Argosy, Vol. 85, No. 3 — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

452 What is that way?” ‘For you to be in Syracuse when the bank opens in the morning and rent a box. I should say Raymond Bates is not an early riser, and you may have the box in your name before he telephones. Of course the bank will tell him so, and he will be satisfied. He won’t know how long you’ve had it.” Letha looked at the office door to satisfy herself that it was tightly closed. Then she broke into a ripple of laughter that Harden thought was the most musical sound he ever had heard—and this, too, in spite of his being worried almost to despair over his dilemma. ‘Your plan has a great deal to recom- mend it,’ she conceded, as her laugh quieted down to the smile which always bewitched him. ‘“ But it is unnecessary.” “Unnecessary? What do you mean?” “Only that I need not rent a box in the Second Mercantile Bank, because J have a box there already.” ‘And are the jewels in it?” ‘“‘T did not say so.” “You told Raymond Bates they were.” “No. Not even that,” she corrected. “ Although I gave him that impression. If you will try to recall exactly what was said, it was this: After I had told him his mother’s property was in a box in a Syracuse bank, he asked what bank.” ‘““T remember, perfectly.” “And you recollect that I evaded his question by saying ‘ My safe deposit box is in the Second Mercantile.’ ”’ “Yes, and of course he took | it for granted—”’ “Naturally. He supposed I meant the jewelry was in that box. I admit I wished him to think so. But, you see, I did not actually make such an assertion.” Harden Brooke drew in and emitted a long breath, and passed a hand across his forehead. ‘“‘ This is too deep for me,” he conPecend “What does it all mean? You really have a box in the Second Mercantile Bank?” “Yes. I rented it two weeks ago. I have papers of some value, as well as ‘Stolen treasure. THE ARGOSY. other articles that I do not care to carry around with me, and it has been my custom for a year or two to have a safe deposit box. It is not expensive, and it saves a great deal of anxiety.” ‘And are Mrs. Bates’s diamonds there?”’ ‘““No. If they were, I should have told you at once. But,” she added, quickly, as his face fell, “I'll tell you, for your comfort, that I am pretty sure they are in some safe deposit box in Syracuse.” “ Why do you think so?” “T can’t tell you now. If you will trust me for a day or two, I feel sure I can lay my hand on the thief—or thieves, for there is more than one in the plot. But I must be allowed a free hand for the present.” Harden gazed earnestly at the fair, young face, with its sweetly-curved lips, and the eyes glistening with self-confi- dence. Then he decided that he must let her have her way. “T will not interfere with you,” he promised. “ Thanks.” She smiled reassuringly, and tripped away to talk to Marion in the kitchen. As for Harden, although he had pledged himself not to hinder her plans by asking questions or making suggestions, he men- tally reserved to himself the privilege of following any independent line of action that might lead to the recovery of the The capture of the thieves, while important, was a peedndaty consideration. He went out to the barns, where Gar- rett had already begun the feeding and bedding of stock, and other stable tasks that come under the general head of ‘* chores.” There was no conversation between the two men. But Harden helped in thé work in a matter-of-fact way, giving an occa- sional, brief direction, which Garrett ac- knowledged with a grunt. So it was not long before everything was done, including the milking and pasturing of the cows, and Harden strode over the lawn for supper. CO DOOK AMUC C©