Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 61: what you’re looking at

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VOICES. developments during the next thirty-six, and can end this devilish business, I may be able to live through it. Do your best, will you?” ‘“T will, of course,’ assured Fenwick. “The case was mysterious enough when I took it, but the developments of the last twelve hours have been extremely so. Each new occurrence, however, despite the ele- ment of mystery, has contributed to the support of a general theory I have formed. I am more than pleased at the progress I have made, and expect to have a satisfac- tory solution of the whole affair very soon. In the meantime I can positively assure you that there is not the slightest chance of any one doing you physical injury.” ‘‘T am not so sure,” commented Willmer, turning on his heel and slowly making his way upstairs. “You are very reassuring, Mr. Bell,” observed Lorraine gratefully. “‘ If I thought Mr. Willmer was really in danger, I would urge you to plead with him to give up the fight. I imagine it is all a question of money, and he has so much more than he needs.” “Vou are suggesting that he buy off the voices?” asked Fenwick. She nodded. “ What if a principle is at stake?” she inquired defensively. “ Mr. Willmer’s hap- piness and peace of mind are worth a great deal, not only to him, but to others. If I felt for a moment that the voices were responsible for Mr. Kirke’s death, I would forever reproach myself for not having urged my employer to give in. How much it would have meant to Olive and to Mrs. Kirke if money could have prevented this tragedy!” “ Feminine logic,’ commented Corson. “ Willmer’s a big man—the kind who will fight for a principle. He realizes the duty he owes to society, and will not encourage blackmail. Despite his discourtesy to me, I admire him for the stand he has taken.” “You do not read character well, Mr. Corson,” disagreed the girl. “ From my knowledge of the triumvirate, I would say that the only member of it genuinely inter- ested in ethics and willing to fight for a principle is in this room. Next to him I should place Mr. Kirke. As for Mr. Will- mer, '¢ would wage war to the bitter end, not because character and right were in- volved, but because of money. Wealth is his god. him to acquaint you with these facts. It is his one big human failing. In everything else he is a superman.” ‘But Mr. Willmer is quite a philanthro- pist,” protested Corson. “Not at all,” Lorraine advised. “ The triumvirate supports certain worthy chari- ties, and Messrs. King and Kirke often made contributions from their personal funds. Mr. Willmer never did. This in- formation is not public property, and I trust you will regard it as confidential. It seemed my duty to acquaint you with it. If you fail to relieve the situation in any other way, I think you should persuade Mr. Willmer that his only hope lies in nego- tiating with the voices and buying them off. ) “It is my opinion that we should begin bargaining at once,” announced Corson; “but not in good faith. Such tactics even- tually lead to some sort of contact with the culprits and often afford an opportunity to take them into custody.” “I fear you underestimate the ability of this gang, chief,” observed Fenwick. “ Just postpone the operation of that plan for an- other day, and give me a chance to work out my own theory.” Corson shrugged his shoulders. “What do you think, Otis?” asked Lor- raine. “You’ve probably given Mr. Bell infor- mation about Mr. Willmer which he should have had long ago,” agreed King. “ Now that he has it he should be given an oppor- tunity to use it. The voices have been ac- quainted with every move we have made. They will merely laugh at the notion of bar- gaining along the lines suggested by Mr. Corson, if I am a judge.” ‘You appear to have rather definite in- formation as to their reactions,’ Corson pointed out caustically. “Why shouldn’t I?” retorted King. “Isn't it your theory that I sing tenor in their quartet?” ‘Don’t tease, Otis,” begged Leneian I do not consider it disloyal to < = ae COMIC DOOKXS: com — — a ee ee ee