Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-21

excited
He a simple faced fellow, with awkward
air and generally shiftess appearance the
binary country youth that has had too little energy
to better himself in any way. Astro scarcely gave
him glance. but stood gazing at the floor in front
OF him.
HE made sign finally. and all but Valeska left
- the room She shut the door behind them.
Then she followed his eyes about the walls and floor.
Il think said Astro, thoughtfully regarding the
window frame, that Mason regrets exceedingly
having tried to kiss Marie about four days ago. Poor
Valeska's eyes narrowed. OH" she said. That
was what broke off the engagement
But was Marie in love with him too" she asked
eagerly,
piled, Il love, thou lowest, he loves; We love- you
love- they love. think, my dear that in matters of
the heart you know the symptoms better than |.
although you not taught the philosophy of the
Yogs by Hindu fakir. What do you say, pretty
priestess?"
Mason was sincerely in love with Miss Denton.
He never cared snap for Marie"
to- There was mistaking that blush. 1t is
common error to suppose that French girls are
whit less modest than their English or American Sis
tiers. In point of fact they often more so-more
ignorant, more innocent Marie was carefully
brought up; she is still child But the Latin races
have temperament; they learn. Marie is a
full of revengeS and regrets.
But what has that kiss to do with this murder"
NIT to resume my meditation, that my astral
vision may be released.
VaIeska smiled. and kept silent 1t was Astro's
way of requesting that he not to be questioned
further until he himself had down his clue.
1t was quarter of an hour before he spoke: then
to say in triumph H t have found nd it have
three parallel scratches the frieze, above the
picture mOld1ng.
Valeska shook her head discounted
He shrugged his shoulders and went to the win
dow pointing to a tiny spot on the white frame.
It's blood" exclaimed Valeska.
It's blood; and yet Miss Denton strangled.
and no blood shed none, at least of hers
Whose blood then, was it?
Kindly get out OF the window on the balcony, my
She stepped over the low SILL unconsciously placing
her left hand the frame to steady herself Her
fingers touched the paint about two inches below the
bloody smooch.
We'll, my dear, 1t certainly Ism t your blood, at
Marie S, then? She is taller than t.
She had wound on her hand. examined
them both carefully.
And there was none on Franks"
Nor the aunt's. If you have looked all you wish
to- you might 60 down to the kitchen and talk to the
temper and had lately quarreled with Miss Denton.
To be sure all good cooks have bad tempers; but. as
the police didn't fit to arrest her. she may pos
sibly be the murderer See what you can do / shall
remain here for awhile There's much to be done,
and I'm in hurry to my thousand dollars"
WHEN Valeska had left Astro resumed his study
w of the room, going it inch by inch. looking
again at the window finally turning to the balcony.
The care with which he worked showed that the Master
of MYSTERIES was unusually puzzled. After examin-
ing the floor and rail of the balcony he drew bird
glass from his pocket and spent half-hour gazing
at lie elm whose branches stretched toward the
from the room next to the boudoir. This too he
examined carefully. Then he smiled slightly, put up
the glass, and reentered the room 1t was evident
that he had found what he had sought.
tn a