Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/461

 "Yes, sir. For God's sake take me away! I don't ever want to see her again!"

"Patrol wagon's come, sir," said one of the officers, walking up to McGraw. He laid his hand on Dennis' arm.

"One minute, please," said Astro. "Dennis, my boy, will you please hold up your left foot? Thank you!" And as the boy did so Astro removed a spiral wire thumb-tack that was imbedded in the rubber heel of the boot.

"What's that for?" McGraw inquired.

"The law doesn't permit a defendant to plead guilty to a charge of murder. You may need this for evidence when the case is tried." As the elevator boy was led away he looked at him pityingly. "Cocaine," he remarked to McGraw.

"Sure. Dope done it, all right. He was worked up to it. It may do for an insanity defense."

"He's a mattoid. You'll find his parents or grandparents were criminals, poor devil!" The Seer turned to Miss Wilson. "You've had a lucky escape, too, my dear. It's fortunate that I was here."

"Oh, I don't know how to say how grateful I am!" she exclaimed.

"We'll drive you home," Valeska volunteered. "I know this shock has been terrible for you. Do come with us!"

She drew the girl toward the doorway and they bade good night to McGraw. As Astro and the officer waited talking for a moment, the girls entered the green limousine. But, hardly in, Valeska returned to the doorway hurriedly. McGraw had gone inside.

"I can't wait till we've left Miss Wilson," she said.