Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

By JOHN BUCHAN Author of ‘‘ Greenmantle,’’ etc. CHAPTER XIV. SIR ARCHIBALD PUTS HIS FOOT IN IT. HREE minutes later I was back in the curiosity shop. I switched off my light and very gently opened the street door. ‘There was a sound of foot- steps on the pavement, so I drew back till they had passed. Then I emerged into the quiet street, with Abel’s little brazier glow- ing in front of me, and Abel’s little sharp face poked out of his pent house. ‘“* All right, sir?” he asked cheerfully. “All right,” I said. “I have found what I wanted.” “There was a party turned up not long after you had gone in. Lucky I had locked the door after you. He wasn’t inside more than five minutes. A party with a black topcoat turned up at the collar—respect- able party he looked — oldish — he might have been a curate. Funny thing, sir, but I kind of knew when you were coming back and had the door unlocked ready for you. If you’ve done with me I’ll clear off.” “Can you manage alone?” I asked. ‘“There’s a good deal to tidy up.” He winked solemnly. ‘In an hour there won’t be no sign of nothing. I’ve got my little ways of doing things. Good night, sir, and thank you.” He was like a boots seeing a guest off from a hotel. I found that the time was just after half past eleven, so I walked to Tottenham Court Road and picked up a taxi, telling the man to drive to Great Charles Street in Westminster. Mary was in London, and I must see her at once. She had chosen to This story began in the Argosy-Alistory Weekly for June 14. * Copyright, 1924, by John Buchan. - 722 CORMNICLOOKSs.EO 5}