Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/471

 It was a quarter of an Hour before he heard Valeska enter.

"Did Masson give you any names?" was his first inquiry.

"Yes; Mr. Paul Stringer of Flatbush, Mr. Richard Hanbury of Albany, Mr. Frank Brigham."

"Of 1212 Charles Street?"

"Yes!" Valeska looked at him in wonder.

"And what about Miss Wister's house? You've been out there, I fancy?"

"Yes. It's a five-story brick dwelling. It's on the corner."

"What about the other houses in the block?"

"I have the names of the owners from the Social Register, all except one, which is vacant and for sale."

"Real estate agents?"

"Swan & Dowell, 3421 Broadway."

"Very good. Telephone right out there for an appointment; then hire that house and pay in advance for one month. Tell them you'll sign a lease if the place is satisfactory. Use any excuse you need. Just where is it?"

"At the other end of the block, on the corner of the next street."

"All right. Then, as soon as possible, look up Stringer—he's Farralon's best man—and see where he goes to-night. Find him, and don't lose sight of him! I'll have to work quickly, if I'm going to keep my word to Miss Wister."

"You think Stringer knows something of it?"

"He hasn't been to see Miss Wister, and that's suspicious. I telephoned to her and to his office. He hasn't been there. They say he's out of town. That