“Suppose we should be too late,” suggested the doctor, as they neared the house. “I think we will be in time,” replied Mr. Boise. “Of course Mrs. Sandow may become suspicious over what happened while Tom was there, and she may inform her husband. But they can do little now.” “Can we get back what they have already taken?” inquired the physician. “I am not overly fond of money, in fact all I use it for is to buy books, but I do not like to be robbed and cheated, especially by those whom I have befriended. When my brother died I told his widow she could live with me as my housekeeper. Then, when she got married again, I still allowed her and her husband to live in my house. And this is the way they have repaid me!” “I fancy we will be able to make them give up their ill-gotten spoils,” remarked the lawyer. “But we must first catch them.” “You say one of your partners was mixed in with Sandow in the game?” asked Dr. Spidderkins. “Yes; I am sorry to say Mr. Cutler seems to be involved. Without his aid Barton Sandow could not have done what he has. But I shall deal with him, and also with a man named Leeth, who aided him and Sandow.” “I was just wondering if perhaps that Cutler might not suspect something, and give the Sandows warning,” suggested the doctor. “I never thought of that,” admitted Mr. Boise. “He may do so. Still, it is too late now. We will go to your house. I want to have a talk with Mrs. Sandow.” “And I’d like to meet that rascally husband of hers,” added the doctor grimly. “I’ll have something to say to him.” “I fancy Mrs. Sandow is as guilty as her husband,” went on Mr. Boise. “She knew of your wealth, and probably suggested to him that they try to secure control of it. Well, they very nearly succeeded. But we are getting near your home, are we not, Dr. Spidderkins?” “Yes; we’ll get out at the next corner.” They alighted and turned up the long walk to the house. “Now, if you haven’t forgotten your key, we can get in without ringing the bell,” said the lawyer. Dr. Spidderkins began to search through his various pockets. “There!” he exclaimed. “There’s that letter I forgot to mail. It’s about some choice books, too. Bless my soul, but I am getting forgetful. Let’s see, what was it I was looking for?” “Your key,” replied Tom. “Oh, yes. Well, this must be it. For a wonder I didn’t forget to bring it.” “Perhaps we can surprise Mrs. Sandow,” suggested the lawyer. “Don’t make any more noise than you can help.” Softly the door was opened, and then on tiptoes they entered the hall. The house seemed strangely quiet. “She’ll probably be in the sitting-room,” suggested the physician, but the woman was not there. Nor was she in any of the downstairs apartments. “Look in her bedroom,” proposed the lawyer. The three ascended the stairs. No voice called to know who was coming up. The house remained quiet. “I guess she’s gone,” said Mr. Boise. “I’m afraid so,” admitted Dr. Spidderkins.