escaped in manner planned. Sheriff broke in and found room in basement. Number Ten reported to me that everything was left as it was, and that sheriff went immediately to police headquarters."
"Good," wrote the Black Star.
"Any further orders?"
"Act to-night in accordance with the orders given you yesterday," the Black Star wrote. "That is all."
Landers bowed, and backed from the room. He took off mask and gown and hung them up, put on his hat and gloves, and made his way from the house and into the lane again. Once more he was the prosperous gentleman enjoying a day in the woods and along the river.
Back in the old farmhouse, the Black Star was receiving another report, this time by telephone.
"Number Eight," said the voice.
"Countersign?" asked the Black Star.
"Harvard!"
"Well?"
"I have been in communication with Number Twelve, who is in police headquarters. Sheriff Kowen went there and held a conference with the chief and Roger Verbeck. They fell hard for that fake headquarters stunt. They are planning to watch the place to-night, and all officers not there will be in the neighborhood of the National Trust Company, where they expect us to strike."
"Very good!" the Black Star said. "You have your orders for to-night?"
"Yes, sir."
"Carry them out. There is nothing new!"
The master rogue hung up the receiver, put the telephone away in a secret niche in the wall, and sat
