Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 18, 1928 — page 57: what you’re looking at

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

THE PERFECT ‘Who did you want to see?” he asked. “Mr. Dost,” Merle told him, adding: “Mr. Prince, here, is in the market for some L. M. & O. bonds. I’m with Selleck & Mays. We understand you have some for sale.” Dost treated himself to a deep breath. Obviously relieved, he stated: “ I’m sorry. [ had some to dispose of for a client, but they are sold. Perhaps you may be able to get them. Ludlow Brothers are the pur- chasers. You are not, by any chance. in- terested in Kismet Copper bonds, are you?” “T might be,” the alleged Prince ad- mitted. “‘ How large a block have you? How soon could you make delivery?” ‘““T have twenty thousand for immediate delivery. In fact, the bonds are here in my office.” “Could I have a look at them. They are registered, I suppose?” “Certainly.” Dost disappeared behind the open door of his safe and returned with a packet of securities. One of these he handed to the inspector, Merle looking over the other’s shoulder, again stared at his own name. “Who,” asked the inspector, softly, “ is Merle Wentworth?” “ He’s a client of mine,’ Dost declared. ‘‘ Where does he live?” The inspector’s voice was crisp now. ‘‘ Why—er—that hardly concerns out- side parties, does it?” Cronin, who had been studying Dost’s expression, suddenly flipped back the lapel of his coat and displayed a tiny shield of gold. “Vou don’t know me, Dost, but I know you! I’m Inspector Cronin! I’ve seen plenty of your dirty work around the courts. Now you come clean! I will make you acquainted with Mr. Merle Wentworth —this gentleman here!” Dost’s face went fairly green. His voice shook as he said: ‘“‘ Honest to God, inspec- tor, I don’t know that anything’s wrong with these bonds. This young man may be Merle Wentworth for all I can say. But another man claiming to be of that name employed me as his attorney and I acted in good faith with him.” Merle Wentworth? SCHEME. 855 ‘“‘ H’m!” grunted the inspector. “ Where is he, then—if he’s anywhere?” “He'll be here any minute,” declared the frightened lawyer. “In that case,” said Cronin, “ we’ll wait. You might just sit back from your desk a little, Mr. Dost.” Slumped in his chair, his nimble brain seeking a loophole, Dost cowered. If he could even momentarily throw the blame on Harvey, he might gain enough time to flee. The jig was up and up with a ven- geance! His mind, a clutter of terrific thoughts, Merle sat beside the detective. What did it all mean? What would be the answer to the puzzle? The inspector took no pains to conceal his contempt and scorn for the beady-eyed attorney. He knew the man was guilty of something or other. Foofstens along the corridor, the door swung open and into the room stepped Harvey Sykes! He stopped short, his eyes flew to those of Dost, to the police officer, to Merle who, jaw sagging, had sprung to his feet! “You!” both of them cried at once. Cronin inquired of Dost: “Is this Mr. Introduce me.” Harvey waited to hear no more. With a wild glare as of a trapped animal, he broke for freedom. But the watchful in- spector had him before he was halfway through the door. He dragged the struggling form back, slammed it into a chair. “You! Damn you!” blubbered Harvey, pointing a shaking finger at Dost. “ You got me into this mess!”’ “You lying swine!” Dost snarled. And there followed an insane chorus of accusa- tions and counter charges. Cronin settled it by saying: “ Cut it out. Save your wind. You both can go over this at the station house. and keep your hands well up.” Later, when the inevitable confessions had been completed and the whereabouts oi Donald Wentworth’s property had been made clear, Merle asked for the balance of the day off —important private business! THE END Gomichooks Get up, Dost, e0)