"But how did you find out how to open the
bookcase doors?"
"You told me," said the girl in good English, the first words she had
spoken.
"I told you?" he cried.
The Italian girl had a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
"Have you forgotten the old adage, Mr. Isburn, that it is a good plan
to set a thief to catch a thief?"
Isburn sank into a chair. "Can I believe my ears? Miss Dana?"
"Exactly," said the young woman. "This is one of my make-ups. This is
what I wore when I discovered the clue that led to the arrest of
Corona in that Italian murder case."
"But I don't understand yet," cried Isburn. "How could you be here as
an Italian flower girl when you telephoned me from a place more than
fifty miles away?"
"Money will do a great deal," replied Miss Dana, "but you must tell
your subordinates what to do for the money. I induced the operator in
that little country town to give you to understand that I was still
there. The fact was, I left the noon before, located young Tarleton,
turned him over to the police, and was in the city by 8 o'clock. I
told the operator to keep on ringing until you came for you were very
deaf. Pardon me for that, but I was afraid you would hear the bell
when the bookcase doors opened. Now, you know all, and I await my
discharge."
Mr. Isburn looked serious. "Miss Dana, I see but one matter to be
arranged now, and that is your half-interest in the business.
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