Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-10

citing
From across the street the two recon-
noitered No. 1913. Below. at the mustv stair
way. appeared. among other signs. the legend.
Prof. Dove Astrologer" It was already
growing dark. and above. in a window on the
third floor dim light appeared. The shade
was drawn.
I'm gong to investigate more closely,
said AStro. You wait outside here and watch
the window. IF raise the shade. come up
60 saying. he crossed. and assembled the
~ stairs. As he reached the landing. how
ever. he met young woman coming down,
who. at single glance proved to be the Miss
Vivian of the "Dentabella advertisements.
AStro stood still in front of her, barring the
way.
Would YOU please tell me where Professor
Dove Is9 he inquired
Why. II don't know. m sure. She
looked him up and down curiously-
Then would you mind telling me where
can find Mr. John Hudson?'
Still she showed no sign of surprise; but
drew herself up proudly. There's no such
person in this building that know of she
asserted.
Il thought had seen you in Professor
Doves office.' continued the crystal gazer
suavely.
Something in his manner now ,eeined to
alarm her. Indeed. I'm stranger here
You must be mistaken, really"
You have never heard of Mr.. Hudson
he went on.
What right have you to question me
in this way she demanded boldly: and
vet oddly enough she did not try to pass
him.
Il have the right for two reasons. First.
because the pOstotfice is very curious as to
the nature of concerns doing mail order
business and second because the police
would very much like to know something
more concerning the death OF Professor
Dove"
She scarcely stopped to hear the rest of the
sentence before she turned and ran up stairs
Astro, though he bounded after her in twink
ling. was a moment too late: for the door
was slammed and locked in his face.
The police" he heard her cry. and at
once there was a connection in the room. 4
window was thrown up hurriedly then all
became still He waited in patience listening
intentv. The first sound audible however
came from the stairway beneath him. Assured
that some one was coming up. he turned and
saw Valeska reckoning frantically- He tip
toed to her, and she whispered
He climbed out through the window into
that of the next house. Can't We catch him
there"
We'll have to. or lose the whole game"
he cried I" 1t was bit premature: but per-
haps it will be as we'll after ali Come along
and-1ook out for trouble. III have to bluff
it out now. though have no desire t. imper-
senate police officer.-thata d dangerous
game. But must hurry.
TN an instant more they were down stars
and hidden in the entrance of the next
building They had not long to wait. A man
bare headed and excited. came running down
and would have dashed by. had not Astro y
hand Immediately clutched him
II beg your pardon. Mr.. Hudson said the
Master of Mysteries. but | wish to ask you
few questions
Who are YOU" The mans voice was full
Of anxiety.
- 4 friend SAID AStro.
Valeska put out her hand and took that of
the frightened old " Don't be alarmed
Mr. Hudson. Really you are quite safe with
US
He gazed at her in dull astonishment
"What do you want anyhow! he exclaimed
peevishly. attempting to recover d bold front
though his face haggard with terror.
I've found all really want Astro replied
quietly: but at the same time Id like to
have my curiosity gratified. What. for in
stance do you know concerning the death OF
Professor Dove"
Hudson started and stared in the young
mans face. What! Is he dead! When
did he diel"
''He died at about the same time YOU dis
appeared from home
Hudson turned white. Great Cod! You
don't suspect me of-anything
I'D like to have you explain few things
that's all was the quiet response.