Evening star., 1909-04-25

book with trembling hands and looked through
it eagerly. Here it isl" he exclaimed in
triumph, holding up the receipt.
Which shows how dangerous it is to iudgea
circumstantial evidence remarked
Astro.
We'll. it's more than we got against the
others, McGraw grumbled.
My dear old chap, III show you circum-
stantial evidence enough to convince you, be-
fore I'm through. Besides that, I'll let you
listen to an outright confession. Now you had
better let Mr. Moffett depart in peace He's
had a narrow escape. It's lucky some one
with psychic perceptions was here to rescue
him from the web of circumstance"
:" 1t was the night watchman then. I'll bet on .
that said McGraw
WELL, We'll take up his case next. Let's
" see he owed 'Middlebury grudge for
having him discharged He had pistol; but
he can't produce it. What has he done with
it,"
They had approached Thompson by this
time. The night watchman was listening,
trembling in his turn. His face had the color
of clay.
Il kept it down cellar in my table drawer,
near the foot of the elevator shaft. | have no
idea what has become of iti he pleaded.
Astro touched the officer who had been hold
ing Moffett Take the elevator and 60 down
to the cellar Open the door of the nearest
furnace and look in and see if you can find
gun"
"Is it there2" said McGraw. How in
blazes did you know that, you wizard?"
Aso sne MOULD af sea Il
in some corner, in one of the ash barrels. 1t
doesn't matter much, anyway"
Valeska, meanwhile, trying to comfort
Miss Wilson, who was crying and talking inter
mittently. The two blondes made pretty
picture together. McGraw, who since his
first visit to the Seer's studio had always ad-
mired Valeska Wynne, looked on, apparently
touched
For Gods sake sir, it amt the girl, is ita.
he asked in whisper.
Astro laughed, and waited. The elevator
boy sat on a bench, picture of detection, wait
ing for the outcome. 1t was ten minutes before
the officer reappeared from the basement. As
he threw open the elevator door he showed,
hanging from bent wire, the distorted metal
work of revolver, still glowing dull red.
1t was just where you said, sir" he ex-
planned.
Astro gave a glance at it. then turned to
Thompson What have you to say'" he asked.
Il don't know how it got there, said Thomp-
Il believe this is your last week as watch
man here?"
Yes, sir. !"
And it was Mr. Middlebury who caused
your discharge
Yes, sir" Thompson stared stupidity at
his large feet.
Then you had good reason to hate him?
He is shot, and your revolver thrown into the
furnace 1t looks bad my mani
i swear to God I'm innocent" Thompson
looked wildly into the impassive face of the
Seer.
And, as he did So Astros face softened. "I
believe you. think you can take the hand
cuffs off him. McGraw."
Take 'em off! Why he must be the one
who done it Any fool could see that"
You're fool enough to, doubt" said
Astro, Struggling his shoulders; but if you
want the credit of detecting the murderer,
you'd better free this man and listen to me. +"
Astro had proved his marvellous powers of
deduction intuition too many times, and too
much to McGraws own advantage, for the
officer to refuse.
Its sure too much for mel" he muttered to
himself as he unlocked the iron bracelets
~ELL, now We'll have an interview with
" the real criminal said Astro, walking
over to the two girls.
Miss Wilson, hearing this, looked terrified
at him; but there was expression there that
could reassure her. She opened her lips to
speak, but could not.
Astro began deliberately, speaking SO that
his words echoed through the corridor. Miss
Wilson, by your confession you were in
the Office of Mr.. Middlebury at the time he was
shot
In the inner office, | was, she calculated.
:" In the inner office, where there found
revolver with one cartridge used, added Astro.
The girl nodded her pale face.