The Safe Breakers' Gang — page 17: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

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But the hour is late, and I infer your business is important else you would have waited until morning before calling.” “I shall not be in town in the morning, so I had to come now, if at all,” was the reply of the stranger. “Very well; what do you want?” “Tam told that you—or the three H’s, as your firm is called—are engaged upon the detection of the famous safe-breaking gang, which has been making so much trouble of late?” “Who told you so?” And thesharp eyes of Rexford Hunt seemed to be pierc- ing the disguise of his visitor, and reading the secret be- hind it. The other seated himself before replying. He was per- fectly cool; he seemed to have a definite purpose in view that no amount of danger could deter him from carrying through. “T said I was told@ so,” he repeated. his tones taking a more metallic ring. “I suppose it doesn’t matter who told me, since all I wishes to know is if the information be true.” “Tf the one who told you, man of truth, believe him; body else, if you wish to know. Thatis all. more I can do for you?” ‘‘Yes. You needn’t answer a question if you don’t wish to, of gOEERe: ik perhaps you will listen to what I have to say.’ “Depends of how much importance it may be, and the time it takes for you to say it.” “All right; I’ll be brief. My nameis Morel. several things about the safe-breaking gang. ’ smiled Rexford Hunt, “is a if not, better consult some- Anything Il know Indeed, a ee ee -* come ou that they never robbed a safe in their lives. De you see the point?” “TI see one point; but there may be more than one.” “You are sharp and dry, Mr. Hunt—1 have heard of the sharp theories that you work out sitting here at your table. But if you were to see what I have seen you would understand that a man can’t catch the sharpest criminal in the country by sitting in his office and giving orders for somebody else to carry out.” “Very good, Mr. Morel. And so you have taken all this trouble to tell me that if I would succeed I must take the open field myself?” “T have not said that.” “Well, go on.” “T have said that I have been among the safe-breakers, and know how they work. I ought to know what I am talking about, hadn’t I?” ‘‘T have no doubt but you know even more than you have said. Indeed, you impress me as being a very know- ing man, Mr. Morel. But don’t let me interrupt you. As I told you in the beginning, Il am very busy and can grant only a brief interview, if I am to have any sleep be- fore another night.” Morel rose, and removed the glasses from his eyes. Aft the same time he bent a strangely penetrating look into the countenance of the other. His were eyes which have the power of making an enemy quail, if he were to throw into them all the power of his fierce will. But he did not attempt to exercise this power upon the calm-faced man before him. He returned the glasses to their position after having wiped them, as though he had removed them for the latter purpose. “T will detain you only a moment longer,” he said, in his deep tones. At the same time he retreated to the door. “What I honestly wished to do,” he continued, “ was to do you and your mena favor. I do not say that you can- not win in your attempt to capture Jules Jepworth, chief of the safe-breakers’ gang; but I will say that it is too have lately been among them—for a special purpose, of bad for you to play alosing game. I hear that Kirk Hyde course.” “As a detective ?” questioned Hunt, as the other paused. ‘““As a detective. I know their manner of working, and what is more, I know that their leader is a man superior to his followers. He cannot be caught with chaff—you may be sure of that.” The voice of the stranger rose slightly, as though he were deeply in earnest. _ ‘We don’t deal in chaff, nor even in bran. I think I begin to see what you are driving at.” “You think you ht see?” Morel demanded. “Yes; but go on.’ “T wish to warn you against going the wrong way to work, as you are doing now. Their leader is just as fa- miliar with all your plans and movements as you are.” “Bad for the three H’s! But go on!” : “One of your men—the one who calls himself the tail- ender—succeeded in getting the better of two of the gang the other night, and he thinks it a great success. But let That very night he had the chief in his clutches, as it were, and let him slide through his fingers. Now, the men he captured But go on. Bae. are not active workmen in the safe-breaking line, after | a all. ‘hey drew him off ona false scent. They would have roe no safe, if he had not taken them. Thev were _ merely dummies, and when they come to be tried it will and Quimby Hall are brave men. I also have it from one who knows that Jepworth has not only courage, but that he is scrupulous upon a point of honor. He never yet put the life of an innocent man in peril. Butif he were to be pushed too hard, Iam not sure what he might be tempted todo. I would not—ah !—another late visitor ?” Another knock had sounded upon the door—a sharp, quick rap, that had an imperative sound to it. Hunt rose, and the visitor stepped away from the door. With his hand upon the knob, the detective looked the other in the eye. “Tf you have said all, you may go out when my other visitor comes in,” he hinted. “T haven’t said all.” “Then say it.” “T have questions to put that you may want time for answering.” | “Then call in the morning.” ““T say I shall not be in town, then.” “Very well—I have given you ample time, Mr. Morel. I know nothing about you. Werun our business in our own way. We never take advice. If thisisn’t sufficiently explicit to inform you what I wish you to do, then I will tell you bluntly to go.” Rexford Hunt’s voice assumed a tone of command, and a subtle flame brightened his eyes. » * act va PAS) ee al SRA we eros rhe? fae ey hehe) cae F ~G: K ee ead — eet Ble a ao ee me °ay Vy EOnTcbOGKe com