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Updated: June 14, 2025
Show him in here immediately. Quick." He withdrew into the waiting-room, leaving Grace staring at him in amazement. For a moment she hesitated. It seemed so cruel, to be this near to him, and yet to not even be able to touch his hand! Then she went quickly to the front door and threw it open as Seltz came up the steps. Richard Duvall, alone in Dr. Hartmann's outer office, had not long to wait.
The first was, the man in the saloon below, anticipating perhaps some attempt to search his baggage, had deliberately provided himself, through Seltz, with a second package, containing a box of rice powder only, which he had placed in his satchel, in the belief that, if found, its innocent contents would divert from him further suspicion.
Duvall went after him at once, directing Dufrenne to go to the Hotel Metropole and secure a room in his own name, where he was to wait until he heard from his companion. These instructions given, the detective began to follow Seltz up the street. The man evidently knew the town well. He made no pauses, and did not hesitate at any time during his long walk.
Meanwhile, Duvall, with Seltz beside him, drove rapidly away from the house, his arm about the man's unconscious figure. At the gate of the park he saw another cab waiting, and in a moment perceived that it contained Dufrenne, who in accordance with his instructions had been following Seltz. Duvall nodded to him, then pointed silently down the street. Dufrenne at once ordered his driver to follow.
Then Mayer laughed, "Nothing but bluff, young man American bluff. I know who you are. You followed Seltz here from London, and got the snuff box from him by a trick. Now tell us where it is." The detective smiled. "I do not know what you are talking about," he said, quietly. Dr. Hartmann growled out an oath. "Take off his things, Mayer.
It was not entirely what he had expected. "I have explained everything to the doctor," remarked Duvall hastily. "He understands about the money you requested." He looked significantly at Dr. Hartmann. "Then I hope the matter can be settled at once," said Seltz, apparently much relieved. He made no movement to sit down, but continued to look expectantly at Dr. Hartmann.
"He seems to be possessed with the one idea," he remarked, sotto voce, then turned to Seltz again. "My good man, I have already assured you that Mr. Brooks and myself will see that you get your money. What more do you want?" "I want the money," Seltz cried, losing his patience, "and I want it quick."
"You are Oscar Seltz, from London?" he asked, bluntly. The man appeared greatly taken back. "Yes," he said, haltingly. "I wish to see Dr. Hartmann." "About the snuff box, of course?" Again the man started. "Who are you?" he asked, suddenly suspicious. "I am Dr. Hartmann's assistant. He has been waiting for you. You have the box with you, of course?"
Seltz was still occupied in putting away his shaving implements. On reaching the pavement, Dufrenne turned and walked rapidly toward Charing Cross. He did not wish to join Duvall in sight of those within. He had taken but a few paces when the latter caught up to him. "What did you learn?" the detective asked, quickly. Dufrenne related in a few words what had occurred in the shop.
The examination of your baggage showed that. As soon as I wired to London and discovered that the man Seltz had left there last night, I knew how we had been fooled. One of our men saw the snuff box in your possession just before you left the hotel to go to the house of Mr. Phelps. What have you done with it?" Duvall regarded his questioner calmly.
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