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 body heard the door shut. Or if they had, how was it possible to turn on the gas? The door was locked on the inside, as they found when they burst it in."

"And the rear entrance was locked, too?"

"That, too. It was a suicide, all right."

"Of course. Very well, then, that's all. I'll report to the major. Good night, Officer."

Astro hurried back to the subway station. As he reached the ticket taker he drew a photograph from his pocket and handed it to the man.

"Did you see a woman like this last night, late?"

He looked at it for some time before he answered. "I wouldn't be sure about that; but I've certainly seen her several times. I can't recall just when was the last time."

"That's all," said Astro, and he handed the man a dollar, ran down-stairs, and boarded the express for down-town.

Another telegram from Valeska was lying under his door when he reached the studio. After reading it, he hastily scribbled two despatches and rang for a messenger. One read:

"Your child Bobby has been taken ill with pneumonia and is at a private hospital, at number 234 West Thirty-fourth Street. Come at once. Important."

This was addressed to Mrs. Belle Grant, Delmar House, Troy, New York. The other was sent to Valeska Wynne.

"Follow B. G. wherever she goes, and get acquainted with her if possible but do not let her know you know her."