Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-03

that he reappeared If one might have Judged
by his manner he had achieved something in
his absence; yet when he spoke it was in the
same exquisitely modulated tone of the first
visit
The work of redecorating has been COM
pleted, he told The Thinking Machine. MY
library is again in order, and you may examine
it at your leisure. If you care to go now, my
carriage is at the door"
The Thinking Machine stared at him for
moment, then picked up his hat. At the door
OF the Colgate mansion Colgate and the scien-
fist were met by craven faced footman who
received their hats and coats in silence Col
gate conducted his guest straight into the
library 1t was magnifcently appointed
place, rejecting in its every detail the splendid
purchasing power of money. To this sheer
luxury, however, The Thinking Machine was
oblivious. His undivided attention was on the
book shelves.
From one end of the long room to the
other he walked time after time, reading the
titles of the books as he passed There were
Dickens, Balzac, Kipling, Stevenson, Thack-
cray, Zola-all of them. Three or four times
he paused to draw out volume and examine
it.. Each time he replaced it without word
and continued his search. Colgate stood by
watching him curiously.
The Thinking Machine had just paused to
draw out one of the Dumas books when the
stolid faced footman appeared in the door
with telegram.
Is this for you, sir?" he asked of Colgate
Yes, replied Colgate.
He drew out the yellow sheet and permitted
the envelop to fall to the floor The Thinking
Machine picked it up with something like
eagerness in his manner 1t was directed to
William c. Colgate" The scientist looked
almost astonished as he turned again to the
book shelves.
1t was ten minutes later that The Thinking
Machine took out three volumes together
These comprised the famous old English novel,
Ten Thousand Year" rare and valuable
first edition. The leaves of volume futtered
through his fingers until he came to page %.
After moment he said "Ah!' Then he went
on to page Al. He studied that for moment
more, after which he said "Ah!" again.
What is it," inquired Colgate quickly
he Thinking Machine turned his cold, squirt eyes
INTO the eager face above him. 1t is the key to
cipher" he said.
What is it? Read it!'' commanded Colgate.
clear, alert eyes were fastened on the, to him,
ningless page. He sought vainly there some
g to account for the scientists exclamation
aren't meaning beyond the text of the story.
hat is it?" he demanded again, and there was a
e glitter in his eye. Does it say where the
nond is"
DIS of possible twenty or thirty, don't know
It it says" declared The Thinking Machine
1.-The best I can say now is that with
aid of these books 1 shall find the diamond"
or half an hour or more the scientist was busy
ming through the books in an aimless sort Of
:. Finally he closed the third volume with
, and stood up.
Travers says that he will return the gem for
thousand dollars" he announced.
Oh, he does, does her" Colgate's tone was a
e subtle quality which brought slight wrinkle
erplexity to his brow
You don't have to pay it, you know" he
lained tartly. II can get it without the ten
Well, get it, then!" said Colgate little impa-
thy. II want the diamond, and it is absurd to
pose that shall pay ten thousand dollars for my
property. Come on! Let's do what is to be
e Immediately"
I'll do what is to be done immediately but
do it without your assistance" remarked The
hiking Machine. Il shall send for YOU to-mor-
When you come the diamond will be in my
session. Good day"
olgate stared after him blankly he went out.