The Argosy for May — page 61: what you’re looking at

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

248 ‘What's this?” he queried, as the other two men followed behind him. There, in the soft soil, were two parallel marks, as if something heavy had been dragged toward the bushes at the side of the road. Hart followed the strange marks, and stepped into the wet bush where they - disappeared, the others watching him closely. He steoped down for a few moments, then raised his head and beck- oned. As Jacobi neared his side, he pointed to an object half hidden by the under- growth; and that gentleman gave‘a start of surprise, as he saw before him what appeared at first glance to be the body of a man. The detective noted his look, and re- assured him. : ‘“No need to be shocked—it’s only a dummy,” he said. The restaurant owner leaned over, and peered closer at the thing; and, when he saw it was only some straw-filled cloth- ing, he queried blankly: ‘ What does this mean?” ‘“T have my own theory,” Hart re- plied vaguely. ‘‘ Perhaps I am wrong; . but my advice is to take me to the in- jured man.as quickly as possible.” ~ “ But what is your theory?” Whether it was that the detective did not consider his theory had secure enough foundation, he was not ready- to communicate to his employer, but re- plied simply: “ Take me to the man; but do not introduce me as a detective.” “ But we cannot call upon a sick man at this hour,’ the other protested. “Ves, we can, under these circum- stances,” Hart insisted. “ Very —well; the “case-1s in -=your hands,” but Jacobi’s tone showed plainly his reluctance to follow the advice. The three men returned to the car, and were soon on their way to Beaumont and the injured man. “What can I say; and who are you supposed to be?” Jacobi inquired. “ And perhaps the man will be asleep—” “In that case, his rest will be dis- turbed,” Hart interrupted. “T cannot do that, after what has happened.” “And it is for just that reason that you will do it. When I tell you—” ] THE ARGOSY. “Here is the house,” Jacobi inter- rupted, as the car came to a halt. “Then let us go up immediately.” There was a positiveness in the de- tective’s tone that brooked no objection; and reluctantly Jacobi followed him up the steps. In answer to his ring of the bell, a domestic came to the door. “Is Mr. —” he began, then turned to the restaurant owner. ‘“‘ What is his name?” ‘* Bickel.”’ “Yes; is Mr. Bickel in?” “Yes, sir; because I heard him in his room as I came by it a. few moments ago.” “I guess it was Dr. Zabriskie,” Jacobi broke in. “ He probably stayed up with him all night.” | “ Probably,” Hart repeated quietly. Then, addressing the girl, he directed: “Take us to his room. Do not an- nounce us—take us right up.” The two men trailed after the maid, and paused before the door she _ indi- cated. Without a word, Hart turned the knob quickly and threw open the door. “I beg your pardon; I guess I got in the wrong room,” he said to the men whose backs were turned to him, and who were busily packing a grip. At the sound of his voice they faced about suddenly, to see before them a stranger and the restaurant owner. The countenances of each took on a peculiar expression, as they stood there, apparent- ly too surprised to move or speak. Hart crossed the threshold, and, with- out taking his eyes from the two men, inquired of Jacobi: ‘ Which is the in- jured man?” “ That—one!’’ was the reply, which came with a gasp of astonishment be- tween each word. “Pretty well looking man to have been knocked senseless by highwaymen, and then run over by an automobile, I should say,” Hart remarked. “ But—but—” Bickel began. “There are no ‘ buts’ about it,’ Hart broke in. “I see through your game.” “Mr. Hart,” Jacobi burst out, “I protest.” “The case is in my hands now, sir,” the detective declared firmly. Turning to the two men, he continued, as he dis- CORMICGLOO© (C S (© f