The Carlisle independent., 1917-04-26

said, speaking in the sing-song intona- tion peculiar to the Oriental domestics, to the maid who opened the door and who he noted, was dressed for the street. "He sent me to get the note he leave here a little while back. Say to tell doctor he has changed mind and will telephone him." His manner was that of a well-trained servant and the unsuspecting maid handed him the card without demur. Not until he was out of sight of the house, however, did Satsuma venture to examine it. It was one of Hopes visiting cards and on it he had scrawled in pencil:
 Dear Doctor Owen:
 Am sorry to have missed you.
 Should you return in time will
 you give me the pleasure of dining
 with Miss Burke and myself at
 the Hotel Arbor at eight this eve-
 ning7 And may l trouble you to
 bring along Fitzmaurice's book,
 regarding which wired you yes
 terday. We will wait for you in
 the Palm room.
 JARVIS HOPE.
 When Satsuma, hastening back to the little hotel where he and Mahlfn had taken rooms, reported to his en- ployer that Hope and Cleo had, in some unaccountable fashion. escaped death on the island and that they were at that very moment in Sands bOro, Mahlin burst into a fit of pro- fanity which impressed even the stolid Japanese. The Japanese silently hand ed him the note which Hope had left for Doctor Owen. Mahlin read it and then reread it.
 'Owen had better take the book to the hotel tonight" he said. after a mo- ments reflection. Tt will be dark by eight and perhaps We will have an op- portunity to knock him on the head when he is on the way there"
 What are you going to do with this note?" inquired Satsuma.
 You had better hustle right back and leave it at the doctors office" said Mahlin. Tell the maid that this is another note that Hope has written. She'll never know the difference"
 Did the maid say anything?" asked Mahlin when, half an hour later, Sat suma returned.
 No. She just took the note and shut the door. She had on her hat; I guess she was just going out.'
 Are there any other servants in the house?"
 T don't think so."
 That being so," said Mahlin. rising and putting on his hat, T think I'll take advantage of the households ab- sence to take a look through the place myself. If the doctor keeps the book in the house I ought to be able to find it.
 
 It was late in the afternoon when Olga, for the second time that day, ascended the steps of Doctor Owens residence. There was nothing about her to suggest the book canvasser who had called a few hours before, for she now wore a long dustcOat which GOV cred her from neck to ankle and motor veil which completely hid her features. She rang the bell, but there was no answer The maid, as Olga had anticipated, had taken advantage of her employers absence to do some shopping in the town. Glancing up and down the street to make sure that she was unobserved. she quietly opened the door of the waiting room and walked in. The most likely place to find the book, she felt, was in the doctors desk in his consultation room. Stepping softly across the floor, her footsteps deadened by the heavy rugs, she opened the door of the con- sultation room-and stopped on the threshold with an ejaculation of alarm, for, bending over the doctors desk, engaged in rifling it's drawers, was strange man. His back was toward her and he was so intent on his search that he failed to hear the door open, but, aroused by her stifled exclama- tion, he whirled about and his hand went instinctiveIy to his coat pocket.
  each other appraisingly. Olga was the first to break the silence.
 T beg your pardon" she said T rang the bell, but no one answered. so I walked in. I wanted to see the doctor"
 Mahlin, for it was he. had been do ing some rapid thinking. He decided to play a bold game.
 q am Doctor Owen he said. What can I do for yOu?"
 II am having trouble with my throat" lied Olga glibly, but he saw suspicion in her eyes.
 T have been doing a little house cleaning" said Mahlin. with a profes sional manner which ought to have carried conviction. If you will ex- cuse me madam, until I wash my hands, l shall be glad to prescribe for