Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-24

and the broken lock OF the window Here it is!'i
She drew scrap of paper from her purse and
handed it to him. 1t evidently the corner of a
letter. and bore few words written in violet ink.
he pallnist held it lightly in his hand for
nlent, then asked, Has anyone else had this, ex-
cept you?'
oh, yes Mr. Barrister himself found it. and of
course he examined it carefully; but he could make
nothing of it
Astro cast his eyes to the ceiling, and then down
the paper again. He pressed it to his forehead,
then handed it to his assistant.
Il shall have to wait until the last influences are
evaporated, leaving the original personality of the
writer to assert itself. He whired quickly about,
placed his hand to his lips and coughed .o,.
Oh Mrs. Barrister!' Naeska exclaimed. Look
at this paper again for a moment. Come to the
light by the window here. 1t seemed to me !
saw watermark that showed through when held
it to the light See if YOU it. AS she spoke
she drew the into the bay window SO that
she stood with her back to the room.
Astro stepped quickly over to bookcase against
the wall, and keeping his eyes carefully. on Mrs
Barrister reached to the top of one of the shelves
Four five books protruded about an inch from
the rest of the line. Astros hand curved over
Before Mrs Barrister had turned again, his hand
was withdrawn He spoke sharply.
Gould you lend me screwdriver!"
Certainly She rang for the maid, who ap-
peared and was sent the GRAND. In few min
utes she returned
I'm very sorry, Mrs Barrister. but can't find
it; We always keep it in the kitchen closet; but
Il thought So" said Astro. : But one question:
Mary. before you 60. First. let me see your palm "
The girl held out her hand tmidly, with wonder
The Master of Mysteries felt of it tentatively
then looked directly into her eyes. Mary he
said, where were YOU after dinner time on Thurs
day; from then until Mr.. and Mrs. Barrister
turned homer"
In the kitchen with the cook most of the time.
sir. | went up into the dining room beside the
library once or twice. though
You heard nothing unusual:"
Nothing at all, sir.
"How did you get that violet stain on your
Mary looked at it calmly. 1T was from writing
letter the other day. l couldn't get it all off. =
Il think have STAYED as long as it necessary
said Astro, turning Mrs Barrister, land now, if
you'll me. Ill 60. l shall report to your
husband as soon as find anything
7 EAVING with his assistant. he walked slowly
- down the front steps. As soon they were
of sight of the windows he said. Well what did
YOU find out while was investigating, Valeska!"
walked thoughtfully beside her, his eyes roaming
from side to side. until they lit upon line of ash
barrels near the curb. He stopped.
See here, Vaeska!' he exclaimed suddenly Il
wish you d 60 in to this house and find out in
way how long these barrels have been standing
here. It's shame the way the Board of Health
have been sent by Civic Reform committee to find
out if there's any complaint
He walked on smiling to himself Entirely too
clever he murmured; /" so clever that it's posi-
lively stupid He approached the ash and
surveyed their contents From the top of one he
gingerly drew out torn sheet Of paper. Another
barrel showed among its overhowing contents,
several tin cans shoe lot of broken bottles and
of sawdust He gave this hard look,
then sauntered till Valeska caught up with him.
Those barrels have been out Since Thursday,
she said.
He smiled and made no comment. Now he
said. what | want you to do is to call on this
Mr. White. You had better be getting subscrip-
tons for book. Get for sample at some
shop,-something rather silly too Bibliophes and
Their Hobbies, and you are to find out Whites
private opinion of BarTister. Barrster, you under
stand, has already subscribed. You work it up