THE

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

last, "you're right !

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

volume, opened it, and

"Let's

wouldn't

he ?

it would

be

had

an

out

it

suspectedof writing 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

said; "if the author

see," he
known,

name

again and
swiftlyover

book-shelves

to his

went

to

man

Let's try the easiest

be

possible

first."

method

swiftlyover the pages. "Well, what d'you

"I knew
think!" he said,looking up.
the man
was
but I never
versatile,
thought
pretty clever,and fairly
He

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

said,eagerly. "I believe

tell that,too !" He took the volume

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

didn't he put his

I can't understand
me

he

easiest."

lighted. She hurriedlyturned

and

Clew finder!

as

possiblemethod

said,as she looked

studied

Valeska

novel

it,Valeska."

taken ?" Valeska

"The

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

thought, "as if she possessed distinctly

ple
purvibrations,denoting unrest."
the quick reply. "THe
in
one?"
"Which
one
was
black satin,with jet ornaments,
who wore
gold-bowed
and limped ?"
eye-glasses,
moments'

"Of course;

describe

I should

but

as

woman

jealousof her husband ; very

of him ; also abnormally anxious for money."
suspicious
"I didn't talk to her ; I was
too busy."
"You must
do a few palms some
day,justto see how
you are gettingalong in your study of the science of
You
human
noticed nothing else about her?"
nature.
Valeska put the end of her pencilto her lipsand considered
"Let me
it abstractedlyfor a few moments.
she began. "She carried two books, didn't she ?"
see
Italy,
"Precisely. One was a Baedeker's Northern
who

and

her

worried

was

was

"

"

and

other

the

was

church

report,
"

Avenue

Park

Presbyterian. But the point is that she's coming here

She was
again,possiblythis evening or to-morrow.
perishingwith the desire to ask me something
literally
which
At

she did not

this moment

"There

hard
A

there

was

few

came

on

ring at
the

ring?

Show

minutes

her

bell.
the office door-

mystic.

It

"Did

twice.

came

the first time whether

quite sure
enough.

nervous

the time."

at

to

she is now," went

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

short time about

something of importance

questioned.
Astro

seat, madam."

HUDSON

JOHN

had

risen,and placed

chair, apparentlyinnocentlyenough, where

glare

of the

eyes did not appear

his long lashes they were
His

illuminate

lightwould

electric

drop

the full
her.

his client ; but under

to survey

busy noting detail after detail.

She sat down
and again hesitated to begin.
about to say, sir,will
"I
I suppose
that what
I am
be kept in perfectconfidence ?"
worried
You
about your
are
"Assuredly,madam.
husband, I presume."
She started in surprise,looked curiouslyat him, and
then said, "Yes," in a faint tremulous
whisper. At
told me
she added, "You
once
things this afternoon
which
so
were
wonderfully true that I thought I
portant
immight trust you to give me some
help on a far more
affair which
has been worrying me
for some
"

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

the police; for,after

the matter, and

it may

can

take

and
crystals

atmosphere."

much

very

to work

when

"

understand," she exclaimed.

go

doubt

marked,
re-

for me
to
It will also be necessary
in fact
in order
into his room,

first take his

very,

appeared.
dis-

week."

palm this afternoon.

time ; for I shall have

some

husband, has

my

for

no

that he

aware

find him, if that

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

lot of talk ; and

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,

"I shall be able to trace

one

him

for the last time ?"

"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

doing remarkably well in

his real estate business.
been saving up to go
We've
since
abroad, you see ; it has been a plan we've had ever
married.
It's a sort of delayed honeymoon, I
we
were
We
hoped to live in Italyfor a year." She
suppose.
sighed.
"You
are
?"
a church-member, I presume
"Yes, I go to the Park Avenue
Presbyterianchurch.
Mr.

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

nine o'clock to-morrow."

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,"

turningto his narghile,lightingit,and blowing

fumes
through his nose
luxuriously,"John

MISSING

Hudson

has

questions
thought

disappeared.
him

about

that she

church-members,

this

guarded

She

asked

several

pointed

afternoon, although

herself well.

their

and

is in the real estate

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

find that will

can

At

ten

him

case

so

up

son
to the Hud-

I wish

since the tenth

and

you'd
see

go

what

help us."

o'clock next

studio,where

kept

well take you

delicate

all the newspapers

over

you

as

I can't very

day Astro appeared in his psychic

appointmentswith his fashionable clients

till two

called

Valeska

where

he did his

in the

into

his

afternoon.
favorite

At

corner

lounging and studying.

that

time

of the

he

studio

MASTER

THE

OF

MYSTERIES

did you

"Well," he asked, "what

get out of the

papers
news-

?"
"I found

nothing
bank

at

than

all, several murders,

I

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.

that it's worse

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

into the bedroom

; 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

they shared this apartment I

look there for anything significan

den

own

permissionto pick
found."

able

unexpected depositin the

as

thought it unnecessary
Hudson's

better

with

me

dollars.

six thousand

some

happened

ready for

was

her

found

will be

the studio here.

to

Hudson

him

what

I tell you
down

came

You

way.

you

couch,

this, all the

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

give a rotary motion

formed, the weight will

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

but rather intricate,

and I
interesting,
it helps us
with
much
Hudson," said
this calendar, and what's
about
the

don't

see

Valeska.
'Number

fourteen' for?"

"That," said the Master

from

universal calendar

be used

for any

; that

This

year.

Mysteries,"is

of

is,a calendar

page

that

can

of the pamphlet,

is the last page

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

I think this over."

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

me," said Astro.

like murder

me

I think

try

with the description

as

have

you

have recognized in the smart,

who

later,the

emerged from the studio

of
languid picturesqueMaster

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

striped trousers, and

trousers

"That

dressed

was

gentleman in reduced

had

Thirty-

near

that

this

ten

some

was

body

found

days. The lower part of

completely covered by a full beard.

water

face

was

River

was

corpse

sixty years,
or
fifty-five
the

man

floatingin the East

morning

in the

HUDSON

no

He

alert to

walked

half-hour

Mysteries,

brisklyalong,

impression.

every

At

man

he

sought, and

the articles that had

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

pointed slender fingers. He had been

of
apparently a dreamer, a mystic, rather than a man
affairs. Astro turned to inspect
vigorous life and practical
The twothe articles displayedbefore his gaze.
in
hundred-year calendar which had been mentioned
the newspaper
corresponded exactlyto the page found
in Hudson's
desk; and on opening it he found that
fourteen,
twenty-nine, containingtable number
page
shaped,

had

with

been

torn

What

out.

was

the fact that with it 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

hair of the dead

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

outside the window, there

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

that the dead

at once

she told Astro

"I didn't find the

his

It

him.

gave

advertising

that he

for the copy,

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

talkingand found out that our

littlefriend had left without settling
timated
her bill. So I inthat I was
looking for Miss Vivian to pay her
I had borrowed, and in this way
some
got the
money
everything she could that would
landlady to tell me
help me to locate the missing girl. She had been posing
if she had
for photographers; but now
it seems
as
got another job. At all events, a gentleman answering
had called on her several times,
to Hudson's
description
with the result that one
day she had left and had never
back.
She had sent for her trunk next day ; but
come
woman

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

his wife for

"We'll
call

"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."

loves his wife too

very

think

to

girl?"

that
at

found

you

least,at 198 East

"Not

for evil,perhaps."

rather

or

out," said Astro.

find

inclined

"With

all ;

MYSTERIES

this afternoon."

"I'm

and

good

soon

him

on

OF

MASTER

isn't

likely, there

But

nowadays.

liked the Vivian

relieved ; for I rather

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

find that out?"

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

"Well, that's what

Professor

mystify his dupes;

than likelythat he

to
more

"Hudson

believed

remarked, "or he wouldn't

his desk

drawer.

"You'll

have

been

"But

Was

he

have

the

used

looks

in them

If he had

had

been

dupe, do

recall that Hudson

possession.

Dove

by

or,

13

had

them
of

for;

him, it's

himself."

believed in them

have

must

HUDSON

JOHN

too, then," she

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

for his money.

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

adjustments, the length of

length of the lower pendulum, you

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 ratio between

the two.

the
Y

"

Suppose, for instance,you divide off

that corresponds to the upper part of the
top arm
into inches,and call each inch a certain
year. Then
"

divide the lower

these

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

good plan to have some

for this kind of thing,on account
of the post-office
authorities. If
a

very

of form
have

letters for answers,

fraud order

mail

"And

of the

inquisitiveness

simply have

you

are

that

set

you'll

and

the calendar?"

"Merely to tell easilywhat day of the

For instance, December
birthday fell on.
on
a Saturday, and
so on."
was
I

"What
said

It's

of scientific basis

sort

the chances

againstyou

order.

you'llnot get your

its desirable money-orders and stamp enclosures."

with

"

day and any

birthdayyou

any

"

am

most

girl,"and

the

any

22,

1883,

in is the life readings,"

interested

the

week

advice

how

on

to

acquire

beauty."
"Or

love?" Astro

"I'll try to do that

From

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 !"

saying,he crossed, and ascended the stairs. As

reached
the landing, however, he met
a
young
coming down, who, at a glance,proved to be

So
he
woman

the

Miss

Astro

Vivian

of the "Dentabella"

advertisements.

stood stillin front of her, barring the way.

16

MASTER

THE

leska

OF

MYSTERIES

beckoning frantically.He

tiptoedto her, and

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,

running down, and would have

tro's hand immediately clutched
"I
of

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

police officer, that's

hurry."

instant

an

there ?"

lose the whole

or

to bluff it out

have

into that of the

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

took that of the

alarmed,

be

Mr.

ened
fright-

Hudson.

Really you are quite safe with us."

"What
He
do
gazed at her in dull astonishment.
want, anyhow?" he exclaimed
peevishly,attempting
you
bold front, though his face was
to recover
a
gard
hagwith

terror.

"I've found
"but at the

same

What,
the death
Hudson
"What!

reallywant," Astro repliedquietly;

time I'd like to have my curiositygratified.

all I

for

instance, do

of Professor

Dove?"

started,and

stared

Is he dead?

When

you

know

in the young

did he die ?"

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

put his face

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

will interest Mrs.

how

Dove's

stances
circum-

lies unidentified in the morgue.

now

acquired.You
of

the

suspicious.

are

Professor

possession of

in

are

that

admit

must

you

so

help

God!

me

and I'll explain it all."

office,

retraced
soon

dark.

their steps in company

themselves

found
Hudson

delivered

opened silently.Miss Vivian

dim light. At sightof the two

gave

stood

three
The

another.

before

before

the

knocks,

door
them

was

in

strangers she staggered

back.
"Oh!"
Hudson?"

she cried in alarm.

"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

card; and, extending from

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

carryinga glasspen projectedso that,when

in purple ink was
curve
was
a
swung,
A heavy weight depended from
the card.

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.

don't take, it all

girl

so

find

can

hard.

some

she

Hudson,"
I'm

sure

If you

innocent, and we'll both help you.

are

everything,we

us

chair and

word, watching him.

Valeska

that you
tell

into

of saving

way

you."
He
in

and

looked

Hudson

took

raised his head

confirmation.

thing,the

Dove's

death.

occurred.

Indeed, I didn't know

told

me.

; but

"When

"The

he

is to

course,

I have
was

nodded

no

I knew

weeks

first

explain

idea how

it

dead until you

suspected that something fatal had

did you

"Two

Astro, who

courage.

important thing,of

most

Professor

about

at

pened
hap-

nothing definite."
see

him

last?"

ago, but Miss

Vivian

has

seen

him

since

then."
The
saw

girltook

him.

He

it up.
was

"It

was

here

in this office that I

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

doing anything with

unpleasant experienceswith

out

go

in his

no

was

several

He'd
sort

Hudson

Mr.

I got

"that Professor

have

19

back, the professorhad gone."

will understand," hastilyexplained Hudson,

"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

long time you

of making
way
a

business.

could in the real estate

wife wanted

to go

abroad

; and

you

are

naturallywished to please her.

and watching the advertisements, you
Thinking it over
to go
that the quickestway
to make
saw
was
money
into some
business and play on
sort of fortune-telling
the credulityof fools. Knowing
of the compound
it traces so mysteriously,
pendulum and the curves
you
decided to adopt that as the basis of your graft. You
found a willinghelper in Professor Dove, who was
oughly
well, just a littlecracked, and inclined to believe thorvery

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

Vivian, here, came

much

too

seen

business

especially,

afford to be known

couldn't

get work, you

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-

professorwent on one of his periodical

debauches, she telephoned to you, and you came
here to straighten
down
out the correspondence, which
was
profitableevery day.
becoming larger and more
work
There was
to it than you
more
at first thought.
had
that night; then you
You
became
to stay here
afraid of Dove's disappearance
spectors.
inand of the post-office
So you buckled down
to a night and day job
Then

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

Empire State Limited

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

solely, sir, to please

for

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

is, sir," continued

fact

be
to

to

so

you
ing
do-

?"

certain

use

occult.
your

descension
con-

manifest

powers

say

posed
'sup-

feelings

"Hum

!" said the

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

lids his eyes

the neat

he

gazed

air of

new

it toward

his

at

own

curiosity,and

the palmist."Well,

find in it !" he said.

can

looked

hand."

at your

stretched

you

Astro
shut

to

willingto acknowledge
you accordingly. I suppose

others find it too hard

look

me

moment

what

see

able

are

that," acknowledged the

palm, nevertheless, with

a

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

prospectiveclient quickly. "Well,

know.

you

what

young

OF

they are or not doesn't matter in

simply to please my wife. If I

come,

locate

MASTER

THE

24

negligently; then, under

sped rapidlyover

business suit beneath

his half-

his client's person,

the black

dress overcoat,

daintilytied scarf,the highly polished shoes, and

the general air of careful grooming. Then
turned
they rethe Seer leaned
before him. Finally,
to the hand
back listlessly
and smiled.
"You
Anna
Held last night,and were
went
to see
bored.
had
You
once
pockets picked, and will
your
ested
probablyhave it happen to you again. You are interI wish you'd look
in Egyptology
and, apropos,
idea of
at my
porphyry sphinx there and give me some
its age."
the

"

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-

Seer, the latter

STOLEN

THE

swiftlystooped
New

York

into

"That's
"Where

check

return

up

did you

earth

C,"

B.

1400

of

slid it

his silk robe.

pocketsof

about

on

"From

picked

over,

25

theater, good the night before,and

of the

one

SHAKESPEARE

said

Barrister

easily.

get hold of it?"

godfather,in Cairo," said the palmist.

"Well," said Barrister,returning,"I've no time now
examine
it closely."

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

stole it also,I suppose

"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

can't get away

He

in the world

sale.

he

can't

wife's idea, this coming to you

me

in that,

use

but it is my
gave

unusual.

afraid the thief,if he found

these folios

it ; for every

and

?"

police?"

see, there wouldn't

suspected,would
anyway

the

to

there ?

would

with

of quarry,

pursed his lipsand

You

"No.

as

one

sort
interesting

Have

what

libraryyesterday. That's

my

about

it.

first married, and

than its own

great

26

THE
"Have

MASTER

had

ever

you

OF

any

MYSTERIES

offers for it?" Astro

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."

right,"said Barrister, rising. "Will you want

the place?"
house and look over
up to my
I

can

put myself

if I do ; I want
no

He

find it for you.

the person

"I think
case,

talking about

evidentlydone

was

his water-pipe

at

I'll try to
book

the
home

came

we

with?"

tampered

see," said Astro.

puffed

the theater.

case

just what he wanted.

a
professional'swork; for the
to dispose of."

"I

did

said, though how

you

happened

lock been

forced.

and

to

gone."

with

to

wife

my

was

"Yes,

hard

at

No, sir ! It would

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

"Oh, very well,"

THE
He

said, "I

it will

suppose

least

at

"To-morrow

satisfymy

I'll ask you

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."

nothing to disturb," Barrister commented

;
interferes with
to it that nobody
see
your
And
so
saying, he took up his hat, gave the

"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."

else did I miss ?" she asked, pouting.

didn't

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.

pin through the

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

something funny about

make
the thing out exactly."
an
see
Egyptian scarab?"
you ever

"Why,
them,

notice

you

later Valeska

moment

gazed

room.

the palmist doffed

gone
A

yawned.

left the

glance,and

if he

that he's rich."

right,
got that much
well-off,in
were
very

! I

if he

fact."

"I should

imagine he

was,

with

First Folio Shake-

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-

passion to equal it."

telephone and called up a
no

volumes.

rare

about

First Folio Shakespeare. Are

rapidlyon

"William

"

knowing

bidders in the open

'there any
wrote

the

to

over

leadingdealer
"I wish

I know

hint that

determined

most

in the world.
He

so

even

all the world

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.

Ah, thank you."

He

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

Chicago, 111." Will

HEPSON,

Shakespeare?

"Why!"

give four thousand

181 East

vigorously,

it to Valeska.

"WILLIAM

Folio

down

telegraph blank, rapidlywrote

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

its mysteriesthat is hidden

lived for

not

cyclesand

of

the

layas!"
Hima-

Valeska, instead of being impressed,broke

ripplinglaugh

Barristers

The
house

they went

as

lived in

off Fifth Avenue,

the

up

of

one

brownstone
ciles,
similar domi-

hundred

into

avenue.

large,solemn

from

in solitude

eons

the Mahatmas

contemplationwith

and

MYSTERIES

OF

heavily furnished, dim, close, lusterless,quiet,

Astro and his assistant waited in the receptionwarm.
till Mrs.
Barrister
room
appeared. She was
large,
plumply built,with gray hair artfullypompadoured
and undulated, and a pleasant,though not very intelligent
that still kept herself well and
smile; a woman
of what
carried herself well,treasuringthe last remains
had been a comfortable
prettiness.She greeted them
cordially.
!" she announced.
"I'm so glad youVe come
"Seems
that
if I couldn't wait any longer; for I felt sure
as
could help us if anybody could, and I do feel so
you
know
ding
about this robbery ! You
it was
terribly
my wedagreed with
giftto Mr. Barrister.
My husband
that it wasn't exactlya case
for the police,
and we
me
don't want
talk about
it than is absolutely
any more
I've heard

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

Barrister doesn't believe in any-

THE

STOLEN

SHAKESPEARE

thing supernatural,and he wouldn't

you

31

stay. But I'llshow

in."

Valeska's eyes traveled over

long speecH,
Mrs. Barrister's portlyperson ; but the Master
of Mysteries
seemed
tive.
rapt in thought,abstracted and inattenHe rose
however, and followed through the
now,
foldingdoors into the librarybeyond. The shades had
this

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

assistant will stay

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

the book ?" she asked.

at about

locked

the theater that

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

that the book

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

I don't like him

of my

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

; it's quite large,you

course

immediately

request, and

to

then

simply isn't here."

Astro opened the
room.

himself.

possiblefor

-everywhere,of

went

at her

went

know

You
to

?"

?"

work, searched

everywhere else
door

and

walked

33

suddenly exclaimed, "I quite

Barrister

Mrs.

"Oh,"

SHAKESPEARE

STOLEN

THE

forgot to tell Mr. Astro something that I'm sure is

important! It's a clue we discovered while we were
searching the libraryafter we had found the scratches
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

written in violet ink.

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,

and then down

ceiling,
pressed it to his forehead,

originalpersonalityof the
itself." He
whirled
quickly about,
and coughed.
to his lips,

assert

placed his

the

until the last influences

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

that she stood

the

with her

room.

stepped quickly over

the wall, and,

reached
or

carefully;but

it

it,and, of

found

himself

five books

keeping his
to

to

eyes

the top of

of the line. Astro's hand

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

the shelf. Before

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-

Barrister,but I can't find it.

it in the kitchen

always keep

minutes

few

appeared,

closet; but it's not

there now."
"I

thought so,"

Mary,
The

Astro.

said

"But

question,

one

before you go. First,let me

see
palm."
your
girlheld out her hand timidly,with wonder in

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

"In the kitchen

I went

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

get that violet stain

at

it

calmly. "It

on

was

your

from

finger?"

writing a

letter the other day. I couldn't get it all off."

"I think I have stayed as long as is necessary,"said

Astro, turning to
excuse
soon

me,
as

I'll go.

I find

Mrs.

Barrister, "and

now,

I shall report to your

if

you'll

husband

as

anything."

iLeavingwith

his assistant,
he

walked

slowly down

STOLEN

THE

the front steps. As

the

windows,

while

She

he

SHAKESPEARE

soon

they were

as

said, "Well, what

out

of

did you

sightof
find out

Valeska?"
investigating,

was

the

narrated

conversation

thoughtfullybeside her, his

side,until they lightedupon
He
the curb.
stopped.
he

here, Valeska!"

"See

35

eyes
a

while

Astro

roaming

line of ash

exclaimed

from

walked
side to

barrels

near

"I

suddenly.

you'd go into this house and find out in some

way
It's a
how
long these barrels have been standinghere.
shame
the way the Board
of Health
neglectsits duties.
Do you see ?
Tell them you have been sent by a Civic
Reform
committee
to find out if there's any complaint."
He
walked
smiling to himself. "Entirelytoo
on,
"so clever that it's positively
clever," he murmured;
and surveyed
stupid!" He approached the ash cans
he gingerlydrew
their contents.
From
the top of one
wish

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.

getting subscriptionsfor a book.

Get one
for a sample at some
shop, something rather
and
sillytoo
Bibliophilesand Their Hobbies
you
White's privateopinion of Barrister.
to find out
are
Barrister,
you understand, has alreadysubscribed. You
to get
work
it up any way
may
you like,only be sure
some
expression of opinion."
You

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

smile at her eagerness.

about

news

Hepson,

believes

He

reason.

some

awfully sore
Mr.

on

rister
Bar-

Barrister's

fool,I gather."
1

"He

isn't in love with

"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

sold several copies to

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

"

"

den, and Valeska

followed

him.

THE

38

MASTER

couldn't find it!

all. But

why

Perhaps

she

"But

what

OF

Then

MYSTERIES

it must

didn't she throw

been

have

the screw-driver

thought it would be missed, and

chance to have it straightenedout."
"Perhaps so," said Astro dryly.
about

the scrap

of paper,

the

girl. "Have you made anything of

"A good deal,"repliedthe Master.

here's

the

of the sheet," and

rest

he

after

Mary,

away

wanted

then?"

asked

that ?"
"For

instance,

took

from

his

from the ash

portionthat he had removed
"Does
barrel.
that give you a clue ?"
She studied a moment.
"Now, wait ! Don't tell me,
please! Your rule is,'Ask yourselfwhat there is about
this crime that distinguishesit from
is
others.
How
the ordinary run
of things? Then
it different from
seize upon
that difference,
be it great or
small, and

pocket

the

and
proceed logically

offers/

But

"Well,

to

an

you

Chicago
turn

This

is

work

it out, and

It's all different,it

to

it will pay

bring in

him
low

at the

Astro.

here at four o'clock."

"Then

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

millionaire will have

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

find either the

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

these circumstances, Mr.

Master

of Mysteries twirled

spoke dreamily.
services

on

Astro?"

this

"On
case

his

the contrary, Mr.

will cost

you

thumbs

and

Barrister,my

just one

thousand

dollars."
His

client stared at him

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've discovered nothing."

"I said that I had

you

do

brow

dollars !"

thousand

blank

indignantly.His

not

the book

found

fee,if

you

had

only five hundred !

drivingat, sir !"
recrossed his legsand

found

or

the thief."

either,was

I don't understand

gave

to

what

his client gaze

for

40

THE

gaze.

He

tone

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

spoke now
ous
very deliberately.His languorhad given place to a crisphard enunciation.

Barrister,"he said, "what

"Mr.

understand

perfectly.If

me

charged you only five hundred

not
tellingis one thousand.

You

is true.

say

I had

the

told you

of the

the location

of the thief and

you

name

book, I should

dollars.

Do

you

have

price for

My

understand

me

?"

now

took

He

crystalsphere and began

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

Barrister's face had

and
his head
moments

that Valeska

check

the blank

to

the desk, took

to

him, and dipped his pen into the ink.

"You

asked, with
"I

"You

check.
sir !" he

behind

handed

over

the

extraordinaryyoung
left the room,
slamming the

man,

knitted.

ute
min-

door

him.

stared, her brows

! I've almost

stole the book

; 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

his wife had

"Which

had

the Seer.
and

name

?" he

most

are

snarled,and

Valeska

"Yes

his

signed

Barrister

up.

his face.

strange expressionon

expect to," answered

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

for his Folio."

?"

now

the

he turned

reason

wasn't

He

cause
interested,be-

his

had already sold him

did you

"How

was

there. That's

its way

Barrister

about

from

three thousand

telegraphoffer

"Let

is

Hepson has the book

"Then

our

and

money,

that out

cash; I found

"Or

Hepson that morning;

Gambling debt. You found
White, who had been forcing

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,

that Barrister didn't call in the

it

to

seems

strange

me

once."

policeat

"Precisely. If he had, he was afraid he would have

trouble,and Hepson might be investigated.It's easy
ing
for Barrister to keep his wife from knowenough now
anything of the sale; and Hepson will be glad
enough at gettingthe book to say nothing about it for
a

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

all the dealers

wife's belief in the occult

the

queer

of callingin
necessity

was

the

what

got

police.I

THE

42

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

didn't like the way he protestedso much

that
had offered to buy his Folio. It seemed
to back

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.

I'll give him

job.

do.

to

hide his

only to

in order

ones

the

intended

was

own

to befuddle

I noticed

past the ash

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

the violet stains

saw

commented

barrels.

the

any

violet

So, I

sume,
pre-

when

he

came

'Aha!'

he

said to himself, 'here's

home

detective that

fool any

clues !'

comes

So he took

after committing
a

hunting for
the piece,tore

left it on the floor. I confess

carefully
that was
clever ; for as his findingof it in the ash can
where
such a
was
entirelyaccidental,no one knows
trail might have led to.
But the trouble is that such a
he has to
when
man
always goes too far, especially
of the boots,
in a hurry. Now, there's the case
work
off

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

supposed to have been

right boot; but it had
its brother

Barrister took

it to make

burglar."
"Why," exclaimed

"

the

saw

Of

boots."

in the ash

nails in the heel

had.

any

in the barrel

the shoe out

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

gold ceiling above

and

lay limp

expression

astrological

until

the

amazement,

amused

were

red

little

pay

him

Opposite

is

the

at

of his client, which

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

him, but said nothing. He

45

weighed

the sound

at this moment

came

AFFAIR

of

and

stupidlyin

did not

tled.
set-

muffled

front of

notice

the

black

vet
vel-

side of the wall behind

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

at the little table,

man

cropped hair. The head

parted the hangings deftly and

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

cushion, and seemed

to lose

prolonged contemplationof the mysteries

within it. His vis-a-vis fidgeted
restlessly.
in

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

time for all this,when

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

policeman eagerly. "What

the

continued

it

objectto

an

you?"
assumed

Astro

"Ah!"
you

The

wished

you

drew

man

out

said,tapping it,"I ain't

againstit on this
glasses and give

tell

pocketbook. "See here,"

rich by any means
; but I'm
if you

he
up

into them

look

can

tip, I'll make

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

"Very well,"said Astro.

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?"

three this afternoon.

Meet

number

should

like to know

what

right. But
learned

have

you

in front of the

me

950, isn't it? That's

place
"

intangible."

detective

wonder

what

abstraction,my dear sir, the

the Tatvic Rythm, is in all instances absolutely

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

night,or else his place would be

blown
He
ported
went
dippy about it,of course, and reup.
told him to put
We
it to the policeright away.
package and carry out instructions. He
up a dummy
did that and the place was
watched.
Nobody came, of
The next day there was
an
course.
explosionin front
put it there the

of his store, and

next

it smashed

good and plenty.

Then

like the firstone,

up

he

the windows

got another

only he

was

to

and

doors

thing
letter,some-

put the money

in

THE

48
a

MASTER

OF

certain fire bucket

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

will tell you

piecessure

was

It read

newspaper.

thousand

night. We

"

that time!

his

of

pages

Hand,

buildingat

pocketbooka sheet of paper,

pasted irregular
fragments from the

it were

It

this last letter."

came

He

On

them,

the third floor of

on

Somebody came
the buildingand

with three exits to

one

MYSTERIES

skull

and

the dread
cross-bones

insigniaof the Black

and a rudely drawn

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

get wise," said the dazed

how

goods.

you
I'll

button, and

the

turn

see

you

mighty careful of that paper

impassivelyas his visitor
electric

"I don't

McGraw.

Valeska

at

trick,
three

!"
left.

Then

Wynne,

his

young

STREET

MACDOUGAL

THE

entered the
assistant,

AFFAIR

with" a free and

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

his sleeve ?"

I didn't have

time to tell you, and I knew

you'd get that. Billiard cue, I suppose?"

in
this Broadway
"Hardly not
neighborhood;
though it's possible. Billiard-cue chalk hereabout is
generallygreen in color. That white stuff probably
a
means
bucket-shop. He's been nosing round illegal
race-track,gambling places,I imagine. At least I told
him so, and it took.
Notice the dab of giltpainton his
"

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

"

the top button

"No."

Valeska's

What

on

do you

at

last to

have

the train of the master's deduction.

"And

"Sewed

eagerly, glad

woman's, of course."
of his coat?"

face fell.

with

fine copper

make

of that ?"

wire
"

He

instead of thread.

surveyed her quizzically.

MASTER

THE

50

She

OF

her

puckered

MYSTERIES

pretty face for

then

moment,

raised

her fair blue eyes interrogatively.

"They seem
don't they?
The
handkerchief
would
contradictory,

suggest marriage ; unless it'sa souvenir

"No.
any

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

hurry; probably mixed

in with

"It

he'd

him,

pick one

his when

the

her

or

in

up

laundry

might be his sister's,"

suggestedthe girl.
didn't she

his buttons

sew

Oh, it's simple enough.

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

laid the last

threateningletter on the table.

Valeska inspectedit carefully.
"The
piecesare all cut from the advertising
pages of
The Era," she said finally.
"Good!
Except these two, which, you see, instead
of being cut, are torn along the edge. Not much
of a
clue,but worth remembering."
"What

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

the latest attempt upon

the

was

MYSTERIES

timber

part of the roof seemed

A

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

few commonplaces to the proprietor,

who, with

face,gazed anxiouslyat

hunted

roamed

eyes

result of

in

pane

awe.

Astro

spoke

the

As

Gallino's life,the whole

of broken

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

interest in the chatter

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.

laughed easily. "The

Astro

among

boy.

it,that's all.

had

take

that-a

wait teel I catch-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

this part of the

me

to wander

influences and
my

building; now, if you will kindly leave

about the place as I like,I may
get those
manifestations

that will enable

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

there, I believe, that

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.

"Ah, this is more

what

see

Then

he

like business
find around

can

you

!" he said.

here

that's

"Valeska,

interesting."

walked

the blank wall of the

toward
directly
adjoiningbuilding. This rose three stories above Gallino's roof, and
of pieces of
againstit lay a number
tro
untouched
scantling,
by the explosion. Over these Asbent

in

Valeska, left

search, while
hole that

the

dynamiter

the

spected
herself,in-

to

had

in the

torn

front of the roof.

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

"I've got it!" he

announced, and

of the house

"Got

what?"

"The

whole

come

"Because
the chance
"One
There

the way.

she asked.

secret,

I've got what

you

across

spection
his in-

continued

as

far
came

that goes.
up here for.

as

But

cifically,
spe-

did

What

for?"

up

you

did," she confessed.

"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

something is. Have you

exploded on top of this roof
people watching the house?

with

that, you
"It

decided

Until

it is."

twisted
"Oh

have

been

!" cried the

shot

thrown

from

the top of

girl. "They put

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

for that purpose

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

potted plant is."

investigatethem

about

one

any

buildingnext

came

of them, certainly,"answered

shall have

look

the

aimed

there, in

the shirt factory. I should

we

small

see?"

those three windows

'f

here

first bullet, going

indentation

the

"Well, it might have

we

was

there

the first time.

wild, hit this piece of scantling. This

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

advantage of his office."

The detective,though delightedto accompany
Astro,
his pretty assistant,into the house across
and especially
of findinganything
the street, belittled the possibilities

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.

"Kindly wait outside

"My assistant and I would
The

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-

in great disorder, looking as

room,

lot of

'em."

track

landlady to unlock.

the

small

was

the

on

motioned

answer,

frightened and

the third floor

reached

they

up-stairsinto

went

sight, o'

second

is,I hope you

say

the block, and

on

room

ain't got the

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

the last explosion,

was

?"

"Thursday."
?"
did you search these rooms
here when
"Friday, miss. The girl was

"And

when

Fine looker,too, she

or

clerk

or

was.

sort

something ; out

of laundress
of

work,

"Well, better look her up too, McGraw,"

"and
He

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

again,and the listening

party caught the sound
At
of unintelligible
cursing, heavy and befuddled.
the
this the officer took the key in haste, threw open
knocked

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

his thick knuckles

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

for his arrest

man

we're

to go

for

burg.
two

over

after,too,
and

up

most

give an

count."
ac-

surveyed the disheveled prisonernonchalantly,

his

his eye, and

the man's

maudlin

o' the slickest dipsin the

He'll be the

now.

up

wall

Astro.

here's Bull,one

Astro

had

he did

likely. Anyway, he'll have

took

Get

o'

holy! Think

?"

anyway

eyes

Bull!

for I've been

Where've

more!

and

this way,
us

volver.
re-

ing
jumped inside,collar-

all that's

O'Kennery, by

you

with

he had

the butt of his

on

the bed.

on

man

meetin'

inside,his hand

hand, examined

the

palm,

the lower

listened to his heart-beats,his head

chest. "Bah

!" he exclaimed

with

lid of

against

nauseated

MASTER

THE

58

shrug

of

hours.

Take

his

OF

shoulders, "he's
him

ill. I'll attend

the rest

to

He

makes

led the wretch

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

of twenty-two caliber cartridges

; then

staler

stillburned

sluggishkerosene lamp

the mantel.

on

over

room

sickening enough

abode, smellingvilelyof whisky, stale beer, and

tobacco

sixty
quite

of this alone."

the stairs,the palmist and

threw

been

McGraw.

away,

After the detective had

and

MYSTERIES

out

woman's

box

pock-

etbook, a ten-dollar bill,a piece of old-fashioned

paper

fractional currency
of fifty-cent
denomination, and
horn-handled
shoe-buttoner.
"I think
eyes

we're

gettingat it now
discovery.

alightwith

"But, for heaven's

Antonio

? 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

pretty piece of business," he

said in his

femme? I'm afraid Mr. Gallino

hum
well,
against it; unless
gets into his net by nightfall."
"

questionedfurther

never

for she knew

the marvelous
while

Astro.

it the old Frenchman

was

Cherchez

the street

across

"What
"

smiled

he weighed the bullet

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

delay may cost Signer

possibly his life. Yes, you
The

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

bomb, signor! Gallino

fist in da

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

Era, Tony ?"

his

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

"Ah, si, signor! She

beamed.

eyes

signor!

all. Read-a
Astro

t'row-a

of ten?"
no,

da time.

roomed

fine-a,nice-a girl. She

"Ah,

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

began reading the palm, only

hand, and
in

face ; bot

his hand

waved

trut' !

give-ame

streamed

that the tears

At

spika da

"I

dees-a

last-a

head, laboring to remember.

wik, early. Si. One

night

she

get-a da posish. You

take-a do pape'. I brink 'er back.' I say 'No, I

in, she say, Tony,

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

"I'll tell you

minutes, if you'lltelephone a
to the proper

question to headquarters,or
find out

if there

loss of

pocketbook containinga

cent

enough.

the detective peevishly.

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

cleverest part of it,"answered

the last time

night and day,

phone.
tele-

being caught ?"

meditatively. "You
him

them

tillthe detective

the

without

money

him, "Tell

the

to

went

him."

waited
was

and

that complaint, to arrest

disarm

Valeska
"It

after

with

appear

hall.

wonderingly

rose

and

to

remember
have

that

thousand

she'd let him

know

she

word

sent

dollars
how

with

to

to

him

transfer

?"

; but

she hasn't let him

she will

know,

so

far."

to-night. You forget that

is the twelfth,the last day."
Valeska, extremely puzzled even
yet as

to-morrow

to

how

62

MASTER

THE

lone
the

girl was
matter

Before
back

came

MYSTERIES

her

accomplish

to
over.

McGraw

OF

she

with

design, sat studying

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

did she look

been

the button-hook

it must

so

say

Station

be

picked.
all

right;

of Bull's

one

terday
yes-

jobs.

her, I'm afraid."

like?"

asked

Astro.

"Why, that's funny. This Gallino happened to be

there, talking to the sergeant about his place bein*
blown
up, and he recognizedher as a girlthat used to
in the corner
work
him.
She spoke to
drug store near
him

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

Gallino told the

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

is,we'll get him

the

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

head, get the

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

doorway and hastened down

InstantlyAstro drew his
the

"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

!"

the exclamation, the figure turned

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

preparationfor his astral readings,seated

cross-leggedon the divan, and took up the stem
narghile.
in

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';

remains, that is,of similar but

that fulfilled

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-

there for ?"

she inquired.
"I

suppose

their chief

use

is to shame

our

vanity.

FANSHAWE

THE

They

67

undoubted

are

Valeska

proof of our animal

anthropoid apes."

the

from

descent

GHOST

frowned.

"I

origin,our

like to be reminded

never

of

that."

"Well, then, of

beautiful eyes, my

have

You

that little part

which

nose

eyelidyou

possessed as
eagles draw

reptiles.

can't

you

of the third

bird, the transparent

"

brane
mem-

the cornea."

over

outside.
bell rang
the instant,Astro
on

ceal
con-

is called the

is but the remains

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

during the last week

Vandyke, by the
at

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

in the little villageof

supernaturalvisitations
farm,

now

the

dence
resi-

Fanshawe, the last living

prominent old family in the

MYSTERIES

all the servants

While

county.

the sensational

reports, and

Miss

deny

farm

the

at

Fanshawe

lutely
abso-

interviewed,the stories afloat

in the vicinity.According
the place famous
refuses

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

spiritof Sally Towers,

belle of New
so

of the

least three

it is

who

in the 1830's.

York

said, in the walled

house, usually with

garden

baby in her

Occasionally she is seen on the roof of the

is
dwelling. The Society for Psychical Research

arms.

said to

interested,and has asked the privilege

shawe
investigatingthe apparition; but Miss Fan-

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

solution of the mystery, I shall

he had

I'd like to handle,"he said,when

the story.
for

me

case

few

days later

herself worried

circulated,because
had

gained, and

value

soon

confessed,based

as
on

had been indiscreet

of the

about
of

the

the fact that

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

"Well," he said, "I'm

noticed

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

tried to; but

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

is," said Valeska.

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

Valeska, using gestures like

When

hair

dark

upper

aristocratic but

an

perhaps thirtyyears.

nervous

slim ; her

and

was

of

brunette, with

the mystery cleared up.

to have

Miildred

Miss

of the affair,and sEe would

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

I recall it. That

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

the premises and

investigate

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

gesture. "Oh, dear !" she exclaimed.

in

How

anything!
secret

see

the

world

"I'll

could

you

hopeless

learn

never

the

learn

ghost story, justby talkingto her?"

"But
take her
watching her?" he hinted.

of the

"And

What

talk, even.
"Do

did she

She

see.

mentioned

the

appendix removed,

vermiform

abnormally large.

might

be

cant?"
signifi-

operationshe had for appendiciti

considered
it thoughtfully.

Valeska
"Let's

that

that

about

mean

you

say

But

fact that she had

and

it

proved

that doesn't prove

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

can't put it with

what

read Metchimportant still,

his Prolongation of
you

tell you

what

chapter especially.

missing link in the argument.

You
have alreadyhalf of my theory,in the doctrine of
'vestigial
organs',which you can apply to Miss Fanshawe's
The other half I prefer you to work
out
case.
for yourself. It's the simplest kind of deduction, and
Let's
needs
Farm.
only corroboration at Fanshawe
down
she asked us to come
next
Friday. That
see;
gives you three days in which to think it over."
and yawned. "I wish you'd buy me
He rose
some
"Now
I must
blue paint and a brush," he added.
put
in a little time on
that new
somnoform
experiment.
There

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

occupied until Friday afternoon.

that day, at four o'clock,she met
Astro at the
Central Station, and
together they took the
for Vandyke villageto keep their appointment

was

On
Grand
train
with

Miss

"How
the

almost

Fanshawe.

little I know

journey
nothing?
for

not

to

71

personal interview with

Mysteries. It need scarcely be said

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

of the servants, and

MYSTERIES

the ghost for ourselves.

see

lay the specter forever."

"I have thought that the phantom might have
impersonated by one of the servants," Valeska
Finally,we

must

that

"With

hypothesiswe

should

seek

been
gested.
sug-

motive," he

replied.
"I admit

"Well,
Miss

that's what

follow

must

we

has baffled me."

Fanshawe's

them

met

man

clue,that's all."

every

the station with

at

carriage,and Astro, seating himself beside

the driver, immediatelybegan to draw
him
the
out on
was
Irish,and willing
subject of the ghost. The man
the spirit,
to talk. He
himself, however, had not seen
in its existence.
John,
though he believed implicitly
the stableman, had seen
it,however, and Genevieve,
an

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

the brick wall of the house

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

formally,with brick walks

left the

old

an

greeted them hospitablyand had

Before
their rooms
by Genevieve.

out

stories in

witness,

house.

brick wall screened

enclosed

third

cook, had

haunted

dinner

She

her.

pointed out
A

maid.

garden

along

the two

circular pool with

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

and nothing more

subject,

said of his purpose

was

there.

That

night he took his place with Valeska at the end

of the garden, away
from
the house, to watch.
He
had
come
prepared to spend several days; for the
chances
were
against their seeing anything the first
time, though the appearances
had, according to John,
much
become
more
frequent of late. So, bundled in
wraps,

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

the seat there

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

its first quarter. Miss

had

of the house

most

them;

garden

on

early.
small
the

door

stable.

in the

Directlyin

old-fashioned

spot, one

wall,

sun-dial.

well fitted for

supernatural. Perhaps Valeska

thought it too romantic, for after sittingwith Astro
for a while
she rose
and paced impatientlyup and
Her
He
did not try to keep her with him.
down.
seemed
nearness
dangerous to his concentration of
mind, to his watchfulness.

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."

?" she exclaimed.

them

bidding

were

door

made

saw

did

whistle,called his assistant.

some

ghost

seen

you

small

he

and

away,

little sadly,"even

the

the

he

low

learn

might

"We

much

stole to

75

attracted his attention.

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

stole into his.

received from

quarter of

Was

the servants'

fear the specter ?

to

could

not

doubt

of her

"There

again,and
it the suggestion she
love-making, or did she

her
had
gin
be-

"With all his cleverness,Astro

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

said Valeska, "it's my

"Then,"

was

in

exclaimed

harsH

the shrubbery at the south

at

last,indeed,
"

form, bearing something that looked

whisper,

wall.

seemingly sheeted
like

little child

in its arms,

the path! It approached

stealingdown
of the trees it showed
noiselessly.In the shadow

them
too

indistinct for identification at that distance.

Astro

abruptlyand took a step toward the house, when

Astro broke
immediatelythe thing sped rapidlyaway.
into a run; but when
he came
to the house
nothing
rose

to

was

He

be
went

seen.

back

to

reassure

Valeska, who

stood, star-

MASTER

THE

76

OF

MYSTERIES

ing, trembling with excitement, but without

Hardly had he reached her, however, when her
rang out again.
the roof!"

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 door, she found

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

up-stairsagain and knocked.

was

noise

partlyopened

was

for

something

saw

desire to

new

rattle,a chair being moved,

the door

attention.

disappear. Her

went

there

about to go

was

her

attracted

the back

Genevieve, and, with

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

walk, passed through

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

impersonating the phantom, she

it before
her.
She slipped inside
which
not lighted.
was
room,

some

dared
Miss

FANSHAWE

THE

"We

have
out

come

had

door

your

awakened

you

Miss

Fanshawe

hair streamed
and

her

the ghost, and

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

her, miss/' she said

she

the

has

and

door

entered.
"I'm

to Valeska.

hysterics,and

can

"I'll

used to

calm

her

you'llonly leave us."

There
seemed
nothing better to do, and Valeska
and
down-stairs
went
passed into the garden again.
Astro strode up to her, a lightedcigarin his mouth.
down

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

asked, still trembling with

Astro
morrow,

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.

trap for the

you'll see.

delicatelyand

think

was

never

ghost toIt's only a

safely. But
so

it after I left?" she asked.

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,

nickeled brass cylinderhe had

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

paint. I might also mention that the

the house
wall
lightning-rod running up and down
side of those windows
is alreadypainted bright blue.
in shooting our
If I don't succeed
extremely lively
littlefriend the spook with this gun, I expect the lightning-rod
with blue stripessufficient
to streak her up
with

loaded

blue

for identification."

Valeska

gazed at
!"
lightning-rod

"The

for any

one

she exclaimed.

and

loftytumbling
reply.
it runs

outside

of

possible for that girlto climb

the

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

"It isn't possible

climb up there ! Do you

of the
you'llsee some

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

ladder to the very

practical
"But
why, why, why?" Valeska

wailed

almost

the

words.

"Ah,

haven't read Metchnikoff."

you

Then, suddenlyhe cried,"Look

They
he

standingbeside

were

Miss

pointed to

the sash

glass as

the

pool now, and

window, clearlyvisible

raised.

struck

moonlight

The

garden.
was

arm.

the central

Fanshawe's

this part of the

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

shoulders, apparently carrying a child.

She

few

swiftlyand

them, then

steps toward

made

for the bushes

she

retreated

the north

by

wall.

appeared atop the wall, and

came

In another
to

up

swung

stant
inthe

first balcony of the portico,still bearing her burden.

A

few

minutes

more,

"Quick, now

in and

go

I'll hide in the bushes

full of blue

paint.

her only way

"But

what

reappeared

!" cried Astro.

and

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

stopped suddenly and looked at her. "Why,

dear, I forgot. Is it possibleyou haven't guessed

it yet ?

Miss

that's all.

Fanshawe
But

hurry!

is

asleep.
Make

It's

any

somnambulism,

excuse

if she's

80

awake

MYSTERIES

if she's not, don't awaken

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

before her without

the

up-stairs.Miss

appeared in the window, blockingout

with blue stains.

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-

before, but this is miraculous!"

"If you

had

read

calmly,"you

would

is not

and

rare;

The

hysteriapersons

Metchnikoff," said Astro, smoking

have

you

found

would

that such

have

case

discovered

fact is that in somnambulism

often

revert

as

the
and

this
planation.
ex-

in

to the charatavistically

FANSHAWE

THE

GHOST

acteristics of their simian

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

already observed, possesses many

stillactive functions of her monkey ancestry, which in
have become
and women
most
use.
men
atrophied with disHer
appendix was
large,like those of the apes.
She bore traces of this also in the hair on her lip,in
her ability
her ears, in the development of the
to use
we

as

of her toes.

muscles

glance

at

It

her, that she

peculiar. In

her

evident

was

if not

was,

to

first

at my

abnormal,

state, of

waking

me,

least

at

she

course,

is

highly refined and cultured lady. Under the influence

of hysteria,or
in this strange somnambulistic
tion,
condishe merely reverts
know
that newto type. You
born
babies can
hang from their hands, like monkeys,
but

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

nikoff's theory to her

not.

And

Fanshawe.

Miss

would

have

she would

it
b'esides,

explainthe originof
care

I don't intend

to
to

my

be told that she

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

raised his olive-hued

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

you !" Valeska

announce

impossible.I

moment,

of Valeska

alarmed

touched

light.

strode into the apartment.

years

The

button,

Master

-flushed and

right hand

force!"

main

by

his assistant
with

tillI

moment

exclaiming.

!"

office,where

client that often told Astro

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

take this case!"

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

darting from point to point of the young

clothing. Finally he said languidly,with an
foreign accent, "My dear sir,the
imperceptible
have a proverb,'He who is in a hurry is already

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

great relief,nodding his head,

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

!"

gracefulgesture with his long slender

dear sir.
hand.
"It is not a question of brains, my
It is a question of the right comprehension of the
and powers.
forces of the occult,of undeveloped senses
them the way
from town
Men
need sign-boardsto show
stinct.
The birds wing their straightpaths by into town.
made

Astro

It is my
that

minds

most

body,

esoteric

fortune

see

laws

do

not

to

the occult for ages.

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

"I believe that there

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.

life will stop,

can't imagine; it

crime

men

that killed her

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

into his chair and

his
the

sat

pretty blond

Astro's
head

as

"My

beginning.

eyes

to

turned

it bent

ously
seri-

writingpad.

man

spoke

now

as

if he had

alreadyclearlymapped out in his mind.

impulsivegestures, displayingan
intense

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

client's hysteriagradually subsided,

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

with the old adepts. Can't

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

part of the world

what

in.

broke

Masson

anything! Only help

a

to

come

he

Masson,"

myself

of Being,

Laws

wish!

were

Mr.

agonizing experiences as yours

the student
of the Higher Way."

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

I'll forget myself and

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

get the vibrations of the

that

will

the Tombs

She, too, must

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

this for me?"

do

him

was

But

I can't rest tillthat's done."

you

know

crystals; you
you

It

doubt.

MYSTERIES

strongest point againsther.

the real murderer

down

OF

me.

Miss

who

night
To-

Denton's
is sensi-

tive to

permissionfor that, no doubt."

he
as
He shot a glance at Valeska
She repliedwith
name.
serious again.
and was
an

89

will be able to get

friend McGraw

My

aura.

MYSTERY

BOUDOIR

DENTON

THE

spector'
the in-

mentioned

smile
fluttering

buttoned up his overcoat, and with

Young Masson
did his best to express
embarrassed, hesitating
manner,
short his stammering
Astro
cut
his thanks.
laid his

sentences,

friendlygesture

shoulder, and guided him

Masson's

on

with

hand

own

out

of the

room.

agreed that they should meet on the

nine-twelve train for Hamphurst.
back to the studio,shut off all
The palmistwalked

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,"

said, "that patter of yours is almost as becoming

that turban and robe.
But, to be serious,have you
clue

Astro

as

did

yet?"
not

answer

for

moment;

then

he

said

meaningly, "The principleby which muscle

reading
be accomplished is this : The
that is held
can
person
in a minute
circle until he finds the point of
moves
least resistance to his motion.

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

for the four

car

work.

was

his holders

Masson

for
and
was

excited to tell half."

reading for a half-hour,Astro yawned, shook

the cynical psychologist
himself, and changed from
to a man
of keen brisk manner
and alert glance. His'
limousine, which was
always kept waiting at the
green
door of the studio,took him
A
rapidlydown-town.
half-hour
later he was
looking through the cell door
After

at

Marie

Dubois, the French

maid

of the late Miss

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

volubly protested her

without
on
questions,

all she

knew

of the

apparently. She
at about

had

affair,
started

half past six to

get

THE

BOUDOIR

DENTON

cashmere

shawl which

Half-way

be sent

to

was

the side stairs she had

up

inside the boudoir.

voices

MYSTERY

the cleaner's.

to

stopped, hearing

did not, however,

voice; instead, there

Denton's

Miss

She

91

ognize
rec-

was

voice, exclaiming"Great God !" several

higher-pitched
This
followed
times.
a
was
by laughter; then came
She heard
shrill whistle.
something like the fall of
a
body, then footsteps. All this so alarmed her that
door.
she ran
Finding that
up and tried the boudoir
,to the

locked, she called down

and

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

"Marie, did Mr.

cried

butler

I steal his letters?"

The

she

The

letters from

were

like Monsieur

Why

the

paquet.

ze

ze

"Let

voice

Denton, she give me

fiance !" the

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

her heart to be weak.

of

and

wedding

Valeska

pose.

gazed mournfully out

took

house,

an

all

They

its preparation

feared

for her, and

abstracted

Denton

his head.

shook

and
ago,

so

Alighting at Hamphurst, they

were

and

nervous

of his reverie only once,

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

the train down

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

minutes, he thought, between

three
heard

the

that

also

"

when

the moment

to

"

of voices

voice, he
about

was

the time

laughter for

the

voice and

self
him-

front hall at the time, rolling

had

and

rugs,

up-stairs,and

further; But

go

previous story. Both

the keys withdrawn.
The
footprintsor traces of any

and

open.

some

up

MYSTERIES

Masson's

locked

were

OF

he

when
had

called

Marie

he

heard

for him

appeared much excited.

air
awkward
He
an
a simple-facedfellow, with
was
the ordinary
and
a
generally shiftless appearance,
country youth who has had too littleenergy to better
himself in any way.
Astro scarcely
gave him a glance,
but stood gazing at the door in front of him.
left the
and all but Valeska
He
made
a sign finally,

to

come

She

up.

had

"

She

room.

followed

his eyes

the walls

kiss

Then

them.

and

she

floor.

Astro, thoughtfullyregarding the

"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

mistaking that blush. It is a common

est
that French
to suppose
error
girlsare a whit less modthan their English or American
sisters. In point
often more
of fact,they are
more
so,
ignorant,more
Marie
innocent.
was
carefullybrought up ; she is
There

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

has that kiss to do with

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

preciselywhat I'm here to

resume
my meditation,that

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

half the mystery."

parallel scratches

was

spoke; then
it!

I have

He

pointedto three
frieze, above the picture-

molding.
Valeska

shook

her

head, puzzled.

He

shrugged his shoulders and went to the window,

pointing to a tiny spot on the white frame.
"It's blood!"

exclaimed

"It's blood; and

and

no

blood

was

yet

shed,
"

Valeska.
Miss
none,

Denton
at

was

least,of

strangled,
hers."

THE

96

MASTER

OF

blood, then, was

"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,

dear, it certainlyisn't your

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

latelyquarreled with Miss

good cooks have bad tempers

be

the kitchen

to

There's

while.
earn

much

thousand

my

had

Valeska

can

do.
to

bad

Denton.

but,

her, she may

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

it inch by inch, looking again

going over
window, finallyturning to the balcony. The

which

he

the floor and

his

whose

Off

the

balcony

next

to

Then

rail of the

pocket

the elm

and

branches
was

the boudoir.

he

smiled

that

showed

the

Master

unusually perplexed. After

Mysteries was

glass from

worked

balcony, he

spent

half-hour

stretched toward

another

window,

up

the

bird

gazing at

the window.

from

This, too, he examined

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.

might have picked them

she

then

and

up,

girlsays that, just

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

the crime, the cook

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

why should any murderer

laugh? The
whistle might have been a signalto some
outside."
one
"Except that, in this case, it wasn't. My dear, the
laughter and the whistle are the easiest parts of the
What

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

the stable and

looked

of the floor stood

in overalls

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

Still the young

In the center

great door.

isn't it?"

like to look

gettingone

to

polishingthe brass work.

"A very fine-looking
machine,"

grunted

friend

I should

of

in the

Lachmore,

chauffeur
am

Masson.

moments.

large brown

nodded.

offered.

few

But

you.

left,the palmist strolled slowly over

Valeska

Astro

get Mr.

it to

I'llbe in the stable."

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

color,but partook of the

was

nature

fluence
in-

singularlyenough, I find the same

active and
vibrant.
here, only more
has

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.

Seer, "this young

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

raised his voice

said,"I

can

material

cut

this

see

frame.

his left

Now,

I notice

he

well

his

as

the

on

Masson,"
as

forefingerof

hand, in its astral condition, a small V-shaped

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

said, "kindly oblige me

your

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

friend," said Astro

"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

him, fought like

to

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

enough; but not

really."
At

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

not, sir! Before

murdering her! I didn't

I only tried to keep her
I had till afterward.
screaming, and she dropped like a log. It was

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

for fear I'd be suspected! but

away,

how

It

hold

my

floor,there

cold.

run

the tree and

on

after I heard

but

fell to the

or

drop

me

kill. I couldn't stand

was

didn't dare

she

blood

my

MYSTERIES

bite that made

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

week," said Masson.

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

safer place for

with

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

it,"he said. "I wish

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

capillary lines, starting

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

silk hat, threw

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

fire in the grate

She

by coveringthe front with

down
her pencil and
looked
It only makes
the fire burn

laid

"Why,

no.

doesn't

it?"

He

nodded

his head

that's what

Mrs.

out

put

blower

is

doing

with

?"

smiling.

up

the

hotter,

gravely. "Precisely. And

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

yes," said Valeska.

eighteen,with dark eyes and
always looks so innocent that
needn't
not
;

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

for that matter;

and

demeanor,

decidedly.

most

? She

pet her."

to

asked.

doubt, by her handwriting, which

of

Have

hair,isn't she

dark

as

"Is she in love then?"

"Without

all

was

in.

came

to

pretty girl of about

"A

has

She

worry.

mistaken.

you

That

course.

Lorsson

"Oh,

if I'm

all crazy

were

her?"

seen

"You

they

palms, of

stupid enough, until Ruth

pretty well-known

more

tea, and

went

seen

the

by her
general

But

double

saw

curve

heart line,too,
and

appearance

had

better

proof

than all that."

"Why,

was

he there?

I'm sure."

I could

Have

told in

an

stant,
in-

LORSSON

THE

there; but another

"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

she insisted that I should

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

it; but I confess that that list of

numbers

piqued

wasn't
at
"

At

have

it had

bill accordingly.

my

curiosity,and

my

I looked

anything like that.

first glance that it was
a cipher.
perhaps because the thing seemed
a

sum,

or

rate, it interested me,

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-

her book-shelf, a half-filled

of

copy

an

was

be

to

one

she

fond

room

it

every

exclaimed.
of

sweet

page

spiritualistic

'fishingtest' on her, saying

religious.She smiled
very

what

throw

can

pretty well when

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.

Fuller, and, I imagine from

millionaire

she's

I think

stepmother

immediately

is Sherman

I heard,

"

present immediately began

was

He

that

stepmother

betray herself;
who

man

pretty

of the first things I said

in love.

was

very

of eighteen isn't quite so

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

yet. It's absolutelymeaningless."

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

that the letters Miss

doubt

But

matter.

chaperoned. She didn't

strictly

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

"I thought that

sighed Valeska.
all gone
by nowadays."
have a stepdaughter, and an eligible
to

tyrant and

to," said Astro.

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

holding the paper

who
is having a
forced
but

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

you're clever, for eighteen,and

every night after dinner."
Valeska's

another

write to him.

"Yes, and
the

young

you

grew

bright. "Then

? But

that

was

grandmothers wrote, interlardingtheir

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

divine wisdom, but almost

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

figuresmust refer to the chapters and

the numbers.
verses," Valeska said,scrutinizing
the books," Astro added.
"And
Valeska
stillpuzzled over
the list of figures. "The
numbers
too high for that."
seem
in detail.

columns
of the

book

to

But
Bible ;
the

Now

second

examine

us

We'd

that can't be the number

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

and she exclaimed

radiantly,

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

pick out appropriate

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

candy there, and a newspaper

She paused and then, gazing at him through narrowed
"It must
be through the paper ; I can't
on.
eyes, went
other way
would
see
possible.No one
suspect
any
It might be in
concealed.
that, if the message
were
the

'

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

"Well," she said, "if it

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

bring his first advertisement

Monday, May twenty-fifth."
He turned to the file,
and they looked over
the pages
finger
together,her chin on his shoulder, Astro's long foreafter another,
advertisement
hovering at one
his suave
voice keeping up a running commentary
:
"We'll omit the displayed ads.
He's probably poor,
Ruth's
or
stepmother wouldn't
object to him; so
couldn't
afford that, and besides they would
be too
classified under
are
conspicuous. All the little ones

"

heads.

Let's

known

'Automobiles/

see:

second-hand

all

h'm,

"

well-

shops. 'Lawyers/ nothing there.

'Real Estate, Villa Lots/
don't see anything, do you ?
"

"

'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?

again,too, her favorite number.

Sir Roger de Coverley, except in
"

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

Valeska, thinking she had

up.

to

issue

advertisements

the

before

wasn't

get the whole

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

Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and

deep

and

into the

rightone

was

column, which
SALE

CHESTER,

forty and

three,

64

"Begats"

'

"

"

peals of laughter. Some

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

blessed infants ! Isn't it perfectly

lovely? Ruth

"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

good, 1st class,2d hand

Star

Office.

tables.

ELOPEMENT

LORSSON

THE

113

turning, therefore, to the third book

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

by the ablest literarymen

be, written

well

King James' epoch," said Astro.

I'll write

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

Valeska, having the references

follows, insistingthat Ruth's

"You

be

will love

thee, O

Lord,

my

advertisement.

strength. (Ps.

18:1.)
wilt shew

"Thou

is fulness

presence

the

me

of

joy;

at

pleasures for evermore/"

are

path of life; in thy

thy right hand there
(Ps. 16:11.)

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
"

'I will behave

wilt

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

lips.'" (Ps. 89:34.)

Chester
"

'How

sweet

than

sweeter

"'Whom
is

honey

to

earth

unto

! yea,

taste

my

(Ps. 119: 103.)

mouth!

my

I in heaven

have
upon

none

thy words

are

thee?

but

and

there

that I desire beside thee.'

"

(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

pretty serious face

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

thy servant ; for I

speedily.' (Ps. 69-17.)

word, waiting for her

glistenedin

me

thy face from

not

reread

deep.

: cause

walk; for I lift up

(Ps. 143:8.)

in trouble; hear

am

burned

hide

do I trust

in the

I should

thee.

unto

thy loving kindness

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

all she could

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-

little jealous of that Sherman

"Well, that's enough. I should

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

already found it out.

morning excitedly.

not

studio

! isn't it awful ?"

morning

wits

matter

lover,until she had

he had

the

his silent contemplation

from

that if she waited

knew

She

She

lay

can

of Mysteries

stopped thinking the

with

that mystery, if indeed

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!"

"Well," said Astro, yawning, "I'm

one

jump

of the

out

tired of that number

a

jealousman

to our

to

Psalms,
nineteen.

look.

You'd

anyway.

Job

is

was

made

he

getting

good place for

his remarks

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

prevented the dawning of the morning, and

:

"'Thou

hoped in thy word.

boldest

troubled that I

can

mine
not

eyes

(Ps. 119 : 147.)

waking:

speak. (Ps, 77:4.)

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

acquaintance into darkness.

'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

it ; that's all I want.

does

walk

out

she

know

we

if

walk

we

goes

find

may

eighttillnine

from

and

up

Fifty-thirdStreet
up-stairsinto her

to

night after dinner, say

every

o'clock.

how

in front of

down

something doing."

hope we'll find Chester,

!" Valeska

anyway

exclaimed.

They proceeded
walk

to

third

up

Fifth

Street

as

he

Avenue

at

few

had

suggested, that evening,

after dinner, reaching Fifty-

minutes

pointed out Ruth's window,

eight. Astro
alreadylighted.

past

which

was

Then

together they walked slowly up

opposite side of the street, keeping

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.

list the last addition:

made

hast

countenance.
"

her

him

withholden

thy

6.)

given him

hast

ever;
for-

exceeding glad with

him

21

blessed

most

the

his

heart's

desire, and

of his

request

lips. Selah.

.(Ps.21:2.)
"'Yea,

they opened

and

said, Aha, aha,

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

Gossip this morning

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."

evidently believes she is engaged," said

"but I don't. No
girlwould give up such

leska
Vamantic
ro-

lover."

"Now,"

side of the

going to get hold of her

I'm
getting as interested
paid

for it. The

does

alter the matter

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

fact that there

straighten it out

way

of

question is:

said Astro, "the

see

but that we'll

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

that will not

I think

'My heart is smitten,

so

she

said.

102.

much,"

too

when

hesitatingconsent,
be tried only once.

she

something wrong,"

it out,

great for Valeska's

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

he'll take it and

her

"and

on,

119

I'm

quarter of eight. Chester

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,

the street, spied the box

walking down
had placed conspicuouslyon the sidewalk,
teen
Fifquickly,and walked hurriedlyaway.
dow.
later,Ruth's box dropped from the winsecured
it and took it to a near-by lamp

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

the the will of mine

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

for false witnesses

and

me,

not

me

OF

in mine

integrity:

me.'"

unto

(Ps. 26:

11.)

"I'll tell you

down

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

get into his

he is

messages

to

much

too

yourself as

time

look

ceiving.
re-

model.

about, and

of the boxes

in

man

make

can't

what

offer

Astro

to find the bottoms

manage

day. If

at

find out

go

can

this

tillit's all over."

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

what'll do," said Astro, "we'll send

every

love, he won't

stroy
de-

them."
consented

Valeska

the

out

advertisement

"'Let

attempt the adventure, and

the

next

in The

Star:

lying lips be put

silence; which

to

speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously

against the righteous. (Ps. 31 : 18.)
"

'For

I said in my

thine
voice of

cordingly
ac-

morning after enteringon

ter's
deciphered from Chesfollowingmessage

set

her list the

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

day in his studio alone, reading

ents,
palms and castinghoroscopes for his fashionable clitheir calls,
and during the leisure times between
where
his
to the desk
a
glance across
casting many
worked

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

lightabove her head.

perfectdear !" she said as

"He

isn't at all handsome,

turned

"He's

speak.

on

for almost

smiled
into

deep

divan

wall

portieresparted,

the

Astro

the

on

Valeska, smartly attired, gloved and

appeared.

with

to

feathered,

first time

that

breath.

get her

but

he's the most

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,

twinklingblue eyes, and fine teeth,and so young

too
why he made me feel eighty years old ! It was
gent,
intellieasy! I was
just what he wanted, and I was

and
"

he

and

gracefully for Astro

"It

was

hands."

liked my

funny

their faces to the

to

admire.

She
He

kissed

old place,all full of

wall, and

dust, and

them

extended
her

canvases

pewter

ger-tips
fin-

with

pots, and

It smelled
everything".
such
turpentine;but it was

brushes, and old magazines,and

horriblyof

tobacco

fun ! I didn't have

and
to

do

much

detective work, either.

THE

122

Do

OF

in

nailed

bottoms

I felt like
them

thief.

all those

the wall

on

row

There

got the list of, and the

you

there

and

MYSTERIES

know, the child actuallyhad

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,

all this week."

'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

My, if I'm not tired,

be playing on
a
piano
mischievously over
my

I knew

the window

signs!

to

looked

nice, all the

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,

shabby Bible on his

did he treat you?"
"How
Valeska
laughed. "Well, not in a way to
conceited.
Oh, he's in love, all right. He
me
exactly as if he were
purchasing a horse.
expected him to open my mouth and examine
was

candy-

I think
If I

him.

we

shall have

bought

arranged

picture or

two,

it might help, perhaps."

Valeska
each
time
wrote

and

posed

evening
more

to

for

Chester

the

studio

the six
to

report

days, returning
to

Astro, each

interested in the love-affair. Each

down
the text

the

cipher message

she found

day

printed in The

in the studio written

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

"'They gather themselves

themselves, they
for my
"

for

mark

together, they hide

steps, when

my

(Ps. 56: 6.)

said, Oh that I had

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.)

thy beloved may be delivered ; save with

(Ps. 60:5.)
thy right hand, and hear me/"
'That

Chester
it shall be, if thou

"'And
shall
unto

be, that
the

us,

with

us,

goodness the Lord

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

(Ps. 40: 7.)

said, Intreat me not to leave thee,

from
following after thee: for
goest, I will

go;

and

where

thou

lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be

(Ruth 1 :16.)
people, and thy God my God.'

my

"

gettingserious,isn't it?'*said Valeska, wHen

she brought the last message
"Poor
of Ruth's.
ter
Chesis half crazy.
He's been working like mad
to get
illustrations for The
Universal Magazine done;
some
to get money
so
as
enough to get married on, I sup"It is

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

it,and be ready for

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.

laughs at locksmiths," said

not at stepmothers. All the

"Love

that

studio
the

and

to-morrow

if you

see

You

message.

to

go

can't find out

the

about

elopement."

"All
At
a

the next

on

right,"said
o'clock

ten

messenger

Valeska.

the next

morning Astro
hurriedlypencilednote. It

"Something awful has happened

his

leg last night, and

but when

it was

brought home
and

has

to

the

I'm

fever, and

studio.

planned for to-night.

and
text

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

I'll get it out

the

it out;

night: I can't make

immediately.

indicated

text

the

sure

on

almost

He's

by

hospital;

the

to

(the leg), he insisted

set

read

! Chester

taken

was

received

so

V."

Psalm,
fifty-ninth

fourteen:

verse

"

make

'And
a

at

evening let them

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

"Ruth, child! what

voice

threw

up

sash.

shimmered

opposite her

curb
looked

at it

noise like the

Ruth

the

raised
It

with

house

eagerly.

barking of
the

smiled, let doton

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

repeated three times.

drew

Ruth

and

waiting. She

was

There

and

MYSTERIES

half past eight when

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

jar frightened her.

and

now,

The

door
The

ran

slam

and
it to

She

across

the

in its side swung

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.

figureinside. She snuggled up to

"At last!
it deliciously."Oh, Harry!" she breathed.
Then
come!"
would
Oh, I thought this time never
"Who
from him.
she jumped away
with a littlescream
There

are

you

was

dark

!" she demanded.

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

dear," said Astro, "don't

be

THE

him.

at

the

LORSSON

Then,

as

little sigh of relief.

know

"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

eyed her suspiciously.

bridesmaid," said Astro.

Ruth, relieved,but anxious

where

Did

her, and

more

They
the

they drove
anticipation,fearful of

with

darted

she exclaimed.

dear, I

accident to keep him

bad

taken, but

replied,"My

the first time

tell me

It must

eager

"Oh, it's Astro!"

crystalball ?"
smiled

He

recognized the fine picturesqu

of Mysteries,and gave

everything, don't you?

He

to

cab, she

of the Master

features

127

electric lightsuddenly illuminated

an

of the

interior

ELOPEMENT

for

her lover,

sightof

by with hardly a glance, and ran to the bed

ing
awaitHarry Chester lay,weak, but impatiently

her.

"Oh, Harry!"
"Oh, Ruth!"

Astro
said

and

permanent

"For

which

Valeska.

"If

Come,
see

into

the

Astro, "I hope she's satisfied

four millions and

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

let's call in the minister ! I'm

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

child anywhere, and

it. She

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

nights. But what's he doing

with
The
Era?
He'd
naturallybe a reader of The
Planet.
The
Oh, I see!
kidnapers, of course, have
him
asked
with
to
communicate
them
through the
'Personal'
column.
So they've begun to work
him
already. Poor devil!"

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

which, in all the

career
as

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

"Oh, James! how

don't you

think

not

spared

results,so

overcome.

of

cry

can

tell him

anguish
sit there

you

immediately

has

happened to-day? Why don't you show

the terrible thing?"
She
dropped her face in
hands and sobbed aloud.
Valeska, deeply moved
tried in vain to comfort
Calendon
drew

handed
undid

him
her
self,
her-

her.

tremblinghand into his pocket and

out
a
package wrapped in paper.
Silentlyhe
it to the palmist. Astro took it and carefully
the wrapping.

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

tell all that?

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

great caution, then

it. With

carefullyat

slowly unfolded

CASE

KIDNAPING

CALENDON

THE

endeavored

put aside the gruesome

objectwith its wrappings, and

and
grasped Calendon's with

then

his hand

extended

strong encouraging

pressure.

Calendon," he said simply,"I

"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

pulled himself together,

lips,
fore
the slender poetic figure beand

the rest of the story now,

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

gambler, sir,although I have a fair knowledge

and I soon
Wall
Street probabilities,
current
hausted
exwhat

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

being on the inside,I had

from the men
to beg for news
able to help me.
A few have
not

misfortune

my

set

as

bloodsuckers

posted

with

luck

for

But
well

as

as

who

were

in

blooded
cold-

they're a

week

these

kept

could, and I had

predictions. They

my

good

have

must

made

they wouldn't give up the boy.

they? They have a good thing, and

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

it for all it's worth.

intend to work

yesterday great God ! yesterday I advertised

selling
good faith to buy Continental Zinc. It was
clared
a big dividend
being de31, and I had figured on

"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

typewritten slip from

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

with the other

of

paper,

relics. "Have

the other letter here?"

Calendon
and

what

his

began weeping
Astro

draw

to

handed

Astro

held

took

an

envelope

from

his inside

pocket

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.

policehave done. They have

buyers of the stocks you tipped off,
the

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

his lens, then

He

forehead

the

last he

133

gazed into the spherelong and earnestly.

his way of gainingtime for reflection.
his
drew his long slim hand across
Seer finally

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

"Very well, then, proceed

as

usual.

You

have,

working on the case ?"

Can they do anything for you ?"
"Yes.
"I'lltelephoneyou earlyin the morning," said Astro,
rising. "To-night I shall be busy. I shall cast the

suppose,

your

own

detectives

THE

134

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

child's

horoscope,and find out the best path to pursue.

Kindly give me the exact hour of Harold's birth."
He
it down
wrote
tric
solemnly, then pressed an elecbell. Valeska
ors
appeared in the doorway ; the visitfollowed
her into the waiting-room to the outer

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.

Astro, meanwhile, had

that had

the

took

!" she exclaimed.

man

to

seems

Calendon

brought him,
From

determined.

eagerlyto

turned

inspectionwas

things

the lines of his olive face

the

inspiredmystic

practicalanalytic mind,

instantaneous.

the

All pose

the
now

was

to

the

transition

had

dropped.

His

absorbing that he did not notice

Valeska's
She did not speak, therefore,and
entrance.
him
watched
he pored over
the envelope, then at
as
the oiled-paperwrapping of the horrid relic. Half an
hour went
several
by, during which the palmist rose
times
and
the length of the dim
down
to pace
up
Once

studio.
and

so

he

took

down

book

from

his shelves

hurriedlythrough its pages, stoppingto mark

a
diagram. Valeska tiptoedacross, and looked at the
It was
volume.
tion
Galton's Finger Prints, a classificaof all the known
capillarymarkings of the digital
hour
before Astro
tips. It was
an
put up his work,
much
of which
time had been spent merely in sitting
with

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

I shall tell you

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

studied your evidence

yet."
"Nor
shall you this night,by Rameses!
A
his livingon the curiosity
of
gazer has to make
course

Kindly

let

that you

may

not

fallacies in Doctor

opening.

your

let

Meanwhile,

Assyrian jellywhich
wish

women.

this evening; and,

curiosity
be a loser,I shall explain to you the
Lasker's analysisof the Ruy Lopez

enjoy

me

crystal-

us

I sent

try
for

so

of

some

long

that

ago.

new

If you

add

substantial,I won't object,

anything more
an
a
a Mahatma,
althoughI am a vegetarian,
astrologer,
cabalist,a student of Higher Space, and a thorough
to

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

problem his professionhad

ever

set

joked like a young boy. His pretty

assistant was
kept in ripplingpeals of laughter. After
dinner he produced a chess-board with ivory men,
and
the girlpuzzled with him over
innumerable
variations
of his favorite opening. They followed this by some
of the regular chess problems,ending with several of
his own.
The
he left
last,finally,
being too difficult,

THE

136

MASTER

OF

unfinished,sent

Valeska

himself

bed.

The
The
as

went

next

Era

to

MYSTERIES

in his motor-car,

home

and

morning Astro looked, the first thing,at

advertisement
read
personals. Calendon's

follows:

ERUS

'97

celen atil opom

Otog Lliwcirt

S. O. C.

"that it will hardly

thoughtfully,
be dishonorable
for me
to plunge in Cosmopolitan
Electric,so long as I'm not going to let Mr. Calendon
Sold yesterday at
for this affair. Let's see.
pay me
75. If I can get it at five pointsmargin, an investment
of one
in about eight
thousand
dollars will bring me
I'll be able to get that Coptic manuscript I
hundred.
for Mr. Calendon
!"
have been wanting so long. Now
in communication
He took his telephone,and was
soon
"I think," he said

"What

with his client.

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

aspect of the case."

"Have

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

that day, Valeska

came

be

THE

138

of her mouth

were

smooth

it out.
that

were

MYSTERIES

stained with the result of her

for the paper

practise.Now
me

OF

MASTER

Do

you

surrounding the toe.

the foldings and
see

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

development of surfaces, it shows

unmistakablywhat that object was.
See, the parallel
lines,a twisted rumpled area, and here the traces of
the millingof a small wheel. A small cigarette
machine,
such as one buys on the Rue de la Paix, in Paris. This
is a long shot, to be sure, but sometimes
it is the longshot that brings down
the eagle. If I hit the mark
this
be afraid of making a risky guess
time, I shall never
again. We shall see."
He was
interruptedby the bell. Valeska left him,
to introduce
who
and dapper young
neat
tered,
ena
man,
reotomy

"

with

the

detective

The
the
A

self-satisfied smile, with

offices of

Nally "

the

report from

Co.

five

curb

purchasers of Continental Zinc bought from

market
had been traced with some
difficulty.

assignedto each buyer, and these had

followed the instructions given Nally that morning.
Abraham
Kraser, retired Jewish merchant ; the purchaser
thick black cigars.
of twenty shares ; smoked
ite;
and societyfavorH. V. Linwood, a young
club-man
insisted on
a
specialbrand of Russian cigarettes,
costingfour dollars a hundred.
William
Bartlett Smith, a Westerner
stayingat the
French
brier pipe with
a
Waldorf-Astoria; smoked
man

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

did let out

with

the

Street; but yet I could find

Nobody knew much; but what

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

Stacey wherever he goes.

for relays as you think necessary;
give you the slip,as you value your
understand
the importance of this,
man

if the

work

left,Astro
to

boy is to be saved."
picked up the evening

the reports of the

the column

down
the line

to

his

right-hand coat pocket,the

this

man

turned

I talked

But

Astro, squintingat the cigarette

must

we

the young

paper

said

needn't

"You

want

favorable.

very

incessantly.Rolls

loose in his

"Very good,"

He's

reporter.

stub,and I brought it to show

pected.
ex-

myself," said the

saw

newspaper

in his left. While

away

139

momentarily

was

little nickel-plated
machine.

tobacco

him

Stacey,I

as

him, and he smokes

to

to

CASE

of

stock

market.

figuresswiftly,until

Cosmopolitan

Electric

75 7" 72 ~3

ejaculated. "That will

teach me
inside
lesson not to take advantage of my
a
information.
My margin's wiped out already. Pity
I didn't stay with my good intentions ! And
trologer
I an Asof the Fourth
I hope nobody will
Circle!
find that out.
Valeska, whatever you do, don't gamble."
"Rameses

For

the

moment

Great!"

he

he

stood

contemplatingthe

sheet

THE

140

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

then he turned

before him, and

to

her with

strange

expression.
he

"Mercy!"

again!

wrong
horrible !"
gone

He

cried,"I forgot. Calendon's

What

interruptedby

was

tip has

will happen

next?

long ring

the electric

at

bell,and, when

Valeska

into the

room,

muscles

of his

holding a package in one

hand
were
twitching in

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

palmistfiercely."See here ! you promised me your

! See what
help! You even
encouragement
gave me
has happened already! How
long must this thing go
on?"
"Have

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 kill him!

I'll""

Astro
"Calm
"It is
your

hand on the director's arm.

restraining
yourself, Mr. Calendon," he said soothingly.
not
that we'll get the boy. In
by such means

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

suspected. No, play tfie game, Mr.

Calendon, according to the rules the kidnapers have
be playand I'll guarantee that soon
they'll
ing
prescribed,
ideas of justice. Get
it according to your
own
doubt
will no
tip and advertise as usual. You
your
that he

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

that at that time he

was

also interested in the

for

House;

it filled

waiting with
see

that the

astonishingburglariesat Glebe
in a tedious forty-eight
hours
of

considerable
Master

fate of the young

was

boy,

excitement.

Valeska

could

profoundly interested

in the

and

that it had

enlisted all his

deepestsympathies. What littleleisure they had was

occupied with a set of chess problems which Astro
was
working out for relaxation.
It

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.

Stacey'strail ever since I left

ever
you ; but with nothing doing of any importance whatThen
he took
until late yesterday afternoon.
New
at the
a train to Antwerp,
met
Jersey. He was
station by a carryallcontainingtwo women.
He
rode
about for an hour with them, not stopping anywhere
at

all,and

was

hot

on

driven back to the station,and

took

the

THE

142

back

six-twelve

"He

no

saw

with

the

are

"One

is

Mrs.

even

the

mile

live alone."

Both

away.

get into either house?"

They seemed
Miss
Easting

to be

it.

suspicious of strangers.

turned

me."

on

"Did

lives in

of the village;the other,

the outskirts

on

you

dog

in black,

man

Cutter, widow,

Elizabeth

"I tried to, but couldn't make

very

?"

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

notice that either of these

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."

"Very good. That is

Good
you've done.
day."
In
the

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

heavy overcoat, slippedthe revolver

off before
his hat, and was
on
a pocket,jammed
leska could question.
himself

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

queen's bishop's third: white king's

fook's
to
seventh, check; black queen's
pawn
Please file.
bishop to king's knight's third,mate.

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

clear field,I think," said

Astro, his eyes dancing with

imminent

; "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

Calendon, I'll have

before

long."

heaven

you

this much

nerves

only hope

I've
have

that

sent

in my

pleasant

some

will !" said the old

longer.

the hospital. Her

the strain.

the

man.

Mrs.

"I

don
Calen-

quitegiven away
if we
get the boy

well 1"

as

His

grim.

was

"I

stole him

who

we'll find the dastard

look

MYSTERIES

OF

MASTER

THE

144

ever/'
get that opportunity,how-

won't

afraid you

am

the

mystic, drawing out his watch and

pausing to inspectit under a gas lamp. "Mr. Stacey
evil planet and in an evil House
of
born under
was
an
said

the Heavens.

At

in the

Beau

the present moment

he is under
of his

One

Rivage apartments.

rest
arcomplices
ac-

justleft here for New York, where she

will soon
will be met by the police.Another
be taken.
I have been waiting for one
of the gang
who is
more
need
We
engaged in a shady business hereabouts.
only him to solve the last shreds of mystery in this
affair. I've already seen
him
in my
crystals,dressed
in black. It remains to find him on the material plane."
lage,
They walked rapidlythrough the outskirts of the vilhas

past a stretch of open country.

Calendon, nervously excited, spoke only
"There

say,

; for

Astro

so

; but

couldn't

If my

to be

the

were

find the gang

didn't

in The

affairs,

speculate
I had

Era.

ket
attemptingto influence the marfrom them altogether.We
simply

sell

I sold out, and

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

happy to-night." He relapsed into silence.

now
approaching a lonely house, back

road, and in

to the front door

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

outfit an' three

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

the axle with, an' I

up

about

of

off

clean

walk

to

scantlin' to prop

see

let you

bodies, y'know, an' blamed

I had

pected
sus-

began, turning shamefacedly to the

"it's this way,

road

I have

I didn't dare

long time, but

he

"Why,"

unmutilated.

and

Coroner, tell your

Now,

MYSTERIES

o'

house

was

gone
back

come

little one,

"

An' I see the axle had been sawed

half
boy it was.
through with a hack saw.
Somebody had laid for
me
justto steal that
will you please explain,"said Astro suavely,
"And
"why you were
burying these bodies, for which you
are
paid by the township, at night?"
"

"

The

coroner's

fell. "Oh,

face

was

too

busy day

times," he said lamely.

"I think
can

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

hurry to the other house.

your rig,Coroner, while

It's
you

in the cellar."

hurried
pace

there, they knocked

immediate

few

must

We'll

men

Calendon.

the remains

three
at

Mr.

on,

into,Constable.

the

of

out

looked

friend

pretty little income

does

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

slender hand, and

"It's about

"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

things last time

tone

pleasant smell

she took

as

His

roguery,

decorations

come

about

She

innocent

daintilyat

filled the air

reply.

negligentlyon

one

gravely.

locket,"she continued.
lost one?"

at all.

I have

found

one

!"

AvStro raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, you'repartlyright,too
time

ago,

and

I have

mother.
to

see

She

"Long

see,

died last year.

her for two

"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

before the end."

did you see this locket last?"

before mother
It disappearedmystedied.

riouslywhen
to

as

I can't

in

recognize."

troubled

are

you

house

my

about, then,

looked

thoughtfullyat him for a

restingon her white-gloved hand,

Dalrymple
her

if not

what

see

at

me

turned
re-

got it back."

have

moment,

to

handwriting that

"Well, I don't
Miss

Only yesterdayit was

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

"Well, it's something so

impulsively,
and sillyit seems
absurd
about
to speak to you
vague
it. But Fanny and I have been talking it over
and
from, and everything,and we
wondering where it came
both have a sort of queer feelingthat it has something
to do, perhaps, with a certain letter my
mother
once
had."
"Wait

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

"Yes; but he wasn't

he

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.

will that father

isn't satisfied with

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

the other side has

But

course.

forgery, and,

was

left all his

he

as

wife, they have

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

all his property.

be to

our

case

You

see

how

but I haven't been

portant
imable

to find it anywhere."

"Yes, but how

"That's

what

does the locket

I don't

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

mother," said Miss

my

Dalrymple, looking

his shoulder.

over

hardly necessary to explain that. I see now

of
where you get your beauty." With a deft movement
his thumb
moved
nail,Astro opened the inner rim and reback of the paper
the photograph. The
was
in
letters written microscopically
covered
with Greek
"It is

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."

of the letters myself.

some

and

that Alpha

Delta, and

at

Pi?"

"Yes, the letters

words.

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

Or, better, I'll send

it.

LOCKET

DALRYMPLE'S

MISS

you

as

I have

as

soon

can't be
read

the solution direct by

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!"

"Well," said the Seer, risingto

"I shall consult
find out.
be

If I

probated

And

and

not

you

crystalsand

tude,
poeticatti-

what

see

can

mistaken, though, the will will

will

come

into your

inheritance.

I shall be the first to

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.

called his assistant

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

It has the mark

"Why!

the

as

much

childish

of the tyro upon

could you

whimsical

about

it

as

little cryptogram

it."

tell that?"

"Suppose a Fiji Islander attempted to copy a lot of

alphabet.
English that is, the so-called Latin
"

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

I will first separate the

letters

all

are

ary."
diction-

or

yet ready to go into

not

am

words, for what

between

from

first read

us

simple.

merely

school-book

some

contemplation,set

aura.

trance.

letters here

Valeska," said Astro

vibrations

myself

Greek

it?"

wrote

dear

"My

These

of words

is

false spaces

few

baffle the first glance.

and

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

"It is the location of Mrs.

I

out

word, 'buch',looks like German,

'In the

le

buck

rose

"Partly in English',
partly in French,
Astro.

155

minute, and then scribbled

le

Dans

LOCKET

DALRYMPLE'S

MISS

scholar, she wouldn't

written

have

was

this

laboriously."

so

Valeska

looked

the letter and

found

have

"Could

at him.

quickly up

some

one

it there for his

buried

own

purpose?"
possible;but it

"It is
to

do.

The

that it is
"Then

the

this
over

Why
it

the

cipher is

easy."

give it up." Valeska shook her head sadly.

give up, little girl. Simply keep your mind

fact that there

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

edged his chair

the table.
his finger on
locket in the first place?

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

things look suspiciousto

point and analyze it. We

any

case

of this sort, cast

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

tripto Yonkers, ostensibly

with

solution

our

of

the cipher,

but

actuallyto enable you to inspect the house,

grounds, servants, family history,and the like."
At once
Valeska
became
businesslike.
"Anything
else?"

"Yes," he said emphatically."Tell her that

whatsoever

account

bush

is she

until she hears

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

the place until I

came?"

"Yes, and

she

"Well, what
Valeska

promised to

wait."

else?"

sniffed.

"I

do not like that maid

certainly
of hers.
be only a woman
without any more
I may
analyticalbrain than a sand-snipe,but I can tell a
far as I can
sex
see
as
snivelinghypocriteof my own

DALRYMPLE'S

MISS

LOCKET

157

goody-goody talk to suit me.

It was
'Yes, dear Miss Dalrymple,' and 'Oh, certainly,
Miss
Dalrymple/ and, behind her back, 'Isn't Miss
I hear
that
thing!' When
Dalrymple the sweetest

her.

There's

kind

of

much

too

talk,I look

for

out

cat."

think she's two-faced?"

"You

snake

the

grass! Tall, lanternjawed, skinny, smirking thing! As luck would have

that I did,
train back to town
it,she caught the same
the trolley-car
rather she came
down
or
on
justbehind
she's

"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

hour, and, when

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

Brooklyn Bridge. That's

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

Fanny is undoubtedly in the

Think

of it ! She's

girl ever

since her

pay

at him

"Oh!"
snake?

in astonishment.

Her

eyes

Why, then,

of the second

wife !

spying on that sweet innocent

mother
died, and has carried the

been

MASTER

THE

158

Mrs.

to

news

OF

MYSTERIES
number

Dalrymple

It's outrageous

two.

but

"Oh,

faced

and

"

I translated the

while the maid

Astro

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."

put her hands

!

room

Miss

his water-pipe with

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

grant first that the cipher

hiding-placeof the lost letter,secreted

by the first Mrs. Dalrymple. Very good. Let us suppose,
also, as a second hypothesis,that the locket was
sent
by the second Mrs. Dalrymple, knowing of the
the two
examine
cipher. Very good again. Now
theories.
Is it likely
that such a person as this second
wife would
place a rival claimant to the estate in possession
of the secret?
No.
Something is wrong, the
first hypothesis,or the second.
Take your pick. I say
the first is wrong,
the cipher does not disclose the
rymple
place of the letter,but the second is right: Mrs. Dalknow
that probablyshe knew
Miss
sent it. We
Dalrymple visited me, and believed in my power. She,
therefore,intended Miss Dalrymple to dig in that spot,
in the matter.
cleverlyconcealing her instrumentality
That's why the cipherwas
made
so
absurdly easy. Do
think it will be well for Miss
Dalrymple to dig
you
"

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!"

the station at eleven-thirty,

and

until the train had

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

lose ! It's serious !"

caught

They

the

train

settled
margin; and once
to him
anxiously.
"I

was

said. "It

he
made

in

fool to let Miss

year.

but it'sa toss-up

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

explain,she pressed him

no

deeply
further, covertly
was

too

watching his restless nervous

gestures and his drawn
expression all through the ride until the trolleyslowed
A
and stopped on
the main
down
at Yonkers
street.
solitarycab was
standing beside the curb, its driver
dozing on the box.
A fat man
was
waddling hurriedlyahead of them,

DALRYMPLE'S

MISS

his umbrella

signalingwith
with

the driver; but

to

him

rough gesture, threw

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

the driver had

dashed

out

assistant.
The

without
She

paying

pense
sus-

to

and

now

pared
pre-

what

to

came

pened.
hapa

dismount, Astro had

least attention

the

stop.

to

his

after him.

hurried

Dalrymple

down

chance

the

by tree, lamp by lamp,

"

At

ously
nerv-

high
All she could hear besides the pounding
the muttering of the dark man
by

horse

the

as

bit his knuckles

of the Master, who

excitement

house

stood

on

the side of the hill,

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

through the night. A

heard, risingin a piercing
silence again. At length a

162

THE*" MASTER^

OF

shutter

was

thrown

at one

of the

house, and
the

through
"What

"God

knows!'*

late,as

shaft of

of the front windows

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

top of the wall

side. Valeska

after

The

steps
his foot-

heard
After

walk.
cab

that seemed

wait

had

that

she

driven

off

long

and

horror

on

almost

for the first time.

her

hair

"What

has

"What

led

her

few

past

solemn

the

response.

tree

pac'es beyond this

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

earth, and, by its jagged appearance

evident that it had been
slantingsides, it was

by

She

look
a

the

heaven,

apple

an

seem

with

Valeska.

exclaimed

feared; only, thank

way

unlocked

about

happened?"

the

the house.

She

arms

Dalrymple !" was Astro's

and you'llsee."
way

him

see

disordered.

was

pretty face made

put her slender white

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.

foot up, Valeska.

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

"Fanny," said Astro.

Miss Dalrymple sank
silently.
weep
"Do

"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?"

fiend !" she cried.

this trap for Miss

machine

beside her maid

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

got the letter from

hadn't, we
of

The
with

could

was

well she has succeeded."

whispered
stunned.

to

it
over

her

go

to

Valeska.

the

Dalrymple

Myra

Mrs.

electric chair

richly. But,

at

the will. In the first

to-night; in

now

physician,came

She'll leave

the

for it,

least,there will
the

place,I

second, if I

prevent her oppositionby

this crime.

cab

how

our

country

edge
knowlrow."
to-mor-

stopped,and the driver,

running up the walk.

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

subject should, just

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

part of his memory,

a

case."

self,a

subliminal

down

sort

of

clock, that telephones to his waking personality?

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

unnoticed, that's all. We

and

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

strangest thing!" Valeska

explained.

walking along Thirty-fourth Street

her, and as I passed I thought that she
Italian organ-grinder'swife.
Then
some

when

was

back

and

ran

to

up

seized my

and

me

evidently terribly frightened

wouldn't
speak. I haven't been
yet. She

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

able to get her

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."

girl'sside, watching her keenly.

about
her reassuringly;but it
the
from
her softlyaway
drawn

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

bought in, "is she deaf,

drugged, or what?"

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."

girlbegan to look about timidly,but with little

from
undid
shawl
her
apparent curiosity. Valeska
her head.
A wave
of black, fine, curly hair fell with
the face more
the covering and made
picturesque. She
The

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

Astro, caught and

soothe

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

her yet !"

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.

nearly starving. She

fuls, picking up the
to

had

dinner

seat

evident

was

food

in

her

the

at

was

great mouth-

hands.

She

not

was

her

born, but her prettinessmade

manner

table

she

that

ravenously, with

ate

in she

cisms
sole-

pardonable. Once or twice during the meal she

be trying
to
stopped, looked at Valeska, and seemed
Her
words
to speak; but
came.
no
hunger satisfied,
seemed

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

front of her, and

2.

excite her at all. Next, he wrote

; 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

put the pencilin her hand.

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

did try, but

gestures she shrank

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

inducing hypnosis, was

since
he
"There

she

write

did not

understand

to

appear

is

only

one

said

other
at

automatically, we

method,
"If

last.

try what

in

is called the method

experiment. One

common
a

conversation

that

we

learn

may

agraphia prevents her writingwith

We'll

of the

out

course

tion,
ques-

any

guage
lan-

that

will

spoke.

succeed," Astro

is

As

strangeness

suspicion,and

solve the

can

his first mesmeric

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

it,"he replied. "It's

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

is affected by the music.

If she

abandon

himself

seemed

in the

up

piano, sat down, and

he
As
rhapsody of Liszt.
of its more
temperamental

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

of the themes, and

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.

be, give her the pencil."

to

seems

"But

!" he

echoes

and
of

reverberatingthat

piano stool

and

seemed

to

awaken.

"I've got it !" cried Valeska, and,

springing up, she

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

the contrary, it's a

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

put in its appearance

seemed

be in

to

the table and

inspected the

figures 13 she gave a moan,

Valeska, trembling all over.

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

seized the paper,

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

erect, his eyes

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

Christians; indeed, their faith is

had

girl

speak.

of the

religionis not tolerated by the

all kept to one
are
city,where

she's

bookcase, when
turned

Bab, the Incarnation

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

Syrian. See the

drawn

roughly

OF

parency
lucent trans-

twice

he sat down

gazed long at the hieroglyphicmarks

the paper
made
on
by the strange girl. At three in
and lay down
undressed
the morning, he partially
on
the couch to sleep.He rose
at seven,
bathed, and went
at

the table and

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

abuttingon a vacant lot on Washington Street,

was
a huge soap
factory.Painted on the dead wall was
a
sign whose letters were
eight or ten feet in height.
its

rear

Valeska

Soap."

She

stopped

"What

about

drew

He

it aloud:

read

"Use

looked

and

Babrock's

at

Brown

in bewilderment.

Astro

it?""

the

drawing from his pocket and pointed

'BABP
"Don't you see ?" he cried.
P
out the lettering.
That's a part of the sign,surely.Look
at those two
look at this
buildings on each side of the sign. Now
"

of houses.

row

From

some

of those

one

the

windows

she has drawn.

sign must
present the appearance
she has merely
Making the drawing subconsciously,
copied something with which she has been familiar,
dow
seeing it,probably,every day. We must find the winfrom which the sign looks justlike her drawing."
He looked at the sign again carefully,
estimatingits
height and the relative positionof the two buildings
"

whose

roofs would

letters. A

the lower

cut

off the first and

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

Valeska, and plunged into

hallway. A doorway opened part

man

looked

with red spots, and

Turkish

"What

"Go

replied. "You

keeps the house."

Up-stairs went

this house ?" he asked

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

"I'd like to look

A
The
he

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

to pullout the paper

again, and
stopped for a moment
pointed to the first drawing on the sheet. "Fez," he

looked

said, and
"The

old

at her

with

man

meaningly.
the cigarette?"

we'll find out

"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

off the first word, "use," and

cut

small

was

half of the R.

upper

the girlhad
fact,precisely
as
"This
He

is the room,

took
Then

back, where
were

about

the legs and

"This

commented.

all after "bab"

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-

the sides of the

smooth.
similar

it."

ones

The

marks

showed

on

the side rails of the seat.

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?"

"Yes; they were

There

were

below

her

bad

red marks

enough for
her

shoulders; and

bruises ; but small

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

visit the rug

the track of

something

this time."
route

led them

directlyinto

the heart of the

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

Eighteenth Street, where, in front

of Turkey hung
store, the crescent
great crowd gathered,pressingabout

mystery. On
Turkish

THIRTEEN

The

shot in the back.

office,

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

Dyorian, had been found, when

by his head bookkeeper, lyingin

of

tally
mor-

the

at

now

at the point of death.

hospital,
A policeman guarded the door, preventingany one
from
entering. Astro and Valeska caught sight of his
the
the heads of the bystanders, and when
cap over
eddied they saw
his face.
crowd
"Why, it'sMcGraw!"

it is!" said Astro.

"So

"What

luck!"

They squirmed their way through the crowd, to find

the burly police officer who, with Astro's
assistance,
had

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

straightof this, McGraw?"

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?"

got 'em all right this time.

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

"Yes, sir. They'll be bringing her down

only fifteen minutes

It's

in

out
at first.

back

She

in
she

look

"Faith, I don't know

with

here

her

see

back

like?"
that
But

reserves.

There's

down.

come

myself. I've only just got

if you stand here, you'll
the wagon
already. Stand

there!"

The

crowd

with

up

the

ing
hid-

was

faint."

dead

She

nobody thought to look

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

put her hand

she!"

down-stairs.

his

"Oh,

arm.

It

the

officers

indeed

was

brought their prisoner

the

studio the night before, and

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."

stared; but his faith in the occult powers

McGraw

of the Seer

was

They stopped for

so
a

great that he delayed the officers.

moment.

Astro

addressed

the

girl

in Turkish.

help you," he said.

She looked at him sulkily.But it was
not with the
blank
expressionlessface of yesterday. Her brows
drew
together.
"I don't know
you," she said at last.
"Let

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.

"But," said Valeska, "how

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

this crime, by Soumissin.

to escape

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

"
"

got into the rug

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

for the house

necessary

she

"

Was
rationality?

time

by the
depends on

asked

what

her

then

enough to appeal to your

forgotten everything, everything,

question.

conscious

Arrived

found

house, and

sense

she

added, with
"That's

that

question is, when

the

her

and

in your

up

from

to

how
Some-

is,except something concerning the

Now

13.

in order

doubt

starved, no

physician. A

entered
few

the office and

words

only

were

explain the palmist'sright of inquiry,and

descriptionof

the

Syrian girl'smental

condition

THIRTEEN

NUMBER

great professionalinterest

of

was

183

promised

the Tombs

to

to go

and

possible.Dyorian, it seemed, lay at

important it

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

his last breath

almost

died before

He

"I could

returned.

he

understand," he said,"but I

him

did

before

whispered, 'Ten o'clock/ adding that

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

I left the bedside."

not only succeeded

Acting on Astro's hint, McGraw
in the
Turks
and Armenians
in capturinga half-dozen
gree"
Washington Street den, but, exercisingthe "third de-

in
a

confession

more

easy

himself

from

to be

who

for the

that he had

of blackmailers

told that she

he
the

the man,

working

the cruel torture

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

kindness; but could

mind

the

girl
of

care

recovered

were

the studio.

happened since her

been

had

plottingto

was

to

nerves

witnessed

had

the Sublime

dom,
free-

the tool of

Syrian girl; but

Turkish

be

merely

murderers.

and

released; but she

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

Then, her fear of being accused

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

and, after her

had

prove

terror

his murder.

for

she did it

the

lish;
Eng-

were

the

described

again deprived her

and that was
body

was

if he

as

Valeska's, this thought had

at

slave

of

continually.
wakening to her

13 stillinspired her

Wakening
and
first,
warn

word

his fate that she made

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

gratitude. She treated

and master, watching

her

MYSTERIES

recognized

the aid of reason,

at

OF

in

had

ready
alher
run

remember
two

men.
police-

the murderess

nearly distraughther wits again.

She looked
at the picturesshe
curiously now

had

drawn
the

in the

sign,the fez, 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

sign, but always

hideous, sinister, diabolic.

at

all

myself

the

see

Astro.

to

right opposite
at

hand.

days strapped

horrible, till I couldn't

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

fighter ordinarily that

heard

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

took his customary

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

speak of, Valeska,

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.

hand, "why can't you

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

strong grip. "If you ask

And

her

hands

in

Valeska, I'lldo it."

me,

undertook

Astro

so

took both

discover

to

what

the

was

trouble with Tulliver.

It

was

Valeska

upon

three

was

the end

Mrs.

undertake

to

four days before

or

enough

the initial steps.

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

point of attack; but

made

up

her mind

that

in the line of least resistance to her

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

pretty expressive face,

was

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

cooperation with the police,he

solved.

and

story, after reaching the

studio, amply
suspicions. Tulliver had, the week

Astro's
the

date

for the

set

night and day over

complex and voluminous

the

had

All had

worked

barber

fore
be-

material

was

requiredall his energy

testimony, to arrange

; 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

at his office tillnoon,

then had

and

He
to

gone

in the

of City Hall Square and

vicinity
and manicured.
been shaved
That night he had intended
going to the house of a friend for an evening's
entertainment
and
relaxation, before
beginning on
the arduous
final preparations for the trial. These
last important investigations
he had put off tillSunday,
thinking that the recreation on Saturday night would
help him to devote his whole energy to the case.
On Saturday night he showed
lassitude and
extreme
manifested
an
unwillingness to go out with his wife.
a

She

shop

had

induced

him

the entertainment, however;

to attend

but, his fatigue increasing,they had

retired.

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

had, after breakfast,

shut himself
had
a

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

telephone to the judge of the

TULLIVER

191

to

the

court

postpone

had

notifyhis assistants of the necessary delay.

doctor called on Monday against Tulliver's wishes
He
prostration.
diagnosedhis lassitude as nervous
prescribeda remedy, and after taking it Tulliver
graduallyrecovered his customary state of health

and

energy.

case,

A
and
had

and

to

just before
reached, and

of

attack

This

of the

important phase of the case

of bribery in connection
rumors

the

had

had

citypapers,

disturbed

they had

ing
comwas

an

the district attorney, which

some

exhaustion, however,

alreadybeen

affected him
He

Tulliver.

Mrs.

as

showed

with

voiced

in

deeply as
no

clination
disin-

drop the case; in fact he was

ardent than ever
in wishing to bring the boodlers
more
to justice.But already his delays and apparent lack of
in
interest had seriously
career
damaged his political
the minds
of the people.
with only an
Astro listened to all this attentively,
at all times, with
occasional question. A pretty woman
soft dark
and
head
a
proud, spiritedly-poised
eyes,
her beauty pathetic. It
Mrs. Tulliver's distress made
moved
she was
as
by
was
plainlyevident that, much
whatever

to

the fear of her husband's

future,what
political
the fear of

was

in the

affected her
stain

some

dim

illness and

shadows

on

his

the sacrifice of his

still more

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

that her husband

secret

It

was

venal, the horror

of this potent

force prostratedher.
was

Astro

himself

who

gave

her back her courage

THE

192
and

MASTER

faith.

her

OF

MYSTERIES

She

regainedher strengthat his offers

of assistance. As he spoke, slowly,gently,commandhis handsome, mysteriouslyseningly,as she watched
tient
of his secret

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,

hand, tillhe had

question,however,
renew

with

wisdom,

She

trust.

in Valeska's

to

way

him

strangeness of that face, with

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

it that all his food is

that
or
personal supervision,

your

only at large,well-known
She thought she could
"Be

he

in what

in the future.

intends

to

takes his lunches

"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

we'll win !"

great studio Valeska

door.

Here

"What

did he

"Does

would

detail you

And, by the way,

do.

opening of
Monday."

her to the outer

"

under

do both.

date set for the

the

prepared

restaurants?"

all his movements

in the past and

As

he

"
"

careful,then," he said. "And, for the last thing,

find out

what

think

you

she

he think

accompanied

paused

and

mean

about

it can

be

as

clutched

the cook?"

bad

as

that,

try poison ?"

"Oh, he's only anxious

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

the report of the

it was

Austrian, I

already

pointed

Lancet, and

; but

out

York.

taken

had

carefullyand see if you

Pathology of Fatigue.

over

the

year

book.

medical

in New

studio, to find Astro

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,

quite; but there

there's

"

something

for; if I don't try

That's
But

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

everything;I can see that, I expected it. But I

gin
barber shop to-day and beget to that particular

must

to

watch."

"Is it poison,then?"

"Undoubtedly poison ; but

I don't
"But

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

that it's liable to

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

being poisoned,I'll find out how and by whom,

him.
If he is being corrupted morally,is
and I'll save
there any less reason
why I should help him ? It may
be the first time in his life and the last. I know
only
ver

"

that I like

I'll do it!

gang

It
his

him, I admire

his wife, and

Selah.

I have

late that afternoon

was

By
investigations.
worried.

was

his

would

had

directlyfrom

return

evident that her husband

it was

assistance

so

with

knew

from

that he

telephoned and

said

be at his office all day

there.

From

did not

take the Seer's

her tone

Astro

tened
lis-

frown.
him

in

dubious.

of

McGraw

returned

she herself did.

gratefullyas

"Well, I'll save

it looks

Astro

look, Valeska

that the district attorney would

and

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

pounds of bracelets and a Marcel

Eighth-Avenue type, crisp as galvanized

about

of the

wave

was

smooth.

several

I had

She

my
never

counts

; I

somehow

nails attended

refuses

an

to, and

invitation

dinner, that girl.

"Now,"

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

the district attorney, and

the aldermen.

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

put his assistants off.

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

pack of cards in front of him, and began "getting

of his
It was
Napoleon out of Saint Helena."
a habit

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

find that article in The

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

I'll just let that boil

to

himself.

subconsciously

while."

Valeska

took

the

subway down-town,

reaching the

THE

196
barber

OF

MASTER

through the basement

hind
orange-haired girlputting on her hat be-

shop just in time

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

might indeed have been all

dent
seemed
three. The two
friendly;the girl'sstrivery
than once
through the car.
more
laugh sounded
that was
In Brooklyn they went
to a flashyrestaurant
The
generally frequented by the sporting element.
As the meal proceeded,
ordered dinner and wine.
man
barkeeper, or

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-

the curb, then

Avenue

they got

Here, rather

to

the girlleft the man

abruptly,ran
surprise,
The
man
steps, took out a key, and entered.

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

her ; but not

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

considerablyat sight of him.

up

Tulliver," he said, "and

morning.
met

her

Then,
with

again!" he said immediately.

"Mrs.
Tulliver telephoned yesterday at ten o'clock in
the morning, while her husband
was
asleep. He abso"Tulliver

is

down

3
o

0*

"u

"u
t-i

lutelyrefused

work,

to

taking a

on

only felt tired.

worried

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

tell all she knew.

I could

as
delicately

as

and

the office,
less
though still list-

Tulliver's

Mrs.

to

all comers,

his

at eleven

willingto

spoke

Astro

the refusal tantalized .him.

gone

and

"I

and

balked.

returned

Tulliver

ill at

wasn't

plain enough that she

divan, refused

it,and

Valeska

said he

strugglewith

in his memory
of

exhausted, and

was

was

time

no

the

on

up

control

199

get all the details."

Valeska

himself

He

objectsor

he

her and

himself

It

TULLIVER

said he

nap.

now,

whether
see

WITH

TROUBLE

THE

about

the

girl,"she said. "Mrs. Tulliver seemed a bit

worried
said that Tulliver
had
at the subject. She
often spoken of her as an originalslangy type, whose

manicure

conversation

fact, that
done

refreshed

there,
"

to

said

he

be her

that

chief

didn't
main

she

had

looks, and the ability

to
on

men's

nails.

her

after

She

scissors

so

his hard

listen
have

even

to
;

high

That

answer.

for Mrs.

gift of gab,

create

In

having his nails

to the girl's
persiflage,

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

got it. Leave

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

I believe I've almost

again.

alone

me

pardon the metaphor. You

I grope

MYSTERIES

took

left and

the file of morning papers.

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

table that looked

death, for

to

was

thingsin one of the rooms

was
nothing up-stairsbut

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

spoke, his face cleared.

his

into

turban

off his crimson

threw

lips.He

the virile keen

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

robe, tossed his

the instant appeared

as

District

"It is all over!

tacks
mysterious atboodling Brooklyn aldermen
with all despatch!"
now
on
no

more

Valeska, and gentlyled her

the wonder

on

activity.

"I have

of

every

in her

eyes.

to

seat,

WITH

TROUBLE

THE

"Listen," he said. "I had

; but

with

until this moment

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

the tired muscles

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

could this gang administer sucri a

the manicure, whom
they had
All she had

course.

received

the

her

scissors into the

nail

cuticle

so

serum

from

noticeable

no

caused

the toxic germs

and

be

that

distributed all

she

had
; then

cut

over

do, after she had

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

permeate the veins

body.

It

finger that

was

the

aroused

fact
my

the story of the treadmill

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

terminals, too, that she's

return

the

to

crossings:let

He

looked

the

over

but

affair,and

one

that of the top of

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

his red silken

the bell. He

answer

with

alert eyes

waiting-room ; then they

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

there until the curtains

remained

and

the

of the

smoke

who

heap

done, he

graceful form

the

on

That

drawer.

svelt

her

is

same

With

all the letters into

impassive Seer.

him

about

arc

swept

the calm

had

rising curve, but no compound

this principle,
thoroughly understand
a
study of terminals and gladiated
siasm.
spoke his face lightedup with enthu-

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,"

Burbank, retired. I have

and

us

see

you

be in love.

If you

curves.

but

faithful friend.

collection

specimen. "Here

she

though she
the regularity

others."

some

as

MYSTERIES

sincerelyin love now;

yet forgottenher first. You see by

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

that this matter

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

details,"the visitor broke

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

she has abandoned.

But

see.

; "that

out

envelope

an

his

from

pocket and

it to the Seer.

Astro

looked

the letter and

"My

the

over

read

the

DEAR, DEAR

again. Don't

try

to

envelope carefullythen opened

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

is still alive, and

I get from

the

I think

radiations of this

well

if I

see

not

can

eral
sev-

for you to break

prefer that you permit me

I should
house

wife

But

For

conviction that she is in great mental

writinga
which

he said

sir,your

abstracted.

speak, seemingly fallinginto

not

Then

MYSTERIES

became

gaze

did

reverie.

deep

OF

in upon

just yet.

inspect your

to

the

discover

distress

for this

reason

the place where

she was
surprisingaction. By visiting
last,I shall the more
readilybe impressed by her magnetism
that have
and get the vibrations
undoubtedly
affected

First of

her.

all,I

ask

must

immediately several photographsof

I may

fix her

Burbank

Major

had

look.

anxious

tense

had

hoped that,if

you

could

"If

do it

me

Burbank, that

looking at him with a

necessary?" he said, "I

that

had

you

Mrs.

send

mind."

stood

"Is

the occult power

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

?"

added, "Including servants, of course."

He

"Besides

girl,and
"Who

"Why,
who

run

wife

my

are

in

ond
sec-

nurse."

your

let's

myself,only the cook,

and

see.

most

frequent visitors ?"

Ellen

has

lot of

of course."
occasionally,

"No, the men."

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

understand/' said Astro

of Mrs.

very

that she

me

disappearance,I'm

this

for several

he's the last person

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

the astral emanations

between

most

moment

207

here, sir!

sternly."See

him

at

AWAY

RAN

BURBANK

MRS.

WHY

the heart

had

I should

will call this afternoon.

"but

has

he heard

to tell him."

advise

I think

not

you

Well, I

to.

shall be able to satisfy

we

you."
As

soon

Astro

the visitor had

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

like that other

from

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

?"

that envelope," Astro

examined
he

walked

and

up

his

down,

his other

with

hand, supporting the elbow

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.

keepsie,N. Y." she

But

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

continued, taking off his robe

lose

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

she is stillthere ; yet she may

"And

there,perhaps.

pocket.

they come,
see

in New

at the

that the

It has

the Burbanks', while

soon

be

may

porter

gave

soiled.

it here

"

his train got into the

You'll

simple.

"She

read.

did she mail

doubt

"Hodge

looked

sight,wire

Valeska
of

course

me,

bent her

and

await

brows

I'll try to tn.ce

in

instructions."

thought.

her, if I

can

"If

get

of the hotel clerks."

you

can?"

overcoat, paused

Astro, strugglinginto

long enough

to

long

gray

smile at his assistant.

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,

left the studio.

His

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-

left instructions that

His

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,

justheard a piece of shocking news.

has just committed
brother
suicide, sir, and he
about
to
it, sir.
Kingsbridge to see
up
gone
sir; but he told
was
upset, of course,
very much

sir,the major had

His
has

He

wliat

do

to

me

ready I'll show

"Is Mrs.

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

yesterdayafternoon, sir,directlyafter lunch, in a

great hurry,sir."
"In a hurry?" Astro
sive
repeated,watching the impasleft

of the servant.

countenance

"Yes, sir ; so much

so

that she

the telephone receiver,sir.

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

upset her, too."

Mysteries knitted his brow,

for a few moments
without
speaking,while the
stood erect, waiting like a lay figure. Astro
at him
suddenly, with a keen searching
up

!"

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

her aunt's ?" he said

to

gone

deliberately.
"That's

what

said, sir."

she

"Do

you

The

butler shifted his feet

to

me

say,

"See

believe

uneasily. "It's hardly for

sir."

here !"

lapel of

it?"

Astro

his coat.

isn't for you

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

"Yes, sir,"the butler replieduneasily. "The

said I

you

derstand?"
un-

major

obey your instructions to the letter,sir."

"There
is one
to know, my
thing that I want
man,
and that is,did Mrs.
Burbank
write to Colonel
Trevellian before or since she went
away?"
to

was

"I can't say,

The

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

Astro, changed subtly from

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

the colonel's man,

and

attitude,as

conventional

the

said, watching his

man

him

might possiblyfind out

sir. I'm well acquaintedwith
favors in times past."
"I

THE

212

MASTER

Come

ing.

back

OF

in ten

MYSTERIES

minutes, and

I'll let you

have

it back."
As

soon

pocket

the butler had

as

bottle of alcohol and

this he moistened

the

letter

Mrs.

handwriting which

hurried

he

parent
trans-

as

inside

only

read

his

With

sponge.

it became

envelope,and

folded, however, that he could

from

drew

velvet

tracing-paper. The

as

nervous,

Astro

gone

so

was

line,in

one

recognizedas

Burbank's:
"I

He

longer. If

opened the window,

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

led the way

Two

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

the floor with

busy

at

retired to

the
turn
re-

the letter.
Astro

to

went

the children

them, showing by his

of children but

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

boy, seeing him

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

it. It is funny, isn't

about

it?"

Again the child reached

her

out

and

arms

repeated

the words, "Kellem, kellem!"

she

"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,

of it,I did hear

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.

the hall than

with

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

policeand put them

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

die ?" Astro

in his room,

on

me

MYSTERIES

learn, early this morning.

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

"

harmonizing the vibrations

apartments, and feel already that I

mental

complete

suspect that

Mrs.

investigateyour

succeeded

Burbank's

understand
But

between

impression there that

some

don't

and

brother's death ?"

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.

I'd like to know

if

MRS.

WHY

Mrs.

Burbank

BURBANK

was

RAN

AWAY

hypnotized,that

ever

"Why, only once, possiblytwice, at

here.

did have

We

this fall ; but it

"And

who

an

nothing but fun, of course."

it that hypnotized her that

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

"Yes, since before

don't

sir,you

present I

at

with, that's all.

so

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

into his limousine, the

drove

the

It

was

from
"She
wire

He

On

Valeska

the

wait patiently,

in

the

Master

library,and
of Mysteries

telegram awaited

him.

Troy. Shall find her this evening and

address."

despatched
took

Here

studio.

is in

must

for the best."

left Burbank

to

You

an

way

an

express

to

and

hurrying to
Kingsbridge.

answer,

his face belied the confident

way,
the sub-

patter by

THE

216

which

MASTER

he had

imposed

fixed, his mouth

pocket

waited

for minutes

consulted
at

alert

As

from

drew

his

staring

the train slowed

when

again, and

were

eyes

its contents,

time.

His

it

stopped

he

only long enough to ask for directions, then

brisklyto Burbank's apartment.

walked
The
taken

his client.

upon

and

down, he became

MYSTERIES

Occasionallyhe

set.

note-book

at the page

OF

insured

note

grudging admittance, and

was

up-stairs
by an officer
meagerly furnished as

look

into the kitchen

of food

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

cylinder,and after assuringhimself that

fragments, slippedthem into his overcoat
then

He

had

that the death

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

body heard the Hoor shut. Or if they had, how was

it possibleto turn on
the gas? The door was
locked
the inside,as they found when they burst it in."
on
"And

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

that ; but I've

I can't recall

several times.

his

night,late ?"

time before

some

about

sure

he

man.

like this last

woman

it for

at

be

it to the

see

you

looked

He

locked, too ?"

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

all,"said Astro, and

dollar,ran

down-stairs,and

boarded

the

man

the express

for

down-town.

Another
door

telegram from Valeska

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

private hospital,at number

at once.
Thirty-fourth Street. Come
and

Important."
This

addressed

was

House, Troy, New

to

Mrs.

York.

The

Belle
other

Grant, Delmar
was

sent

to

leska
Va-

Wynne.
"Follow

B. G. wherever
with

know

you

know

her

she goes, and

if possible but do not

her."

get

quainted
ac-

let her

THE

218

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

Then, yawning, he took off his coat, rolled

and
shirt-sleeves,

sat down

to

table under

up

his

the electric

light. Here he laid out the pieces of the cylinderhe

had found, and with liquidglue started laboriously
to
piece them together. One by one he fastened them
and

them

warmed

dry. The

work

over

Bunsen

long

was

and

burner

arduous, and

daylight before he had finished

cylinderwas
now
complete, except for
shaped hole at one
extremity. With
trimmed

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

the great velvet couch

on

handsome

nine o'clock

by clawing at his sleeve,

and Astro jumped up and went
to the telephone. A
half-hour
later,tubbed, and clad in his flowing red silk
its moonstone
and
his
robe, his turban
clasp on
his
head, he sipped his thick black coffee and munched
rolls as he read in the morning paper
the accounts
of
the suicide of Edward
terest
Burbank.
to inNothing new
him had transpired.
at

he sat there the bell rang,

As

and

soon

entered, carryinga parcel. Astro

took

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

before his wife would

return.

old man's

quiet the

to

into the studio with

determined

only a

was

distress.

expression,

new

jubilant.He sat down, wrote

a
note, and despatched it by a messenger
boy. This
done, he set the phonograph carefullyat the beginning
of the strange exclamation
that interruptedthe song
at

once

and

the record, and

on

In

half-hour

waited.

"Colonel

announced

opened the heavy portieres,

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,

confidential nature," he observed

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.

take off that

you

Colonel

you,

pack

to

at

By Jove !
window
he

I'llthrash

you

and

!"

brought

his

two

hands

MRS.

WHY

down

BURBANK

his knees, and

on

the

toward

RAN

his dark

colonel,on

AWAY

alert head
whom

221

stretched
out-

was

he turned

two

blazingeyes. "Colonel Trevellian," he said in a voice

like the rattling
of paper, "you have persecuted Mrs.
Burbank
long enough ! If you fancy you understand
the art of hypnotic suggestion,I can
show
you that
For her sake I consent
you'rea fool as well as a cur.
without
to permit you
to leave town
informing the
major exactlywhat kind of a cad you are, but you'll
have to leave quickly."
of his nerve
The
colonel had alreadylost the most
;
but he made

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

did not suggest, after

under

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

step back, undecided, then,

turning suddenly, bolted out of the room.

Astro dropped again into his chair, folded his
and

"
"

his

stared first at the mechanism, then

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

paid the driver, and

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

furs, though she

luggage
her

was

stamped

if not
was

her

as

telegram from
a
fine-looking

was

all in

black, even

to her

mourning veil. Her only

travelingbag. Everything about

wore

no

small

drew

of culture and

woman

influence,

rich,at least comfortablyoff. Yet her demeanor

timid, almost frightened.

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

able to find you

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

"Yes, Astro, the Master

and

who

either ; for I'm

Master?"

happen
timidityin

detective ?"

friend

in

you

affectionately.
"No,

that if I told you

here;
You

took her hand

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

"Oh, if it only were!"

leska

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

I left it there in the ash

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

advice, but the

didn't have

She

"

to risk

nervous

ask his

the horrible

"

concluded, "I thought

she

that I should

I got to Edward's

barrel.

"

crime, she had

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

and, for fear lest in her distress she

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

against it; but

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

after that Mrs.

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

cupids,seemed faintlyto reflect the life below ; the tall

tances.
mirrors
multipliedthe complexity of mysterious disThere

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,

leaninggracefullyforward with a swanlike movement.

almost
She
ture,
was
a
a
deliciously,
foolishly
pretty creawith her bright smile accented by a black beautyat

spot

the

of

corner

It

was

hard

to

Astro, in his masculine

believe
way

she, presented his assistant.

human

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

jewels, her lovelyneck

fingersflashing with
fair hair.

her

mouth,

her

to

let his eyes

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.

beyond being pleased at

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

mesh, sheer and

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

suggested an unsatisfied desire.

expecting something wonderful,"
look

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

Valeska, smiling amusedly

was

"

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

tall, ashen-haired, limp and

bearing

prom-

all of the utmost

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

this crowd, in spiteof what

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,

gloved,lightlyby her side, the first and second fingers

tentativelyoutstretched, the third and fourth curled
toward
the palm, the thumb
projecting.
the
Astro
"You
Palmist, aren't you?" the
are
asked

woman

peeping
bother
is

her

over

going

happen

to

miraculous, after

"even

dear

"But

We're

expecting something quite

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

pale youth again

I

bit

I'm

finger at

careful that it's open

"Oh,

Astro

quizzically."Surely not

pale youth

life is

said

go ?" she insisted.

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

hope something extraordinary

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."

that ?" she cried.

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

dare," said Valeska.

that I'd take them

The

group

about

now

was

them

as

knows

compliments."
joined by others eagerly pressing

to listen to the

dialogue. The fame of

Master
of Mysteries had grown
wonderfully with
exploits and his reputation
reports of his recent
almost eclipsedby his fame as a seer
palmist was
solver of inexplicableproblems. The
distinction

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

societyin the role of guest he was, as

Mrs. Selwyn had said,an immense
success.
Valeska's
as
reception was
flattering. She had
passed the ordeal of introduction cleverly. The men
flocked to this pretty blond girlwith the blue eyes, as
to a popular heiress.
Unused
she had been to fashionable
as
appearance

life,her native wit and

with

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

pleasantlyafraid of his powers

showed
him
Selwyn persistently

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.

I've tried her

alone, in

came

cab, Mrs.

They got acquaintedthrough

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

traps ; but she is too clever."

that
"Oh, she's bad, I know
"She

"Are

derision.

dilated.

eyes

MYSTERIES

was

leaningtoward Valeska to continue, when the woman

in questionappeared at the door of the dining-room,
cast a sharp glance up the hall,and espied them.
"Aren't
She smiled beyou coming in, Monsieur?"
witchingly.
"In

Countess."

moment,

"I want

know

if

you're magician enough to tell

what
Mrs.
me
Selwyn's punch is made of. It's the
saw."
most
mysterious thing I ever
"If it's as mysterious as you are, my dear Countess,
I'llhave
She
to

one

He

was

to

to

admit

dropped
side,and

Astro

courtesy, tippingher head

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

in his lens and

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

the air of not

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.

Only wait, and

I'll talk

hand, carried Astro

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

by^men who offered her chairs,

than
ever
Selwyn, more
plates and refreshments.
tened
disgruntled,retired to the wall, against which he flathimself, and
gloomily regarded the crowd.
Valeska, besieged as she was, threw him a smile and
a

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.

joined it,sparkling,vivid, keen.

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

hour, until the party began

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

driftingout in twos and

less stimulated
or
by the supper and
to an
increasinggood fellowship. All,
the

leave

champagne

that

EMERALD

"up

and

she

was

to

observe,

had

it

hand

His
The

plain

as

glance

"

his feet.

to

caught

and

signal this time,

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

the great hall doors,

new

men

brought up to her to be introduced,

continually
each with a new
remark
or
compliment or a flippant
a
joke,each showing a friendlyrivalrywith the others.
Valeska
enjoyed it all excitedly. She could hear a
nervous
pitch in her voice, as she shot her frivolous
were

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

past her, and

was

EMERALD

237

sharp twitch

side of

the

at

waist.

her

another

Then

voice

like

came

"Light

mandatory, abrupt, angry.

dare

one

any

diately
there, imme-

up,

is at the side of the door.

switch

The

bark, swift, stern,

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

it. I insist that every

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

fierce scowl, he strode

"Now,

who

was

near

back
you,

"Oh, I don't remember

"All
out

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

the lace is torn

lightswent
snatch

Somebody

it. It's preposterous !"

"Search

everybody !" 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,

parlor tricks, thank

of your

responded

room

strain of uncomfortable

nervous

Selwyn shook

None

fusion
con-

throng.

find the brooch

me

rose

chair, and

unpleasantness for

and

But

voice
a

clapping of hands all over

speech. Instantlythe mood
from

for

let

the

the emerald."

discover

to

sprung

above

appeared

and

at once,

suddenly clapping his

speaking as sharply as an officer

commanding
He

floor!"

Then

maddening.

was

hands

MYSTERIES

!" cried others.

"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

put his hand

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

host, overborne, and himself

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

insinuate that I took

dare

Mrs.

wyn's
Sel-

brooch?"
Her

eyes

were

the

"Silence!"
to

the

all

If you

do

"Madam,

matron.

it quickly,
so

hesitate,we

doll's,and her anger

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

delay the recovery !

nothing to fear. If you
for suspecting
be blamed

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.

"Quick, Miss Preston!"

left-hand glove!"

241

of his group

also been

had

who

debutante

EMERALD

said.

he

in the dining-room.

"Take

off

your

enough and thoughtless

and obeyed him
enough to take the situation lightly,
He gave her palm a glance,then turned
with a smile.
Miss

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.

beside her, but before

bitten the knuckle

had

that moment

doing, she kept

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

hand, justas it is. Thank

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

assembly, looking sharply about, her

back.

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

slowly; trembled; looked about;

step forward, tentatively.Valeska stillheld his
his feet

to

hand.

"Silence, everybody!" she

her

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

her the brooch.

handed

Mrs.

!"

She
then

it,clasped it to her breast,and

with

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

changed. First it grew

delightedexpression flooded it.

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

big scandal, I tell you!" He turned to

about it.
neighbor and began to talk vociferously

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

little pale, but

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

pig," she said,"but really,Astro,

couldn't

Do

know!

talk about

Astro

you

be

see, the

You

Mrs.

was

she

course

pretty big chance

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

didn't look at half the

"You

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."

me," said Valeska,

to

do

and

receptionforever
laughed. "That's one

are,

"It

nice

my

can't do.
as

It would

it somewhere?

245

off the countess' hand

get that diamond

you

hide

and

EMERALD

SELWYN'S

MRS.

she

held

her

when

ringers

didn't

you? I didn't have time, then, to

had been
I knew
or
by that that she was
with his
a
pickpocket. The professional dip works
first two
and almost
fingers,
always carries his hand
with them
extended, and the other two fingerscurled
up out of the way."
"But why did you look at her left glove, instead of
the right,as you did all the others?"

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

Seer, cryptic,mysterious; again he

of

man

dreamy

the alert

was

affairs,keen, logical,worldly. She

had

him, too, in society,affable,bland, jocose. But

she got
whimsical, analyticmood
introspective,
him

and

learned

of the true

something

cult
oc-

seen

in this
nearest

import

of his

life.
He

went

on, his eyes

his
half-closed,

red silken robe

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.

clergy and laityalike

forces of good and evil were
almost
They worshiped the Almighty, but
century

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.

but they flourished then

practises,

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.

"Valeska, I've been

of
all that.

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

Paris, the black

if there

know

CLUB

ASSASSINS'

THE

the

of Evil?"

worship
Valeska

"Oh, that would

shuddered.

be horrible !"

"But

for

He clasped his hands behind him

interesting."
gazed up at the silver-starred ceiling. "I don't
that does evil
degeneracy or insanity,but a man
the love of it,as they did in the old days. Think,

for

instance,of the lost

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.

outside, she looked

and

into

button
secret

studio.
For

minutes

some

then, hearing

listened.

door.

she

put aside her

veil her

portrait,vivid, instinct

high-bred beauty,

rare,

Astro
"I

she
the

she

Then

Scarcelyhad she disappearedwHen Astro

dressed
usheringin a young woman
stylishly
When

the

the heavy rugs and, touching a

softlyacross
in the mahogany wainscoting,passed through

walked

up

if

fingersas

walked

she arranged her cards in their tin box

voices

like that!"

talk

you

thought, and
reception-room adjoiningthe great
to

science of

the

"

showed

her

seat

with

grace

full of
under

thought you would help

was
saying, in continuation
reception-room. "If it were

face

returned,
in brown.

shone

and

character

like

out

delicate,
force.

and

the electric lamp.

me

if any

of her

one

could,"

conversation

anything less

in

vague,

OF

MASTER

THE

250

about

I'd speak to mother

I'm

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?"

lieutenant,in the construction

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

disloyalto suspect him,

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

charge of work that

is
If this change
it is
whatever
secret.
should affect his work, he'd be disgraced; he might
be dishonorablydischarged."
even
"When
have you noticed this peculiarity
of his ? At
any particulartime?"
"Usually on Sundays, when he almost always comes
reason

has

"

"

call ; but

to

times

he

colors

and

sometimes

in the middle

talks queerly, almost

with

what

even

finish his sentences

daze

for

go

on

as

"And
"He

we

are

and

goes

minute; and

if

nothing had happened."

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-

dinner, but of late he has been having

that

prevent."

right,"said the Seer; "I'll see what I can do.

Knowing that he is at your house, I shall be able to
orient myself and
receptive to his
thereby be more

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

questioning his wish,

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.

Valeska, giving Astro

the

glance, led

the visitor into

reception-room.

"I had
said.

idea that Astro

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

pocket

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 !"

"No, I daren't leave it. Mr.

and

asked.

I take this letter?" Valeska

"May

for it.

ask

But

you

Cameron
tell

may

miss

may

Astro, if you

it

think

best."
Valeska

be

bad

so

as

find it out, you

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."

the visitor had

studio

glance

it,"she said,pressing her hand.

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

finished ; then he smiled,nodded, and

till she had

up

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

the fact that

appears

same,
now.

the lieutenant

shall do."

the 'Assassins'?"

about

But

But, all the

I have.

something deeper in it than

the girlis to be helped,and
that

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,

buff-laid linen paper

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?"

"No, the stationerycame

I

the

from

Perkins

"

Shaw's.

stamping under the flap."

can't ask there
"Very good. Unfortunately we
about the Assassins.
But perhaps we'll find my
ideal
criminal after all. The
easiest plan will be to follow
Cameron
to-morrow
ter
night. Meanwhile, you had betdo some
thinkingyourself."
saw

OF

MASTER

THE

254

MYSTERIES

gazed long into trie great

working
fire,her brows
frowning, her hands
open
mechanically,absorbed in thought. Astro took a small
himself
and
gracefullyamused
folding chess-board
of the game.
with an intricate problem in the logistics
Valeska

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,

time to close the studio.

Astro

and

waited

Valeska

for

Seventy-eighth Street from Miss

the lieutenant
Mannering's house before they saw
They had alreadya good descriptionof him,
emerge.
and had no trouble in recognizingthe tall good-looking
fellow who
at half past six o'clock walked
briskly
down
the stairs to the subway, and
up the street, ran
two

took

across

seat

Valeska

in

down-town

separated and

of the car,

local train.

took

watching their

seats

man

third Street he got out, went

walked

on

Astro

and

the opposite side

guardedly. At Twentyup to the sidewalk,and

eastward.

Beyond

Fourth

Avenue

was

brick houses, back

old-fashioned,

lieutenant

entered

the

small

from

iron

his

yards and, taking a key

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

the letter ! Follow

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.

have," said Astro.

floor

rear," she

plied,
re-

flightsof unlighted

two

up

to

that, level with the floor,was

over

possible!

lighteda cigar,turned up his collar and waited

half-hour
in the doorway. Nobody having entered
left number
109 by that time, he rang the bell

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

might easilystand and look into the adjoining

in later,Astro
windows.
Saying that he would move
paid the girlfor a week's rent in advance, and left the
house

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

quite a conversation, and I convinced him that I

was
respectable.He walked along with me and asked
where I was
me
going. I said that I had intended going
to the Hippodrome with
a
friend; but that I had
late I thought I'd go
been
so
detained, and it was
He
home.
proposed having something to eat, and of
I had to be urged and urged; but
I refused.
course
the

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-

considerably.He asked me to go home with

that he could give me
a photograph to identify

victim.

my

OF

help

to

woman

up

him

MASTER

I said

would; although I confess I

was

being quite sure what he was up

had begun paying me
to. He
compliments,and when a
German
well, you know !
begins to get sentimental
"I took the subway with him, and we
went
up to
Hundred
One
and Twenty-sixth Street. There
a
was
big apartment hotel there, called the Dahlia, one of
those marble-hailed
affairs that look as if they were
different kinds of fancy soap, with a
built of a dozen
red carpet and awfully funny oil-paintings
and negro
in Renaissance
hall boys sitting
armchairs.
I refused
to go up-stairs. Well, after a while he came
down
the
elevator and handed
this photograph. What
do
me

nervous,
^getting

not

"

"

think?"

you

She

handed

Astro
when

his fine brows

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

fur toque, and

saucy

mirror

hair at the great carved

her

up

up

I wonder

for final instructions.

Miss

lifted

He

at it.

him, get his confidence,and

Beimer

end

he looked

Cameron

"Lieutenant

Valeska

cabinet

at

one

of the studio.

Astro
looked

sat

up

his hand.

regarding the portraitin

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

except for his

bit effusive,you

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

possible to exist. One is the dreary

every-day place of business and duty and pain ; the
it is

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

"I believe that just

different

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

that occult world

where
are

is

there

such

no

suffering.Don't

we

ter
en-

night through our dreams,

There
thing as conscience?

there!

consequences

no

at

or

MYSTERIES

No

doubt

it's

gerous
dan-

place,because it is abnormal; but its exploration

is fascinating.Why
ignore the fact that
it exists as a refuge from
the worries
of matter"

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

dark, Astro opened the window

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

with red hair, high

yellow-facedman
dark eyes deeply set into his skull. In
a
plate filled with what looked like

caviar sandwiches, cut

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

drug store, and

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

ask for Mr.

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

busy with a pencil

and a sheet of paper, explainingsomething to the
watched
them
German.
The
over
yellow-facedman
his book.
The lieutenant was
evidentlytalkingwith a
gan
little difficulty;
every little while he stopped, and betwitchingat
again with an effort. One leg was
the knee-joint. He
supported his head heavilyon his
Cameron

still at the table.

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

the table beside the bed.

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

done, he took the wash-bowl

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

"It's the best I could

MYSTERIES

handed

She

do."

it

over.

see

me

It

read:
"Please

allow

the bearer

important business

on

at

to

time

any

this.

"Good

!" said Astro.

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

be ready for anything."

and

me

the door

open

"Does

arm.

"Now

roof to

present

CAMERON."

ROBERT

listen at the window

come

in and

come

hand

she asked

breathlessly.
He

"How

did you get it?"

the lieutenant's letter."

nodded.

"From
"Of

Well, it may

course.

begun with 'D-a-n*

have

this time."

by

"D-a-n-g-e-r?"
"Perhaps. Be ready !"
At

the

he

of the Assassins'

door

down-stairs.

was

Club,

presented the letter. "I wish

Cameron
immediately !" he said.

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,

for resistance from

grasped him

the

on

the balusters.

over

inquired,as he

parleyAstro

any

ant
Lieuten-

see

nobody,come

fat face looked

portly form

"Vat's

leave

better say no,

brushed

Astro

to

to

sah," said the darky.

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

"I got you

want
to

deaf

The

from

away

MYSTERIES

Beimer

help you." Astro

to

OF

afraid of trouble

"

spoke

"

as
distinctly,

very

if

man.

felt for his coat, found

lieutenant
seemed

one,

and

puzzled,

himself

out
with-

back

dropped

again

limply.
"The

"

draw

"

"Yes, the

"

his voice ended

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

till they would

to

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

that led me,

crime, and
or

ment
mo-

don't you ?"

the word

the

Indian

hemp,

and

of
I

the effects of hashish."

amateur

club to

only a

"

for

his followers

Indica,

"Yes, I thought these

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

here; but his will is

sinking into apathy, where

into full consciousness
I wish

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

the last time

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.

rises to the level of volition

consciousness,

265

Valeska

now?"

the prostrate form

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

get it. Wait

like

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

the roof and

on

With

time."

I'll just have

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

get right out

do

can

you

the

to

dose, and
ever

hashish

with the stuff.

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

anything about hashish,

going to have the worst
a

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

the bed, his

"

I'm

tottering

on

the
full

top
of

!
pendulums
mucilages
spirilated

of

The

tall

"

world

is

ASSASSINS'

THE

eyes

CLUB

glassy,his fists clenched. The

to gain possession of his mental
in his

"What

writhing mouth

"It's all

glass of
The

water

plans

"Help

for fire control.

"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

get this hemp

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

we'll get them

; 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,

rigidas a marble statue, only his wild

spoke painfullythrough his clenched

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

hell !" His

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

little sick, that's all."

"I'm
I'm

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

pocket

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.

the active stage of

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

the pattern in the

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

off her coat

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

little fist the

his

Square,

him.

to

up

!" she

"See

of

little child

saw

Fourth

West

Washington

across

against

brushing

something

and

Thompson

Streets, gazing abstractedly

ing
stand-

policeman,

at

the

in the

in
on

five

fact

after-

THE

272

MASTER

OF

in the basement

noon

street, a place used

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

clothes in the back

found
she

Where

as

wash-room,

been

of

tenement

cheap laundry. The laundress

child playing at the wood-pile; but had

noticed the

had

MYSTERIES

at

had

gone.

turned
re-

The
to

quarter

interim

in the

ished
fin-

it seemed

discover.

turned

was

to

over

the detective force,and

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

the details of the affair,and

promise
will

the time, and

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

block, to the corner."

of the

would be along two

sides
"Why, the obvious course
of the rectangle, along West
Third
Street and
up
leska.
Thompson Street to the Square, wouldn't it?" said Va"

"Undoubtedly. And yet, if littleElsa went

along the sidewalk, it seems
impossible that
wouldn't

noticed

have

playthingsshe

might

"She

was

have

her and

remarked

the

holding in her hands."

only justpicked them

that way,
some

one

surprising
near

up,

the

corner."

"Very

and

routes

I'm

curious

Astro's

carefullygo over all possible

the probabilities.
But let's

must

determine

then

look at the exhibits in the

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

entered,and He and his

the detective

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-

disgust; but Astro still

by inch, from the long

it in

it,examining it,inch

wrist.

Astro

replied."It
forty. Cut from

of at least

man

life. And

"

yet

He

"

did not

instead,he said abruptly, "Take

the basement

alone with

them

to

child

had

last been

the

ied.
buring
dur-

arm

finish the sentence

to the

us

laundry."

preferring
investigation.The

during his

Valeska

pointed
then

and

seen,

had

McGraw

proprietor. She

the

has been

left them, Astro

McGraw

the cellar after

entered

two

once

?" said McGraw.

to be

at

was

mummy,

earth, it was

of

negro'shand,"

At

to

never

nails to the dissevered

coarse

; it

like

strung with
turkey's claw, wrinkled, stiff,all color

into the hue

at

and

It winked

its shell.

glared and

motion.

like

peered

pure

beautiful.

with life or

dulled

of

glowed
yellow

impossibledistances

hand, however, seemed

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

into the yard with

watched.
Astro

spent considerable

LUCK

THE

OF

his
time, letting

MERRINGTONS

THE

in every

rove

eyes

direction,
searching

foot of the walls,ceiling,

and

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'

here, what ?"

"Oh, looking about,"

I

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

began to tremble. "Opal !

you." Astro walked into

lifted the mattress.

of

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

get it,anyway," asked the Seer.

THE

276

MASTER

"My

uncle

They

talked

in

for ten minutes

to the

MYSTERIES

Italy,he give it to me,"

this story. Giving up

return

OF

; but the

the

fell

his eyes

tested.
pro-

persistedin

man

the attempt, Astro

laundry, when

man

about

was

to

the basket

on

stopped and took off

a few
then, after a quick look at the
piecesof kindling,
Italian,took something from under the piecesof wood.
the

It

had

man

was

been

carrying.

skull.

human

"Perhaps you'lltell me
demanded

where

you

got this?" Astro

sternly.
Italian's face

The

eet to

geeve

Astro
"In

He

for

me

turned

heaven's

brightened. "Oh, a littlaboy, he

ten cent," he said simply.
Valeska
with a baffled expression.
what
kind
of place are
in,
we

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."

into the back

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

side of this and

be-

OF

LUCK

THE

THE

MERRINGTONS

277

yards of tfieabutters appeared the rear of the

Fourth
houses on South Washington Square, or West
Street,risingfour stories high. On the right and left
other yards. Astro
were
began at the right-handside
the fence foot by foot all
of the house and examined
the

yond

the

round

three

sides, till he had

back

come

the

to

again at the left-hand side. Then he looked up at

tion
windows
of the house opposite.A second examinatime.
of the fence opposite the laundry took more

house
the

followed

Meanwhile, Valeska

interprethis

him

have

She

you

discovered

best to

the north

on

to

the

laundry door,

?"

spoke eagerly. "Why,

the fence

her

movements.

"Well," he said,as he returned

"what

did

and

there's

side,and

it seems

hole broken
to

me

in

it's big

baby to crawl through. Besides, as the

clothes are
hung now, it is well hidden, and little Elsa
might easilyhave got through unnoticed."
"Did you notice her footprintsbeyond, in the earth
of the other back yard ?"
"No."
Valeska was
apologetic.
"Well, they are there. Nothing else?"
"Why, no."
"Look
again !"
Valeska
went
carefullyalong the fence and finally
vertical scars
stopped at some
half-way up the north
?" she asked.
wall. "What
do they mean
"That's the false half of our
Italian friend's tale,"
enough for

said Astro.

mind

"Never

we'll call at the house

They
climbed
the

bell.

some

and

excavations

buxom,

Now

opposite."

left the basement

over

for the present.

them

walked

round

the block,

in the street, and

jollyyoung

woman

rang

opened

the

THE

278

MASTER

Astro

door.

asked

MYSTERIES

OF

for

let,preferably in the

to

rooms

rear.

"We

ain't got but

now," she replied. "That's

one

the third floor up, and

look at it. Was

can

yet though. You

it ain't vacant
?"

married

you

on

laughed and, ignoring the question,followed

the woman
of stairs,followed
by his
up three flights
assistant.
The
landlady threw open a door, and the
the
Astro gave
three entered.
a
quick look around
Astro

apartment.
It

in

was

he ain't
"I

she added.

paid

clothing and

with

cooking utensils.
yet, neither !"

for t'ree weeks

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

like that !"

"What

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,

black eye, too."

o'clock.

four

long dirtystripof

up

had

fell out

it?"

was

d'ye think

What

He

nearly

called

He

it

the window, threw

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.

landlady laughed. "I only wish

he

had

fell

LUCK

THE
"Who

lives

"Oh,
here

OF

for two

"And

weeks

his wife; but

and

They

now.

279

they

"Oh, I live there myself with

all the same."

pay

dog."

my

Suddenly Astro exclaimed aloud, "The

dropped my hat. How
stupid! I'll have
in the yard and get it."
"Never

mind

; I'll go

Astro, however,
chance

to offer

sign to

Valeska

for

down," said the

again he

deuce
to

I've

down

go

woman.

before

insisted, and

had

she

running down-stairs.

was

told her to occupy

while; and

ain't been

story ?"

the second

on

MERRINGTONS

the floor below ?"

on

Spaniard

THE

the woman's

this Valeska

did

tion
atten-

successfully.

Finallyshe and the landlady walked down-stairs, the

girl talkingwith animation, the woman
giggling and
ples.
laughing and showing a set of big good-natured dimThey waited in the hall for Astro to return.
He
shook
hands
with the landlady cordially. "I'll
let you
"But

know

about

if I want

room,

I like the

What

are

continued.

landlady better
they doing on West
"Digging for a new

"Yes," she said.

somewheres.
wish

the

"When

the

I do

he

drain ?"

they are

digging up,

tired,this New

me

room.

Street?"

Fourth

"All the time

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

brings such funny thingshome.

sometimes
As
and

soon

self. He's

crook, I

eye.

All

Bags

and

were

alone he smiled

the time

he

things,and

watches."
as

Astro

and

Valeska

said,"Well, it's as easy

as

I said it

was

going

to

280

MASTER

THE

All

be, isn't it?

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

Street, here, and

walked

to

the policeman.

That's

all

met

where

in the

did this

get the hand,

man

did the Italian get the opal ?"

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-

the fence ?"

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,

dropped it,or placed it

the

opal,and, beginning

THE

OF

LUCK

THE

drowse, dropped both

to

down

there I

MERRINGTONS

into the

281

yard. When

I went

footprints,undoubtedly the Italian's,

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

?"

find out," said Astro.

to

the Italian have

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

for five o'clock,haven't

"Yes.

off his

there is where

in which

that till to-morrow.

eye.

The

must

pretty badly. Consequently he

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

into the limousine

studio, where
Valeska
had

MYSTERIES

OF

MASTER

busied

yet had

as

Miss

Merrington

herself with
no

chance

his visitor in the

Miss

Merrington

was

drove

and

was

the file of
to

look

rapidlyto the

waiting. While
dailypapers she

over,

Astro

viewed
inter-

great studio.
a

tall

willowy brunette, with

in her face, well dressed, and

dently
eviplenty of humor
it seemed, on
fairlywell-to-do. She had come,
a
peculiarerrand. In brief,as she told it to Astro, it
was

this

Merrington, her grandfather,had been a

officer on
United
States Army
a
special errand in
Mexico
at the time of Maximilian's
regime. He had
had the good fortune to be of service to the emperor,
for his servhad been duly grateful. In return
who
ices,
the emperor,
at their last meeting shortlybefore
of Maximilian's
the end
tragic career, had rather
jocoselyoffered him his choice of two gifts. The first
of Chiapas,
was
a
cigarettes
large box of the famous
for her
made
who had been famous
by an old woman
This cutting
tobacco
for years and had recentlydied.
off of the already limited supply had
increased the
value of the genuine cigarettes
enormously. Mexicans
held them
in almost
superstitiousesteem.
They were
said to have all kinds of esoteric virtues and to bring
extraordinary happiness. The first cigarette,when
The
mild as Virginia'stobacco.
ond
secas
smoked, was
was
always as strong as a black cigar and produced
of half-trance,
like opium.
a sort
Major

284

THE

with

silver

his

clasps. He

parchment,
For

it open.

written

with

beautiful

initials and

"Do

he turned

time

stopped to
you

took it to the table

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

Merrington, unfortunately,did not. He asked,

she gave
to the hour.
then, for her birthday, which
Astro turned to another
diagram, and taking a pencil,
made
a few
computations.
Under
"H'm.
the sign Libra, with Mars
and Saturn
in the ascendant
House
the
a daughter of the Ninth
Wait
Let me
moon.
a moment.
see
your palm."
off her glove,and, not a littlemystified,
She drew
but stillsmilingas at a child's game,
her hand.
showed
it a glance,turned
Astro
it over,
doubled
the
gave
ding
knuckle
he sat down, nodof the third finger.Then
"

"

his head.
"It's too
fact

as
definitely

so

'Luck

the

let's

It's
"

can't often strike

absurd," he said. "One

of the

this appears.

Merringtons'is

see," he looked

at

his

If I'm
here

not

mistaken,

in New

York.

diagram and

figures

again "forty-seven,that's right.Violet, indigo,blue,

that's
fourth, yellow, orange,
red, that's
green,
be an
and red
Green
seven.
Why, it must
opal;
It's a
that's the only stone that's both green and red.
fire opal, probably a Mexican
the Austrian
not
gem,
milky-blue stone. Curious, isn't it?"
"

"

"

"

"

"Yes," she drawled, "if it's true."

"Well, if you'llwait

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

shut his eyes

get back

to

And

brass

see

the

remained

and

buttons

appeared

again, and

Allen

blue coat

oh, yes, he's

"

silent for

to his

Allen.

name

in

man

the

family

said.

he shuddered, put his hand

slowly, "I get

285

time.

head, and

said

Street,that's

it.

guarding it. He has

dered
policeman." He shud-

to

to come

himself.

"What

did I say ?" he asked

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

other question I'd like to

older brother

an

ago,

told in his letter

grandfathernever

see,

of it. But

ask you.
two

out

pretend to. I only know the old story

'Luck of the Merringtons' as my father told
You

me.

robbed

turns

I can't

the

it to

what

see

least,if it

"I can't wait to find out,

exclaimed.

woman

though I
opal,and

at

"

who
had

only

he is

where

to

went

Mexico

two

letters

?"

now

Henry, isn't it?"

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

Merrington's face paled.

frightensme dreadfully! Do you know," she
grandfather
on, "somehow, what happened to my

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

foolish idea that he could

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

that heirloom, whatever

so

was

you.

not

help him
writing,because

the

railroad

that

would

I've heard

for the fun

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.

dear," said Astro, throwing himself

couch

If he

possiblybe
a
companion

family luck
days and see
"It

worried.

couldn't

but

fate

chance," she said,as she

chance

I'm

knows

into the studio

came

rington had

year;

better

going

"I think

patientlyfor

velvet

Now

do anything

heaven

I've been

I think.
for

longer, and

"My

could

don't get the

we

And

I'd come,

you

back, I don't

if

from

news.

thought

his

at

away

and

care

hint

some

hope Henry's all right

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

drawing up his narghile,"I

this Henry
Merrington who

the red
took

no

adver-

OF

LUCK

THE

'Luck

of

the

whether

MERRINGTONS

brother, the opal is,of

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."

out, therefore, without

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,

she finds out

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

he's lost the 'luck,'he hopes to get it

can't get in after

The

stillat

an

ever
slight.What-

immediately

up

didn't want
Now

before

back

I'm

didn't he

"Why

him

look

must

we

the benefit of the doubt.

I'llhave

and

"

be

can't prove

relic,he

as

he ?

can

"

kind, though it may

some

on

gone

rough trip to Mexico, he'll scarcelyescape

accident

know

never

has

the

not

course,

its tradition.

with

immense

interest,delighted

288

THE

to learn

MASTER

that the

probably claim

OF

opal had been found, and that

it without

what

I had

and

murder

with

suppose

you

when

his sister had

of

and

faithful.

story of the

know.

Baron

told that the messenger

had

diamond

Sancy
the

is not

up

always put this

Sancy diamond, which I
Sancy, you remember,
who was
ebrated
carrying the celHe

lost!'

of the corpse

stomach

took

left it.

killed,said, 'Never

been

of the messenger,

body

then

hope of findingthe thing on

I knew
he
Rolemy, the negro.

clever

the

gem

he could

whole

my

heard

brave

was

He

reward.

the story of his quest where

"I founded

MYSTERIES

sent

found

and

mind, the
to

men

the stone

of his faithful retainer.

disinter
in the
That's

I reasoned
It was
wildthe way
it out.
a
discovchase ; but I succeeded
marvelously. I ered

something
goose

the place where

been

made

made

;I

the very

the last stand.

the

shot

found

the attack

first,and

door, had

Some

story,
"

how

his hand

on

my

adobe

grandfatherhad

ruin where

he had

of the old people there

membered
re-

grandfather had been

Ptolemy, defending the wooden
chopped off with an ax before
how

my

brigands could enter. But no one had heard of any

count
precious stone or other valuable thing that would acfor the legend, though everybody in Chihuahua
of Chiapas'.
the story of the "cigarettes
knew
"Well, it took a month to locate the grave ; but, after
several coffins,I found
one
larger than
disinterring
when
I opened
usual, decayed almost to paper. And
the

it
"

which

was

skull,between

easy,

it

the upper

opal as big as the end of

of the Merringtons/ I was
because, from

was

rotten

so

and

lower

my

thumb
sure,

that time till it

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

back," he added, "I'm

to

sister Helen

my

"But

see

thirtythousand
friend.

my

on

going into
coming north,
my

!"

with

and

abandoned

lost for years.

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."

thing I don't understand," said Astro.

"Did you get nothing but this opal from the grave ?"
mark,
Merrington did not notice the incongruityof the reapparently. "Oh, I forgot!" he exclaimed.
"That was
a
funny thing,too! You know Ptolemy's
hand had been buried with him.
mified
Something had mumit,somehow, while the rest of the body was
nothing,really,but bones and a few
pretty far gone,
tendons.
Well, I thought I'd take the dried hand as a
relic of poor old Ptolemy. It was
ghastly; but I didn't
know
but that would
doubt
But no
bring luck, too.
that was
what
what
queered me, after all. I wonder
one

"

of it?"

became

"You'll
Astro.

find that at the detective bureau, too," said

"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

she hasn't worried

appear

about

"And
and

by to-morrow
surprisemy sister.

me."

always thought opalswere

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-

sir,"said Astro, speakingat last,"nothing

is incredible.
it

on

that your

me

me

first is to believe

dear

his hands

strange things in your

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

story I tell you ?"

Shaw," Astro replied,"it's easy enough for

me

perceivethat you are a gentleman. I expect an equal

At any rate, I hardly
of perceptionfrom you.
amount
untruth."
here to tell me
an
see
why you should come
"But what I mean
is,I'm afraid you'llthink I'm
It's simply too ridiculous. Why, I
well, a bit crazy.
wouldn't believe it myself,hardly !"
to

"

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

only that,but I expect

ample consideration."
Not

bowed.

Astro

of mine

York," he said

waste

no

appeal

to

his

out

for

"

an

in this head

of the first families of New

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-

curious, too, that

to me

had

never

offered.

been

ever

no

But

they to do with your sister?"

then down
Shaw
at the floor.
gazed up at the ceiling,
to tell the story, it's so
"Really,I'm almost ashamed
confoundedly absurd. We are Westerners, you know,
of good, sound, and healthy stock.
We're
as
as
sane
in
or
Shakespeare. No trace of brain storms
parancea
our
family! The thing hasn't gone far ; but it will be

what

have

talked

what

don't know

get hold
tie them

if I can't stop it ; that

about

of
up,

to

do.

whoever's
some

way.

I'm

up

is,if

tree.

you

You've

can't.

got

to

responsiblefor this thing, and

problem for us."

his lipsand yawned.
proceeded abruptly: "Mrs.

It's

Astro

put his fingersto

Shaw

took

the hint and

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

"Oh, that won't

back

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

top hat and

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.

for the week-end

down
"Who

down

closed

was

call it

blame

can

long

with

you

if you

big, rambling

sister's room

door

beatingabout the bush

"Only, you see, I wanted to

that I

it and

floor.

in

it,and

We

way

see

"But

gorilla?"
use

no

then ?" said Astro.

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."

list later,if you

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

the hall and

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

silk hat, and

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

collar,a red necktie,and

gloves,and pearl gray spats buttoned

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

and I thought she

nearly fainting,
she could speak. But finally
I got
her story was
that's
a wonder, and

drop before

would

of

deuce

pulled me

she

said, 'What's
She

she

called out, 'John, John!

opened the door,

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

longer, and his

hilarity.Shaw,

exploded in a gust of
anxiety,had to jointhe laugh.

demeanor

despitehis

control

THE

296
"What

MASTER

do

that's not

"You

MYSTERIES

think of that for

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

"

Well, the chimpanzee thing

"

"I

thought it was

"How

the blazes do I know

been

I had

baboon."

have

I shouldn't

been

have

known

if

there, and

the difference.

It

monkey or an anthropoidape, for all

I know.
the
on
Anyway, it set the soup-plate down
and tippedits hat and said,'Miss Ethel
dressing-table,

may

Shaw, I believe?'"
"Ah

!" said Astro.

"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

get all about

add

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

afraid he'll talk.

quiet, easily enough.

hide.

to

own

there

any

Astro

puffed

silence, as

the

out

he

velvet

keep the others

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

punching holes in the rug with his cane

again. From
the portieresleading to the reception-room, where
Valeska, Astro's pretty assistant,sat, pretending to work,
came
a
silvery chime of bells as the tall clock struck
four. It had begun to grow
Astro pressed
a littledark.
switch
and lightedan
electric lamp depending from
a
with points of
the ceiling.Instantlythe walls glittered
the golden
light from the embroideries, the weapons,
other

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

said, roughly, four

five

settled.

suppose.

jewels and

to

We'd

no

that

it's

think

to

to

pay

of any

us

to

that

in

way

to

questionsasked and head off

money's yours."
settled on Count
D'Ampleri ?"

insanitycharge, the
"Had
any dowry been
Shaw
blushed faintly."Oh,
aware

dollars

have

can

fact.

in

fee, why, that'll be

your

thousand

If you

ruined,

almost

was

as

this

"I'm

I'd have

ago,

you're in doubt

right.

have

?" the

possiblyfive. But this recent deal in lead

His shrinkage is nearly seventy-five
hard.

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

buy the title

to

in

the rug

on

of

trace

likes.

that the affair did

in

anger

please

not

way.

well.

"Very

evident

was

was

she

you

do

They

it's bad

for

could; but

match,

enough. Yes, we arranged

Ethel, I suppose." He kept his eyes

but

as

anything

all that.

arrange

know.

lawyers, you

ternatio
in-

an

isn't it?"

fought against it

Besides,

299

said suavely. "It is inevitable with

marriage,
"Yes.

COMEDY

delivered

I'll undertake

commission, delicate

the

said, rising."I'd like

sometime

here

to

week.

next

have

the

els
jew-

You

had

best

yourself. I wish also you'd find out just

when
the Count
D'Ampleri arrived in America, and'
the day and
tell me
by what boat. I suppose
you can
them

bring

of your sister's birth?"

round
wheeled
him.
Shaw
on

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.

"My dear Mr. Shaw,"

this commission, you must
It won't
You

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

quicklyas you can."

"I hope to see you
with dignity.

prefer

lore."

placatethe

cusps

of

out

us

or

because

you

with

MYSTERIES

prefer the ancient

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

off his robe

history?"

things!
I

that is,all except

straight;
to investigate."

"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

titled foreigner. I heard

the

forget items of that

than horoscopes."

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

heiress,isn't she ?"

an

man

is

his affections

is

Mare

! Old

COMEDY

glimmer

Bay

"And

What

COUNT'S

excuse

to

transfer
income.

permanent

impute insanityto

to

Miss

? I say it'sa merry

scheme."
frowned.
"It's horriblycruel !"

"Well, it's infamously Italian,if you

like.

Fancy

of the

Borgias reappearingto grace the twentieth

out.
century ! But you can't deny it is cleverlyworked
for not marrying,
Insanityis one of the best reasons
will
for a fortune-huntingforeigner. Every one
even
pity him, instead of blaming him, and he'll walk out
of the Shaw
of the Millers. He
family into the arms
only wanted to be well off with the old love before he
with the new.
But I'll forgivehim
was
on
anything
for the sake of the automobile
goggles."
"And
the Peter Pan
collar!" cried Valeska, laughing.
"Couldn't you hear me
gigglingin the closet ?"
"The
Landor
jewels,though!" said Astro thoughtfully.
"If it wasn't
for them, one
might suspect that

one

Miss

Ethel

had

Acetanilid

"The

"Ah,

an

affect the

garlicputs

where

I'll try him.

our

There'll

him ; but, what's

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

justas good, there'll be money."

interview

with

his friend, the

policelieu-

MASTER

THE

302

tenant, that

night

OF

MYSTERIES

found

Astro

suspected of the robbery

stronglyenough to warrant

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

the jewels were

stolen. A
night when
charge of cleptomania might, therefore,be reasonably
preferredagainst her. As young Shaw had said, such
an
accusation, coupled with her testimony as to the
method
by which she obtained the jewels, would deal
blow to the Shaws'
social aspirations.
a serious
McGraw
had too often profitedby Astro's assistance
in puzzlingcases
not to do his best to help the palmist;
but nothing was
known
by the policeabout the count
or

on

his valet.

It

the Atlantic in the

across

taken

plerihad
the

for Astro
furnish

and

man

that the valet had

that
was

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

first;but subsequently a brother

with

look

and

it was

dubious
been

his passage

Count

descriptionof

This, in

circumstances.

Pcnumbria,
This

servant.

no

importance
up

found, however, that, on

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

the fact that he

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

after his remarks

with

with

was

he held the famous

believe

never

he

as

ten

upper

help laughing when

up

for their capture.

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

imagine that he picked up

play the part, and found

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.

I will fix that."

"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

that the count

so

we

recognize him."
"I shall be

there," said Valeska.

"I promise

at number

from
but

I have

the

rented

by,

it

room

"I

!" said Valeska, raising her brows.

your

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.

573 Eighth Avenue."

"Indeed

with

said

comedy,"

interest you

may

he

also he is to

will collect from

will

be

in
strictly

is to

McGraw

me,

two

and

thousand
one

from

the deus
dollars.
Mrs.

ex

One

Landor,

glad to pay, I imagine, if he

privatecapacity.In other words, it is

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."

Roughly scrawled on brown

plain but dirty envelope, the
Tim,

rate, would

at any

time.

It

would

dare

The

not

was

note

be able to

not

and

put into

convincing.

was

deny

that the Count

message

it for

some

D'Ampleri

ignore.

Count

D'Ampleri

did not

aristocratic in appearance,
his Parisian
and

paper,

silk

hat, his queer

pointed mustache,
Valeska

ignore it. Smart and

with
though foreign-looking

he

was

his waxed

trousers, and
prompt

at

vous.
the rendez-

and

John Wallington Shaw, drifting

slowly down the block, noticed him there waiting in the
dusky doorway, looking impatientlyup and down,
The count
seemed
to be a bit uneasy.
smoking a cigarette.
He lightedone
cigaretteafter another.
The
two
spectators passed again, talking absorbedly one to the other, but watching guardedly as they
passed. At the Thirty-seventh Street corner
ticed
they noa man
standing,his back against a lamp-post. A
have known
him to be a policeman in plain
child would
clothes. His burly figure,his bull neck, the very cut
of his mustache, proved it indubitably.
He
gave them
wink as they passed him. They crossed to the other
a
side of the avenue
and walked
slowly. As they reached
the far end of the block they suddenly stopped. Valeska
began to giggle,pointed,and excitedlywatched
the

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

stopped, staring,a fantastic figure retreated, entered

the door, and banged it behind him.
laughing at the count's discomfiture as
They were
McGraw

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

yours? Tell me that!"

threw
back his coat
"I'll show
you!" and McGraw
! What
have
and displayed his badge. "See here now
you got in that bag at this time of night,hangin' round
in this doorway?"
I don't know
claimed.
"My God!
myself!" the count ex"Vat

beesness

of

"I'll see, then," said McGraw,

him

he opened the bag and

"You

don't know

drew

and
out

!" he thundered.

that at the station-house

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

the front of his coat.

down

ever

MYSTERIES

pantaloon, with a topper

yellow jacquettewith stripeslike zis." He

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

said, smiling. "You'd

careful,officer; he may

better be

be

And

dangerous."

with Shaw, who

too
was
saying she walked away
nearly hystericalwith mirth to speak for a while.
When
he did, it was
to say :
him
"Will
Astro when
see
you
you kindly inform
that I take back what
I said about horoscopes and occultism?
I am
quitesure he will understand."
so

She

repeated the
found

Astro

themselves

studio.

in the

alone

and

she

day, when

next

message

Astro

all like John Wallington Shaw,"

they were
of a living,
he said, "you and I wouldn't
much
make
little girl."Then
he added
"I understand
irrelevantly,
that the Count
D'Ampleri is to sail on the Germanic
smiled.

"If

week."

next

"Oh.

Then

"All

McGraw

of Mrs.
He

wanted

Landor, and

very

wonder

get his thousand

the less talk about

morning

to

say

livelyhalf-hour, but paid. By

told his sister Ethel

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

for all three.

congratulatethe

congratulatethe

he went

to

bed."

the episode closed."

began his readinghe remarked

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

put his fingeron

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

partialto knights,"she replied.

"I'm always willingto exchange a bishop for one."
"I wonder
"No
doubt because
why ?" Astro mused.
the knight'smove
is symbolicalof a woman's
of
way
thinking. She loves to jump over thingsin the logical
ahead and one
path of reasoning: one move
diagonally
backward
and one
to the right,one
obliquely to the
rather than along a straight
line." He
left,or anyway
laughed a little cynically.
"And
do men
think that way?" she asked demurely.
never
am

put his chin in his fistand

He

his

waving

hair.

black
There

do, sometimes.

are

nodded

"That's

his

ing
head, shak-

types that do,

They

too.

queer,

that do ;

races

Orientals, for instance."

"And
He
white

walked
tame

hardly
eternal
He
were

lizard from

Orient.

the

his voice
of all.

was

many

his little

"Oh, Egypt

is

well, it's Egypt, the

"

"I

"I wonder

believed

never

what

you

you

are?"

nimbly.

mysteries,"Astro
are

I hate to know

Well, let's call you

his

picked up

softer ; "but you

Somehow,

mouthpiece of

is

her.

troll !" she said

solved

and

its silver cage.

Egypt

Irish,"he said.

"I have

you.

suddenly

away

mystery."
turned
quickly to

"Pure

now

oriental ?" she asked.

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 Seer mused.

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

sending these things. If

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

said, smiling. "My

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

low ; he did not

Then

he threw

Valeska, to

from

locks
"

of

his brow

course

not."

and

His

gazed
voice

look at her.

off his mood.

this effect:

"Write

In order

to

her

in answer,

settle this rather

PRISCILLA'S

PRESENTS

questionfor her, I shall

Suggest that she invite me

delicate
men.

them

there.

You'll

make

it next

Friday. Also, ask

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

informalityin not callingmyself to invite her.

But I'm so busy
etc.
On Thursday evening,therefore,Astro's green
car
bore the two
to Miss
Quarich's residence on upper
Avenue.
admitted
Madison
ing
by the smilThey were
Japanese butler,and, enteringthe drawing-room,
found the two men
of the party alreadywaiting.
Thompson, the elder of the two, was
a
typicalman
my

"

"

about

bullet-headed,red-faced, with cropped red

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.

Quarich appeared, attired in

empire gowns, revealingher slim

beautiful neck.

figureand

merry,

suave,

after, Miss

moment

the most

and

more

was

head, egg-shaped,smooth

sensitive mouth
A

Gerrish

dark

with

She

eyes full of coquetry.

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

the Japanese butler, came

busy. Sam,

cocktails

eyes

her

It became

blushed.

MYSTERIES

bent

Astro, who

to

gracefully. Then

were

OF

dining-

room.

Sam, with the crisp,impersonal,quiet dignity of

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

the table at his

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

the favorite of the moment,

again

The

day, of sporting events.

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

divided their attention

men

serving,

not

twice, during the meal, Astro's

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,

"They're both immensely

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?"

"Oh, I recall having mentioned

at

Of

all that

have

though either might have found

all ;

he tried hard

In

"

and

men

attentive.

dangerously near to
laughed merrily.
"Do
recall having mentioned
you
has

them

great

romantic.

books

loads of flowers and

I've had

"It's

animation.

I would
"but it'stantalizing.

suspect either of them

course

sort

Saturday, however."

on

with

up

fun, of course," she said

never

dear," she said,

"My

rose.

when

they were

both

I saw,

one

there.

night

one

I must

show

it

you." She rang a bell at her side, and shortlya

maid
appeared. "Stebbins, will you bring that album
the table in my room,
on
please?"
it came,
When
Valeska
it interestedly.
examined
It
to

was
are

made

stilldecorated

and

of the Renaissance

volumes

sold in Sienna.

board

The

that
covers

gilded and painted with quaint picturesof knights

were

and

in imitation

castles,and
with

tooled

were

bound

silver-headed

with

nails.

leather, with apertures

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

the list of presents up

that

Astro

You

have
read

Oh,

give

can

yourself."

left the house

Valeska

and

to
directly

The

date.

to

pour

the studio.

mystery

Astro

laughed

it till she had

the

entered

Miss

whole

collection of presents.

Quarich

album

had

with

interest.

refused

but

studio

and

given her, and

The

drove

excite her feminine

to

her

at

paper

November

animated

was

pretty enough

was

enthusiasm.

She

early and

opened

the

displayed the

list was

follows

as

seventh, pair of slippers

; November
; November

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

the list. For

and

down

moments

staringout, thinking. Then,

his countenance,

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."

"Well, I inquired. I often ask questions. So you've

solved

the acrostic?"

"Yes,
does

the initials read

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

family. His father

old Samurai

staff.

Oku's

General

So

is

321

an

on

be, for that

Samugi

may

officer

army

matter."
"Then

is he

why

"Oh, that is done

?

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

love with Miss

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

of violets arrived, fresh and

tenor

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

you ?" she asked

retort

snapped.

eyes

received.

she had
week

On

put
But
cember
De-

motherreceived

huge box

fragrant from Morley's.

now
growing evident.

of the message
was
to the presents so

far received, it read,

THE

322

MASTER

"Samugi lov," and

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

position at home, but wealth

shrewd

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

received since the violets came,

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

all the letters,

she

does

penciland

to

least it confirms

at

order; but what

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

Miss Quarlaugh. "I saw

ich in a cab driving up Lexington Avenue
this afternoon,"
she said ; and added
slyly,"with a man."
"Thompson, or Gerrish?" said Astro.
"It is Friday, isn't it?" she inquired demurely.
Astro
"By Jove! Samugi's day off!
sprang
up.
You
don't mean
with Samugi ?"
to say she was
"In

shows

out

top hat," Valeska

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.

day," said he, with

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

left in the world.

seven

Valeska's

birthdaycame

studio when

an

filled with
them

that week.

expressman

entered

parcels all addressed

She
with

her.

to

in the

was

big
She

basket

opened

first with

glee,then with increasinganxiety on

her face.
the last package had been unwrapped
When
and the papers carefully
time
put away, she spent some
sittingon the floor gazing at the thirteen several gifts.
If there

them.

see

tears

were

did

He

after she had

in her eyes,
not

enter

Astro

came

too

late to

the studio, in fact, until

arranged the presents

into three

rows,

in

this way.

At
she

the sound

swept

her feet.

the

of his step in the outer

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

interruptthe Seer's soliloquy.But

back to her, and
absorbed mood, came
to

"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

the reception-room. Instead, she

connecting that

"

the couch, drew

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!

his water-pipe and

haled
in-

Thanks."

reply,Astro

In

drawn

up

Russian

long whiff of the aromatic

cigar,bit

The

in the bowl.

smoldered

that

had

off the

colonel

tobacco

produced

end, and lightedit.

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 !

of it. 'It soothes

"

the nerves/

for it/ and

course.

"

I should

all that sort

of

ought to be suppressed
questionof time when
It

by law, and it's only a

this pure-food agitation
it out of business.
will knock
it has
It's a crime against civilization ; but all the same
four millions for that disreputableold uncle of
made
the whole works belong to me.
mine, and now
Brings
I'm afraid to stop it,
in eighteenthousand
a year.
me
But that's not the point."
and more
afraid not to.
of his mouth
to
He rolled his cigar from one
corner
sers,
another, flicked a fleck of dust from his spotlesstrouspite
Seer smiled, deand looked calmly at Astro.
The
for the
his hand
himself, waved
dispassionately
other to proceed, and waited.
"I'm an
"The
thing is this," the colonel went on.
expert
world

on

ordnance, and

I've

Never

for the government.

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

"Scarcely,as yet/'said the

"Why, see here. I have a
Query : Is he my son at all ?
the
have
I'm

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

only, the question is, what

gravely.
the whole

me

I decide

do you

What

you.

roared.

"This

you

"Tell

or

"

Colonel," said Astro, "you'llhave

weighty question for

mean

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.

"Well, then, see here. When

wife

in

the child

was

born,

my

Long Island. I wanted her

the very best of care, especially
to have
I had to be
as
much.
Well, the night her child was born, the
so
away
hospital took fire. It spread so quickly that they
couldn't get the patients
doctors
out fast enough. The
working over my wife didn't dare leave her, and they
worked
against time. Just after they finished with her
and another
of the same
case
kind, the wing caught,
was

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

first suspect that he

you

the

at

see,

any

as

utes
min-

three

did the other

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

that she 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

twenty years, and

All she knows
Little

her

on

little girl was

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

is that she 'mixed

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

funny thing, though.

one
our

the

modestly. "Does

way?" he asked.

Sometimes

is, too.
of

the

record

pretty good

"Why, he does and he doesn't. You

things like that go. I've been told I
under

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

for that sort

The

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

building air castles for

pound of cheap chocolates

little. I've

trying to mash
though, for all her
was

right down

Big pompadour,

only bought
her

Went

her ?" Astro

seen

to

it,I hope ?"

wouldn't

to

you

laughed again. "She

"Oh,

have

the part, don't you

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,

by Jove ! I'd like

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.

handed, too, like

hennaed,

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

that the eye

know

phrase
tell

can

the

palm

don't mind, I'd like to examine

hesitate

modern

Nothing except
glasses; but I seldom

some

the ophthalmoscope.
I don't

is the matter

what

eyes?

the 'window

great deal from

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,

except in the Himalayas.

unknown
I

the

The

you.

They told

fakers !

are

the

my

or

yours
own;

instruments

all, the ophthalmo-

THE

334

merely enables

scope

into the retina and

With

great

that

he

studio.

on

the

The

thread

of incandesce

purple. Then, attachinghis

wires, he
in

moments

cornea

single electric

blue-glassbulb.

the

darkened

went

the colonel and

to

up

the little slit in the holder.

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

practisedthe art, and

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

right cheek, there is a probability

that there will be another to correspond with it on the
left hip. We
are
tracing,you understand, mere
cal
physiheredity.That is all you require,I believe. The
ken."
relation of souls is far beyond our
"That's
true," said the colonel. "People often seem
to bear no
to their parents."
spiritual
relationship
the soul comes
from
"Where
will probably always
remain
unsettled
science," Astro agreed.
by modern
"It is one
of the world
Haeckel
questionsthat even
have their explanation;
gave up. Our oriental philosophers
has

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

the other, and

as

that!"

as

"I

said

think

ought

you

it,if any one can."

"Oh, you can't make

MYSTERIES

fall in love

person

able to

to be

age
man-

easily

so

Valeska, turning away.

could

you

make

fall in

one

any

love," he

answered, gazing at her.

For
with

while

apparent

there

silence between

was

effort,he took

Then

subjectthey

the

up

them.

had

left.

"The
the

is

evidence

two," he said. "The

Both

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

all that patter of moles

in

shot

mere

and

the

of

records

no

hereditarytransmission in that direction. It's too

"What
the ophthalmoscope test for? And
was
"A

The

of
sinistrality,

Her

himself.

ond
sec-

test.

no

spiritually;but

or

positive physical abnormality in

prove

the

that's

so

eyes;

nothing,nor
to

with

same

evidence.

to

amounts

The

mentally,

sentimental

curls in his thumb

son

do

but many

sleep;

between

pretty equally balanced

bad."

why

birthmarks?"

air!

Do

you

know

what

brought down, though? The colonel has an opticdisk

the optic nerve
into the retina
that's where
comes
of a most
peculiarshape, like an angel'swings. I just
stumbled
on
it,in the hope of finding something peculiar
"

-"

that
has
on

to

wouldn't

curious

red

appear

birthmark

his left shoulder.

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

the father's directions,

with

of the

one

girl,Miss

His

medically inspect the lad for

easy.

You'll

doctor's sign

laboratory,and

door of my

337

way.

the

investigatethe boy.

I'll fix it: Have

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

employees as Bessie. It did

create
a
friendship.
Bessie

was

tell all she knew

means

take Valeska

not

to

to

by any
acquaintance.But

chance

long

did not

littlemiss, who

demure

to the other

Maverick, known

Miss

was

questions.Her conversation was a

monologue, apparently artless,but cleverlycontrived
the most
to throw
suspiciousoff her guard. She asked
Valeska

asked

Bessie's

advice

no

on

compliments; she
for

word.

week

tale of

with

her.

Valeska
of

"

From

The

two

soon

offered

that moment

gradually talked less;

became

hardly

by without

went

misfortune,

details. Bessie

Bessie

gave

desired direction. Then

a

sie's
that; she fished for Bes-

this and

Bessie

to

came

lost purse
to

share

all

was

chance

in the

move

the shop with

other

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

"

birthmark, something the shape of what

angel'swings."
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?"

birthmark, too," said Astro.

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

out, till she

has

easier than

mediums

in the

herself,and
son,

colonel, and

heirshipof

gold !

colonel's

knows

tried to get her

her, and

dear ; she's pure

the

of those

she's the squarest little brick

But

an

to

sensational.

was

affair,and

son!

thing away

in with

Astro

to

'Soothoid'

colonel's

MYSTERIES

she announced, "Bessie

think?"

do you
all about
the
even

OF

laugh. "Thereby proving that

something like that, doesn't it?
I don't see."

forget the ophthalmoscope."

"Have
you looked at Willie's eyes?"
"Yes, and his optic disk is the ordinary, irregular
"You

circle."

"Oh, I'm

glad!
making good for

"If you

so

can

Then
the

there's

'Soothoid'

get her up here

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

"OH, I spoke to the

delighted. He reallyhas
Willie must

"Then
"I

And

agree.

know,

know

that.

And

psychology,

see

no

in any

case

he'll have
he

why

reason

reallya fine chap, a gentleman

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

be told. If he loses his money,

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

the shop, instead

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

off like old friends.

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-

with the keenest

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

!" she confessed.

"And
me
marry
that I won't ! I know
it's all on

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

simply can't accept

think, anyway,

of his money,

only

he

was

only because of his conscience. It's hopeless,

my dear, hopeless! I hope I'll die and end it that way !
I wish
I might never
see
a
package of 'Soothoid'
again as long as I live !"
"Oh, of course
him!"
said.
Valeska
you'll marry
"He

he's in love with

is not ! He

you."

talks all the time about

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

the horrible part of it.

careful of
only been more
laughed through her tears hysterically.
nurse

had

do, Valeska, what

shall I do?"

reallywant my advice ?" Valeska

snuggled closer to her friend.
said slowly,"a man
a friend,"Valeska

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

!" she went

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.

you," said Valeska.

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

ask his advice."

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

glance from Valeska

the
nodded, and welcomed

secret

He

truth.

call

surprise when

the studio.

girlsenter
told

in

up

it any

the colonel's daughter, and

not

that will settle it. Let's go and

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.

ready for the ophthalmoscope test."

"Is it reallya proof ?" Bessie asked timidly.
said Astro, "if your opticdisk shows
"My dear girl,"
will
itself to be the ordinary circle,nothing whatever
be proved, and the chances are
equal as between
you

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;

daughter. Now, Valeska, put

lightthe blue bulb."

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.

him, will you?"

money!

it's yours

"I don't

"Yes

jumped

won't

me

"But

exclaimed.

silent,then she grasped Astro's

"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

for me," said Astro.

much

"That," said Valeska, "is because

are

you

only

man."
"I know

I'm

supposed

not

to

know

anything about

love," he said gloomily.

"Nothing
"And

"That's

at all !" Valeska's

I'll have

father

tone

after

was

decisive.

all!" cried

the best part of it ! I've wanted

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

that is,if you

kings

alchemist

an

escaped being put

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

the tube, he gazed

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

wait for her to fathom,

his mind
him

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

Paracelsus, the analogy

endeth

And,

when

are

we

acrid

bitterness that has

good

nature

came

into

ing
again. Readmind.

my

Thus

the first lesson."

so

saying,he strippedoff his working clothes,

attired himself
his costume,

in gown
became

and turban, and,

again the

as

inscrutable

he

changed

calm

Seer,

THE

346

ready for
took

MASTER

his patrons.

He

from

gyroscope

OF

MYSTERIES

walked

into the dim

tabouret

and

studio,

it on

spun

little

standard.
Valeska's

her.

She

followed

look
drew

her

down

him.

His

fair brows

toy, supported seemingly immune

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

"Very well, Valeska.

Very well,
He
coming on."
yawned. "Well,
It's dangerous pushing analogiestoo

"Well, about that young

"Oh, yes. I didn't have

the

emotions

held

and

its

watched

its motion

spoke timidly. "Human

pull governed

and

from

slowly in

questioned

eyes

off my

I know
from

Besides,

him.

you

hands,

prefer

the tail of his

eye.

"I don't !" she

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

?"

fingers impatiently. "It

Didn't

telephone number.
the

Jenson,

and

lady's name

house

continued, "she

she make

her

was

sign to

any

show

central?"

just as she got to the

of sightas his slowed

"Why,
out

swept

4, the train
at the

up

she

in

was

Thirty-third-.

Street station."
Astro

with

the

company

all the

merely

Finally he said, "Take

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?

all the papers

"Yes

to

3324*5,and send men

question of elimination

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

the files myself. What

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

lady might easilyhave

at

Fourteenth-

the

Street

station at the time of the accident."

what

"And

does

that

for

it's a, chance

"Nothing yet ! but

coincidence,at any

prove?"

rate.

I'lltake

clue ;

think,when

queer

I have

leisure."
He

went

back

the studio, and, after he

to

reading the palm

with

Astro

"We'll
the
to

Valeska
of his first client,

ished
fintered
en-

the list:

glanced it

over,

first strike out

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,

City Island, Franklin, Cortland, John, Hanover,

Rector, and

Worth.

That

leaves

us

chard,
Or-

stillnine-

THE

350
teen

MASTER

numbers

OF

investigate.Now, if the young

help badly enough to appeal to a casual

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."

this errand, and,

as

no

and
picked up his Paracelsus
with his reading. He had finished the chapter

client appeared, Astro

went

on

Aqueous

on

Vapors

when

she

returned.

He

took

up

her

memorandum

and

Kingsbridge addresses he eliminated, for the present,

these
changes.
being apartment-houses with private exThe
Social Register enabled him
to identify
in the Morningside, Plaza, and Riverside
persons

the

districts.

and

There

(Bryant, 3324)

were

H.

looked

left

it

over.

The

Audubon

only three addresses,

J. Cook,

199

West

as

lows:
fol-

Forty-fifth

Street.

(Columbus, 3324) Peter J. Manning, 521 West

Street.

enty-thir
Sev-

TWO

THE

MANNINGS

MISS

(Murray Hill, 3324) Alpheus Hardy,

351

118

East

Thirty-

sixth Street.

"Well," he said, "the

if she
the

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

chinchilla furs, though, had

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

pouted, shook her fist at him, and retired.

next
morning a man
purporting to be an agent
York
New
Directory Company called at 199
Forty-fifth Street and asked
questions.
many

had

an

affable

heart of the maid

however,

who

that there

the house, which

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

that the house

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

she left the house

hoped

the young

lady

again.
o'clock

curtains

but

he

to

drew

coupe

Seventy-thirdStreet

The

called later,asking

Manning,
expected back

that she had

belonged

opinion that

who

Miss

that the finder would

seen

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

looked out from the little

occasionally
in the .end. Two
window
o'clock passed,and three.
Meanwhile, another coupe had been standing at the
a

of West

corner

End

block.

same

but

In

times

Avenue,

this

also

the

at

the

other

curtains

end

of the

drawn;

were

passing pedestrian caught sight of a

woman's
pretty face, with light hair and blue
young
o'clock a woman
wearing
eyes. At about half past two
mediatel
chinchilla furs passed the carriage. Its occupant imlowed
alightedand after a word to the driver, folShe
her.
walked
rapidly along Seventy-third
at

Street, and
did

spoke
It

ran

the steps of number

stop, however, but

not

to the

up

driver

of the

immediately drove
At

rang

up

to

waiting cab, and

lower
fol-

Broadway,
sprang

in.

off.

the studio Valeska

and

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

she said, "is Miss

inquiredabout,"

you

person

MANNINGS

enty-third
Sev-

the card-case
into

went

you
astral

an

yesterday. While in that state he saw, clairvoyantly,the scene

you described,as well as the girl's
subsequent movements."
She waited for the reply and then smiled as she answered,
trance

Jenson.

"I'm

afraid

The

Master
the

disclose

to

astral

girl is

in

desires

your

events

far

it

before

possible.

tails
into the deAstro.

"Oh, the girlis in trouble, is she, sorceress?"

Astro

life. Yes, please send

dollars.

hundred

asked
with

his pet white

of

leska.

"Did

from

secret

ever

big or

sorrow,

where

he

What

isn't?" said Va-

woman

encounter

one

that every

man

little?"

Astro

likes to be

to be misunderstood.

perceptions.

reckless; but

every

one

stupid. But, seriously,of

one

that Miss

Manning

under

right,

are

to

learn

nature,

is

wom-

like to be considered

Both

No

her

understood, and every

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

objectsto being called

dislikes being considered

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.

here !" the young

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

bit sarcastic,"I presume

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,

I've got to confess

came

idea
affinity

came

fresh, young

"See

him

see

rate,

any

immaculate, in stylishclothes, a

and

costume

At

after that,however, before Jenson

He

from.

received

know.

never

We'll

part.

our

MYSTERIES

something foolish."

heard

was

will

Jenson

two

was

OF

youth.

to

As

nothing of my methods, it would be courtesy,

since they are
successful,to accept what explanationI
am
pleased to offer. But I pass that by."
to offend
"I say, you know, I didn't mean
you."

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

sorry!" Jenson began.

his moods,"

gong.

gesture toward

the Seer left the studio.

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

her protector ; but

was

She

had

just heard

and

take

her

idea

no

doing in New York.

the people were
she was
having signaled to me
She suddenly
then, too.

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

his legs and

there

"Well, I suppose

you

nor

me,

are!"

you

at

Valeska

wish

the

gazed

me,
out

appointment.

an

it; said she didn't know

And

to

I floundered

could; told her I had

about.

to know

pretended not
situation.

Sent

coolly asked

and

down

came

something

that

called at her house.

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

afraid of this man's

was

she didn't come,

"And

up

made

She

palm-room

She

home.

her.

morning.

him

what

Jenson

with big eyes.

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

Well, I lost. This time I

what

see

you

girl. I've felt

glance. I want
you

think

may

He

folded

Valeska

his

help her.

it

absurd, but
and

arms

shall let you

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

I shall put it before

but

I confess

the

it from

357

believingin

come

do?

can

you

MANNINGS

as

said, I

myself I

can

do

him."

Jenson left, thanking her profusely. Just as he

opened the door, he said embarrassedly, "See here;
I'd do anything for that girl!"
"Would
asked, smiling.
you really?"Valeska
"I mean
just that, anything!" And Jenson went
the door with a grim look on his face.
out
back
Valeska
into the studio laughing. "Do
came
"

tell

what

me

she exclaimed

it means!"

after

she

had

told the story to Astro.

He

"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."

little. It's scarcelynecessary."

whom

"But

"A

do

anything more

"Oh, very

Manning

85 Central Park, South ?"

often at number

"Why,

Miss

is she

going

to see?"

George HerreschofT."

specialist?"
neurologist."

"I don't understand."

Astro

smiled

and

shook

"Well, I'llgive you

to

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

the arbor Jovis,the

edification,
arbor Saturnae

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

shut the door

laboratory.

next
came

leaving the

day Jenson telephoned

back

from

her

to

conversation

receiver off the hook.

"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.

his story, while

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

I'll tell him."

see.

call

is he?"

specialiston

than
personality

"Oh,

to

his advice."

"Shall I, really? Who

"The

him

witnessed

the

or

accident.

The

shock

state, into

her

personality,changed A, her normal

She had, no
doubt, been B before,

broke

in

Chicago.

THE

36o

MASTER

But, findingherself

OF

with

MYSTERIES

she did not

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

glad to meet Jenson, who knows

something of
what has happened to her in this abnormal, or B, state.
The doctor will undoubtedly treat her hypnoticallyand
her to a permanently normal
restore
personality."
"And
that's how
Mr. Jenson's friend,poor B, will
disappear?"
"Yes.
There
B
is
such person.
is, properly,no
merely a part of Miss Manning, Miss Manning with
certain faculties,
missing. It's not
includingmemory,
that of Miss Beauchamp, which
so
a case
as
interesting
very

"

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

with, but he'll be asked

to

len
girlhe has falhelp in putting

her out of existence."

"That's

simply

horrible !

He

said he'd do

if he'd

do

that?

I wonder

for her.

and

anything
it's all

But

so

impossible! Why, one might as

well believe in witchcraft or magic it seems
to me."
"It is justexactly what was
called witchcraft in the
old days. Now
understand
it, and it is merely
we
psychology."
Astro
and pointedto the laboratory."Do
rose
you
mysterious

the tree of Paracelsus ?" he asked.

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,

part of his functions

have

ment
experi-

chantment.
en-

that one's personality

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

instant his hand

"There's

he

and

up

returned

rested

Valeska, and

to

her blond

on

the great studio

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

that, Jenson called.

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

snowing pretty soon, I think I'll

\~J not go to Boston to-night,after all,"said young
Van Asten, of the law firm of Hipp " Van Asten.
He
stood looking out a thirteenth-story
window, late one
December
which
afternoon, watching the big storm
had
increased
o'clock.
steadily in violence since one
His

hat

tilted

was

collar

overcoat

on

the

turned

was

back

"Looks

Keen,

handsomely
of the firm

member

like

blizzard," said the clerk,rummaging

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

suddenly to the clerk.

Selvig'sbeen in to-day ?" he

turned

from
"You

mean

"Yes.

By

I rather
He's
me

his

don't
he

showed

ears.

and

his affluent clientele.

among

or

his

about

up

quick, and clear-cut,his features

in profile. He
the popular
was

in

his head

of

to

the

expect he's
him

Asten

has

anybody

asked.
will case?"

Drellmont

doesn't ; and

bigger

fool to expect

the will,too !"

"Nobody's been
Van

"Say,

Then

spoke yesterday,
gettingready to compromise.

young

way

fool if he
show

the Drellmont

about

snow-bank."

went

in," said the clerk laconically.

out

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

deathly quiet except

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

off the entrance

the other

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

fight his way

high. It was

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

full of tales of the storm,

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

wondering what to do. It was late to

the janitor for assistance,
and he would
pear
apfoolish if nothing serious had happened. He determined
mediate
to investigate
alone, and, prepared for an imstruggle,he put his key quietlyinto the door
moments,

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

furs stood, with

to

him, beside the great table.

as

if

taking something from

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

heavy yellow hair, blue eyes and slender

For
she stood there, immobile;
a
single moment

hands.

then,

Van

to

threw

and

Asten's

her

about

arms

she

amazement,
his neck

ran

and

ward
for-

pressed

lipsto his cheek.

"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

afraid I'd have

was

in the world

you

have

took

another

are?"

look
you

at

her

stay here

to

you

calmly disentangled himself

blushing violently. "Will

all,who

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.

she gazed at him

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

chair, hiding her

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

stay here, of course!

I've

just
She
suddenly
you!"
a
stupid practicaljoke
Come, Paul, drop it,

you'replaying on me, of course.

please! I'm tired,and want to go to bed. Where
you going to put me?"
"I'm going to put you outdoors !" he retorted.
"In

this awful

sadly through
; but

He

Van

blizzard ?" she demanded.

her

tears.

Asten

stopped and

effect

The

was

She

are

smiled

zling
reallydaz-

kept his head.

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

she called out

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.

Suddenly a thought came

the telephone and spoke as
For

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!"

"Is this Astro?"

"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

for the street?"

it looked

"Yes,

obviously

do?

"Yes, opened the door

"What

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

she did say she'd waited

"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

small, with blue

yellow hair, and

Mink

eyes.

right. Good-by.

Van

Asten

marvelous
did
Astro

not

place
not

much
of

much

however,

lots of it. Rather

muff."

stole and

I'll hurry."

the

up

heard

solution

was,

and, if

hung

had

!"

her, please!"

"All

He

sake, hurry! I don't

receiver
of Astro

with
the

sigh of

Seer

and

mysteries,but

the young

faith

sensational

in

these

close student

of human

intuitive,at least shrewd, and

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

gathered,his erratic visitor had gone to bed and

that he was
to sleep. Now
of a tactful and clever
sure
companion, he rather looked forward to seeingthe girl
again. He could at last permit his imagination to play
with the situation. It might be, after all,a romance
who
could tell? The girlwas
pretty and cultured. No
"

great scandal

could

somehow,

with his luck

bring the
went
by.

affair to

fell into
before
the

Van

the

two

his astuteness, Astro

or

it open,

picturesque in

would

half-hour

and again
yawned, read a little,
It was
of an hour
three-quarters

electric bell sounded.

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.

"Well," he said amusedly, stamping his feet,"when

did she leave?"

"She

didn't !" said Van

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

besides, the door's

locked."

"So
have

it
to

is," said Astro, trying the handle.

ask

you

"I haven't any

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

led the way

puzzled, but

down

tin of chicken

and

it to the Seer.

handed
Astro

key fastened to the top for the

of opening the tin,then went
and
to the stove
purpose
lighteda burner. He heated the splitwire till it was
red-hot; then, taking a pair of small pliersfrom his
pocket, bent the end into a right angle. Returning to
the chamber
door, he inserted this rough skeleton key
removed

the

into the lock.

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

attempts, the bolt shot back.

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-

staring about him,

stammered, "By Jove! She
Then,

and
has

she ?"

course.

night,did

You

didn't

reallyexpect

her to

spend

you ?"

"Well, that's what

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

did so, Astro

stooped

the floor and

to

picked

hairpin,glanced at it,and put it into his pocket.

of silver,fullysix inches long, evidentlyspecially
made

hair.

He

said

followed
"She

for

nothing of
Asten

Van

with

woman

his

an

immense

of

mass

discovery,however,

but

the window.

to

hardly have got out that way," said the

lawyer.
young
"It's unlikely,"Astro assented ; "but I see you have
electric reading lamp. I wonder
if it will reach to
an
the

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

head, like Absalom," he remarked.

casually,"what

though

you
are

women

"Where
Van

never

Asten

tell

can

stood

got

led the way

out
on

out

of
his

the hair of

"But," he added

of hair did she have?"

pounds of it,apparently,
all the
nowadays, when

wearing rats."
is your telephone?"

corner,

"She

kind

hair, pounds and

"Yellow

the

of the court.

to the bottom

anything,he did not

in, replaced the lamp,

saw

himself

"I
her

down

the

outside

his head

it above

her," Van

see

If Astro

drew

held

looked

and

table,and, findingthat the wire

back

sight of

the

the Seer

inquired.

into the studio.

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

I didn't notice any turbance

disfor a moment
with his
Good

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

bluff his way

under

the old will and

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

sharp lot; but

I don't

see

how

mont
Drellhe

can

fightthe case, consideringwhat littleshow he

has againsthis sister. In fact,I've been expectingan
in this morning and
offer to compromise. He
came
afford

to

376

THE

MASTER

wanted

to

showed

it to him

see

if I had

had

MYSTERIES

it ; but I told him

stolen, we
should

we

I shouldn't

course

should

have

"January

have

have
it

was

been

up

in the end."

won

the date of the former

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

get rid of him, but I wouldn't

"I

see."

Astro

back

the document.

and,

as

lay
and

when

Asten

Van

blotter into his

There

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

put the will away

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.

"Well, I think I can't do anything more

said, finally."I'll try
have

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

visitor got in."

think

she

wanted,

anyway?"

said

Asten.
! I can't tell you

that" yet. But

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

depositingher on a sofa, was

His next
to telephone to Vawas
to attempt to come
immediately to

her

Then

he

stillgripped

returned
leather

to

bag

his

charge.

in her

frozen

separated the stiffened fingers and

throat.

Wrapping

her hands
two

quickly.

with
alone

and

warm

till the

snow

for

in

her

It contained

handkerchief,

forced

got brandy and

Next, he

away.

the

once

doctor.

urge

studio.

Astro

into

the

first action, after

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

the bell and

rung

the residents.

MYSTERIES

few

minutes, he

several

put the bag

it down

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.

do, Valeska," said Astro, "is,

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,

instructions that she

"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

of it that will pass

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-

pocket

and

anything significantin

he asked.

"There's

spot where

disappeared,"
that

looked

bottle at the bottom

broken

clue."

you

means.

she

You

said.
say

the
"But

ink

that

I don't

was

on

quite

the date of his will

was

see

all

it has
what

right,

380

THE

wasn't

it?

MASTER

OF

thought

MYSTERIES

first that she

there to alter the date, and

down

have

might
make

so

gone

the old will

valid/'

"But, in that

of the erasure,

the marks

case,

if

even

with

done

Labarraque'ssolution or any of the readymade

ink destroyers,would
have
proved that it had
been tampered with."
"That's
But
do you
so.
Well, I'll think it over.
know
who this girlis,yet?"
"She's
his tool."
in the

Astro

passed

Drellmont's, and

I'm

see.

"By

no

report to him, then,

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

"No, she succeeded."

won't

"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

keep this girlhidden

sum

York

away

till then ?"

"Exactly. This
Asten

find out

trouble?"

hope

Miss

this is his last card.

see,
to

care

he's

offer

failed."

into details."

go

not

?"

done

that you

the

over

"No, he'll be satisfied. You

If she

the telephone,

over

voice, that the thing has been

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

"Well, I don't understand

for, but I'lldo my

rooms

381
she

went

to

his

part."

just nine o'clock,and the unknown

girlwas
Valeska
the
again sleeping quietly,when
rang
up
Swatiska
Hotel
and inquired for Drellmont.
After a
there was
moment
a reply.
"It's me,
Paul," she said. "I'm awfully sorry; but
It

was

I couldn't

the receiver

dropped
"What

and

tell

to

the business."

do

with

did he say?" Astro

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.

the lawyer. After

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

her, probably,in order

love to

his tool.

as

instructions
He

suspected. Drellmont

That's

how

she got in there.

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,

the rascal that he leave town

of the conditions

ticklish game,

of the

altogether.I

for
has

mediatel
im-

compromise.
don't

know

THE

382
whether

MASTER

ought

OF

MYSTERIES

explain everythingto Van

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."

"Well, then, I'll tell you.

that

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 ink had

the

date,

my

broken

fact

on

same

only question,then,

himself

Asten

tamper

in the

wrote

immediately

the blotter where

spot
Van

it

saw

the date

erase

ple
sim-

The

air-shaft,I suspected that she had

some

away

to

did, and then

document.

foot of the

there

down

went

so

get it alone.

you'd probably never

will. This

of the

to

course,

he couldn't have."

"What

her,

was

puttingin the same

"Why, so that

rather

or

That
and

when

would
doubt

no

for

reason

date, then?"
the

call attention to the

could

Drellmont's,
will

erasure

was

probated they

and

subsequent

suspicionon

cast

the whole

the first will would

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

offer the will for probate

undoubtedly genuine ; but

be willingto
tampered with, he'd never

it is. You
been

want
see,

it is

got that from

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

she did with

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.

later she stole to the

waiting-room. No

Is

that's

Why

sure?"

you

the hook

on

Hello!
.

Are
.

listened.

and

afternoon ? Where

"Well," said Astro, "you should

That

will

left?

He's
.

minutes

few

Drellmont

oratory
busy in the labgirl pass swiftly

was

went

Valeska

that

waiting-room. Valeska waited

Madison
Square 2615

impossible!
.

Valeska

studio, she

Drellmont

know

never

get her into trouble herself."

off the

Mr.

care

that afternoon,as

toward

If

communicate

can

Miss

and

myself.

lady finds that she has been

to play into his hands, especially

this blond

it may

he

is,he'll

she

succeeded, and Van

as

before

town

abandoned, she won't

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

distrust that kind !"

Seer

smiled.

"Well,

as

for

that, I

prefer

blondes, myself."
He

took

step toward

her, but she evaded

him, and

sought refuge in the office. Not, however, before she

had paused in the doorway to shake her fingerand ask,
mischievously: "Are you perfectlysure ?"

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

the party had

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

red hair and

pupils.

"Nothing, sir. Only, I thought I

and I called Thompson."
"You
didn't go up yourself
?"
I
"No, only to take Thompson.
while he knocked

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
"

heavy-set hairy man,

"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

time did you hear the report?"

half past eleven o'clock."

"About
"How

"what

the door."

on

the fifth floor.

"On

anemic

this ?"

about

"Where

white

roving,pale blue

fellow," said McGraw,

young

thin

The

you

been

doing

bite of lunch

this

son?"
evening,Thomp-

in the boiler-room

at

MIDDLEBURY

THE

387

MURDER

eighto'clock. Then at nine I made

all right. I have
if everything was
to see
signs of fires or burglars or anything
about

rounds

my

look

to

wrong,

for
you

know."
"How

offices

many

were

"Smythe's and Moffett's

that's all I remember, sir."
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

the lever and

wait

"You
lad.

"Come

They
they came
threw
at a

threw

here," said Astro

McGraw.

on,

walked
to

the hall door.

open

the door

down

We'll

wide

roll-topdesk

open.
man

Moffett

see

the hall and

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.

Moffett," said Astro.

Mr.
that

with

revolver, in the other

stared at his

He

him.

MYSTERIES

"What

pistol?"

cleaningit,"said Moffett. The pistol

from
he spoke, and
he turned
his hand
as
white at the scrutinyof his interlocutor.
The
without speaking at
Seer gazed for a moment
the small, smooth-shaven, anxious-lookingman
who
iron spectaclesand
him.
He
confronted
wore
was
thin
His
trembled
bony hands
shabbily dressed.
visibly.
"Did
you fire that pistolthis evening?"
of course
not!"
"Why, no
"What
were
you cleaningit for?"
I go home.
I live
I always carry it when
"Why
there have
at Kingsbridge, and
been
out
so
many
hold-ups""
?"
"Did you hear a shot fired in this buildingto-night
Fm"

"Why"
dropped

"

"

"Good

God,

his hand

to

!" Moffett's alarm

no

his head.

"You

don't

happened ?" he faltered.

Instead of answering, Astro
the

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.

fire this gun

you
at

last?" he

demanded.

cat," said Moffett.

laughed aloud.
went

out.

to

The

the

window,

roof

of the

threw

up

the sash, and

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?"

In the hall he turned

out.

it

gave

walked

alone.

for you,

come

He

and

"No, leave him

we

MURDER

here till

that,Astro

with

went

McGraw.

to

taking charge of this?" he

my

asked.
"You
don't

bet

why

see

"He

don't!"

McGraw
Moffett

want

you

can't get past the

"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

boy interrupted. "He

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."

the tenth floor and

door

to

and

the party

stopped.

stepped

THE

390
Almost

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

opposite the elevator,across

appeared

which

lighteddoor, on
legend: "John Middlebury,

Architect

Gardener."

transom

"Give

it

Above

was

hall,

narrow

painted

was

the

Landscape

and

tilted half open.

leg up," said Astro, and, placing his

foot in Thompson's big hand, he raised himself to the
height of the lintel and looked in. He stayed there
for a few minutes, then dropped to the floor again.
"Well, it's a murder, fast enough," he said to Mcme

Graw.
"We'll

have

to bust

down

the door,

then,"said

the

officer.
"Unless

"No,

boy

the

crawl

can

I can't !" exclaimed

"You

the

through the
boy. "It's too

transom."
narrow."

try it,"said Astro.

"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.

"Hurry up, now, Dennis !" said Thompson

and the boy struggledthrough the opengruffly,
ing,
pulled his legs inside,and dropped to the floor.
he opened the door and
In a moment
stood as white
as
trembling in horror.
paper,
that shut off the front part of the
Beyond a counter
office,below a large drafting table in the center
of
the body of a man
the room,
lay on its back, the arms
on

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

passed through the littledoor

McGraw, and togetherthey bent

Astro
with

"There's

blood

no

is

"What
made

at

391

the

over

all !" said the officer in

He

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

word, shaking his

on

gazed dismallyinto
for

stood

the officers to

doctor."

elevator

the counter

yourself. Tell

down

watchman

head.

spoke sharply."Bring

stay righthere. Thompson,

No, Dennis, you

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

side hall oppositethe elevator,to the doors

Valeska's

room.

of the

followed

inner

an

his in careful search

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-

gazed long at Astro.

right,"he said finally
; "but hanged
and

killed him!

Could

it be

suicide?

Perhaps we can find some

poison, somewhere.
in the dressing-room."
"He's
shot," said Astro, without
looking

Look

at

the

THE

392

MASTER

OF

"Valeska, see what

corpse.

office in there.'5

As

she

He

started

MYSTERIES

pointed

find in the

can

you

the inner

to

private

door.

in

through the door in the

that shot
counter, her foot struck a stripof cardboard
in along the floor. Astro
glanced at it,then stooped
and picked up an advertising
calendar.
He walked
to
the waiting space
outside and began to examine
the
wall carefully. The
elevator boy's eyes followed him
The
Seer
the hall door
and
listlessly.
stopped near
fixed his eyes
he went
back

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

hole in the woodwork.

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

put it into his

and

has

called out, "There

been

to-night!"

McGraw

hurried

into the

standingby a small set

up a tinygold ring.
see?"

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

the architect's office. "What

Middlebury's stenographer'sname?"
elevator boy.

"Miss

Wilson."

Dennis

looked

up

he

with

was

asked

look

alarm.

"What

time did you

take her up

in the elevator ?"

of

of

OF

MASTER

THE

394

Valeska

shudderingly did

drop of blood

there !" she

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

suspect, aren't there ?"

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

building. I'm sure enough; but I need evidence.

endar
Just at present what worries me is,how did that calfrom the wall where
it was
happen to fall down
fastened
with one
of these spiralthumb-tacks?'
He
pointed to those on the drawing-board.
At this moment
they heard the bell of the elevator,
which now
was
standing at the floor below while Mcmade
his second
arrest, begin to ring furiously.
graw
Astro

out

ran

McGraw

entered
The

descended.
its descent
Astro

into the hall and

to

the

car

listened.

with his two

dial in the

to

it.

and

moment

the

car

front of the shaft showed

the fifth floor ; then

pointed

men

In

the marker

"They've captured

stopped.
the

girl,"

MIDDLEBURY

THE

he said.

wait for Miss

"We'll

through with

not

MURDER

my

395

in tKe office ; I'm

Wilson

investigationyet."

rapidlyback, passed the body, and reentered the privateoffice. Sittingdown

at the desk
of the
in the corner,
he began a rapid investigation
pigeonholes.Suddenly he held up an envelope on which
was
printed,"James Moffett, Aspenwall Bldg., New
York
City." Opening this, he took out a letter and

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.

for Moffett, doesn't it?" said the Seer,

putting the note into his pocket. "But look at this!

Here's something worse."
He
and looked in.
had just opened a small drawer
As
he spoke he held up a revolver.
"One
cartridge
used.

I'm

"And

for Miss

sorry

Wilson."

the night watchman's

pistolyet to be accounted

for !" said Valeska.

"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

the latest suspect.

elevator

Graw,

can

"I'll locate that

Here

The

snap,

the

and

Mc-

wrist, entered

pretty blonde, her

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

I didn't believe it.

leave.

come

have

look at the corpse

tears
breaking forth

; but
to

ready."
al-

gone

She

!"

horror, then turned

Middlebury was
then yesterday he

was

him

one

gasps

me

get

sob

to

away,

marry

she'd

her, sir,that's why!

she didn't shoot

"Mr.
and

I didn't

muttered

her to get into trouble.

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

it,sir. I'll swear

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-

Middlebury had paid

I had forgottenmy

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

trying to keep out of his sight.

up-stairs,
half-way up. Besides, I had to
Only, he caught me
he had had a
hide from the night watchman, because
quarrel with Mr. Middlebury, and he thought I had
complained of him."
"Oh, Thompson had quarreledwith Middlebury,had
he ?" said McGraw
meaningly.
"Yes, sir. Middlebury had Thompson
discharged.
He
has to leave at the end of the week, and he was
pretty angry about it. But I didn't have anything to
of Thompson's
account
do with that at all. It was
on
then

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

her face with

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

look into this office?"

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 side hall and

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

that's exactly what

"Yes, and

said McGraw
Valeska

it to protect

use

took

myself with."

you

did do, I'm thinking,"

gruffly.
Miss

pressed it. "Don't

Wilson's

be

hand

afraid, my

and
affectionately

dear," she said.

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

up, her eyes

was.

Wilson,

That

still streaming.

yes,

is,I stuck it to the wall with

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

Astro, pointing gravely

said

"He's

shot

was

brain, and

through
the

Lift his left eyelid and

"That's

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

In the hall of the

standing

was

make

to

boy stepped in, shut

descended.

car

then, who

Now,

his examination

to

stillheld

elevator

ternally
in-

only

here."

walked

who

you

The

the eye.

out," cried McGraw.

now.

before

hour

an

you'llsee."

take Miss

through,

dead

bled

man

sure.

here

"We'll

the

Astro

find

shot, then, for

was

"We'll

I could

been

another

an

with

prisoners being handcuffed.

another

policeman hurried

in from

entrance.

found

copper

he said, holding up the

cartridge,"
not
cylinder. "It was
twenty feet away
the

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.

quietlyand said. "I

Middlebury owed

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

though, only yesterday,"exclaimed

"You'll
Moffett.
probably find the receiptin Middlebury's pocket,or with his papers."
shows
"Which
how
dangerous it is to judge a man
Astro.
circumstantial evidence," remarked
on
than we
"Well, it's more
got against the others,"
McGraw
grumbled.
dence
"My dear old chap, I'll show you circumstantial evienough to convince you, before I'm through.
sion.
listen to an outrightconfes'Besides that, I'll let you
Moffett
Now
depart in
you had better let Mr.
He's
It's lucky some
had
narrow
a
escape.
peace.
him
with psychic perceptions was
here to rescue
one
the web

from
"It

was

the

pay,

of circumstance."

then, I'll bet

night watchman

on

that!"

said McGraw.

"Well, we'll take

owed
He

up

his

case

next.

Let's

see,

he

Middlebury a grudge for having him discharged.

has
had a pistol;but he can't produce it. What

he done

with

it?"

They had approached Thompson by this time.

was
listening,
trembling in his
night watchman
His face had the color of clay.

The
turn.

THE

402

MASTER

OF

"I believe this is your

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

impassive face of the Seer.

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.

take the handcuffs

can

you

face

"I believe

off him, Mc-

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,

better free this

man

listen to me."

Astro

had

proved his marvelous

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

lipsto speak, but

could

not.

there

began deliberately,
speaking so

through the

to

that

expression
her

refuse.

muttered

interview

Wilson, hearing this, looked

there

her.

he

to Mc-

handcuffs.

criminal," said Astro, walking

Miss

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

that his words

Wilson, by your

THE

MURDER

MIDDLEBURY

own

confession

bury

at

the time

in the office of Mr.

were

you
he

the

ejaculated.
found

was

re-

one

ftleburyhad
[You

kissed

"Oh, but I'm

"I

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

opened her lips to

moving

sorry

to
"

!" she wailed.

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

anything ungentlemanly !"

hand.

your

false and

was

sincere !" Miss

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

cartridgeused," added Astro.

iThe girlnodded, her face pale.
"You
have confessed to Dennis, here, that Mr. Mid-

Solver with

office,where

inner

Middle-

shot."

was

"In the inner office,

I was," she
"In

403

voice
cers,
"Offi-

of

der
mur-

her !"

surpriseand indignation,
instead
protest. McGraw,
in

up

taken

Dennis, the elevator boy, jumped

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

into the furnace, then

and

when

crazy."
stole Thompson's gun from the cellar,
went
his rounds, opened the
was
Thompson
on
key, and shot Mr. Middlebury?"
your
up

"Yes, sir !" Dennis'

"Then

kissed her, and

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

"Yes, sir. For

to

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

laid his hand

Dennis'

on

arm.

minute, please,"said Astro.

"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

Dope done it,all right. He

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

tHe girl toward

good night to
waited
talking for
the

come

!"

bade

green

Do

terrible for you.

has been

"I

volunteered.

home," Valeska

limousine.

McGraw.
a

the
As

moment,

doorway
Astro

the

"I can't wait till we've

McGraw
left Miss

they

the officer

and

girlsentered

But, hardly in, Valeska

doorway hurriedly.

and

had

the

returned

gone

to

inside.

Wilson," she said.

"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

opened her bag,

envelope. Her lips
and

small

the Seer.

married

be

can

be of any

can

released her hand

she

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

yesterdaynoon !" There

eyes as she gazed up at

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

Astro, however, only

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

"Well," he said, "that certainlyis enough

a

girlthe

have

no

idea

what

I'm

awfully alarmed;

"No.

I'll have

"

it means,

tell you

to

is all the time

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

day before her wedding. You

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

the story of how

me

I shall

that if you

mystery.

when

Chester

you

Lors-

helped

her.

to tell you."

want

me

"Yes, I confess love-affairs do rather

smiled.
me,

solve the

Mrs.

she told

Astro

to

else to do, and

I knew

relieved!

so

that made

was

this

leave

happens, I have nothing

glad to help you."
"Oh,

said, claspingher

that you shall be married

promptly on
need give yourself no
anxiety about it.

you

it

be

It

"if

in assurance,

promise
As

Wister,"

Miss

dear

I'm

always willing to help straighten

So, if you'rewillingto

do

exactlyas

I say,

I'lltake this on."

"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

house, 5678 Lexington

at my

Avenue."
"All

right. Where is Mr. Farralon's office?"

Thirty-second Street. He's the
"Eighteen West
American
agent for a Belgian rubber firm, you know,
and has only a small place for a headquarters."
I suppose?"
"He's a collegeman,
"Yes, StapletonUniversity,'04."
is to be his best man?"

"Who

"Why, Mr. Stringer, a classmate of his. He's a

lawyer ; a patent lawyer, I think. I've told him about
Edward's
disappearance,and he's promised to find him
to-day; but I thought""
"You'd

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-

ready to do anything I request.

I'll consult my
crystalball immediately. Valeska !" he
Miss
Wister
called, raising his voice. "Show
out,
please."
Meanwhile,

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

aren't you, Masson

was

side.
You're

Masson?

What

man

ensued, Valeska, returningto

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

but little time, and

have

I can't

as

soon

as

the

up

but

you,

NU

lively crowd, eh?

you'llhave to hurry.

Rather
.

RHO

you

PI

THE

to be

wait

ask

and

McGraw,

till

here
off

I'm

come.

done.

right
if

him

burglar'sjimmy, and also ask him to

Syndicate's office,18
investigatethe Belgian Rubber
See if there's anything
West
Thirty-second Street.

he

get

can

it. I'll be back

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.

said the Seer.

"Nope."
"Here
yesterday?"
"Yep."
"Did

and

Agent, Belgian Rubber

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

"Nope. He worked rather late,though, I think. He

prob'ly walked down-stairs. The elevator boy skipped
last night ; so the box wa'n't working. I'm the janitor
;
justrunning the car tillthey can get another boy."
What
"Ah!
So the elevator boy skipped,did he?
his name?"

was

"Mickey Flynn. He'll have hard work

job, if I can prevent it,leavingme

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

get it,then, I'll bet!

if I

see

can

find the address.

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

got it writ down

office,I don't know

into Farralon's

Fifty-sixthStreet,

and

Did

somewhere.

dropped

found

he lives ?"

Let's see,. I believe I

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-

directed to the fifth floor,where, at

short

was

knock, the door

took

the cab and

was

opened by Mickey himself.

talk

to

if he

convince
told what

the

boy

he knew

that

It
he

ately,
immedi-

explained his disappearance from his

post of duty with considerable anxiety.
in de box
"I was
up to eight o'clock,all right.

asked

and
he

then

about

Along

Then

was.

o'

'Go chase

dis here !' he says.

lose

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

Well, I didn't ask

says.

like

coat

me

is

here

week/ he

It looked
an' I

it into

shoved

roll o' bills and

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.

I'll give you

"You'll

?" Astro

they come

I'll have

you

detective !" the Seer threatened.

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

right,"he explained. "Say, I'm

myself when I grow up. Will youse

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

did, I'd give you

men

"Gee!"
I

sense

wait

to
a

job

"W'y

w'at I'd do wit'

show."

look

like,then, if you're

detective ?"

Mickey brightenedvisiblyas he replied,

"Say, I got
tall guy
wit'
dat, all right. Look a-here! One was
a

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 ?"

dere, all bungled

him, wit' goggles and

Astro

And

think."

gee ! w'at

other

one

reckernize

and,

"

ch'uffer

MYSTERIES

Jim Jeffries, stocky an' heavy.

punch, all right! Mout' full o'

could

had.

OF

o' dem

one

wanted,

you

the bill and

over

so

up

started

down-stairs.

Mickey

leaned

de tall guy
Astro

had

leather

nodded

bag

shouted, "Say, boss,

!"

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

the rail and

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.

get in bad, let

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

Brigham's Wall Street office. Inquiring of the office

in; but, instead
boy, he discovered that Brigham was
waiting,Astro

of

There
looked

at

the elevator

automobile

an

was

took

down

to

the

and

waiting by the curb,

It

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

get pinched for speeding!" he answered.

Astro
a

got into the cab and

slit side of the curtain

waited, watching through

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

Hanbury," .said Astro. "At

"Brigham and Doctor
least I imagine that the one
they'vebeen calling'Doc' is
Richard

I wish

Hanbury.

they'd talk

till they'vefinished those

"Wait

littlelouder."

cocktails,"said Va-

leska sapiently.

One

already laughing uproariously.

tellinga story, marking imaginary circles on

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

their exit first without

make

apartment.

you

health.

nearer

showed

men

better try and

the French

narration

the ride'?"

o'clock

just time

"You'd

drank

the dining-room, and

leave

of the

the close

glassesand

all three lifted their

"Was

At

spoke.

from

Far-

You

can

valet will talk,if he

woman.

burglary by

As

for me,

to-morrow

I may
morn-

MASTER

THE

418

ing; and so, if

you'd better see
! Good-by
now
In

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

They sped north, crossed the park,

turned
into Seventy-secondStreet, and finally
flew at
full speed straightout the Broadway boulevard.
Here
the littletaxicab had hard work
following; but kept on
and on, nearly to Kingsbridge. Here
the open
bridge
drawenabled
Astro
to catch
Beyond that, the
up.
turned
car
sharply to the right and went a hundred
yards, stoppingbefore a large brick buildingthat stood
alone. It bore the sign of a sewing-machine company
but was
apparently deserted, though a lightshone from
car

11115.

of the upper

one

floors.

driver had stopped the cab at a safe

Astro, whose
distance,got out and walked on cautiously. Luckily it
dark

was

door, he

and

cloudy.

could

stillhear

justentered.

The

As

he

was

inside,and, suspecting that

into

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

hour, and, hiding close

looked

into the

the upper

Up

men

ajar. Instantlyhe slipped

the doorkeeper would
turn
reguests the way, he dodged

visitors

several

walked

sleep. This

his

nearly an

the watchman

pipe, and

the steps to the

off the hall.

he waited

hailingsign

o'clock

shown

room

the door, heard

up

the voices of the

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

put his hand

below.

He

the

to

darted

handle

opened easily.Passing in, he

looked

on

was

cot

and

bed

with

below.

wall

into the hall and

"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.

Nu," Brigham began, "far

I'll take
the

see

many

to make

depravityof

to

smile

could

of the Pi Rho
me

table.

!" the company

perfectlythe speech

"Brothers

on

keyhole of

listened.

his post Astro

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

against the wall, a basket

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,

stilled Brigham went

is

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

fists; but I could

The
and
room,

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

lonelyhouse. She was put into one

and I into another.
Gentlemen, I ask you to picture
after
feelingsthat night,as I heard scream
my
ending.
adjacent for hours uncoming from the room
It was
bride had
only because I knew
my
carried safelyaway
hotel that I was
to the nearest
to sleepat all. So, gentlemen,I demand
the penalty
a

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.

pocket

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,

in the office that Farralon

when

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.

get the bricks

Which

side.

floor it was

into the next

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

keep quiet,Farralon ! I'm

of
! Dream
So long, old man
going to turn in now.
bride and a happy wedding!" and after turning
your

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

note, fastened the

tied the line

to

jangled

hole, and

minutes

the hole,

he sat down

raveled

short

it. This
it

softly

he felt the line pulled

the note, read

there ?" he called up

friend !" Astro

"A

the

few

took

Farralon

taut.

wrote

cautiouslydown

the bottom.

Then

off his sock, and

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.

long dialogue; after which

the Seer of Secrets,chucklingto himself mightily,stole
his still waiting
and out the door, found
down-stairs
And

thereupon

taxicab,and
was

was

ensued

driven

rapidlyback to the city. It

threw himself,exhausted, on

four o'clock when

the great couch

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

got out, then another,

the fourth, stepped

As

however, there
dropped.

of the block, where

of

"

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

fugitivejust time to rush

the doorway before the

the

two

men

the
mob

it ; the

handicap

the front steps

doors

were

closed

him.

"Quick ! Follow me !" exclaimed Astro. He could

followed him
hardly speak from laughter; but the man
with curses, raving like a wild beast. Up three flights
of stairs they raced, entered a small closet,
and scrambled
up

"Now

ladder.
it's a

plaintrack

house," said Astro.

beyond
Your

here.

clothes

You
are

to

the scuttle of the Wister

"You'll find
have

three houses

ladder

justeightminutes

all laid out

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

yet ? Is there any

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.

after the ceremony,

and

you

Say you'regoing to
in half

an

Street
come

hour

ferry
back

instructions
"But

my

to

drive

and

As

here, justas you

by

Christopher

of the

way

get up

are, and

roof,

the

to

I'll give you

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,

leave in the cab at the door

"Everything is ready in that

door. Now
hurry ! You've wasted
Astro

you

as

wife

your

Then

Hoboken.

soon

the

furniture
two

roof

minutes
reckless

at

at

the

!"

speed.

lingeringsmile, till the groom

edge of the roof of the third
he

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

laughing. "There's a bride's goingfor you!" she exclaimed, holding up a

skirt, a purple-checkedblouse, and a

out

costume

away

OF

kerchief.

"Well, be prepared for

to the

roof

and

be

quick change, then. I'll go

help the bride down."

ready to

begun to be anxious by the time the bridal

couple reappeared. It was
fullyan hour before he saw
the happy pair approach, clambering lightlyover
the
Astro

had

roof. Then
up

Farralon

gave

whoop,

and

the two

came

laughing.

They laughed
roared

as

"

and

room,

she stumbled

as

down

the ladder ; they

Astro

with

the

Valeska

with

the bride in the

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

now," said Astro.

the other.

at this end

end

one

of the

There

throwing rice and

as
they lifted

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

residence,preparing for the fun

themselves.

the suit cases,

safelyoff.

block,though

in front of the Wister

of

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

everywhere save into

bridal couple,disguised
laughed till the gangplank
"

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

bridegroom's escape was suspected.

the boat, passing the furniture
over

the boat

as

up.

and

for

"I

Valeska.

NU

the

as

roamed

As

them

RHO

check

clergyman,"

of the

soon

several

van

the

members

pocket

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

off, the couple,

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

gets into his

grain elevator.

the

she

he

in the

Hooray

smiled
a

as

There's

mattresses.

stateroom

good

He'll

for the Pi Rho

if she

were

littleenvious, too.

Nu

turned
us,

to

after

it'lllook

like

of

on

ton

get his

rice

the

on

!"

pleased ; and also

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

working on The Chameleon

the Lady in Taupe."
first saw
"The
Lady in Taupe!" Astro
was

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?"

"Everywhere ; that's the funny part of it. This very

day I saw her breakfastingat Mouquin's, at the next
months
About
table. She's always near
two
me.
ago
she began. I say began, because
it has happened too
in the street.
often to be accidental.
She passed me
Next
day she stood on a corner
waiting for a car. A
how
small head
know
mighty pretty girl,too
you
that makes
a girllook taller and
helps her figure; most
built like dwarfs
women
are
deep brown
nowadays
in
eyes, a delicious mouth, and a touch of originality
the left
of a small scar
her expression on
on
account
side of her chin. It's positively
a
beauty-spot,more
she
like a dimple than a scar, and it crinkles up when
into her almost every day since
smiles. Well, I've run
and she's never
moved
then
an
eyelash to show she
ways
But she's up to something. She's alrecognized me.
notices me.
She's
right in my way and never
got me going,there's no doubt about that."
"

"

"

"

"Have

"Yes,

you

ever

I confess

followed

her ?"

I've tried several

always given me the slip,or else

"Well, what do you wish me to

times ; but she has

was

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

of the cast, and

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

spring her trap

on?"

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

that is, if your

The

tone

young

such

was

at the banter.

He

man

that Astro

rose

gave

"How

did

you

the Master.

know

could

smilinglyto
Valeska, who

waiting-room, a sharp glance as

asked

She

say!"

she'll

hope

is

time comes."

her

is your

how

society,and

The

much

she's clever. I'm

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

doesn't she ask me,

"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

get the effect

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

call,unless they wish

not

it would

as

went

stage set, from the orchestra. He viewed it,as

do, as a whole, not in detail. Almost
every one

one.

had

He
interestedly.

can

idle

hours

rich; yet he

his inventive

use

day

He

without

was

faculty

excessive

fatigue;consequently he has time left in which to

when
he opened his coat
himself. And
amuse
finally,
for a pencil,
side
I saw
a typewrittenmanuscript in his inpocket."
"He might have been an actor/'
"It was
not
a
part in a play that he had; they're
bound
of
shape. Besides, he had none
up in smaller
of himself
the vanity of the actor.
He
so
sure
was
that he didn't feel the need of impressingany one."
"He might have been reading a play for a friend."
It
"The
full of pencil corrections.
manuscript was
was

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

It's a clever scheme, and

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

telephone that evening and

conversation

short

amusing

ring Pinkard

the

up

be

of it,the

I'll tell you.

his

TAUPE

it looks."

"I'd like to have

see

IN

Monster

to

SeventyDayton's

rehearsal

of

in the afternoon,

Theater

the Park

Riding Academy, dine at

this evening at
the Grill Club, and go to see Marlowe
the Broadway.
Knowing his itinerary,
you can't miss
him, and you'llprobably see her, as she hasn't appeared
for two
days, and seldom misses it longer than that."

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

"

"

got in. What

do you

think of that ?"

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

list for the state

number,

automobile,

I don't

looking

the

up

eyebrows

"It must

in her purse.

paper

the automobile

softly."Why,

"Then

?"

into the littlelibraryin his

went

took

York.

MYSTERIES

of the automobile

Valeska
Astro

OF

Lady in Taupe should

if she

engagement,

has

such

be
rich

friends."
that

"Oh,

about

queer

have

too

doesn't
it. Well,

many

just file that

from

The

important things to

did hear from

time ; I

more

attend

for reference.

to.

We

may

We'll
hear

Pinkard, in fact,within the week.

in

debonair

confident,and
look at the

said

something

again."

playwright came

and

there's

can't take any

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,

"Well, the Lady of Taupe has called

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

magnetism, all right.She played as pretty a scene,

the
watched
for an hour, in my libraryas I've ever
on
stage. She did imitations of Mansfield and Cissy Lof-

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

thing. And I wouldn't

attempt to
rewrite it for all my hopes of fame and fortune ! I'm
no
Carlyle.I've simply got to get it back ! And there's
no
use
going to the policefor a thing like that, as you
ought to know. If it isn't diamonds
or
they'll
money,
do nothing."
"Tell me
something about the novel."
"Why, I hadn't decided upon a name
yet; but it
was
by way of being a social satire. I've been about
the
a
York, and know
good deal, you know, in New
fastest part of the
others.

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

it's all true

"How

an

not

toned
a

bit sensational; but

change episodes and

to

set, and

smart

any

inside,too."

writing it?"

were

Any

one

who

wanted

out."

"Very well. I'll be up this afternoon to look about.

The
Lady in Taupe called in the evening, I take it?"
"Yes, at about eight o'clock. I'm seldom in at that
I was
at
hour.
I can't imagine how
she should know
home.
Funny thing, too, I have almost always met
her in the forenoon, usuallywithin a half-hour of the
flat."

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.

get in. It's

IN

TAUPE

of course,

I'll

now,

likelythat

not

437
that she

see

she'll let

me

her

see

again, anyway."
"On
much

the

contrary," said Astro, "you'll see

her

as

ever."

as

Astro

Valeska

and
that

over

called
at

Pinkard's

rooms.

only

Vanberg

three o'clock

afternoon

their call lasted

the

at

fifteen

and

went

Valeska's

To

ments
apart-

surprise,

then

minutes, and

fully
care-

Astro,

pleading another engagement, took his leave. She did

not question him, being busy trying to puzzle out the
he stopped at the front
mystery for herself ; but, when
the janitor's
door down-stairs
and rang
bell,she gave
of triumph.
a little cry
"Oh, I begin to see !" she exclaimed.
"I should
hope so! It's too ridiculouslysimple.
the flat burglariesin New
York
that
done
Half
are
way."
"But
who helped ? She couldn't do it alone."
"That's

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

sublet to," he said.

apartment?"
; but

the third

I guess
I

it'llbe all right.

promised

to

help

floor."

pressed Astro's arm

third floor ! They were

Valeska

building?"

wants

in, I think

on

of.

sure

the

here's

great hurry to rent, and

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-

sliding door. Opposite, only

the corresponding door
into
glance at Valeska was
hardly
her head emphatically.

lives here ?" Astro

"A

the

that the occupant

lifted

feet away,
Pinkard's kitchen.

necessary.

and

outside.

three

furniture;but

place is like."

kitchen

evident

her

all her

rapidlythrough

the

was

MYSTERIES

littlewhile," said the janitor.

in

move

fitted up,

was

took

OF

idea what

an

They
room

MASTER

Demming.

asked.

She's

pretty girlshe is,too."

and
"Well, I'll come

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 letter-box of the third-floor

from

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

will take it?" the

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

she held him

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

of the Grill Club

in

over

when

ago,

owns

she

was

there

in Wall
steward

half interest

Restaurant, though few

power
The

him

Vinola."

the stock market.

tips on

friends.

years

Count

to

it. I lunched

know

two

way

threw

She

engaged

once

was

find that out ?"

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

the shaft, entered

across

!" said Valeska.

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

smiling. "So Miss Van

afraid of being exposed in his book,
was
Well, I hope she'll read the manuscript

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

days, and the manuscript will be returned. See if I'm

not
right. I'm going to write Pinkard to that effect
and enclose my bill for one
to-night,
hundred
dollars."

It

four days afterward

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

did it! I need

much

it for my

play. I'll swear

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

Granthope as sensational as you are.

all right;but I think I'll have
the part.

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

play cast yet?"

laughed outright. "Part
We've
signed the Lady

woman,

after

all.

She's

right!

Talk

made

grandstand play with

"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."

"Well, last night she turned

brass.

an

of it. What

with

up

again, as

bold

as

being accessory to a felony,

and she only laughed,by Jove ! She swore
it was
all
a joke,just to awaken
my interest in her, and then she
promised that the manuscript would be returned if I
her a part. Well, the audacityof it tickled me
gave
a
just enough to accept. I wanted to see if it was

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

I'd find the

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

"Well, Valeska," said Astro, "that proves

of

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

put that little game

know,

though,

whether

through
lucky for

crawled
was

said.

It must

it

the door

Pinkard

afraid his book

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

I'd like to have

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

devil in her, all

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.

wife like that

I don't

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

the first one

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

of the first ones

most

little.

questiona

several,in fact. At first she didn't

she said ; then

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

fall into his

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."

the table in silence for

up

as

are.

I want

and, from

do

to

of the studio.
and

after

let his chin

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

Stellerybetween half-closed lids.

"You
don't know
her.
My wife is a very proud
She'd not stand for it a minute, I'm sure
woman.
of
that. This chap has some
romantic notion, or he wants
make

to

trouble.

It

literaryin style,as

too

And

what

to

seems

if he

the

me

used

were

is true, too ! How

he says

letters

are

composition.

to

does

he know

my

wife has dimples in her shoulders,by Jove ? How

he know
she looks in an
how
Egyptian scarf?
hasn't

worn

in Cairo.

since her honeymoon

one

Why,

might

! Little intimate

think

to

of another

details that

man's

has I didn't think any

amazing

!"

"Are

you

home

letters into

stackingthe
"Not
when

and

outside
and

that

much;
I'm

often

den

tryingto get togethera

time.

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

All the relaxation

boil

the table.

down

coups,

blood

noticed ! It's

ever

I try to get rid of

I have

one

Little tricks she

time?"

pileon

spend the whole

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

sir," said Astro

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

I shall get it all better

don't

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

if, having learned

expression; as

You

way.

I imagine?"
Stellery,
be glad to see you, I

tall and

rose,

drawn

be

to

own

it'sa delicate matter, and

course,

naturallysensitive."
"Very good." Astro
yeil seemed

Mrs.

She'll

not.

course

in my

left the

studio.

do you diagnose him, Valeska?"

Astro
his assistant,who
had overheard
the talk.
"How

"A
at

clever

least inclined

yet honorable
with him
Astro

unsympathetic,and

and

I'd hate to be in love

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

business, a bit cruel, or

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

begin over again, she kept up a running commentary.

"Mostly stamped at the Madison
Square
A few at Station E
branch
that's on West
post-office.
Thirty-second Street, isn't it? One or two at Times
at Station I, One
Hundred
Square branch, and one
and Fifth Street. All but that one
mailed
in the early
afternoon.
Written
Rem-Smith
on
a
typewriter; a
pretty old one, I should say, for the alignment is bad.
the line,and all the
All the small "o's" registerbelow
capital"N's" above it. And I should say that the writer
is not in love with her ; only pretending."
heap

to

"

make

"How

do

"I

feel it."

can

"Too

you

that out?"

smiled

Astro

ously.
curi-

literary?"

"Oh, I can't explain it. Only, I know

them

like this I'd throw

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

the effect upon

be
a

some

one

to

decide

it? It may

that's so, it would

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.

might write these

is,why should any one
mere
practicaljoke. If

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

with all sorts

woman

compliments,

spoken, so

not

"

blush, deny, and reprove

read

and

reread

original

she would

have

romantic,

often

as

she

as

liked,
"

powerful ally; her sense

still stronger one, and finally
unmask

the

as

I don't know

adorer;

"

to

written, so that she could

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

husband," said Valeska

how's

; but

who

woman

the writer

probably conceited enough

to

to

shows

all the

dryly.

know

will ? He's

she

think she won't."

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,

the flashes of wit and

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

after all,if one

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-

looking at a novel entitled The Guerdon, when

arched, as
Stelleryentered, one brow delicately
had not been quitesure
whom
she was
to find.
introduced
for a moment
she
himself, and

seemed

embarrassed

and

turned

the

conversation

to

the novel.
"Have
Mr.

he

read

you

it?" she asked.

"I met

Askerson, latelyin Philadelphiaat

sent

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

gracile hands, palms down,

aloud, and looked up. "Did

she read

on

you

too?"
'jimp',
have

"You'll
And
find

bookstore

read, before Valeska.

laid her

the table/ "

the doctor,withdrew

studio, he laid the book

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

"Yes, that's the trouble.

and

how

except with

they conceal

it

at

even

or

that it's different. I wonder

be Doctor

"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?"

Valeska, seeing too

turned

453

her."

at

But

LETTERS

laughed. "There doesn't seem

there was
something queer

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

work, visited him.

to be

the farthest removed

from

her

preconceivedidea of a novelist. He was a short,

with
round, and chubby, seraphic-lookingyoung
man,
emn
sollightcurly hair and the mien of a preternaturally
child. His earnestness
seemed
absurd masquerading
in this juvenileguise;but, once
that inconsistency
was
forgotten,under the spellof his mental power, she
him
in the
found
He
most
a
was
man.
interesting
of his work, dressed in a pink silk shirt and
midst
white
of light wavy
duck trousers, his hair a mass
his eyes, smoking a brier pipe.
locks over
He
assured
her that, though he would
like to employ
a
was

to

secretary, he

engaged
work

it out

in

could

not

afford

dramatizing The

himself

on

his

it.

Besides, he

Guerdon,

and

had

machine, inch by inch.

THE

454
He

had

MASTER

OF

refuse her

to

MYSTERIES

request; but seemed

willingto

talk.
Valeska

had

everythingof
other

for the interview

prepared
Askerson's

books, she had

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

of the poet in him.

"I heard

I think

Magic,
could

He

get

recite

girlonce

it

called. Do

was

pleased. "I didn't

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.

it. I'll typewrite

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.

flourish at the bottom

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

days after that, a hasty summons

Stelleryover the telephone,at four in

came

the

from

afternoon.

MRS.

He

wished

but

did

STELLERY'S

Astro

not

455

immediately to the house;

the wire, why he was
tell,over

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

his chair back

easy

Stellerytook
"Here's

Astro

what

you
am

pers
pa-

or

so,

ket
that the bas-

so

reach.

pocket and passed it

yesterday,"he said.

came

read

opened it and

simply can't wait

"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

advice ; or, rather,your

your

to
help. Things have come
the floor anywhere."
on

over.

On

sheet, half written, sticking

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

know, by this time, how madly I

in love with you.
I don't dare to speak to you
!

You

must

face to face, unless

I want

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

minutes, please leave

of your

If

Square drug store?

a

candle

to

you

for

you'llbe
only five

dow
lighted in the win-

to-night between

ten

and eleven

o'clock."

"Well, did she lightthe signal?"said Astro

back

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

why I sent for you.

stronglyto lendingherself

in any

It

way.

all I could

was

the candle ; in fact,I had

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

put an end to the

there, or he'd never

to

seen

what

punch

nobody

it,of

with

but she wants

"

and

"

myself. But,

light

"

stay here and

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

in the little room.

Astro

watched

his chance, and, when

turned, reached

was

into the waste-paper

back
Stellery's

basket, drew

typewrittenpaper, crumpled it up in his

hand, and slid it into his pocket.
"Is Mrs. Stellery
he asked.
at home?"
But
"No; she had an appointment this afternoon.
she'll be at the drug store at six,she promised."

out

"I

should

sheet of

wish

have

I had

known

liked to have

this before," said Astro.

my

assistant with

me."

"I

STELLERY'S

MRS.

LETTERS

457

trying to get you on the 'phone all day.

But, in point of fact, though Mrs. Stelleryconsented
with her all this morning
I had to argue
to the signal,
this man.
You
to get her to meet
can
imagine how I
feel!
I wonder
if I've done wrong?
Can you fancy
"I've

it feels to send

how
an

been

much

her

to

rendezvous

to

meet

correspondent? By Jove ! I didn't know

loved her, before ! You
know, I've neglected

anonymous

how

wife

your

shamefully, I

I've been

suppose.

absorbed

why this sort of thing has been

her going about
possible. I suppose
people have seen
alone, and have thought perhaps we
were
estranged,
And
scoundrel
has been
even.
every thing this damned
writingher is true, by Jove. She is charming, you can
work, and

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

is,I believe I'd kill him !"

Stelleryto

enough, and,

for your

reason

Astro, rising. "There

trust

is

chance

saw

ing
faintest prospect of los-

the

at

that

as

her.

thousand, that woman!

of ten

one

in any

be

must

make

no

going," said

not

You

scene.

forcible

the talk brief and

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

past him, almost

The

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

off the step in his haste.

apologize;it

was

Doctor

THE

458
"Oh,
Astro

MASTER

OF

MYSTERIES

beg your pardon!" he said, and looked

queerly. "Haven't I met you somewhere?"

at

he

added.
Astro
own

the

recalled

meeting

but did not

mention

his

name.

The

doctor

appeared

"I've got to catch

to

be

little embarrassed.

subway train; so you'llhave to

excuse
me," he said. "Otherwise, I'd like to have a
talk. I have some
theories of my
about capillary
own
markings on the fingersI'd like to discuss with you.
Good
off like a busy squirrel. As
day !" and he was
he passed the drug-store entrance
noticed that
Astro
he gave a swift,apparentlyuneasy
look inside.
Mrs. Stellery,
however, had not yet appeared ; but at
a

few minutes

before six she walked

prescriptionto the clerk

herself without

at

in the

the

ed
door, handseated

desk, and

appearing to recognize the Seer, who

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

Six o'clock struck, and

minutes

haughty,

handed

was

approached Her.

one

still she

by, and

went

in her

no

place. Finally,when

her, she walked

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

"

think he's dear ! But

of

method

love to her

making

her like this whenever

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

"I don't know.

Doctor

them?"

been

If it hadn't

Primfield, I'd be

for your

meeting
typewriter

Askerson's

surer.

leaves it in doubt.

"Oh, the typewriter,we

What

test.

seek is

must

you

"Well, then, Askerson

of her.

Doctor

husband.
"I

bit afraid

practical
; but

afraid

of her

may

be in love with

her."

think

you

have

sufficient motive

proved

But, by Jove ! look

course.

Primfield, indeed, who

was

looked
walked

and

"

If there isn't Primfield himself !"

at that !

It

is

extraordinarya

so

motive."

Either

don't

yet for

is romantic

Primfield

only the final

agreed, was

over

her hand

and

entered

at

that

ment,
mo-

about, caught sight of Mrs. Stellery,

to her table,and spoke. She reached
out
smiled

faintly.There

of introduction,and

he

sat

were

down

at

few

words

their table and

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

"I think neither

said deliberately,

is."

laughed softly."Well,

motive

"What

is in love with

narrowed

five minutes

perception. Watch

men

Valeska

Astro, "you have

than

you

have

is it?" she asked

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.

"I won't tell you

it

yet ; I'll give you

by yourself.

over

But

the writer of the

morning
will walk

into my

LETTERS

at

461

chance

o'clock

ten

to

think

to-morrow

letters

Stellery
anonymous

studio."

morning Valeska came

swiftlyinto the
experimenting with phosphorescen
laboratorywhere Astro was
At

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

Stelleryis here. She says

you going to have her meet

you wished
the author

to

see

of the

letters?"

"Yes," he answered, puttingdown

"And

if you

advise you
He

want

enlightenmenton

to listen in

took

varnish

human

brush.

nature, I

the anteroom."

piece of crumpled

paper

covered

with

typewritingfrom his pocket and handed it to her. She

looked at it carefully
; then, as she stood for a moment
staringat him, her face changed.
"Oh !" she breathed, and walked
rapidlyback to the
reception-room.
Mrs.
waiting for him, standing beside
Stellerywas
in the center of the studio. Her eyes
the granite Thoth
fixed blankly; but at his coming she turned
a
were
white face suddenly to him.
"You
said that you had discovered the authorshipof
she said,and her voice was
the letters,"
very low. "I'm
anxious
about it. Do
Are
you
you reallyknow?
sure?"

He
down
want

gravely,motioned her to a seat, and sat

himself.
he began, "I
"My dear Mrs. Stellery,"
in my
considtact and my
you to trust implicitly
nodded

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

business to find out."

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

strong effort of her will brought her back

like composure
"If you

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

!" she exclaimed.

him, rekindle his interest in

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

of the letters for me,

seem

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
"

fear that you

kill the writer

She

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

quite intend to let it go so far, and

shall I do?"
She
to explain. What

with

tears

in her eyes.

There

was

no

haughtinessleft,now.
"I think

his hand

morning

in

his way

on

intended

needn't

worry," said Astro, giving her

sympathy; "for I met Mr. Stellerythis

you

take

to

to

you

get acquainted with

sure

you

"Really?"
I'm

and
all

as

told

that he

me

over

give him
again.

chance

to

said

he

He

had

been left alone too

she

said, suddenly smiling. "Oh, then,

I've quitewon

I'll confess

spoke

you

He

immediately. That, he

the letters will stop !

sure

"when

abroad

stop this nonsense

said,would

was

the office.

him

everything."

if to herself.

much."

And," she added

softly,

back, and we're happy again,

She

"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

long been dreading.

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
"

"

fire. So, for

week, she

subjectingherself
and

He
his
set

came

as

found

room

one

laboratorya large

black

on

the table.

She

looked

and

over

Astro

and

yet she had

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

the visible rays,

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

of all the vibrant

lie,at

other

the

light we

other luminous

any

467

calls it. You

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

here," he said, "is

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

I shall direct the

ago

it is

it. Watch!"

THE

468
As

MASTER

she waited

leska

strained

Then

minute

Buddha

and

it had

triangleof

dark, Vain vain.

gathered

It

apparent.

was

In

violet radiance.

the form

taken

the

minute

nearly a

blur

showed

another

for

eyes

faint luminous

and
intensity

the

in the silence and

there

her

MYSTERIES

OF

of

squatting

glowed plainly,the only visible thing

in

room.

"It's wonderful

"Oh,

that's

said, as

"With

out.

half that

not

light,"Astro
way

!" she breathed.

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.

radiate for months

disappeared.

We

have

But

ceased
needed

Le

Bon

to
a

it with

new

found

after all visible

proved

be

glow

this black

lightjustnow."
He

had

into space
was

taken

with

up

his narghile and

sat

looking off

mystic expression on his face. It

of his dreamy, philosophicalmoments.
leska
Vaone
and waited for the inevitarecognized the mood
a

BLACK

ble

parable. For,

his

"Isn't it like absence?

he is bathed

469

the Seer, modern

the intellect and

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

absence, if I could wait till

of

test

to

were

you

could

black
me

"

tell

light. I'd

alone

in the

dark!"

"Shall

try it?" he asked

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.

please; and, when

THE

470

MASTER

MYSTERIES

OF

you've found out whether or not

by my psychicblack light, you
"

will let

affected

be

can

you

know."

me

enough for him?" Valeska

asked herself the next
morning as she walked to the
all night; she
studio.
She had thought of it almost
had risen with the questionon her lips. She had seen
The
day,
him
thought that today for two years.
every
not
and perhaps for a week or a month, she would
it a relief,
him, gave her a strange feeling. Was
see
As yet, she could not decide.
or
a pain?
"Do

I care?

Do

care

the studio it seemed

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

the familiar environment

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

door, she heard

as

sought

least she

while,

which

she closed

sistent.
in-

too

strong,

that she
at

used

been

decide till she

never

of Astro.
be

last too

the effect of

not

could

think

it

the soft
warned

the door,

feeling, the one spark

that dead empty place. She hurried away
swiftlytoward the park.

it gave

walked

could

at

the electric bell in the studio

of visitors.

life in

in which

her,

near

was

only

searches.
re-

feelingthat

rid herself of the

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

the Egyptian sculptures,

tries,
tapes-

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

facts that could

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

believe, quite, in his absence.

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

envelope lying beside

attention.

her

and

square

mere

Next,

with

diagonals.
thoughtlesspenciling,or perhaps

small

"

found

she

round,

two

She

could

its face down,

mean

the X

inkstand

ing,
noth-

shaped

edges suggested the diagonals

alone might have
no
one
nifican
sigtaken together the hint, perhaps,
smiled at the very absurdityof
"

clue.
her

should

it contained

dropped to the waste-paper basket.

have been emptied yesterdaymorning, yet
She stooped and
a few
scraps of paper.
eyes

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:

"St. Patrick's Cath

Pier

blank.

were

She

Here

at last

considered

was

the

dresses
ad-

did they mean?

Astro
had
carefully. What
mentioned
such places; yet the notes
in his
never
were
crabbed
of a certaintythat
handwriting. She knew
the studio had been cleaned the day before yesterday.
This writing,then, must
have been put into the basket
after they had had their talk.
If so, then they meant
something. The first thing to do was, of course, to
look

these

up

localities and

there.

Saint

seemed

unlikely places

whereabouts

she

; but

Cathedral

called

determined

taxicab

This, she found,

and

wharf,

this,there
Ask
That

the
was

found

the

corner

Astro's

visit all four

of the

tug laid

Pier

fore
be-

up

83.

Forty-second-

ferry. She walked

there.

along
Besides

no

nonsense

She

walked

discovered

visit the other

Patrick's

She

and
which

over

the

next.

and

down

she

for

could

decided, then, that

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

possibly twist into

would

Pier

first for

out

the end

at

was

and

half-hour, and

she

find

could

the

news

to

set

Street side of the Weehawken

the

and

discover

to

she

returned.

she

She

Patrick's

what

see

if she found

ground again.
There

it stood,

she recalled how

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

thought; but got no nearer

Astro by the pleasantry. She walked
inside,sat down
on
a seat, and
thought. What associations could this
have
not
with his whereabouts?
even
Why, he was
He always said He was
a Buddhist.
Well,
a Catholic !
if this were
nated,
emaa part of the black lighthis memory
She

ears.

smiled

black indeed

it was
In Third

Avenue

the entrance

was

the

at

her hopes went

to

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

lines she could

no

asked
that

railroad; but it

of one's hand, with

palm

She

found

and

to

the

the elevated

320

apartment-house. There

sign indicatingthat flats were

for the janitor. By him she was
rang
and bath", whose
pleasant "four rooms
was

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

look at the flat

Was

with

should

he have

left the address

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

sfie give for wanting

if she

inquiredat

could

think

of

Now

what

she

as

she went
other

any

than

she

was

divan

out

Astro

missed

more

hunger and thirst for his

his help and
protection.
felt lost without

She

now!

he

necessary

her, how

to

was

took

that crept to the studio

of the cushions

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

take her task

not

to

began

absurd

was

trance,
him

have

there

saw.

She

without

so

that she could

she go

to, and

that way;

her

lipsnow,

again she stopped.

She was
being away.

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

cried herself to sleep,

She

wanted

how

saw

sad

of it now,

But

plausible

some

buried her face in it

passionately,
down
sat resolutely
at his desk to work
a while, then
the mystery of his location. The more
she thought

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

Before, she had

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

her, or projecther spirit

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

passed the book-shelves,

she

again,

It

these
between
relationship
left purposely, they
were

some

of Astro.

and

of

New

study.

of

She

83?

ners.
cor-

addresses?

jumped to the square

the envelope. How

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

All she could

something.

back

be

ferry

was

looked
little

could

he

would

Weehawken

to

back

the meaning

seemed

Astro

was

almost

shoulder, looking from

in the great studio

was

idea.

could

laboratory. She

she went

mystery.

she
her

over

reverie, and

Then

were

there

sat

side, leaning

the door

'

MYSTERIES

lightdirectlythrough her intuitions,

tedious
and
stupid analytical logical

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

the table and

on

could

she

down

long. Again she dropped

her

could

map.

marked

equal distances apart

ruler.

York, and

four pins and

took

next

indeed

They

had

the shelf,therefore, took

of New

Now

thought that

she

clearlyif she

more

to

She

Then

large map

477

equal distances apart.

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

him, propinquity was

she

remembered

the

had

love
But

most.

and
of

her

made

table.

forced

the

Why,

her

was

on

its

The hint reached

diagonalsdrawn.
and, seizinga pencil and ruler, she drew
on

the map,

they intersected.
Seventh
at

was

She
Her

On

up,

then, her hand

then,
intuitions,
his

were

presence,

in the studio,and

the blotter

her

And
at

in the

it
last

agonals
di-

curiouslyto see where

Thirty-fourth Street, between

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

felt the black

was

from

invisible!

He

the first!

He

MASTER

THE

478

had, perhaps, even

had

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

longed to tear the mystery

light
sunlightagain the old-fashioned

let in the
his

she look

she call him

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

tiptoenow, as if she were

there,threw herself on

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

the studio to take

across

of

herself,the thought of the book

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?

be as obvious, if she reasoned

hiding-placewould
aright. Could she solve that as she had solved
of his black
other, by her intuitions,by means

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

be, but in the dark

phosphorescent Buddha,
still radiated

were

She

where

room

where

tell

the

little

invisible in the dark,

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