ne in this manner,
he felt himself baffled and helpless. He could only leave a note and
proceed to his office.

Tuttle was there when he arrived. He had nothing to report of
Fairfax--of whom Garrison himself had heard no word in Branchville--but
concerning the house in Ninety-third Street there was just a mite of
news.

He had been delayed in entering by the temporary absence of the
caretaker. He had finally succeeded in making his way to the closet in
Theodore's room--and the telephone was gone. Theodore had evidently
found a means to enter by the stairs at the rear, perhaps through the
house next door. The caretaker felt quite certain he had not set foot
inside the door since Garrison issued his orders.

Garrison wrote a note to Theodore, in reply to the one received the day
before, suggesting a meeting here at this office at noon, or as soon as
convenient.

"Take that out," he said to Tuttle, "and send it by messenger. Then
return to the house where Fairfax had his room and see if there's any
news of him."

Tuttle opened the door to go just as Dorothy, who had arrived outside,
was about to knock. Garrison beheld her as she stepped slightly back.
He rose from his seat and hastened towards her.

"Excuse me," said Tuttle, and he went his way.

"Come in," said Garrison. "Come in, Dorothy. I've been at your house
and missed you."

She was somewhat pale.

"Yes, I couldn't stay--I wanted to see you the moment you returned,"
she told him. "Theodore has found my address, I don't know how, and
sent me a note in which he says he has something new--some dreadful
surprise----"

"Never mind Theodore," Garrison interrupted. "Sit down and get your
breath. He couldn't have come upon much in all his hunting--much, I
mean, that we do not already know. In the meantime, get ready for
news--I can't tell what sort of news, but--I've found your uncle's
latest will!"

Dorothy made no attempt to speak for a moment. Her face became almost
ashen. Then it brightened. Alarm went from her eyes and she even
mustered a smile.

"It doesn't make a great deal of difference now, whatever Uncle John
may have done," she said. "Foster and Alice will be all right--but,
where did you find it? Where has it been?"

"I found it at the room he occupied in Hickwood--and fetched it along."

He produced it from his pocket and placed it in her hand.

Despite her most courageous efforts she was weak and nervously excited.
Her h