“Yes, John Waring’s father was Henry, and my grandfather was Henry’s brother James. That’s how I’m related. And being the only one, that’s why I’m the heir here. But, don’t you see, Doctor Waring’s mother was a Truesdell—” “And Miss Austin is a relative of hers—a connection of the Truesdell family somehow—” exclaimed the now excited Fibsy, “and she found out about it, and came here and—” “Yes,” Trask said, “and tried to get some money from John Waring on the ground of relationship.” “What relation could she be?” “Maybe a niece of Doctor Waring—or a cousin. Maybe the same relation to Doctor Waring’s mother that I am to his father. Then, that would explain his giving her money and the pin—and maybe she burnt the will! and then she—” “But it complicates everything,” said Stone, who was thinking quickly. “However, if Miss Austin is connected with the Truesdell family it gives us a way to look to learn her history.” “Well, learn it,” said Trask, abruptly. “I’m not afraid of losing my inheritance for I’m in the direct Waring line and she can’t be.” CHAPTER XVIII MISS MYSTERY NO LONGER Trask, helped along by Fleming Stone, investigated the family tree of the Warings. But they ran up against a blank wall. As far as they could learn Doctor Waring never had brother or sister. His mother, who was a Truesdell, had also been an only child. But of course, Miss Mystery could be of the Truesdell family, and could, as Trask observed, be the same relation to John Waring’s mother that Trask was to John Waring’s father. Which relation was that of second cousin. “It gives a reason for the girl’s presence here,” Stone said, “and as it’s the only reason we can think of, it must be followed up.” “And I’ll follow it up,” Trask said, “if I once get hold of that girl. Where can she be, Mr. Stone?” “Not very far away, I think, as all the stations and routes out of town are watched. She’d have trouble to leave Corinth.” “She could get out in a motor car.” “Who’d take her?” “Lockwood, of course.” But just then, Gordon Lockwood came into the Waring study. His usual calm was entirely gone, his eyes wildly staring and his voice quivered as he said, “She’s gone! Anita’s gone!” “Yes, I know it—I thought you went with her!” and Stone stared in turn. “No, I didn’t!” Lockwood said, quite unnecessarily. “Find her, Mr. Stone—you can, can’t you?” “I can find her,” said Fibsy, “if you’ll tell me one thing, Mr. Lockwood, right straight out.” “What is it? I’ll tell you anything. I’m afraid—” “You’re afraid she’s killed herself,” said Fibsy, calmly. “Well you tell me this. Are you two—aw—you know—” The boy blushed, and Stone smiled a little as he said: “McGuire is a bit shy of romantic matters. He means are you and Miss Austin lovers?” “We are,” said Lockwood, emphatically. “She is my fiancee—” “All right,” said Fibsy, “then I’ll find her. She hasn’t done anything rash, in that case.”