The Carlisle independent., 1917-03-29

"Is this Mir. Stephanski?" Morton inquired politely.
 Tt iss," was the none too gracious answer. "Vot iss it dot you vish?"
 T have learned from Mir Dawson" said Morton, that you bought work on chemistry at the auction this morning I am a collector of scien- tific books, and If this book is what I think it is, I would like to make you an offer for it. Could I have look at it?"
 Tt iss true dot haf such a book this morgen purchased" was the an swer T will it to you show gladly. But first I must der room more pre- sentable make, and he closed the door in their faces. Could they have looked within they would have seen Stephanski throw back the thread bare carpet which covered the floor of his little dining room and raise trapdoor which evidently gave ae- cess to the cellar. Then, moving al ways with the utmost caution, he took from a work bench in the living room round metal object, about the size of grapefruit. descended through the trapdoor into the cellar, and placed it gently on a shelf upon which repesed a number Of other globes precisely similar. Ascending to the dining room again, be closed the trap door and drew the carpet over it.
 Now. he said, reappearing at the front door. der room more present. able looks Will you come in?"
 This, continued Stephanski, "iss der book
 With undisguised eagerness Morton threw it open, while Olga leaned over his shoulder. There was no trace of the lost formula Meanwhile Stephan ski watched them narrowly Olga. glancing up, happened to catch his eye. For a moment she stared at him unbelievingly; then;
 Ivan, Ivan Stephanskit" she cried; don't you know me?'
 For a long minute the old man re- turned her stare, searching her every feature; then recognition suddenly dawned.
 "Olga, Olga!" he exclaimed, and, dropping on one knee, as a courier kneels to a queen, he pressed his lips to Countess Ivanoff's hand. There ensued between the two an excited dialogue in language which Morton though unable to understand it, rec ognized as Russian.
 She broke off suddenly and stood listening
 There's a motor stopping in front,
 Morton stepped across to the win dow and, shielding himself behind the curtain, peered out He swore softly.
 Its the Burke girl, with her friend the naval officer and that one-armed sailor. They certainly didn't waste much time in getting here. They mustn't know that we're here. Tell your bewhiskered friend to tell them that Mir Stephanski is away and won't be back until ten o'clock. That will give us time to decide what to do''
 The old Russian went to the door.
 "Is Mr Stephanski at home?" Hope demanded.
 "Nein, he iss away was the curt answer He will at ten o'clock re- turn" and the door was abruptly shut.
 There's nothing left to do but to return to the city and have din ner," said Hope as he rejoined his companions.
 
 T hate to leave you alonec Cleo" said Hope, as they were finishing their coffee. but l must run out to the Presidio on some official business. I won't be away much more than an hour, though, and I'll surely be back to start for Stephanskis by ten.''
 For Cleo, whose entire girlhood had been passed with her father in the lit tie Valdavia cottage, it was no hard ship to be left for an hour or so in the hotel The hustle and excitement of the great lobby proved so entertain ing, indeed, that it was with astonish- ment that, happening to glance at the great clock above the stairs, she saw the hands pointed to twenty minutes after ten. And neither Hope nor Hook had returned What could have de- tained them? What should she do? Stephanski was to return at ten o'clock. And already it was twenty minutes after. She would keep the appointment herself.
 When Lieutenant Hope and Nil. Barnacle return, please be sure and tell them that I could not wait for them and have gone to Edgemere road and that they are to follow me-" she instructed the clerk at the desk.
 The failure of Cleo's two friends to rejoin her at the hour agreed upon wat