“I have,” was the answer. “It occurred to me only a little while ago. I think it’s a pretty good one.” “What is it?” “It involves another visit to our chemist friend, Mr. Hosfer,” replied Mr. Newton. “I think we’ll enlist his aid in this case. He’s a sort of amateur detective among his other accomplishments.” So that evening they went to the chemist’s house. They found him in the midst of his bottles and test tubes, working away, while a most unpleasant odor pervaded the laboratory. “I’ll be with you in a minute,” called the chemist, as Larry and Mr. Newton entered. “I can’t seem to get this mixture just right.” “It seems plenty strong enough,” remarked Mr. Newton, holding his handkerchief to his nose. “What in the world is it?” “Something with which to take out inkstains. Do you object to the smell?” “Well, it isn’t exactly what you would call a perfume,” said Mr. Newton. “It’s got to be strong, you know,” said Mr. Hosfer. “Otherwise it would not work. But I’ll stop for a while, and talk to you. I suppose you have some horrible, mysterious, sensational, blood-curdling, hair-raising, nerve-racking case on your hands. Oh, you reporters are the most terrible fellows in the world! Living amid blood and thunder, it’s a wonder to me you ever sleep,” and laughing heartily, in strange contrast to his rather exciting language, Mr. Hosfer came forward, and shook hands with them. “The smell don’t come off,” he said, with a smile. “I wish some of it would go out,” remarked Mr. Newton. “Can’t you open a window or—or make some other odor take its place? It smells like a skunk factory in here.” “Wait, I’ll fix it,” replied the chemist. From several bottles he poured a mixture into a glass. This he stirred up, and then put into an atomizer. He sprayed the stuff all around the apartment, and soon a most agreeable odor was noticeable in the air of the room. “That’s better,” came from Larry. “What is it?” “An imitation of violet perfume,” answered Mr. Hosfer. “It smells like the real thing,” ventured Mr. Newton. “Well, it’s like most perfumes. Very few of them ever see the flowers they’re named after,” commented the chemist. “Now what horrible happening brought you here?” “It isn’t exactly horrible,” replied Mr. Newton, “but I’ll admit it’s something of a mystery, and it may develop into a sensational case.” “I knew it!” exclaimed Mr. Hosfer. “You couldn’t keep away from sensationalism and terrible things if you tried. Now tell me all about it. I like excitement.” “You remember me coming here with that blue paper?” asked Mr. Newton. “Sure. The one with nitro-glycerine stains on it.” “That’s the one. Well, now I want you to find something that will take those stains from a man’s hand.” “I guess that would be hard work. Those acid stains go in pretty deep, and stay until the skin wears off, as I told you.” “Well, you have something that will pretty nearly take them out, haven’t you?”