10-Story Detective Magazine Cover — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

Vial eat Oe pa ' - 36 ——__________—_——10-STORY DETECTIVE to go through the dead man’s effects and turn everything over to the butler; said he would find the poor fellow’s nearest kin and would handle it accordingly.” Race nodded, buttoned his shirt. Dr. Lathan coughed nervously. “We found a thousand dollars in cash and checks in his bag. The checks were made out to ‘Cash’. One was my own check given the guard at the bridge. I asked the butler about the body. He told us to wrap it up, put it in-an inconspicuous corner of the eold storage room, and conceal it so the women would be unaware it was there. We did that. We were fortunately able to do so before any of the women stirred.” - Race knotted his tie, donned his vest and coat. Dr. Lathan cleared his throat. “Back home I’m the county physician. In this case we are unable to notify the proper authorities.” He shot Race a keen glance. “Any further investigation can be handled by you, quite capably, I am sure.” “Thank you, doctor. I shall do my best.” When the butler carried breakfast to Wadlow, Race went along. The man looked like he hadn’t slept, and didn’t touch the food. Race asked: “Wadlow, why didn’t you grab the cash the guard had after you killed him?” “I didn’t kill him,” Wadlow seid sul-" lenly. “Nuts! TI’ tell you why. You didn’t have time. You popped yourself on the head with that candlestick for an alibi in case the murder was traced to you. The guard couldn’t have done it; he was already dead. But you popped yourself too hard; the blow stunned you. When you recovered you heard doors opening. ‘You forgot the loot, thought only of get- ting clear.” The butler nodded agree- ably. ©“T didn’t kill him!” shouted Wadilow furiously. “Nuts! Call us when you’re ready to eonfess.” Race left the room. The butler followed, grasped Race’s arm. “Say, mister, you ought to be a dick. You got brains. I never thought about that bozo conking hisself with the can- dlestick.” He grinned. “Say—you ain’t a dick?” - Race Goamed: “Pve always wanted to _ be. Maybe I will after this. You really think I could be?” The butler nodded sagely. Race looked about cautiously. “YH tell you. I found the body of the other guard outside. Somebody shot at me. When I went back, the body had been removed. You know what I think?” He lowered his voice. “This Wadlow killed that guard. Wadlow’s a nut. Been in a bughouse and hates guards. Saw me and took a shot at me. Keep "this under your hat, just between you and me, see?” The butler nodded eagerly, flashed Race a condescending look as he left. Race stood at a window for some little time, gazing vacantly at the water. Some things added up; some didn’t. He wasn’t sure just what his next step should be. Why hadn’t Leymore missed the guard in uniform? Or, if he had, why hadn’t he asked about him? What kind of man was Leymore, anyway? Was eccentric the right word? The more he considered Leymore the more he wanter a closer seat. He went to the kitchen where the women were already preparing the mid- day meal. He asked Mrs. Dockery, “Do me a favor, please. Let me carry Mr. Ley- more’s tray to his room.” © “Do me a favor you mean, Mr. Ben- nett. The man’s a glutton. I can hardly earry all his food. Certainly. I’ll send for you when it’s ready.” He went into the library, followed by Janice Darrow. “Mr. Bennett, isn’t it terrible? Just think. I had a long conver- sation with Mr. Wadlow last evening.” She shuddered. “He might have killed me.” . Race repressed a smile. “You’re in no danger. Wadlow is locked in his room.” He was still in the library when Mrs. Dockery sent for him. He was astonished at the amount of food on the tray. It was heaped with meat, bear and beef steaks. He had to set it down before he could rap on Leymore’s door. He heard a key turn in the lock; the door swung open. Leymore looked. sur- prised. Race set the tray down, turned. “Mr. Leymore, I’ve been surprised you didn’t remember me. Don’t you recall ~last summer? Don’t you remember the two days I was your guest here?” Leymore got hold of himself. “Of course. It’s clear now. To tell you the truth, I did remember you.” He grinned. “I didn’t want to let the other relatives know, wanted to show no favoritism