Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

840 emerging from a distant room, having cov- ered a good deal of ground while Winter and his helpers were in the turret. David- son was at the foot of the second flight of stairs, and when he heard footsteps, looked up. He motioned the others to stand fast, and came to them silently. “Shall I report now, or later?” he in- quired, which was a really admirable way of avoiding offense to Glen in case the de- tective wished to keep him in ignorance of the secretary’s particular mission. ‘““ Now,” said Winter, “‘ Mr. Glen is en- tering thoroughly into this inquiry.” “Well, no sooner had you disappeared than Mr. Denasch hurried to the telephone booth. Bates did not interfere, thinking, perhaps, he was acting according to your orders. However, Denasch came out al- most at once, having obviously been refused any wire connection by the exchange. Then he tried to leave the castle, but was prevented, and a row sprang up. Bates and the policeman had to threaten him with arrest before he would give in.” ‘“ A determined person, evidently, but not determined enough,” commented Win- ter. ‘‘ It would be most useful if the local police were to put him in a cell for the remainder of the night. However, it is not fair to expect them to take the re- sponsibility. I'll tackle him myself. Come with me, all of you. I want plenty of -witnesses, or observers rather.”’ Soon he was confronting the pink and white Mr. Denasch, who was trying to mask the anger in his eyes behind a cloud of cigarette smoke. ‘Why were voices raised in dispute here a few minutes since?” demanded the detective, who had his own reasons for not quoting Davidson’s statement. Bates explained. Denasch, who at least owned the power of self-repression, uttered not a word. “With whom did you wish to communi- cate?” inquired Winter civilly. Denasch was hardly ready for a polite question. He hesitated, but only for a second. “ With Mr. Sevastopolo,”’ he said. ““T suppose you are entitled to ask, I ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. came here on a business mission, which comes to an end automatically by Mr. Lanson’s death. I am more than anxious to have Mr. Sevastopolo’s advice as to my future movements. Am I to remain here, or return to London?” Winter glanced at a clock which stood on the wall at the back of the half landing “Tt is now midnight,” he said. ‘‘ Surely your anxiety can be dispelled more readily to-morrow morning? A train leaves here for London at 7.30 A.M., I know, but under the conditions would it not be wise on your part to wait until later in the day?” ‘“f am not in a position to judge. Sevastopolo could direct me.” “Tam really thinking of your somewhat untimely visit to the White Friars ruins, which is not yet explained to the satisfac- tion of the police.” “What on earth has that got to do with the matter?” ‘““T want you to tell me—not now, but after Alice Romer has recovered her senses. You, too, will have had time for reflection..’ ‘““T fail to understand what you are driving at. Alice Romer? How does she concern me?” “You know who she is?” ‘““T heard her name mentioned by you and others. She was missing, and has been found dead—some one said.” ‘““A pardonable error on such a night. She is very much alive. Now, listen to me ’”—because Denasch was clearly on the point of uttering a more positive disclaimer. ‘There can be no manner of doubt that your errand to White Friars a few minutes before eleven o’clock needs something stronger than moonlight to reveal its ob- ject. I make you a reasonable offer. Go to your room in the hotel, and remain in Sleaford without telephoning or telegraph- ing to any person anywhere until I have seen you to-morrow morning. Refuse, or break those conditions in the least degree, and you will be arrested, either now or then.” Denasch did not change color, but his red lips showed a bluish tint. ‘** This is monstrous!” he shrilled. “ You have no right to threaten me in this man- ner.” Mr. oO Comiclbooks CO