Evening star., 1915-07-11
CHAPTER Xxx

scious thought was the one with
which he had fallen asleep: How to deal
with DIR. Aubert?
His preferred course was to do nothing,
simply to wait and see what happened,
but he did not feel free to follow it, He
must take no chances of Miss Lowthers
name becoming involved in the affair.
He had deceived her for Amarinth's sake
That had been unavoidable, and he did
not regret it. Now, however, his first
duty was to her. If Aubert believed him
self to be the owner of the cross, it was
possible that he would make trouble for
the girl, as he had threatened.
On the other hand, there was posi-
bility-a strong one Gavock felt-that
the doctor had come by the cross dis
honestly, that he had even been concerned
in its disappearance seven years earlier.
In that case he would not dare to move
openly in attempting to recover it, and
Miss Lowther would be safe from pub
licity regarding it. But she would not be
secure from annoyance, as he must GER
tainly go to her first, and she in the end
must send him to Gavock.
Concerning his own course Gavock
had not made up his mind. He had de-
clined on the previous night to tell SEE
mere how the cross had come into his
hands. But it was quite on the cards that
would have to do it, and this would di-
rect inquiry to DR.. Louis Aubert Now
just how this would result for the French
man Gavock had no idea. If the latter
had come by the cross honestly, all we'll
and good; but if not-well, Gavock did
fo VA ~ of
catcher. Aubert should have fair warning.
He finally wrote the following:
DIR. LOUIS AuBERT.
DEAR SIR: l regret to inform you that
the jeweled pendant left in my care with the
instructions that it be forwarded to you this
morning has been identified as the famous
Cross of kemesvar by Count Egon Szemere.
in the interests of the alleged owner. Prince
Xico of Rumania. The cross is now de-
posted at bank, and assure you will not
be removed until the question of it's owner
ship is determined beyond possibility of
doubt. Every opportunity will be given you
to prove your own right to it and to disprove
that of the rival claimant. Communications
to above address will reach me promptly.
Sincerely yours, ROGER GAvoCK.
Written and sealed, Gavock put the
letter into his pocket. He decided to send
it by messenger after breakfast.
THE white-garbed attendant of DR..
Aubert's Office appeared at the door
of the waiting-room, meeting with dep
recatory smile the inquiring, impatient
glances that greeted her. Then she
stepped back into the consulting-room.
The doctor was very late. The chances
were, she knew, that he would not see any
of the waiting patients when he arrived,
as he was scheduled for an operation at
the hospital in twenty minutes. She was
confident that he would not be late for
that, and equally sure that he must stop
at home for his instruments. Opening
cabinet that contained surgical instru-
ments spread out upon glass Shelves she
wheeled a small glass-topped table within
reach and began placing on it such of the
contents of the cabinet as she knew would
be required. The doctor could then deter
mineat glance the additional ones needed
Her selection made she closed the cab
met, and was just turning away when the
loud shutting of the house door struck on
her ear. The next moment the door lead
inc from tho ha1l tn tho oopcuIf;p,r ro,,,,