Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 18, 1928 — page 45: what you’re looking at

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

THE PERFECT SCHEME. —an idea which would not make it neces- sary to consult Merle at all. The plan was simplicity itself. All Har- vey had to do was go into the filing de- partment and consult the employment in- dex. From the card in the name of Merle Wentworth, he copied the data required by Dost. Merle was twenty-seven years of age— two years the junior of himself—and had been born in Templeton, Ohio, September 4, 1898. Harvey chuckled with satisfac- tion and returned to his work with a zest born of the knowledge that all was pro- gressing perfectly. When he reported to Dost, at five thirty, the latter was more than pleased. “ Fine!” he said. ‘“‘ Now sit down and write that letter.”” He waved Harvey toward his desk. Sykes wrote thoughtfully for a time and handed the result to the lawyer who scanned it carefully, made one or two minor changes. When the letter was finally ready, typed by Dost himself, it seemed to fill the bill perfectly: Cratc, Craic & Craic: Edinburgh, Scotland. Gentlemen—Y our letter regarding the estate of Donald Wentworth, my great uncle, at hand. Naturally, it was a great surprise to me, for I had never seen Mr. Wentworth. I am grateful to you for advising me and, in order that the settlement of the estate may be carried out expeditiously and in a proper manner, I have turned your letter over to my attorney, Mr. Emil Dost, of No. 987 William Street, New York City. Mr. Dost will communicate with you at once, inclosing a power of attorney which T shall sign, giving him authority to act for me in all matters connected with the settle- ment of the estate. I trust this will be satisfactory to you and remain, Yours truly, MERLE WENTWORTH. “ That’s fine! That’s all right!” Dost repeated as he sealed the envelope. “ I'll shoot the other stuff along by the mail fol- lowing that which carries this letter. Then we'll be all set. Gawd! What a pipe!” “Looks all right,” admitted Harvey nervously. “I hope nothing goes wrong.” “Oh, quit your crape-hanging and come out with me for a shot of hooch. I feel like blowing.” 848 And the potential big-time swindlers de- parted for Dost’s favorite speakeasy. VIII. IN spite of the efforts of Emil Dost to stiffen the backbone of his partner in crime, the latter found himself in a constant bat- tle with the nervousness which bade fair to overwhelm him. At heart, Harvey Sykes was a coward and the knowledge that he could no longer retrace his steps in the matter of the Wentworth fortune, preyed upon him day and night. All that consoled him for the time being was the daily contact with Merle and the thought of the advantage which the Went- worth money would give him over his rival. Harvey kept a lynxlike watch on the personal mail basket, made sure of being at the office well in advance oi opening time each morning. He ignored the gibes oi his fellows over this sudden spurt of ambition; all that concerned him was to see that no letters from Scotland reached Merle Wentworth. The height of gloomy foreboding was reached on the day when Dost*showed him the letter he had prepared to send Craig, Craig & Craig. Dost had written: I inclose herewith my authority to repre- sent Mr. Merle Wentworth, both as attorney at law and attorney in fact, in connection with the estate of Donald Wentworth, late of Dundee. I understand that he already has advised you that his affairs are in my hands. My client naturally is anxious to have the estate settled at the earliest date, and I shall be glad to codperate with you to that end. Of course, my client will want you to repre- sent him in Scotland and I might say he is prepared to be fair—even generous—as to terms. I would like to have, if possible, a complete inventory of the estate, together with your opinion as to which items can be turned into cash at once. Also, information regarding the inheritance tax which will have to be paid the Crown. x Awaiting your advice in this matter, I am, Yours very truly, Emit Dost. That night Harvey cringed in his bed. He dreamed of being awakened by mon- strous, cigar-chewing detectives and <S) EComichboo (E@)