uld hear every word
that might be said to anyone using the 'phone!

It tapped the wires to the regular instrument installed in the house,
and was thoroughly concealed.

Instantly aware that by this means young Robinson could have overheard
every word between himself and Dorothy concerning their meeting in the
park, Garrison felt his heart give a lift into realms of unreasonable
joy.

It could not entirely dissipate the doubts that hung about Dorothy, but
it gave him a priceless hope!

CHAPTER XVI

IN QUEST OF DOROTHY

More than half ready to believe that Dorothy had been spirited away,
Garrison examined everything available, with the intention of
discovering, if possible, any scrap that might indicate the destination
to which the trio had proceeded.

The Robinsons had left almost nothing of the slightest value or
importance, since what clothing remained was of no significance
whatever.

It was not until he opened up the old man's books on the subject of
wills that Garrison found the slightest clew, and then he came upon a
postal-card addressed to "Sykey Robinson, Esq.," from Theodore's
mother. It mentioned the fact that she had arrived quite safely at
"the house," and requested that her husband forward a pair of her
glasses, left behind when she started.

The address of the place where she was stopping was given as 1600
Myrtle Avenue. The postmark was Woodsite, Long Island.

Garrison made up his mind to go to Woodsite. If Dorothy were found, he
meant to steal her--if need be, even against her will.

Warmed to the business by his few discoveries, he returned at once to
Dorothy's apartments and opened her bureau and dressing-table for a
superficial inspection. To his complete surprise, he found that every
drawer was in utter confusion as to its contents. That each and all
had been rudely overhauled there could not be a doubt for a moment.
Not one showed the order apparent in all things else about the rooms.

There could be but one conclusion. Some one had searched them
hurriedly, sparing not even the smallest. The someone could not have
been Dorothy, for many reasons--and Garrison once more rejoiced.

He was thoroughly convinced that Dorothy had been taken from the house
by force.

Whatever else she might be guilty of, he felt she must be innocent of
the dastardly attempt upon his life. And, wherever she was, he meant
to find her and take her away, no matter what the cost.

The hour was