ut its circumference. He glanced swiftly at it, crushed the
paper into his pocket, then started toward the door at the rear.

"Where are you going?" demanded Seltz, harshly, his hand going toward
his pocket, as though for a weapon.

"To call the doctor, my man," Duvall replied. "Don't excite yourself. He
will be here in a moment, with your money." Without a moment's
hesitation he crossed to the study door and tapped lightly upon it. As
he did so, his back was toward Seltz, hence the latter did not see the
swift movement, by which he conveyed the snuff box to the pocket of his
waistcoat. When, after a few moments' delay, Dr. Hartmann appeared on
the threshold, Duvall's hands were both quite empty.

As the doctor entered the room, the detective gave a quick nod toward
Seltz. "My man," he remarked, in a low tone. "He seems to be rather bad,
this morning;" then aloud, "Oscar, this is Doctor Hartmann."

Seltz bowed, then stood uncomfortably, shifting his weight from one foot
to the other as the doctor bent upon him a searching glance. "Sit down,
my good fellow," the latter presently remarked, as he took a chair.

"I--I don't think I had better, sir," he stammered. "I am in somewhat of
a hurry--"

The doctor interrupted him, in a soothing voice. "There, there. Sit
down. I want to talk to you."

Seltz glanced helplessly toward Duvall, apparently somewhat confused by
the reception which Dr. Hartmann had accorded him. It was not entirely
what he had expected.

"I have explained everything to the doctor," remarked Duvall hastily.
"He understands about the money you requested." He looked significantly
at Dr. Hartmann.

"Then I hope the matter can be settled at once," said Seltz, apparently
much relieved. He made no movement to sit down, but continued to look
expectantly at Dr. Hartmann.

The latter nodded in a grave and reassuring way. "Give yourself no
uneasiness, my man. Everything will be satisfactorily arranged.
Meanwhile, sit down, if you please, and tell me something about
yourself. I understand you have been greatly worried, of late. Not quite
yourself--let us say."

Seltz looked at him in blank amazement. "I haven't been worried by
anything, except the business which brought me here. I want my money--"

"Exactly--exactly," the doctor assented, in a soothing voice. "You shall
have your money in due time. I promise you that. But first sit down and
let us have a little chat."

Seltz sat down, helplessly. Appar