While Larssen waited eagerly for definite news from his secretary with
whom he kept constantly in touch by telegram, news came in unexpected
fashion through Olive.

"I've just heard from Rivière," she announced. "He's at Arles--down with
a touch of fever. That's the reason he hadn't written before. Those
scientist people are terribly casual in social matters."

"May I see the letter?" asked Lars Larssen. His reason for asking was a
desire to study the man's handwriting and draw conclusions from it. He
was a keen student of handwriting.

After he had read through the note he remarked drily: "I guess I can
give you another reason."

"For his not writing?"

"Yes.... _Cherchez la femme._"

"Why do you say that?"

"This note was written by a woman."

"It's a very decided hand for a woman."

"Yes it is. I'd stake big on that. Look at the long crossings to the
t's. Look at the way the date is written. Look at the way words run into
one another."

Olive examined the letter carefully, and laughed. "You're right," said