The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-04

eleventh hour, have to make an entirely new plan, unless she wanted all the work she and Mona had already done to go for nothing.
 Her only grain of comfort that she heard Melnotte, speaking over the telephone make appointment with Watson, for the fol lowing afternoon They were to meet at the museum Mary afraid to jump at conclu- sion again, but she did feel that there a chance to save the day
 We're like people working in the dark" she told Mona, that night, when the two compared notes. .So far there's been altogether too much guess work to suit me--and from now on I'd like to have some facts to work with"
 "We've got to have them!" said Mona. And the essential thing is to overhear the con versation tomorrow when Melnotte meets Watson at the museum
 Mary nodded her agreement.
 You'll have to be the one to get these facts" she said. And I don't how you're going to do it! They're to be, suspicious if there's anyone within earshot.'
 "Leave that to me- said Mona confidently. "I've made one two discoveries about that mu- scum since I've been working there with Harry. Did you hear of the whispering gaery?'
 "Yes" said Mary, frightening. Do you mean to say there's something of the sort in the museum?"
 'The acoustics very peculiar" said Mona. q won't make any promises at al but have hopes-very high hopes.
 And the next day she took up her watch in a certain spot in the gallery. From where she waited she could not see the despoied frame of the Monna Wanna at all, but that did not trouble her. And, enough, after little time, she heard the voice of Melnotte.
 q told you you'd be surprised Mir. Watson!' said the dealer. 'I needn't point out to real collector like yourself that this is singuarly impudent copy of the famous Monna Vanna?'
 By jove ]" said voice that was strange to Mona the voice of Watson. You're right, man What scandal.''
 'The estimable Mr. Crogan has certainly fooled the public this time P said Melnotte.
 "Oh, give the man his due-he's fool, not a crook" said Watson. Eve no doubt he thought he had the real thing-and l happen to know that he paid stiff price for this forgery of his He'll look pretty foolish when this comes out! ?!
 He's always refused to take competent ad- vice. began Melnotte.
 Meaning yoursef?" suggested Watson.
 Far removed from them though she was, every word clear and distinct to Monas alert ears And yet she knew that had she been within dozen feet of them she would have heard only an indistinct and meaningless mur It curious trick of acoustics, throw ing the sound of their voices about, echoing from this spot and that, that brought the sounds to her distinctly.
 Melnotte ignored the collectors interruption.
 q suppose you'd like to know where the original is?' he said.
 Would I?' said Watson. "Id buy it in like shot and present it to the museum, just for the pleasure of seeing Crogan squirm-the ignor- amus!'
 "Well-t's not very far from here" said Mel notte. Its in my shop, to be frank! know l trust you to respect my contidence!"
 There exclamation of amazement from Watson.
 "Well-I shall certainly have to if you are right" he said And if you are I'll be good as my word-Il take it off your hands and give it to the museum myself! Perhaps people won't take rich dabber in art like Crogan seriously after this !"
 Once more Mona had to suffer the strain of waiting to learn from Mary the outcome of some thing of which she herself had seen the begin ming. But she could wait patiently; she was sure that when Mary home there would be news. And, as a matter of fact, she had not quite so long to wait She hurried home herself, and in little while the telephone rang
 "Quick!" gasped Mary. five only second.