Omaha daily bee., 1916-07-16

day. The brazier OF incense was cold
and dead. The windows had been
raised, admitting generous allow
ance OF sunshine into the rooms, and
there was little except the heavy
hangings to suggest furnishings at all
out of the ordinary. Mona stepped
first to the table on which had re-
posed the waxen image, which had
been consigned to thin air at the
Hindoo's command. She had a girl
ish curiosity to discover how the
trick had been worked. She discov-
cred that it was an electric hot-plate
device which melted the wax
Mona Laughter rather ruefully as she
saw the simplicity of the trick, and
how easily she had been mystified.
Her laugh was suddenly checked by
sound behind them. Whirling, the
two saw that man had risen from a
pile OF cushions and pillows in the
corner OF the room, where he had
been apparently asleep. 1t was Had
RUFUS native servant For an instant
the man stared at them in surprise;
then he turned, and made for the
door, evidently with the intention Of
raising an alarm. But Carson was too
quick for him, and caught him by the
collar before he could make his es-
cape.
A short struggle ensued, but the
other was no match for Carsons
trained muscles, and the young mil
lionaire soon had the man trussed up
like fowl, with a rough, home made
gag between his teeth. Brief as was
the struggle, However, it had evident
ly raised an alarm, for heavy knock
ing sounded at the door. 30
1T you don't open this door, call
ed q commanding voice, II warn you
that III break it in, you brown
fakerp ..l.
at is Rodney Grantp said Mona
with breath Of relief. "He must have
been at our place, and heard you
struggle through the door. He doesn't
know it isn't locked"
She threw open the door with a
smiling courtesy, and Grant started
with mingled surprise and relief.
Il thought someone was being muir
dered here" His glance fell on the
bound and gagged servant, and he
grinned appreciatively. Good work!
Are you responsible for this, Carson"
Casper Carson was busy with an
other examination of the table Of mys-
terry, and suddenly looked up. II have
made another discovery. Hadj Rulu is
no more Hindoo than | amp He
held up small tin of brown paint,
which he had drawn from a hidden
drawer in the table. "The fellow is
probably an American. born on the
Bowery. Won't there be pretty SEN
sation in high society when he is
shown upl" He broke off, frowning.
what are we going to do with the
servant in the meantime?"
Il have it." said Mona quickly.
Rodney Grant can take his place. 1t
ought to be easy enough for him to
dye his face and put on the mans
robe and turban."
II see this is going to be my busy
day." put in Grant ruefully. How
ever, I'll do anything to oblige."
He disappeared into an inner room,
with the brown paint and the serv-
ants outer robe and turban, and when
he returned five minutes later the
metamorphosis was startling.
"You will do excellently," nodded
Carson. "You missed your calling, old
man. You ought to have been an
actor" He broke off, listening, and
glanced at his watch. ut seems to
me, Mona, that the sooner we are out
OF this the better for all concerned
unless you want your friend to sur
prise US on his premisesp
"Are you going to leave me here
BY myself" asked Grant, with af-
fected alarm.
After you help me lift our prisoner
into closet" said Carson. The two
men raised the servants body and
carried the man into recess of the
room, where they fancied he could
rest for hours without attracting no.
tice. Then Carson and Mona stole
back to the hail, and across to the
girls suite. They were just in time,
for moment later Hadj RUFUS grave
figure appeared in the corridor, fol-
lowed shortly afterward by Mary in
the full flush Of her excitement after
the dramatic happenings at the Wal
lace home.
How do you suggest we shall wind
it all upi" she asked, after the trio
had exchanged their stories. |
1T seems to me that the sooner
Casper Carson appears on the stage
as Wallace, the banker, the better
said Mona, rising from her chair. I'll |
inform> our Hindoo friend that Wal
lace is coming up at once for pri-
vate seance."
She was back few moments later
with the beaming announcement that |;
Hadj Rulu suspected nothing, and !
would receive Mr.. Wallace at any
time.
"And what do you Think" she
gasped. "He thinks Rodney Grant
is really his servant and has arranged
with him just what to do in order to
trap the distinguished visitor without
delayw
"You are wonderl' conceded Car
son admiringly. The two made their
way back to the Hindoo's flat and
Mona pressed the bell. Hadj rRulu
himself admitted them and motioned
them gravely to chairs.
"My young ward has told me so
many surprising stories Of your pow
ers," said Carson, taking up his role,
that / have let myself be persuaded
to come and see for myself. | should /
tell you in advance, however, that
have absolutely no belief in the So
called occult sciences, If you can
convince me, l will take off my hat
to you!"
The Hindoo bowed. MIR. Wal
lace shall be convinced he promised.