Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

246 - We’ve got his record. That beggar is want- ed in New York for murder.” The politician started so violently that he almost upset his cup. The movement jarred his wounded arm and made him cry out in agony. Then he stared at Dalby - with bloodshot eyes. “Is it true? Youre not drunk—or - crazy?” “It’s true, old dear! The detectives have been questioning every stranger in the city about George Marchand. They round- ed up an immigrant from New York, an Italian who claimed to be a chauffeur, a rather fishy sort, I think, but he says he - knows all about George Marchand. His real name is George Marcanda, and this fellow describes him perfectly, even to the scar on his cheek. He recognized George -in the Café La Scala.” ~ “So I’ve been fighting a duel with a criminal!” snapped Valdez, flushing with rage, “Yes. He got away from New York after killing a policeman. One of his con- . . federates was caught and executed. He was a notorious gangster. Happy George, they called him.” “Tf I’d known that before, I wouldn’t be sitting here with my arm in a sling,” growled Valdez. “ And that fellow would have been in a cell, where he belongs.” “Quite so. You could have honorably ‘refused to fight a man of that sort—a fugitive from justice! You could have held him in jail for extradition.” “Tt may not be too late yet. If Dr. Ribiera pulls him through, we can cable ~ to New York, and they will send an officer to take him back. It would be a happy day for me if I could hear that he was executed.” But Guy Dalby tapped his wrist with a forefinger. “I have a better plan than ‘that, old dear,” he said. “ There is a re- -ward offered for this murderer. It seems that some millionaire in New York was a friend of the bobby who was killed. The reward is quite handsome—ten thousand dollars!” “ Well, what about it?” “ Just this. Suppose I go to New York and get all the facts in the case. Then I ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. can inform the police and claim the re- ward. You put up my traveling expenses and we'll split fifty-fifty.” Valdez made a magnificent gesture. “The money is nothing to me! What I want is to see this brigand executed. To think that I’ve been struck in the face and shot by a common criminal!” “To say nothing of being cheated out of the girl you want,” added Guy Dalby. “You are right!”’ Valdez snarled. “TI want to see that scoundrel suffer!” “T’m with you on that. At the same time, that reward means something to me, even if it’s just small change to you. If we don’t handle this right, somebody else —that Italian who knows him—may step in and claim the reward. Now, here’s a plan that’s perfectly topping. Who knows that George is still alive?” “Only the doctor and my seconds—all trustworthy men. The report has been spread that he was killed.” ‘ Righto! That makes it very simple. Let every one believe that George was killed. Say that you’ve had him buried. A man of your power can fix the details, fake a death certificate, and bribe the un- dertaker. You can even have a fresh grave made in the cemetery for a perfect alibi. Meanwhile keep George out of sight until I can go to New York and claim that ten thousand dollars reward.” Valdez smiled with evil pleasure. The scheming and deception that was required added a certain zest to his revenge. “There is one little detail that you have forgotten, my dear friend,” he suggested. “Tt will be the finishing touch to our little plot!” “ Let’s hear it.” “I will advance you the passage money to New York. I will let you keep the entire reward, the whole ten thousand dol- Jars. In return for this you will see to it that George is taken back to be exe- cuted.” “Yes, yes—that’s the agreement.” “And in addition you will bring back your lovely ward. Jam very anxious that before George goes to his death he shall know that I have possessed Margot. What ae : 1): 22. do you think of my plan... Dalby? <3 (oynn)