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was a good deal upset. In the light of the cistern episode and the knowledge that Markham seemed afraid to meet certain people, he believed that the advent of his present visitor boded no good for his friend and helper.

As Dale Wacker showed the wire puzzle, stating that he knew its inventor, Frank felt that he was in the presence of a mystery.

"Let me look at that, will you?" he said.

"Sure," grinned Wacker. "Why not? Take a good look, too. Seems familiar? Quite the right thing, eh?"

"What do you mean?" demanded Frank.

"Why, just this," retorted Wacker: "How do you come to be selling an article that no one has a right to sell except my friend who made it? I happen to know he invented that puzzle. I was with him when he did."

"When was that?" asked Frank.

"Oh, about six months ago."