Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 19, 1924 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

8, aan = Te — * — et. = an 7 = VAs ~ urgent for that. ‘ losing a good many thousands a week as - things stand.” 568 If I understand, you are The worried looking man reached eagerly for his check book. Behind her papier- maché wall the trusty stenog marked the close of the interview with a few pothooks loops which, properly transcribed, read: "We'll mail you check each week on re- ceipt of bill. Sure! By return mail. Thanks, Mr. Keene! Goo’-by.” TI. On the brief ride to Midville James Put- ter was unusually discreet. Quite naturally he mentioned his mission to the conductor, also to the trainman, And he carelessly threw open his lapel when the candy butcher ‘approached, for the sheer pleasure of be- holding the gleam of interest and envy in the lad’s eyes as they reflected the glitter of his nickel badge. But to the traveling man who got on at Farmingham and sat beside him in the smoker, he said never a word. He even buttoned his coat. Discretion! That was the word. The fellow looked to be what he said he was, the advance agent for a new belt buckle that was going to knock the gents’ furnishing trade dead. He gave Putter a sample buckle in oxydized plate. But the detective kept his own counsel. Or rather, he merely stat- ed that he was visiting Midville on a mission of some delicacy, the nature of which he was unable to disclose. He was an arresting figure as he tramped solidly onto the platform at his destination. A tasty homespun suit loosely woven with knots of green and purple and the bits of ‘straw and wood which companion this fab- ric, his black Stetson freshly blocked, swing- ing in his right hand an immense kit bag of polished cowhide, the taxi drivers fell upon him with glee. One of them bore him to the local clubhouse of his favorite fraternal order, the Insomniacs, no loyal member of which order ever goes to bed the same day he gets up. It was Putter’s intention to lodge with them while in town. But Midville’s Insomniacs had, it ap- peared, but a modest home. There were no quarters for sleeping. Sleeping wasn’t, in ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, fact, highly esteemed as an indoor sport. The brothers present greeted him warmly after the identification card had been: dis-. played, the mystic word whispered into the cauliflowered ear of the keeper of the por-. tal. Much cheer was produced. Brother Putter bought an entire box of their best cigars, and passed ’em round. In three minutes he was “ Jim” to one and all. Quite naturally, but under the sacred seal of the order, he disclosed the urgent nature of his appointed task. Some thirty odd Insomniacs peered at the glittering badge, shared the glow of a secret disclosed. More cheer was produced. When the Keene agent departed for the hotel to which he had been warmly recommended—by the brother who was its principal shareholder— he felt a real affection for the city. Mentioning his vocation only to the desk clerk, elevator man and bellhop, he washed up and changed his collar and proceeded to Midville’s most prominent bank. Here he sought the president, and did actually suc- ceed in obtaining an interview with the sec- ond vice president. “1m here, Mr. Eldridge, to put an end to the wave of crime which is afflicting your beautiful and hospitable city. In short, to pinch the gunmen who have been getting away with all this ice. Here are my cre- dentials.”’ He deposited a pocketful of letters, certifi- cates, an income tax receipt, membership cards, the license to carry a gun, and so on. ‘““T make it a rule to identify myself at a good, sound bank in every city where I am in charge. I don’t want any money now, but in my profession when you do want it, you want it bad, and quick! Beso good as to wire my chief—collect—giving descrip- tion and name. Brief and snappy, you know: ‘ Tall, striking in appearance, dark, no blemishes, heavy mustache, regular fea- tures, impressive speech, weight two hun- dred and twenty.’ Something like that. They will advise you to honor my personal check for any reasonable amount. Thank you so much!” He rose, and offered his hand. No reply from the vice president seemed to be ex- pected. And as he strode out of the office, Eldridge looked after him with a slightly be- EOmiIGcbdooks:.co im