The Mission of Poubalov — page 64: what you’re looking at

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

60 A DANGEROUS MAN. “I believe,’ he said, ‘‘that Poubalov instigated if he did not take part in the abduction of Mr. Strobel. I am convinced that he has him now in hiding, and the ques- tion only is whether we are to inform the police or take action ourselves.”’ ‘‘Ths police,’’? responded Paul, ‘‘would not proceed against Poubalov on the strength of our suppositions. He would intrench himself in his official position, and insist on compliance with all forms of law; and during the de- lay, if, indeed, he has Strobel in his power, he would spirit him away.’”’ ‘‘So I think,’’ said Litizki, ‘‘and as he won’t dare to remove Strobel until the interest in his disappearance dies down, unless he were openly attacked in the manner you suggest, I intend, if Miss Hilman agrees, to hunt for our friend in my own way. I shall doso to-night. I must find him.”’ He looked inquiringly at Clara. ‘‘T cannot say yes or no,’’ she replied; ‘‘you are a friend of Mr. Strobel’s and you will do what you think best. Only, let me know what you find,”’ There wasa gleam of pleasure jn Litizki’s eyes, fol- lowed by an expression of sullen determination as he re- sponded: | ‘*You shall hear from me to-morrow.”’ ‘‘Lou,’’? said Clara, ‘‘I think we had better go home now. Iam feeling very worn. If any of you hear the least word, I wish you would come to see me,”’ As she prepared to leave she took occasion to whiepae to Paul: ; ‘“‘T do not know that I do right in encouraging Litizki. My feeling is that the more there are at work and the more various the methods, the greater is the chance of success. May I leave it to you to prevent Litizki, if pos- sible, from any act that would be indiscreet, or worse?’”’ ‘*T will do what I can,’’ said Paul; ‘but he is, after all, an irresponsible agent. Iam inclined to think that good will come of his investigation, whatever he 4e7a.7)— 24