"This man Locke's actions are suspicious," exclaimed Balcom, hastily.
"He was in the house last night."
Outside they could hear the arrival of the detectives summoned by the
butler.
"Go to Eva," nudged Balcom to Paul.
A moment later the butler entered with the detectives.
At the sight of the automaton model in Balcom's hands the butler cried
out:
"That is what attacked me last night--only larger--much larger!"
All eyes were now on the butler. Quickly Balcom took advantage of the
situation thus created. Locke, also, left Flint and moved over to the
group examining the model. As he did so his eye caught a piece of paper
under the sideboard. He was about to pick it up when he realized that
all were looking at him. Quickly he covered his discovery and faced
them.
"This man is the stranger in the house," cried Balcom, in anger. "Arrest
him and make him explain."
It was the work of only an instant for the chief detective to step up to
Locke and slip the bracelets on his wrists.
"Don't!" cried Eva.
"Please--my dear--your father," remonstrated Paul.
At that instant Brent was seized with another violent fit of coughing
and laughter.
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