Back in the library again, Kitty walked over to a Japanese screen, which cut off one corner of the room, and pushing it aside, disclosed a low oak case on which rested a glass box. Inside the box lay the cast of a Gila monster. The poisonous lizard looked so alive that Rodgers was startled for a moment. Bending closer, he viewed its wedge-shaped head and black and yellow mottled body with deep interest. "So that is the end of our search!" Kitty laughed ruefully. "Aunt Susan had a remarkable sense of humor." "Wait a bit," exclaimed Rodgers. "Why not unlock the case?" "If you wish--" Kitty inserted the key in the lock and pulled down the glass door of the box, and she and her companions stared silently at the monster. Suddenly, Rodgers leaned forward and picked up the plaster cast. An exclamation broke from Craige. "Papers at last!" he shouted. "Look, Kitty--Rodgers--" and as Rodgers removed the cast entirely out of the glass case, they saw that a part of the flooring of the box, which was built to resemble a sandy desert, came with the lizard, leaving a cavity, or false bottom, in which lay some documents. Gathering them up, Craige walked over to the nearest lamp and drawing up a chair sat down. "With your permission, Kitty," he said. "These papers are not sealed--shall I open them?" "Certainly." Craige pulled out a short half sheet of foolscap from the first envelope and read its contents aloud: Know all present that I, Susan Baird, spinster, of Washington, D. C., being of sound mind, do give and devise to my niece, Katrina Baird, all I may die possessed of, real or personal property. This is a special bequest in view of her efforts to support me. A list of my property and a key to my safe deposit boxes in the bank, certificates of ownership, etc., are placed here with this, my last will and testament. Signed in the presence of: Josiah Wilkins, Martha Hammond, and James Duncan, June 20, 1918. Susan Baird. Kitty and Rodgers stared at each other as Craige, laying aside the will, rapidly opened the three other documents and examined them. Kitty drew a long, long breath. "So I get the old house after all," she said softly. "You get far more than that, Kitty," Craige laid down the documents. "From these statements and certificates I find that your aunt owned many valuable stocks and bonds." He looked at the surprised girl for a moment, then added: "She has left you a fortune." CHAPTER IX MRS. PARSONS ASKS QUESTIONS