Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 123, No. 3 — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

304 desire to acquire them, I never learned it, and I have found that it is only through a Knowledge of a man’s hobbies or predilec- tions that one can gage the type of indi- _vidual te whom he would naturally be drawn as a congenial companion.” Mr. Alexander halted saddenly as though he hed said teo much, and the in- spector glanced at him sharply. “It did not eccur to you toe interest yourself in yeur partner’s companions and «Mode of life- outside ef his family and busi- ness?” he asked. “Why should it havé?” the other coun- tered defiantly. ‘“ My niece’s married life with him appeared to be ideal, according to modern standards, our partnership was successful and without friction ef eny sort, and I was content. My own social imter- ests, as I have told you, lay with an older, more staid school; a quiet round of golf of rubber of bridge, an occasional epera night or evening with my books or friends of my own generation; that for years has been my life after banking hours, inspector.” Inspector Druet frowned thoughtfully. “‘ Censervative, eh? Why, then, Mr. Alexander, were you willing to enter into partnership with a man who you admit had no knowledge of business even if he was the husband of your niece?” Once more a dull flush Swept over the features of the dapper little man before him. “TI consider that question an imperti- nence, sir, but I have no reason to evade a reply to it except a natural aversion to dis- cussing my private affairs with those with whom they can have no possible cencern. I have already told you that prior to our entrance into partnership Mr. Creveling had speculated occasionally in Wall Street. Since he was to marry my ward I watched his operations, and conceived a sincere ad- miration for his acumen. I realized that although he did not know the banking business, I could trust his judgment; he brought the necessary capital into our con- cern and I the experience. It was an ideal combination which to-night’s tragedy has so unfortunately broken.” “I see.” The inspector nedded. ‘‘ Was there any connection, Mr. Alexander, be- D Jigitiz sn Google ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. tween that and your niece’s marriage? To put it bluntly, was the part- nership a stipulation of the alliance? Mrs. Creveling was your ward; had she any for- tune of her own?” “You go too far, sir!” Mr. Alexander’s eyes flashed. ‘“ The marriage was 2 love match; because of that alone I censentad to it. Mrs. Creveling’s fortune was not great, but -there is no older family than ours in America, and had she desired she could have made a far more brilliant aili- ance, in spite of Mr. Creveling’s money. 1 —i decline absolutely to answer any more of your questions until I learn my rights fa of this interrogation, nor do I consider # pertinent to the crime you are investiga- ting. For it is a crime, no matter what your assistant medical examiners or amy other so-called officials of the police de- partment may assume. Eugene Creveling was murdered!” “I beg pardon, sir!” A voice whose studied deferentiality was evident even in the shocked accents which now punctuated it was h€ard behind them, and both men turned. In the doorway stood a thin, smecth-faced individual of perhaps thirty- five, and upon his austere, almost clestcal ‘features deep concern struggled with curi- osity and alarm. ‘I have just returnsd— arrived, I should say—in accordance wrth Mr. Creveling’s instructions, but he is not in his room. I hope nothing is wrong, str? I knecked, but you did Kot reply, and I could not avoid hearing—” “Oh, it’s you; Frank!” Mr. Alexander speke with obvious relief at the other's ap- pearance, although his tone was fittmgly lugubrious. “I regret to inform you that something very terrible has happened te . your master. This is an inspector from po- lice headquarters—” “"Who are you?” Inspecter Druet stepped forward. “Mr. Creveling’s man, sir. Frank Hill is my name.” The valet’s tone wags still respectful, but there was a shade less of deference in it, although he spoke ner- vously. “When did you last see your enrployer 1A e]DOO) iS CO