A. Merritt's Fantasy Magazine, December 1949 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

that it is true. _ police and the reporters.’ » a hy We it’s true, but I can't believe “it.” He said: “I haven’t the slightest proof But it’s what I told the “The reporters will soon be here, Alan,” he said. “And the police. I’m go- ing. You haven’t seen me. You haven't the slightest idea of what it’s all about. You haven’t heard from Ralston’ for a year. Tell them that when you :s in touch with me, you may have something more to say. But now—you don't know anything. And that’s true—you don't. _That’s your story, and be sure you stick to it.” He walked to the door. | said: “Wait a minute, Bill. What’s the idea behind that bunch of words I’ve just read ?”’ He said: “It’s a nicely baited hook.” I said: ‘‘What do you expect to hook with it?” - He said: “‘Dick’s murderer.” He turned at the door: ‘‘And something else that’s right down your alley. A witch.” He shut the door behind him. CREEP, SHADOW! 15 CHAPTER 2 The Demoiselle Dahut OT long after Bill had gone, a man from the Detective Bureau visited e. It was evident that he re- garded ie call as waste. motion, just a part of the routine His questions were perfunctory, nor did he ask me if I had seen Bennett. I produced the Scotch and he mellowed. He said: “Hell, if it ain’t one thing it’s another. If you ain’t got money you wear yourself out tryin’ to get it. If you got it, hen somebody’s tryin’ all the time to rob you. Or else you go nuts like this poor guy and. then what good is your money? This Ral- ston wasn't a bad guy at that, I hear.” I agreed. He took another drink and left. Three reporters came; one from the City News and the others from afternoon papers. They asked few questions about Dick, but showed flattering interest in my travels. I was so relieved that I sent for a second bottle of Scotch and told them a CHROME PROTECTED -DESIGNED-FROM THE INSIDE OUT. uy Sealed in Steel and Plastic with the tough -plastic outer casing and the steel ig machine-sealed di- attery top to prevent dern in Styling with functional design —— that results in sleek, attrac- tive appearance and added protection by more effec- tively insulating the zinc * * can. The engineering skill now-how that has made BUR- SS fir choice of scientists and ex- yrers for years has now created an- stfor flashlight users everywhere. x Engineered Design of this new construc- tion permits the use \-\\\ of a maximum amount of ence sy producing raw materials to make a big, full-size battery with longer life. Chrome Protection ., keeps BURGESS - fresh and ready ~ longer because it curbs interior action _ in the battery when your flashlight is not in use. Buy these new BURGESS Flashlight Bat- feries NOW —at better dealers everywhere! 7 7 TO GIVE MORE HOURS OF BRIGHT LIGHT © os Plainly Dated to as- eai- sure you that every “4° BURGESS Flash- : light Battery is fresh and strong. Guaranteed by the maker whose reputation for quality and depend- S= ability has made BURGESS the fore- most name in radio batteries. BURGESS iv bP a 'y ARE TALSE 4 GCOMIGoIOO (Q) KS (E(0)