couldn't find you, and--and it was rather important. You see," Mr.

Woods continued, pointing to the great carved desk. "I happened to

speak of this desk to the Colonel to-night. We--we were talking of

Uncle Fred's death, and I found out, quite by accident, that it hadn't

been searched since then--that is, not thoroughly. There are secret

drawers, you see; one here," and he touched the spring that threw

it open, "and the other on this side. There is--there is nothing of

importance in them; only receipted bills and such. The other drawer is

inside that centre compartment, which is locked. The Colonel wouldn't

come. He said it was all foolishness, and that he had a book he wanted