“You know that a man has been confined as a prisoner in the cellar of this house for many days.” “Laws, you don’t say so?” Burt saw the colored woman’s surprise was genuine. “Who are there in the house beside yourself?” he asked. “No one that I know of.” “Which is the way to the cellar?” It was pointed out. Burt found the red-curtained apartment in which Stolburst had been kept prisoner. The latter was not there. On the floor lay the body of Deth. Burt searched the cellar thoroughly. Stolburst had been removed--that was plain. Burt bitterly cursed his luck. He was as far from finding Stolburst as when he began to search for him. Next he and the police officer went through the house. On the mantel of a room that the negress said had been occupied by the heathen priest, Burt found a small miniature, painted on porcelain. The colored woman declared it to be a likeness of Ajeeb. Burt studied the features carefully, and then placed the painting in his pocket. He again questioned the negress. “How long have these people been here?” he asked. “About three months.” “Does Ajeeb own the furniture?” “Not all; he owns some of it.” “How do you know all this?” “I worked for the people who owns this house, and who lived here before he came.” “Did he have many visitors?” “Not to my knowledge.” “When did you leave the house, as a rule?” asked Burt. “Along in the afternoon.” “And you never heard any cries for help proceed from the cellar?” “I’d have told the police if I did,” replied the woman. “You are not a friend of Mister Ajeeb, I guess?” “Hardly.” “What for does he want to keep any one a prisoner?” “You are going to take a hand at questioning me, I see.” “I’m mighty curious.” “Well, aunty, your curiosity is not destined to be satisfied this time.” “Won’t tell me, eh?” “No.” There came a sharp pull at the bell. The negress opened the door and ushered Zulima into the house. The princess started when her glance rested upon Burt. Her first instinct was to withdraw, but she conquered it. The girl walked majestically into the front parlor. Burt followed. “I suppose,” he said, “you came here on an errand similar to my own?” Zulima looked at the detective scornfully. “What do you mean?” “That you came here to see that delightful uncle of yours.” “It is nothing to you why I came here,” remarked the girl saucily. Burt smiled. “You look more beautiful than ever,” he said, “when you are angry.” “Why should you insult me?” “I never, knowingly, insulted a woman in all my life.” “Your sneering compliment was an insult,” declared Zulima. “Perhaps, then, I shall lower your dignity much further.” “What do you mean?” “I may put you under arrest, and have you locked up in prison.” Zulima’s cheeks blanched and her lips trembled. “I have broken no law.” “You helped Ajeeb entrap Stolburst, who had so long been your friend.” “That is not so.” “You knew he was in your uncle’s power?” said Burt. “Yes.”