Argosy All-Story Weekly, January 21, 1922 — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

122 dictated the clause leaving the pearls to Eleanor.”’ “ Betty is really the child of the Fred- erick Varians?” Wise asked. “Oh, yes. Mrs. Varian lost her first two babies in infancy, and when the third child was expected we were all afraid it would not live. Betty was a healthy baby from the first, and I’ve known her all her life.” ‘Her father was as fond of her as her mother was?” “Yes, and no. I can’t explain it, Mr. Wise, but in my medical practise I’ve not infrequently found a definite antipathy be- tween a father and a daughter. For no ap- parent reason, I mean. Well, that condition existed between Frederick Varian and his child. They almost never agreed in their tastes or opinions, and while they were af- fectionate at times there was friction at other times. Minna and Betty were always congenial, thought alike on all.subjects and never had any little squabbles. I’m telling you this in hopes it will help you, though I confess I don’t see how it can.” “T hope it may. At any rate, it {fs in- teresting in view of the strange occurrences up here. You’ve found no papers or let- ters bearing on this matter among Mr. Varian’s effects?” “No; except a few proofs that he was more or less blackmailed.”’ ‘“ And you can’t learn by whom?” “No; there were one or two veiled threats that might have meant blackmail, and yet might not. I have them safe, but I didn’t bring them up here.” “Tt doesn’t matter. Such a careful blackmailer as the one we have to deal with never would write letters that could be traced.” ‘And what is to be done in this North matter?” “ First of all I shall offer a large reward for any word of him. I have faith in of- fered rewards, if they are large enough. They often tempt accomplices to turn State’s evidence. I’ve already ordered pos- ters and advertisements with portraits of North. My agents will attend to this, and though it may bring no results, if it doesn’t —it will be a hint in another direction.” ‘‘ Meaning?” ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “That Lawrence North is implicated in the crimes.” “No, I can’t agree to that. Why, the man himself was carried off—”’ “TI know. Oh, well, Dr. Varian, first of all we must find that secret passage. There is one—we can’t blink that fact. But where ig it? Think of having a given problem like that and being unable to solve it! I am so amazed at my own helplessness that I am too stunned to work!” “Go to it, man. You'll find it. Tear the house down if necessary, but get at it somehow.” | “‘T shall; I’ve already sent for carpenters to demolish some parts of the house.”’ “I wish I could stay up here and see the work progress. You'll have to find the secret, you know. You can’t help it if you tear down the whole structure.” “I don’t mean to do that. I want to continue to live in the house. But some expert carpenters can dig into certain por- tions of it without making the rest unin- habitable, and that’s what I propose doing.” “What about finger-prints? I thought you detectives set great store by those.” “Not in a case like this. Suppose we find finger-prints. They’re not likely to be those of any registered criminal. And since this talk with you I shall turn my investigations in a slightly different chan- nel, anyhow. I must look up Mr. Varian’s past life—” “Look all you wish, but I tell you now you'll find nothing indicative. Whatever secret my brother had it was not a matter of crime, or even of lighter wrong-doing. And if Frederick Varian wanted to keep the matter secret neither you nor any other detective will ever find it out!” “‘That may have been true during your brother’s life, doctor, but now that he can’t longer protect his secret, it must come out.” “ All right, Mr. Wise, I truly hope it will. For even if it reflects upon my broth- er’s integrity it may aid in finding Betty. I don’t believe that girl is dead, do you?” “No; I dont. I believe these letters from the kidnapers are true bills, I be- lieve they have her concealed and confined, and by Heaven, Dr. Varian, I’m going to COMmiclboo SS C©