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34 behind until it touched the shelf. Before Mrs. Barrister had turned again, his hand was withdrawn. He spoke sharply.

"Could you lend me a screw-driver?"

"Certainly." She rang for the maid, who appeared, and was sent on the errand. In a few minutes she returned.

"I'm very sorry, Mrs. Barrister, but I can't find it. We always keep it in the kitchen closet; but it's not there now."

"I thought so," said Astro. "But one question, Mary, before you go. First, let me see your palm."

The girl held out her hand timidly, with wonder in her face.

The Master of Mysteries felt of it tentatively, then looked directly into her eyes. "Mary," he said, "where were you after dinner-time on Thursday; from then until Mr. and Mrs. Barrister returned home?"

"In the kitchen with the cook most of the time, sir. I went up into the dining-room beside the library once or twice, though."

"You heard nothing unusual?"

"Nothing at all, sir."

"How did you get that violet stain on your finger ?"

Mary looked at it calmly. "It was from writing a letter the other day. I couldn't get it all off."

"I think I have stayed as long as is necessary," said Astro, turning to Mrs. Barrister, "and now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go. I shall report to your husband as soon as I find anything."

Leaving with his assistant, he walked slowly down