Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 124, No. 3 — page 124: what you’re looking at

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

om, “wes. fe ’ ow = ~ rea oer =< : - —" 498 when Bert and the sheriff entered the room, and for some moments he did not look up at his guests. Ignoring them, he reached for a pen, squinted at the point through one eye, dipped it into the ink-well, and, with many flourishes, signed his name-to several of the papers before him. Then he looked up. “Ah!” he said, adjusting his horn- rimmed spectacles, despite the fact that they were already properly placed. ‘I see you’ve brought him, sheriff. Very good! Very good, indeed! Now, if you please, sheriff, close the door tight when you go out.” When the door had closed behind the sheriff, Spigot directed his gaze, frown and voice toward Bert. “Young man, [ summoned you in order to ask you a few questions.” He paused; and Bert, perceiving that an . ‘Invitation to seat himself was omitted, men- tally extended one to himself, and accept- ed forthwith. Why, certainly, Mr. Spigot,” he re- plied, drawing up his chair to the table. ‘“‘ Ask ahead.” “ Before I proceed with the examina- tion,” said Spigot, giving a prolonged clear- ing to this throat, “I wish to inform you that whatsoever you say here and and now might be used against you later.” “ Might be used against me later!”’ Bert echoed in surprise. ‘‘ What do you mean by that?” ; ‘“ Ahem!” said Spigot. that information until later. “We'll reserve In the first place, where were you last night between the hours of eight and ten?” “Look here!” cried Bert. ‘‘ What’s the main idea of this . cross-examination> Somebody been murdered?’’ “Not at all; not at all,” replied Spigot. “IT told you that you’d be informed in due time. I believe- you agreed to answer a few questions.” . Bert shrugged. ‘I don’t get the mys- tery, but help yourself. I was at my hotel last night.” “The Majestic, you mean. ‘Of course.” “T see.” Spigot leaned forward across the table, his eyes fixed searchingly upon 99 - ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. . Bert’s face. there?” “Nothing,” Bert replied with a slight smile. “I-had no object in going there, if that’s what you're driving at, and I didn’t do a dog-goned thing when I got there.” “ Ahem!” said Spigot. ‘“ Your answer is, as you'll agree, evasive. But nemo tene- “What were you doing batur prodere se ipsum, so we must accept it as size qua mon. You admit, however, that you were at the Majestic Hotel some time between the hours of eight and ten?” ‘““T admit it,” Bert replied,- somewhat amused, despite his puzzlement, “‘ although I’ve sort of forgotten my Cesar. But, as you say, I admit it, vent, vidi, vict.”’ ‘Spigot flushed angrily. ‘“ This is no time for jest, sir!” he cried, ponderously. “The law is not to be treated lightly, es- pecially by oné whom is facing the serious charge of wilful. destruction ab ardendo! Remember, sir, that you are under exam- ination by the county prosecutor!” Bert grew serious then, indeed. ‘I’m facing a charge of what?” he de- - manded. Mr. Spigot had a great idea of his ora- torical powers and his-importance. He had displayed the one and vindicated ne other. He relaxed a trifle. “Last night,” he said slowly, “at some time after ten o’clock, a fire was discovered in the Majestic Hotel. Fortunately, cer-, tain persons were in the vicinity of the building at the time, discovered it, and ex- tinguished it before any damage was done. You had the building fully insured, did you not?” Bert leaned forward, scattering the pa- pers on the table with his arms. His eyes narrowed and his jaw suddenly shot for- ward. ‘So that’s what you're getting at! You want to make out that I tried to burn down my hotel, eh? Why, this is the first I heard of any fire there—if there really was one. What kind of a dirty frame-up is this, Spigot?” “Sir!” cried Spigot. uating—”’ “Tm insinuating nothing. ” said Bert. ‘I want to get this thing straight. Have you: some sort of charge against me?”’ “ Are you insin- COMIC OOOKS. CON