use, as he approached it, provided him with a new
grievance. Every one asleep! What did they care if the tannery went
up in smoke? More than likely they'd be _glad_!

It was not in him to feel a sense of shame when he presently learned
that his assumption of their indifference was unjustified. As he let
himself in with his key, a slippered step shuffled from the rear to
greet him. It was Bates, sleepy but inquisitive.

"The fire's out. Yes, it was the work of an incendiary. The actual
damage is immaterial." Varr's answers were curt. "Every one asleep, I
suppose?"

"I expect so, sir. Miss Ocky went down to the fire, but she came home
long ago and told us it was under control. Miss Lucy came downstairs
and waited until she heard that, then she went to bed. She wanted you
to wake her when you came in and tell her all that happened."

"Humph. I'll go up in a few minutes. And--my son?"

"He's not in, sir. I haven't seen him all evening."

"Very well. Go to bed. Leave the door unlatched."

The old butler wished him good night and padded softly up the front
stairs. Simon struck a match and went along the darkened hall to his
study, where he struck another and lighted the wall-lamp near his desk.
It was then he noticed something that caused him to fall back a pace
and utter a sharp exclamation. The roll-top cover had been thrust up
to its fullest extent--and the same glance showed him that his
red-leather notebook, which he distinctly remembered tossing on to the
desk, was gone! With a cry of pure rage, he darted to the door of the
study.

"Bates!" he shouted. "Bates! Come down here! At once!"

The butler heard, and hurried to obey the urgency in Simon's voice. He
found the tanner standing before his desk and examining its rather
inadequate lock.

"We've been burgled," announced the victim grimly. "It just needed
that to round the night off nicely."

"Burgled! Robbed! Surely not, sir!"

"Don't talk like an idiot! Get your torch. We'd best have a look
around, though there's no doubt the dirty devil got what he came for!
Where were you while--"

"What is it _now_?" interrupted a plaintive and sleepy voice from the
doorway. "Another fire?"

Varr wheeled toward the speaker and saw Miss Ocky regarding him with
wondering eyes. She had slipped on a vivid negligee, a trophy from
some Eastern bazaar, and she made a most attractive picture in the
soft, kindly light from the lamp as she sto