Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/449

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE MIDDLEBURY MURDER
395

he said. "We'll wait for Miss Wilson in the office; I'm not through with my investigation yet."

He walked rapidly back, passed the body, and reentered the private office. Sitting down at the desk in the corner, he began a rapid investigation of the pigeonholes. Suddenly he held up an envelope on which was printed, "James Moffett, Aspenwall Bldg., New York City." Opening this, he took out a letter and read it aloud:

"My Dear Middlebury: I can't wait any longer for that money. You'll positively have to pay it by the fifteenth or there'll be trouble for you sure. I'd like an immediate answer. J. Moffett."

"Looks bad for Moffett, doesn't it?" said the Seer, putting the note into his pocket. "But look at this! Here's something worse."

He had just opened a small drawer and looked in. As he spoke he held up a revolver. "One cartridge used. I'm sorry for Miss Wilson."

"And the night watchman's pistol yet to be accounted for!" said Valeska.

"Oh, I think I can account for that, all right," said Astro. "I'll locate that as soon as I get the time. Here comes the latest suspect. See what you make of her. You know women."

The elevator door opened with a snap, and McGraw, holding a young woman by the wrist, entered the outer office. She was a pretty blonde, her eyes now red with weeping. She wore a neat blue tailormade suit and stylish hat. The elevator boy came in behind her and gazed at her hungrily.

"We found her on the fifth floor trying to get