10-Story Detective Magazine Cover — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

MAUSOLEUM MISSION Together they read: Cyrus, my beloved, You will understand, I know, when you think of the perfection of our love why I am returning the diamonds to you. You teil me that you have not long to live, that the cancerous growth is spreading. My beloved, it wrings my heart to read the words, and to think of your last solicitude for me. But what comfort would such a fortune as they represent be to me after you are gone? No, Cyrus, I have reached an age when, if you go, I shall mercifully follow before long. If you are determined to leave nothing to your son or to your wife, because of her un- faithfulness, then turn this wealth to some good purpose. I think you are wrong, Cyrus, to suspect that Aaron is not your son; his face too closely resembles your own dear features. May our souls be joined at last in heaven. Devotedly, “There’s no date or. signature. That’s why they couldn’t tell which Cyrus it’s written to,’ Dale whis- pered. “Doesn’t help us much, either,” Slade agreed. “But look. This one men- tions the crucifix.” They bent over the second letter: Cyrus, loved one, I accept as unalterable your decision to carry your riches to the grave rather than let them pass to those you believe have betrayed you. Grant then this, my last plea. If Aaron is not of your blood, at least he is guiltless of the sin. Leave him at least his name and the home he was born in and loves so dearly. As you asked, I am sending you the silver crucifix. You know well the secret spring at the bottom, Let the diamonds be buried in it with you. Then perhaps some day the Lord, in His wisdom, will turn them to some good. Good night, my beloved. rs As Slade and Dale finished reading they realized that the voices from above had become more audible. He dropped the letters on the table and looked with fascination at the skull. “So they knew the diamonds were in one of the caskets, and they just had to arrange to have time to find out which,” said Slade slowly. “The killer rigged himself up like a_ skeleton, figuring that if he was disturbed while looting the vault he could hide in a casket. Then he knew if anyone got too close, and discovered the fake, he could knock him out with poison gas.” “Aftor their experience with Dr. Gilmore they decided to take some pre- cautions,” Dale suggested. “Yes, it wasn’t schoolboy clap-trap to frighten anyone. They had a dead- ly, calculated purpose. But it’s come back on them like a boomerang. We know now who the killers are.” “Listen!” Voices from the upper floor rose to a high pitch of anger. “I’m going up,” said Slade. WO minutes later he stood before a heavy oak door. He was con- scious of Dale’s presence close behind him. From beyond the door came the snarling voices of two men. “You’re lying, George. You can’t put that over on me. When we got the Bible we knew damn well which Cyrus it was, because he had only one son.” “The crucifix was like the other two, I tell you. Do you think I’d double- cross you?” “You’re lying, I tell you, because there were only two broken crucifixes on the floor of the vault, when I got - there.” “You’d no business coming to the vault. Your job was to stick to the car and keep the motor running.” “Don’t be an ass. If I had, where’d you be? The caretaker would have set up a great holler. And who thought of the skeleton suit, and the poison gas? Without them, we'd both be in the jug by now.” “Oh, so that’s why you’re so cocky! Just because you screwed up enough nerve to use a cleaver on him. I han-: dled that long-nosed detective all ~ right. What trouble do you suppose I’d have had with an old man like the caretaker? You try minding your own business for a change.” ~ “Vou bet I will, Pll just—” “Stay where you are!”’ “Sure, you might as well come clean, George, I saw you through the win- COMMGCEOOO<SaCOlin 73 ~