10 Story Detective, July 1942 — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

DESIGN FOR A RUB-OUT TSD William Rathborne was waiting with ill-concealed impatience when Donovan returned, “I’m willing to cooperate, inspec- tor,” he said irritably. “But at a time like this I can’t be expected to wait indefinitely for you to keep an ap- pointment.” Donovan waved him to a chair and motioned Thatcher from the room. “I want to have a little private chat with you,” he said easily. “But first lL wanted to have a look at the place where Ronnie was kept during the time he was kidnaped. It was a little harder to find than I figured.” “The place where Ronnie was kept!’ Rathborne was on his feet. “Do you mean to tell me—” “Yep.” Donovan nodded sagely. “You were unable to give us any in- formation so I had to dig some up by myself. That house of yours is pretty old. I had to hunt quite a while before I found the trapdoor in the basement. An old wine cellar, I ex- pect. You probably discovered it ac- cidentally and kept the knowledge to yourself.” Rathborne was breathing heavily. “T think it’s time I have an explana- tion,” he said furiously. “If you’re ac- cusing me of anything—”’ Denovan grinned. “No accusa- tions,” he said mildly. “I just want to tell you a little story.” “First, we'll take a crook by the name of Muggsy Roberts. Muggsy has been around. He’s tough and smart and knows the angles. According to his story your wife hired him to com- mit a little job of murder.” “The man’s insane,” Rathborne said hoarsely. ““He’s a confessed mur- derer. Surely you don’t credit his lies.” ONOVAN settled back in his chair. ‘Somehow I do,” he said. “Only Muggsy wasn’t supposed to commit murder. He didn’t know that, of course. He expected to kill a woman, but he didn’t know that woman would be your wife. Nor would he have killed her had he fol- ero, lowed instructions and used the gun provided for the purpose. “Had he used that gun there would have been a loud noise and a lot of screaming. Muggsy would undoubted- ly have made his getaway, but cops would swarm all over the place. After all, an attempt on the life of Mrs. William Rathborne, dr., is not to be taken lightly.” “TI don’t understand,” Rathborne said dazedly. “Why would Vivian—” Donovan studied his hands. “Look at it this way,” he suggested. “Your wife’s son has been kidnaped. She is willing to pay the ransom demanded, but somehow she learns that the boy is being kept in the basement of her own home. More than that, her own husband knows of this. Does he have someone helping guard the boy? Probably. ““Anyway, she is afraid to take the chance. Any unexpected move and the boy will be done away with. The police are the only ones who can help her. But if she comes to us and we send a squad of men to raid the house, the criminal—or criminals, if you please —will become suspicious. “But she must have help. Help that will arrive in force and in a logical manner, And what more logical mo- tive could the police have than an at- tempt on her life? Mrs. Rathborne promotes the deal with Muggsy. It’s a chance, but she can’t see any other way out. If he uses the gun she tells him to nothing will happen. That gun is loaded with blanks. “If the plan works there will be plenty of cops around, but the crimi- nals won’t be alarmed. In the excite- ment she may find a chance to tip someone off and rescue the boy. Un- fortunately, Muggsy used his own weapon.” Rathborne had regained his com- posure. “The man is still guilty of murder,” he murmured. “Granted. But why did he turn him- self in? After all, he had done the job he thought he was supposed t9 do.” GORMiGooo S (C(O) im