Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/175

 was found in the kitchen. Hardly had it been brought into the front room when Calendon stooped and picked up a child's shirt.

"It's my son's, I'm sure!" he exclaimed in excitement. "Harold! Harold!" he cried aloud, and began a hasty search through the rooms. He was followed by Astro and the constable; but, after a thorough inspection, no living thing was found except a canary, which, awakened by the disturbance, warbled shrilly in the sitting-room.

The constable threw open the cellar door, and taking the lamp, stumbled down the narrow steps.

In another moment there came a stifled exclamation from below. Calendon dashed down in terror.

Suddenly, up-stairs, where Astro had momentarily remained, there was heard the sound of footsteps. Then a gruff voice broke out:

"I've got you fellers now! I've tracked you for five days, and now, by hickey, I'll make you pay for it! You'll never snatch another body, curse you!"

There was a shuffling of feet, and Astro's voice rang steadily: "Throw up your hands and drop that gun! You're a pretty character to call names! I think you'll show up well when you're investigated! Constable Jenkins, come up here!" He kicked loudly on the floor.

"By Jove! It's the coroner!" said the constable, appearing in the doorway.

"Is there a body here?" the coroner inquired.

"Yes—why?" Now Calendon appeared, most puzzled and alarmed of all.

"It's all right, Mr. Calendon, we're on their trail now!" said Astro.