Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/368

 went to the table, took up the list of gifts, and, as if mesmerized by Astro's unspoken thought, sat down, took a pencil and began to write:

Slippers

Album

Montaigne

Umbrella

Gloves

Inkstand

"What is that Japanese butler's name?" she demanded.

"Why, Sam, isn't it?"

"You know it isn't. It's Samugi. But how did you know? I only happened to hear Miss Quarich mention it."

"Well, I inquired. I often ask questions. So you've solved the acrostic?"

"Yes, the initials read 'Samugi,' of course. But what does it mean?"

Astro yawned. "It is difficult to interpret the oriental mind; almost as difficult as to understand feminine psychology. What did I tell you the other day? It's a mental knight's move, an indirect message. We'll have to wait."

"But fancy that Jap having the nerve to take such liberties with Miss Quarich!"

"That Japanese is, as I have succeeded in finding out at the consulate, more than Miss Quarich's social equal."

"But he's only a servant!"

"In New York, yes. In Tokio, he's a noble of an