Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

VOICES. cared to tell about the voices. I am com- pelled to feel that your own position does not differ materially from theirs. When you feel at liberty to divulge such informa- tion as you have, I shall feel it incumbent on me to resume the frank attitude that is due an honest client. Until then, my meth- ods, progress and all other actions will be directed toward completing this case for Mr. Reeves, of the telephone company, who is alone responsible for my assignment to it.” Riggs answered the door and admitted Corson and Boyden just as Willmer strode into the room. The financier halted as he sensed a constrained attitude on the part of the occupants. “ What’s the row, gentlemen?” he in- quired. “He got away,” advised Corson, ad- dressing Fenwick and ignoring Willmer. * Probably boarded a passing bus. Boyden and I scouted around for several blocks, but saw nothing of him.” “Mr. King’s car was stolen early this morning, Mr. Willmer,” informed Fenwick. “Inspector Corson’s men caught the fellow and brought him here. The inspector be- lieved him to be more than a common thief. While we were conferring in this room he escaped.” “Escaped from four able-bodied men?” queried Willmer. ‘“ How?” “ Your brilliant partner permitted him to make a get-away while you were talking to Bell over the telephone,” answered Corson bitterly. “Who? When?” demanded Willmer in staccato tones. “I haven’t been talking to Bell.” “ Neither he has,” put in Boyden. “TIT listened in at the switchboard, and while the voice sounded like Mr. Willmer, the call was from outside the house!” CHAPTER X. THE TWELFTH HOUR. IS face drawn and haggard, Willmer paced the room nervously, while Corson, Boyden, King and Fenwick regarded him mutely and uncomfortably. 4A 529 They fully realized the terrific strain he was under, and even Corson felt sorry for him. The financier had passed a sleepless: night, but had regained some semblance of control over his nerves in the morning. In his characteristice manner, curt and decisive, he had cabled the news of Kirke’s death to the wife and daughter in France, had arranged for the care of the body of his late partner, and, in lieu of eagerly sought interviews by the newspaper men, had issued a general statement to the press. Now, clad in somber mourning garb, ashen- hued of countenance, he walked up and down the room as if he were alone, a broken, hopeless, distraught man. Riggs appeared in the doorway, standing aside to let Miss Carewe precede him into the room. As she entered, Willmer threw back his shoulders, as if struggling to mas- ter his emotions, and forced a wan smile. ‘“ My dear,” he said simply, taking both her hands in his, “ I’ve scarcely seen you to-day. Were you equal to the task of getting off those messages? If you weren’t, don’t bother. I'll have Kavanagh run up from the office and take care of them.” “The letters have gone,” she assured him, “‘ and I would welcome any additional work you might give me. I should like to have something to occupy my mind and time. Can I be of any further assistance to you?” A slow, negative shake of the head an- swered her. Then he said: “I’ve been thinking that it would be a fine thing for you to get away for a few weeks. The Trents, perhaps—or you could visit Dot Cameron, in South Orange. This is scarcely a proper atmosphere for a girl like you. We seem to be living in an environment that I believed was peculiar to the dime novel. You’re not looking well, my child. A month of hikes and rides through the South Mountain Reservation, with some country club activities in the evening, would banish the constantly serious, care-worn expression I’ve noticed lately. What do you say?” “ T say no,” she answered unhesitatingly. “It is my duty to repay you for the care and the home you have given me. My father’s daughter would never run’ away from trouble, and right now I must be here a rp * * a * vs Comichooks.com