The Dugdale Millions — page 240: what you’re looking at

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

230 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. Mrs. Stanton was brought to a recognition of her own heat by the question. She replied hastily: ‘“T know nothing, but the argument is absurd.” “Not by any means,” interposed Mr. Stanton. “Tt is very strong and plausible, and it only misses being conclusive.” ‘“‘T have not finished,” said Dick. “I connect Harold Pierson with this matter, by a slight and perhaps weak thread. Notwithstanding the apparent frank- ness of his explanation as to being found in the com. pany of Ransom, I am not satisfied and I cannot di- vest myself of the idea that, though he pretended to the contrary, Ransom was, in fact, in collusion with Harold and Orton Pierson before he came to me in answer to my advertisement. Then there is the further fact that I am almost certain that prior to last Monday, I have twice seen Ransom about these grounds. If I cannot present a conclusive argu- ment,” he concluded with a laugh, “I can build a very complete theory.” ‘So complete a theory,” said Mr. Stanton, in a tone which showed how greatly impressed he was by Dick’s talk, “that it demands thorough investigation, until the theory is confirmed or destroyed.” “T am glad you have reached such a conclusion,” said Dick almost gratefully. ‘I will present these facts to Captain Lawton to-day.” “Not until we have first consulted Mr. Hetlow,” said Stanton. Thus it was that immediately after breakfast the two sought Mr. Hetlow. They found Harold Pier- son preparing to depart in high spirits. A man had appeared before him throwing bits of paper into the air. Mr. Hetlow listened attentively. He discussed Dick’s theory as more ingenious than probable, but on Mr. Stanton’s urgency he gave a reluctant consent that the facts should be presented to Captain Lawton, Comicbooks.c© 5}