w minutes was being driven
away by Farrell on an urgent call to town.

Pauline stood on the veranda and watched his departure with silent
wrath.

"I wonder if he is really cruel--or--if he is just a man and
doesn't know any better," she pondered audibly.

Then, as she saw Owen approaching from the side path, "Oh, Owen, won't
you help me? I've lost Cyrus!"

"Cyrus? Am I sure whom you mean? Ah, yes; the new member of our
family circle."

"Yes; he's gone."

"The only thing to do, I should say, is to advertise. I will call up
the newspapers immediately, Miss Pauline."

"You are dear! I must have him back. Think what Lucille would say if
I lost him on the first day!"

"I'll offer a generous reward and he'll soon be back."

"Thank you, Owen."

CHAPTER XX

CYRUS MAKES A REPUTATION

The proceedings behind the hidden doors in the cellar of the ruined
house between Bathwater and Castle Marvin were not interrupted by so
small a matter as the kidnapping of an heiress--a kidnapping that had
progressed no further as yet than the capture of a dog.

As Owen stepped into the den the next forenoon he saw the bull terrier
tied to the wall.

"I see we have the main ingredient of the repast in hand."

"The main ingredient and the most dangerous," said Wallace. "He has
done nothing but howl and bark. May we kill him?"

"Not yet," answered Owen. "It is possible that she might demand sight
of him before entering the house, or some nonsense of that sort. I
would let him howl a little longer."

"Very well," laughed Wallace. "What orders have you for us today,
sir?"

The other counterfeiters kept steadily on at their work over the
melting pots, the molds and stamping machines. The old woman was
stacking half-dollar pieces at the table.

"Why do you have the woman here?" demanded Owen suddenly.

"To prevent starvation," answered Wallace. "Carrie is not only our
purchasing agent, but our excellent cook."

The hag looked up for a moment with a cackle of appreciation; then bent
again to her work.

"Can she write?" asked Owen.

"Yes."

"Well, then, she can help us. Here is an advertisement which appears
in the morning papers."

He presented a newspaper clipping to Wallace, which read:

LOST--A fine white bull terrier. Finder will receive liberal reward
if dog is returned to Pauline Marvin. Castle Marvin, N. Y.

"What do you want Carrie to do?"

"Answer the advertisement. Just call her ov