.
to
does
he know
my
worn
in Cairo.
one
Why,
might
! Little intimate
think
to
of another
details that
man's
amazing
!"
"Are
you
home
letters into
stackingthe
"Not
when
and
outside
and
that
much;
I'm
often
den
spare
the
at
darted
"Oh,
had
no
Street
Astro
and
I
asked,
busy
to
it takes
library,
my
there.
man,
of my
some
lot of information
Percentage Club.
a
next
evening
boil
the table.
down
coups,
blood
noticed ! It's
ever
I have
one
time?"
pileon
of Wall
the
She
letters myself
my
is,until lately.I'm
at home
work.
else had
of
a
make
does
I got
those
knowing!
one
much
when
written
have
bit
I've been
the history
on
about
all my
is in bridge
get, really,
He
Why?"
stopped and
look at Astro.
I
only
wondered
how
much
time
your
wife
hope
that's
to herself."
Stellerywheeled
insinuation!
My
that!
Good
on
him.
wife
"See
is above
lord!
if she weren't?"
these letters,
why
here!
suspicion,you
should
she
show
derstand
un-
me
STELLERY'S
MRS.
LETTERS
447
"Oh, my
dear
it that way
! I
suavely,"don't
take
ing
watchwondering if any one were
her, followingher. Nevertheless,I should like to
she sees, and where, and how.
know, also, just whom
You
have given me
difficulttask, Mr. Stellery,and
a
if I seem
must
curious. But I preforgiveme
you
sume
was
mind
of
"Why,
callingon
my
But, of
suppose.
client,he
anxious
was
his
to be
all he
alone
to solve
reached
feel the
to
she's
A
distinguished.
eyes, masking all
of his
could
the
problem.
atmosphere.
change of
for his hat, shook
hands, and
Stelleryseemed
He
before
expression; as
You
way.
I imagine?"
Stellery,
be glad to see you, I
tall and
rose,
drawn
be
to
own
course,
naturallysensitive."
"Very good." Astro
yeil seemed
Mrs.
She'll
not.
course
in my
left the
studio.
"A
at
clever
least inclined
yet honorable
with him
Astro
unsympathetic,and
and
cryptically."You
work
facts,"he said.
my
in the same
place.
"Fortunately,we
from
out
me
what
see
you
can
make
and
amusing complication,
Valeska
you ?"
suffer. And
smiled
the anonymous
examined
cold
make
come
an
be
loyalat heart.
and
facts,try and
It's
to
in
! He'd
feelings
; I
often
absorbed
man,
asked
sat
them
from
your
But, speaking of
of these letters.
new
variation of
letter."
down
one
and
by
looked
one
and
over
the
threw
pile.As
them
she
into
MASTER
THE
448
OF
MYSTERIES
to
"
make
"How
do
"I
feel it."
can
"Too
you
that out?"
smiled
Astro
ously.
curi-
literary?"
the
in
if I got letters
fire.
'Your
bosh!"
hands!'"
'gracile/It seems
'jimp/ Queer love-letters
"Yes, I noticed
Also
word.
gracile
to
be
his
with
I agree
"
pet
you."
They're deeper than that !"
of
right,and there is small possibility
"Love-letters !
"You're
the
There
are
author
do
I have
be
a
some
one
to
decide
it? It may
stranger?"
"What
good
be
be done
her.
who
discover
we
of persons
thousands
letters. What
of them
unless
could
by
In any
knows
it do
first.
case,
motive
who
some
her.
the
ing
find-
who
one
I take
What
friend
watch
it that it must
good
or
can
an
could
it do
ance?"
acquaint-
MRS.
"Flatter
STELLERY'S
woman
compliments,
spoken, so
not
"
and
reread
original
she would
have
romantic,
often
as
she
as
liked,
"
the
as
I don't know
adorer;
"
to
in secret
them
of intimate
that
; but
449
her curiosity,
a
arouse
way,
LETTERS
of the
self
your-
that it's so
bad
after all."
"Unless
letters to her
"Yes
try it on
you
; but
who
woman
the writer
to
to
shows
all the
dryly.
know
will ? He's
she
of
discoveringthe writer,
perfect
find a Rem- Smith
typewriterwith an alignment imin just this way."
"Yes," said Astro. "We
might begin and fine-toothily
comb
the cityfor it. Still,accidents do happen, luckfor prophets and seers.
And, at any rate, that will
the
be the final proof. Well, I'm going to reread
whole bunch, look for some
unifyingtheory and then
call on the lady. I confess I'm curious to see her."
"There's
other
one
way
"
"
he
Stellery,
Mrs.
means
obvious
an
than
rather
and
in looks
and
keen
That
was
had
note
fine mind
proved by
occasionally
face
call her
yet behind
she showed
would
a
would
herself
she
and
cratic
aristothe
in
subtletyafter
and
no
handsome
serious
dark
and
manner,
observer
she
One
aspects in which
it is true,
experience,was
beautiful, with
features.
finely-chiseled
of by
woman
Outwardly,
type.
social grace
manifested
find,was
to
was
ventional
conpany,
com-
tlety.
sub-
fearless one,
per-
THE
450
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
and colored
spicacitythat illumined her conversation
what might otherwise be a rather bored and repressed,
though perfectlypolite habit of talk. She seemed
aloof, waiting for something interesting,
all but effete.
Her
smile
elusive ;
was
but, when
compelling,captivating,and as
that impression,it faded
and
itself again. Only the
The
gray
velvetysoft.
She
were
eyes
had
soon
it
it had
as
the weary
mouth
well
forth,
came
created
manner
serted
as-
mental.
tempera-
was
schooled, though
trick of half
raisingone eyebrow,
which
whimsical
relief to her haughty
a
gave
One could fancy her always playing a part and
pose.
what
wonder
the real
different from
would
woman
other women,
be like. Not
very
judged by
the
quiveringlips.
This, at least,is the
Valeska
to
room,
Mrs.
if she
He
Astro
way
later. He
described
waiting in
was
the
an
wom-
the reception-
seemed
embarrassed
and
turned
the
conversation
to
the novel.
"Have
Mr.
he
read
you
"I met
seemed
me
the
quitean
Astro
turned
book.
saw
him
the author.
dinner, and
only twice;
but
he
extraordinaryman."
to
the
title page,
and
before
rinding
"Viola Stellery
the fly-leaf,
on
inscription
: Her
Book," a quaint-enoughwording to arouse
his smile. "A problem?" he asked.
after marriage the modern
"Love
plied.
theme," she reit noticed
the
"
THE
452
Stelleryendeavored
Mrs.
the conversation
that he
and
the way
Fifth
shut
the book
Arrived
page
"
find
across
and
snap,
bought
it,walking down
into
a
and
reread
sentence,
walked
it,
thinking.
home
the
at
open
soft
she read
on
you
too?"
'jimp',
have
"You'll
And
find
bookstore
laid her
the doctor,withdrew
the
at
at
Dipping
came
with
he had
'She
stopped
he
Avenue,
guests in
it difficult. Astro, seeing
at least of
Guerdon.
of The
copy
he
include both
studio.
to his
back
MYSTERIES
to
found
but
in the way,
was
went
On
OF
MASTER
then
'jimp'
'nuances'
to
and
'nuance/
for
"
letters, I think
in the
see," was
the interview.
described
he
and
the book
read
"
for
there
are
it would
be
his
swer.
an-
"If you
several
well
for
positionas secretary.
but all we
Only on the chance, a slim enough one,
have at present. But
Stelleryis right;the letters do
sound
they
literary,though Mrs. Stelleryis wrong
stupid. If I could only think of a
are
by no means
mental
like Askerson
motive
for a man
doing such a sentithing!"
"He
might want to see what she'd do, and use the
episodein fiction."
you
to
apply
Askerson
to
"
"
Men
how
except with
they conceal
it
at
even
or
"Why
motives,
many
Women
time, reallymixed.
a
singledefinite motive, no
often several
act
have
Doctor
pretend to
if the
author
more
than
ter
mat-
themselves
could
Primfield."
Primfield
dom
sel-
another?"
sibly
pos-
MRS.
Astro
"How
did he look
"This
way/'
to be any
in the
other,
he
way
at her?"
turned
453
her."
at
But
LETTERS
yet; and
looked
STELLERY'S
her
away
well
what
was
"Well, I'llread
own.
in his eyes,
the
book/'
she
remarked, leaving.
"And
I'll read
There
Valeska
were,
"jimp,"
connection
and
the letters
with
might
their
mean
important
more
typewriting; and
stenographer in
She
found
found, three
"nuances"
two
was
to
again."
one
"graciles,"
in Askerson's
novel.
In
cidence
the coinin the letters,
recurrence
What
anything or nothing.
to get a
sample of
Askerson's
in the
guise of
this end
search
Askerson
of
Valeska,
was
to be
from
her
to
secretary, he
engaged
work
it out
in
could
not
afford
dramatizing The
himself
on
his
it.
Besides, he
Guerdon,
and
had
THE
454
He
had
MASTER
OF
refuse her
to
MYSTERIES
willingto
talk.
Valeska
had
everythingof
other
prepared
Askerson's
that she
discovered
privatelyprinted during
resort, she
by reading
find. Among
could
of poems,
slim book
his
collegedays. As a last
this, hoping to play upon the vanity
used
"I heard
I think
Magic,
could
He
get
recite
girlonce
it
called. Do
was
that verse," he
If
you'llwait,
puckered
in
once
usuallyfound
finished it and
"Would
He
you
put his
Sea
where
know
you
if I
if you
his
know
said. "It's
I'll see
it for you,
paused
poems
of it?"
copy
seemed
of your
one
like."
He
sat
brows, and
while
of my
one
remember
can
in search
hard
bered
remem-
favorites.
down
began
of
one
any
to
his
write.
to
chine,
ma-
He
phrase,which he
and finally
ceiling,
glare at the
presented her with the sheet.
by
mind
name
signingit?"
and
she asked
timidly.
of the
page.
amine
scarcelywait till she was in the car to exthe printing.The
small "o's" registered
a little
in true
below
the lines; but the capital"N's"
were
alignment.
Astro
it,and
shrugged his shoulders when he saw
with the stem
of his narghileto the
pointed silently
word
"gracile"in the last stanza.
She
could
Two
came
the
from
afternoon.
MRS.
He
wished
but
did
STELLERY'S
Astro
not
455
to
come
to
care
LETTERS
needed.
took
Astro
He
his
from
table
smaller
the roller.
up
said.
with
worried
"I want
As
Astro
behind
him,
pushed
Stellerytook
"Here's
Astro
what
you
am
pers
pa-
or
so,
ket
that the bas-
so
reach.
came
read
opened it and
"I
foot
his
letter from
those
waste-paper basket
the left. As he seated himself,
little to
within
was
crisis. Brush
down, he noticed
sat
expression."Take
your
to
help. Things have come
the floor anywhere."
on
over.
On
typewriter,a
seat,"he
he
went
sheets of paper.
with
Stellerylooked
a
and
ately.
up-town immedithe broker in his den, writingat a big
found
table covered
stood
taxicab
I must
longer!
any
see
You
must
But
know
to
end
fate!
my
I receive
immediately and
this suspense
Will
you
encouragement.
some
meet
to-morrow
me
ter
afternoon, at six o'clock,at the prescriptioncoun-
of the Times
there
and
will let
room
speak
me
If
candle
to
you
for
you'llbe
only five
dow
lighted in the win-
to-night between
ten
and eleven
o'clock."
the letter.
ing
hand-
THE
456
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
and nodded.
"See here, you
Stelleryfrowned
can
feel to have this sort of thing
imagine how I must
it's enough to make
going on!" he said. "And
me
and find out
fairlysick ! But I want to trap that man
he is. That's
who
objectedvery
in any
It
way.
all I could
was
talkingit over,
real danger
no
be
to
She
o'clock.
disgustsher
Of
down
she
one
I can't be
makes
that
wait.
doesn't
and
"
me
I want
after
who
Then
we'll
ter.
mat-
pear
ap-
I'd like to
Instead, I've
to
you
have
you
find out
know.
wild.
chap's head!
will know
course
to
seen
what
punch
nobody
it,of
with
"
and
"
myself. But,
light
"
to
got
scheme
after all
deciding that there was
of her compromising herself,she consented
this evening at six
at the rendezvous
doesn't seem
the thing
to be curious
all. That's
down
go
to the
and
course
at
Stellery
do to get her to
do that
to
Mrs.
follow
her
anything to do
it is,if it's some
put that chap in
if it'sa possible
thing!"
jail,
had
He
worked
and, risingand
himself
into
passionas
walked
gesticulating,
back
he
talked,
and
forth
watched
turned, reached
was
back
Stellery's
basket, drew
out
"I
should
sheet of
wish
have
I had
known
liked to have
assistant with
me."
"I
STELLERY'S
MRS.
LETTERS
457
it feels to send
how
an
been
much
her
to
rendezvous
to
meet
anonymous
how
wife
your
shamefully, I
I've been
suppose.
absorbed
in my
She's
that!
see
ought
to
that's
know.
Now,
her, absurd
crazy
about
who
care
he
"Which
If I
is another
Mrs.
that
man
I'm
why,
"
fairly
her, I don't
with
Stelleryto
enough, and,
for your
reason
is
chance
saw
ing
faintest prospect of los-
the
at
that
as
her.
of ten
one
in any
be
must
make
no
going," said
not
You
scene.
forcible
case,
you
may
depend
can
on
me
to
protect her."
It
nearly
was
Times
the
He
Square.
down-stairs
drug
toward
store
man
Primfield.
entered
the
below
quarter
looked
the
subway
the
to
he
building and
entrance
street, when
jostlinghim
round
six before
to
started
his way
on
a
reached
man
to
brushed
apologize;it
was
Doctor
THE
458
"Oh,
Astro
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
at
he
added.
Astro
own
the
recalled
meeting
mention
his
name.
The
doctor
appeared
to
be
little embarrassed.
few minutes
herself without
at
in the
the
ed
door, handseated
desk, and
distance away.
She was
lounged at a counter
some
dressed in the prevalent mode, and sat like
beautifully
without expressionon her proud face,
a
fashion-plate,
as
if bored
death.
to
haughty,
handed
was
approached Her.
one
still she
by, and
went
in her
no
place. Finally,when
over
to
sat, calm
teen
Fifand
the prescription
Astro
bowed
and
coldly.
"Do
think
you
it will be any
use
waiting longer?"
she asked.
"Not
come,
She
the
I
am
his
was
slightest,"
quite sure."
looked
"You
"Quite so,
at
up
are
sure
Mrs.
him
with
reply.
a
sudden
"No
keen
one
will
sion.
expres-
?" she
repeated.
Stellery. May I escort
you
home?"
THE
460
MASTER
OF
MYSTERIES
"
method
love to her
making
he can't."
"There's
no
he
why
reason
he
when
orate
elab-
an
meet
can
to ?"
he wants
"Perhaps
all
he take such
why should
shouldn't,is there?
It's
right."
"Do
think he wrote
you
them?"
been
If it hadn't
Primfield, I'd be
for your
meeting
typewriter
Askerson's
surer.
leaves it in doubt.
test.
seek is
must
you
Doctor
husband.
"I
bit afraid
practical
; but
afraid
of her
may
be in love with
her."
think
you
have
sufficient motive
proved
course.
was
looked
walked
and
"
at that !
It
is
extraordinarya
so
motive."
Either
don't
yet for
is romantic
Primfield
agreed, was
over
her hand
and
entered
at
that
ment,
mo-
faintly.There
of introduction,and
he
sat
were
down
at
few
words
lighteda cigarette.
said
"Now,"
your
woman's
those two
of them
Astro
chance
before
her
she
and
to
see
vindicate
which
of
her."
eyes
and
watched.
It
was
is."
laughed softly."Well,
motive
"What
is in love with
narrowed
five minutes
perception. Watch
men
Valeska
than
you
have
my
dear, I have
yet discovered."
eagerly.
ter
bet-
Watch
and
see
which
of
those
two
men
is in love
with
her."
STELLERY'S
MRS.
by yourself.
over
But
morning
will walk
into my
LETTERS
at
461
chance
o'clock
ten
to
think
to-morrow
letters
Stellery
anonymous
studio."
ten
next
sulfid of
her
face made
calcium
the Seer
The
screens.
smile, it was
so
sight of
puzzled in its
expression.
"Mrs.
her.
Are
you wished
the author
to
see
of the
letters?"
if you
advise you
He
want
enlightenmenton
to listen in
took
varnish
human
brush.
nature, I
the anteroom."
piece of crumpled
paper
covered
with
He
down
want
THE
462
MASTER
I shall do
eration.
you
be
may
OF
MYSTERIES
nothing whatever
without
Indeed, it
sure.
ask your
to
was
sent,
con-
your
vice
ad-
for
that I sent
you."
She continued staringat him anxiously,and her lips
the words, "My husband
formed
!"
"Mr.
Stelleryshall know
only what you please to
tell him yourself,"
he answered.
"Then
!" Her
lipswere
trembling.
you do know
"
"It
was
my
"Who
them, then?"
wrote
she
demanded
almost
if defying him.
as
fiercely,
"Mrs.
he replied,
Stellery,"
"you are a clever woman.
Not only that, but you have a profound knowledge of
And you have a heart that, in its danger, knows
men.
how
brain."
to allyitselfwith your
mean""
"You
"That
For
her
you
few
for the
them
wrote
minutes
proud
!"
yourself
no
would
one
of
woman
serene
have
knew
have
"We
been
If it had
year.
it up ; but
made
in
wanted
to
him
love
may
not
"My
to
has
his
she must
now
what
I have
"
him
Mrs.
All
worked."
something
again,if I could.
have
been
right it
me.
to
world.
talk.
suffered
Oh
me
dear
the
from
each other for a
growing away
been
only a quarrel,we might have
this was
sorption
only his carelessness,his abbusiness, his thoughtlesscruelty. I
arouse
but I missed
ruse
; but
recognized
so
was
me,
! can't you
a
see
make
?
deceit, I know
It
"
!"
Stellery,
you
I need
to
say
needn't
justifyyourself
is that I'm
sure
your
STELLERY'S
MRS.
it wasn't
"
helped
him
like
more
I don't
"
times
few
so
and
man's
Askerson
Mr.
"
but
he
copied them
they would
know.
letters,you
most
wrote
so
in
confide
to
came
"
463
good advice,
some
wit
how
know
him
seen
woman's
sheer
I don't
me.
I've
"
all
I had
But
it has !
I know
"Oh,
LETTERS
But
fess
con-
what
you'llthink of my praising
intimate
personal things were
know
all those
myself so
had said to
Most
of them my husband
trulymy own.
I thought they would
be
me
during our honeymoon.
his jealousy."
most
likelyto arouse
"Oh, he's jealousenough," said Astro. "You needn't
"
finds
question!
afraid
I didn't
I don't
know
looked
up
I'm
out
the
always expected
how
at him
to
hope he
wistfully. "Well,
he
to.
has threatened
He
to
of the letters."
smiled
when
me
succeeded.
haven't
that's the
And
one.
tell him
kill
won't
; but
I'm
now
with
tears
in her eyes.
There
was
no
haughtinessleft,now.
"I think
his hand
morning
in
his way
on
intended
needn't
you
take
to
to
you
you
"Really?"
I'm
and
all
as
told
that he
me
over
give him
again.
chance
to
said
he
He
had
she
I've quitewon
I'll confess
spoke
you
He
immediately. That, he
sure
"when
abroad
said,would
was
the office.
him
everything."
if to herself.
much."
softly,
"There's
paused
a
moment,
littlecanal
then
in Venice
THE
464
It's
love.
be
MASTER
there
in
"
She
hope
Rio
the
called
just
June
MYSTERIES
Margherita.
after
think
will
it
sunset."
"
looked
he'll
OF
up
forgive
wistfully
me
for
as
being
she
such
added,
a
schemer
"Oh,
I
!"
do
THE
466
if it
were
had
asked
MASTER
OF
questionshe
had
for
which
time
in
reluctantlyconsented.
the subject;but
mentioned
MYSTERIES
had
with
fear and
Valeska
constraint
found
to
consider
Since
then
he had
in his
it hard
it, and
he
watched
had
her
he
not
silently
manner.
explain why
to
She
she had
been
and over
but, as she went
unwillingto answer;
over
the question, it seemed
that their friendship
to her
had
been
merely the product of propinquity. They
had
been
thrown
had
incurred
together continually,
danger, and had enjoyed victory. How, then, could
she be sure
that it was
than
no
more
friendship,a
interest in their work ? Love, she had always
common
with a flash of sudden
tion,
illuminathought,should come
divine gift,as a sudden
as
a
wonder, convincing
in its very mystery.
But her feeling was
it not the
result of a daily comradeship? Was
it a fatal
mere
irresistible appeal of the soul?
cratic,
She found him aristocate
talented,finelyperceptive,and deligenerous,
this all ? Her love, if it were
love, spoke
; but was
of
and she had wanted
words
a commonplace
tongue
"
"
week, she
subjectingherself
and
He
his
set
came
as
found
room
one
laboratorya large
black
on
the table.
She
looked
and
over
Astro
and
into the
went
to
no
over
the subject,
cism,
searchingcriti-
answer.
morning, carryingfrom
object,which he
square
at
it,and
then
her
eyes
questioned him.
"It is
lantern
of
specialkind," he
said.
black
light."
"Black light!"
Her
delicate brows
rose.
"It casts
BLACK
what
"That's
about
one
the
by
or
visible spectrum
and
at
enclosed
in
but
lantern
cent,
to
infra-red.
the
an
The
through.
pass
Beyond
ultraviolet
I have
here
box, which
opaque
permits
the
the other
only
that
rays,
lighted
cuts
off all
ninety-nineper
inside is
flame
is
the
emitted
energy
body.
end
one
see,
see)
can
lie,at
other
the
light we
other luminous
any
467
Bon
all the
(or
cent,
per
sun
Le
Doctor
visible spectrum
LIGHT
ing
cast-
now
sides,
lightthrough the opaque
black, because they are invisible ; light,because they
will illuminate certain objects.
"I want
experiment. You recall
you to witness an
the celebrated interference
experiment of Fresnel, in
which
Well,
lightadded to lightproduced darkness?
of
rays
black
I shall show
give
birth
you
"
how
darkness
light. It
to
into my
dark
is Le
and
added
Bon's
to
darkness
may
discovery.
I'll show
Now
you."
At the farther end of the laboratoryhe opened a
door which
led into a small dark room.
Entering this,
into
and
closingthe laboratorydoor, he opened one
another
dark room
beyond, carrying the dark lantern.
which
was
They both entered the inner dark room,
ventilated through a circuitous light-proofpipe. The
room
was
absolutelyblack; but Astro, well used to
the place,feelinghis way
tern
with his hands, set the lancome
on
"Upon
of
room,
table.
a
shelf
Buddha, which
sulfid
luminosityis
now
it to
gone,
some
weeks
of
calcium.
this lantern
upon
By
Chinese
I coated
with
this time
image
phorescen
phosall its
absolutelyinvisible. But
invisible rays of black lightfrom
and
ago
it is
it. Watch!"
THE
468
As
MASTER
she waited
leska
strained
Then
minute
Buddha
and
it had
triangleof
gathered
It
apparent.
was
In
violet radiance.
the form
taken
the
minute
nearly a
blur
showed
another
for
eyes
faint luminous
and
intensity
the
there
her
MYSTERIES
OF
of
squatting
in
room.
"It's wonderful
"Oh,
that's
said, as
"With
out.
half that
not
light,"Astro
way
he took
it one
be
can
the
done
black
with
lantern
and
led the
photograph objectsthrough
can
nary
they are illuminated by ordiof sulfid of zinc,
sunlight.By using a screen
and trainingthis black lightupon
an
object,one could
it even
at midnight,half a mile away."
see
When
into the great studio, he
out
they came
dropped to his favorite place on the divan and went
on.
"Phosphorescence, opalescence and fluorescence
are
derstood
They haven't been half unqueer things,Valeska.
till lately,when
is called 'the new
what
into being through the discoveries in
physics'came
and Madame
Curie. It used
by Monsieur
radioactivity
to be thought that after a phosphorescentobject had remained
an
when
screen,
opaque
in the
dark
for
while
had
and
and
luminous, it ceased its radioactivity,
bath
of
lightto
that it would
had
make
it act
again.
disappeared.
We
have
But
ceased
needed
Le
Bon
to
a
it with
new
found
proved
be
glow
this black
lightjustnow."
He
had
into space
was
taken
with
up
sat
looking off
BLACK
ble
parable. For,
his
he is bathed
469
an
it he
By
Astro
allegoryof
explained even
but
was
to
LIGHT
science
the emotions.
charlatanry.
own
While
friend is present,
our
in the matter-of-fact
lightof day; he is
When
he disappears, for a time
radiant, luminous.
that impression of him
lasts,like the phosphorescent
glow. Then, the lightfades and we begin to forget,
all save
those who
truly love, who trulyknow, whose
soul can
still perceivethe mysteriousastral black light
he radiates through the dark.
His influence persists,
from
transmuted
into psychic energy.
mental
Selah!"
He
dropped his narghile and sat with folded hands,
miles away.
His smile
looking at her as if she were
the calm expression of his own
bronze Buddha.
was
But
took
Valeska
the parable to herself eagerly.
I need
"Yes, yes, it's true, and that's just what
to
know
before I give you the answer
! I don't
you want
know
I reallylove you or
whether
you're too
not,
life and my
work.
too intermingled with my
near
me,
"
"
If I could
try that
phosphorescence
your
whether
know
not
or
fades
then
out,
affected by your
was
just what
then
of
test
to
were
you
could
black
me
"
tell
light. I'd
alone
in the
dark!"
"Shall
we
for
"Ah,
she
He
You
I'm
"Shall
appear
I dis-
week, say?"
afraid
it would
take
at
least
month!"
said.
laughed. "Well,
"Will
He
gently.
long
as
you
like."
really?"
you
bowed
may
as
use
gravely.
the
"I
studio
shall
as
disappear
you
to-morrow.
THE
470
MASTER
MYSTERIES
OF
will let
affected
be
can
you
know."
me
I care?
Do
care
she entered
As
she began
there, at first. Then, insensibly
find him
find it hard
to
believe that he
suggested his
collected,the
gems,
presence,
all evidences
"
could
not
was
"
there.
of
He
she
see
But
him.
it became
Surely she
a
new
atmosphere.
disappeared,instead
leave
the
out.
As
studio and
she
ringingof
them
and
of
and
opened
She
was
alone
the outer
It stillrang
had
sorry
But
for
had
to
as
sought
least she
while,
which
she closed
sistent.
in-
too
strong,
that she
at
used
been
never
of Astro.
be
last too
the effect of
not
could
think
it
the soft
warned
the door,
it gave
walked
could
at
of visitors.
life in
in which
her,
near
was
only
searches.
re-
feelingthat
not
for her.
to
had
his
and
his taste
he
moment
thing
Every-
the curiosities he
in.
might come
somewhere, waiting and watching
But this,she said to herself,was
any
to
weapons,
She
at
to
not
strange
her
an
uncanny
"
"
Shall
\ve
try
it?"
he
for
asked
a
gently.
week, say?"
''Shall
disappear
MASTER
THE
472
She
and
eyes
thumb
planets of
gazing
into his
the
his
orrery,
She
do !
never
then,
herself
set
the
amining
porphyry sphinx, exthe
table, poring over
figuring out nativities,
the
were
work
to
investigatethe
to
studio
tion
imagina-
her
keep
must
which
with
instrument
an
Where,
before
close
could
She
her.
crystalball.
would
as
to
name
prints at
mimic
That
his
him
see
stillthere in the
was
not
shrieked
Everything
her
could
MYSTERIES
Astro
that
irrationally,
somehow,
studio.
OF
help
on
facts.
her ?
She
thoroughly, inch
by inch.
customed
nothing not in its acplace,nothing new, nothing significant.She
on
at his table to think, putting her elbows
sat down
the blotter and
lettingher head drop into her palms.
It was
fell on
the blue blotter.
Her
changed
eyes
she noticed pencil
morning, ordinarily; but now
every
At
first
the
markings,
Would
a
this be
clue?
attracted
of the
it
yet, as
of
cross
an
its
Either
the
but
repeated?
so
frail
Then
This
Surely that
lay with
gummed
square.
drawn
its
the
attention.
her
and
square
mere
Next,
with
diagonals.
thoughtlesspenciling,or perhaps
small
"
found
she
round,
two
She
could
mean
the X
inkstand
ing,
noth-
shaped
clue.
her
should
it contained
LIGHT
BLACK
them
drew
out,
the fourth
by
one
Three
one.
the
found
she
473
83 N.
She
something
115 lOth-Ave.
320 3d-Ave."
of
littlecry
gave
triumph.
on!
work
to
On
following:
blank.
were
She
Here
at last
considered
was
the
dresses
ad-
these
up
localities and
there.
Saint
seemed
unlikely places
whereabouts
she
; but
Cathedral
called
determined
taxicab
and
wharf,
this,there
Ask
That
the
was
found
the
corner
Astro's
of the
tug laid
Pier
fore
be-
up
83.
Forty-second-
along
Besides
no
nonsense
She
walked
discovered
Patrick's
She
and
which
over
the
next.
and
down
she
for
could
places,and then,
Cathedral
of the avenue,
up
nothing
evidence.
nothing suspicious,return
Saint
of
83
should
she do?
sign of life. What
if they knew
where
Astro
was?
tugboat men
was
Pier
first for
out
the end
at
was
and
half-hour, and
she
find
could
the
news
to
set
and
discover
to
she
returned.
she
She
Patrick's
what
see
if she found
ground again.
There
it stood,
on
Astro
had
OF
called her
once
MYSTERIES
attention to
rabbit.
Gothic
vast
a
MASTER
THE
474
bunny's haunches,
The
two
and
the
its resemblance
transepts did
to
resemble
front towers
like
were
ears.
smiled
black indeed
it was
In Third
Avenue
the entrance
was
the
at
brick
on
level with
bare
as
read.
old men,
to
let,and
shown
windows
were
of the other
tentatively
all,with the exception of
married
families.
Yes,
she
very
were
was
as
no
asked
that
railroad; but it
palm
She
found
and
to
the
the elevated
320
apartment-house. There
Number
up.
occupants,
a
man
couple of
had
been
a beard.
yesterday;but he had worn
there
this a disguise? But if Astro had come
the intention of renting a flat temporarily,why
Was
with
should
he have
in the waste
basket?
dress
why should he have coupled its adwith Pier 83?
There
remained
address,
only the Tenth Avenue
and this she found to be a huge unoccupied building
with shuttered windows, belonging to a gas company.
lot piled with lumber
vacant
a
refuse,
Opposite was
and
the gasbeams
timbers; on the other side was
man
watchShe
bulk.
could find no
tank's cylindrical
What
to give her permission to enter.
pretext
And,
moreover,
BLACK
LIGHT
could
if she
inquiredat
could
think
of
Now
what
she
as
she went
other
any
than
she
was
divan
out
Astro
missed
more
She
now!
he
necessary
her, how
to
was
took
one
up
of
his
kissed it
and
would
the
on
like him
be
would
With
be
to
been
not
seer
of secrets
her
on
in the studio
Could
not
meet
his?
It
last,she
into
summon
Could
left
search.
It
was
Well, then,
would
that
prove
effect.
She, too,
!
she
used
she not
to
the
as
problem.
to think
of him
seeing him
not
to
began
absurd
was
trance,
him
have
there
saw.
She
without
so
she go
to, and
that way;
her
lipsnow,
in her
guide her
test
had
that he must
worthy pupil.
smile
to
in it that, at
be
his lessons
would
she became
surer
purpose
of humor
sort
to
littleValeska
She
these clues
as
She
wanted
how
saw
sad
of it now,
But
plausible
some
for
she
least.
at
life different,
romantic, picturesque.
day.
next
and
room
enough,
sure
made
was
find
to
was
would.
woman
him; she
It
her
to
now
Oh, she
had
do
to
ever.
presence;
he
had
information,
utilize it.
theory to
Back
on
see
this much
had
the
premises,even
Eighteenth Street ? She
think it over
and plan a
to
Better
none.
She
campaign.
the office
475
he had
so
here
seriously.
often pretended
perceivethe
radiance
of
his
As
process?
she
from
of his
her
herself
alone
What
evident
places;
that
that
Was
or
Her
the
mind
cross
correlated
memories
book
forth
Valeska
stuck
the
gas
evidences
to
one
as
and
out
Poe's
her
"
of the
one
the
significanceto
the
laughed
the addresses
York.
another.
the
at
that
was
Well, that
He
he
Her
was
with
did
agonals
di-
they
to
pace
the
She
promenade.
Saint
works.
Patrick's,Pier
It
came
she noticed
pushed
She
to
walk
went
83,
her
So
up
room.
the others.
littlefrom
Tales.
back
went
to
considered
began
mind
jump up and
his problems.
used
she
again,
It
these
between
relationship
left purposely, they
were
some
of Astro.
and
of
New
study.
of
She
83?
ners.
cor-
addresses?
on
be
must
If these
things.
As
her
explanation
esoteric
find
to
shadowy
be in any
an
easy
start
pet,
Why, for all she knew, the pattern on the carthe legs of the chairs could solve the mystery
No, there
rose
its
four
not
gather from
in
with
up
frightened
with
the
of
Pier
probably
to
fit in ?
any
or
feel him
to
conscientiously
too
there
something.
back
be
ferry
was
looked
little
could
he
would
Weehawken
to
back
the meaning
seemed
Astro
was
almost
was
idea.
could
laboratory. She
she went
mystery.
she
her
over
reverie, and
Then
were
there
sat
side, leaning
the door
'
MYSTERIES
this
her
OF
black
secret
without
at
MASTER
THE
476
It
it back
over
320
the
Third
vaguely
that
was
and
one
ume
voltinued
con-
addresses
Avenue,
that
these
BLACK
places
that
them
She
went
table.
were
them
with
form
celluloid
she noticed
tested
triangle Astro
and
found
and
her
and
square,
Then
it
quarter
palms
and
for
used
The
true.
was
it with
elbows
and
laid it
; she
folded
un-
the
on
place.
each
measured
'theyseemed
that
littletransparent
plottinghoroscopes,
sides
were
about
her
chin
on
could
she
down
could
map.
marked
ruler.
York, and
took
next
indeed
They
had
Now
thought that
she
clearlyif she
more
to
She
Then
large map
477
anything
mean
consider
to
about
were
LIGHT
mile
on
the
studied
pins.
her
But
It seemed
if Astro
thoughts wandered.
as
should be there to help her as he always had.
She
thought, with a smile, that if it were
propinquitythat
had
wanted
remembered
the
had
love
But
most.
and
of
her
made
table.
forced
the
Why,
her
was
on
its
the map,
they intersected.
Seventh
at
was
She
Her
On
up,
then,
intuitions,
his
were
presence,
in the studio,and
the blotter
her
And
at
in the
it
last
agonals
di-
But
the
Eighth Avenues.
Thirty-fourthStreet.
234 West
jumped
ject
sub-
looked
and
light of
was
and
the
too!
square,
she
to
drawn
diagram
that
mind
what
true
on
She
though he
had
been
studio
itself
her
beating heart.
had
was
from
invisible!
He
the first!
He
MASTER
THE
478
fancied.
ghost, and
But
for him
she
heart
beat too
open
and
tears
fast.
she
Yet
of
could
in every
loud?
out
Hungry
yet do
not
nook
that; her
she
"
actual
visible
his shoulder.
on
she
as
let in the
his
she look
was,
doorway,
if at the presence
as
Must
Should
the
him.
see
he?
was
as
of
to
MYSTERIES
from
trembled
feared
corner?
and
looked
She
where
OF
She
presence
moved
and
"
break
the
across
guiltyof some
the divan, and
into
on
room
in being
crime
tried to think
it out.
As
had
she
replaced
itself to
herself.
the
not
she
on
the shelf
ran
across
of
calmed
The
That
it from
Purloined
Letter, and
letter concealed
purloined
prominently placed
that it
in
escaped the
she
It fell open
its shelf.
hypothesisto
her
proved
her, and
to
came
she
smiled
to
be
right. Was
plain sight,so
Then
search?
Astro's
the
light?
Black
her.
she
light!
The
should
Where
very
he
first witnessed
words
So
and
it
was
his
experiment,
though
its mysterious waves
smiled
solved
at
the
enough
phosphorescent Buddha,
still radiated
were
She
where
room
where
tell
the
little
hugged
of
prettiness
to
his
of
energy?
herself with
plans.
How
delight,
well he
thrilling
The
their
bell
electric
them
interrupted
in
dream.
"It
smiling.
I
the
of
MYSTERIES
OF
MASTER
THE
480
didn't
is
the
clergyman
"They
expect
are
you'd
and
just
find
the
minutes
five
me
least!"
THE
END
till
Astro,
said
witnesses,"
ahead
eleven
of
o'clock
time.
at