The Argosy, December 1905 — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

MAROONED IN 1492’ BY WILLIAM WALLACE COOK, Author of “A Round Trip to the Year 2000,” “Adrift in the Unknown,” ete. CHAPTER XX. A CLUE. SUPPOSE, Mr. O’Hara,” began Trenwyck, “that you are fa- infest 6é | miliar with the criminals who New York?” “None better. I am one of the oldest men on the force.” “Have you ever heard of the man called Bill Jenks ? ” “ Alias ‘ Featherfingers,’ alias ‘ Billy the Lifter.” I should say I have heard of him. A very clever ‘dip, a nervy cracksman, and the smoothest crook at a con game that ever came up the pike.” . “Do you know whether he is in New York at present?” “J think not. If he is, the Depart- ment hasn’t spotted him. Like as not he’s off for Chicago. Nearly all the strong-arms are heading West to get their pickings at the World’s Fair. It has been some little time since Jenks was seen in New York.” “Nevertheless, I am fairly certain that he’s in town. He left Cadiz, Spain, less thap two weeks ago.” ' “ Hfe’s been abroad, eh?” laughed O’Hara. “ I’ll warrant he gives Scotland Yard plenty to do if he ever strikes England. What makes you think he came here?” “ He stole a thousand dollars in gold from me in Spain.” ce Ah! 3? “And bought passage to America.” “That may have been a blind to throw the detectives off their guard.” “T am positive it wasn’t. Circum- stanees were such that Jenks did not think he would ‘be followed.” Right there Columbus showed himself. He strode into the room with a brief *This story began in the August issue of THE ARGOSY. “Your pardon, gentlemen!”~ picked up nis sword and hat and strode out again. Trenwyck was not surprised. Colum- bus was very choice of his trusty Toledo, and always wished to have it by him. O’Hara stared at the gaunt figure, with its crown of long, snowy hair and odd clothes, as at an apparition. “Good Lord!” he exclaimed, giving Trenwyck a queer look. “Is he getting ready for a masquerade?” “Not at all,” said Trenwyck. always wears that kind of clothes.” “It’s a wonder he isn’t pinched for disturbing the peace. All right in his head?” “ Perfectly.” “Then it’s a hobby with him, I sup- pose.” Quite by accident, O’Hara’s eyes rested gon the don’s recent purchase, which lay shimmering on the table. “Well!” he murmured. “ Have you been buying something, Mr. Tren- wyck? ” “My friend has been investing.” “And you say he is perfectly right in his head! ” O’Hara picked up the brick, exam. ined it a moment, and then showed symptoms of excitement. “Where did your friend get this? ” “ Right here in New York.” “ When? ” . “Less than an hour ago.” “By George!” said O’Hara. “It is astonishing how things turn out some- times. Do you know, Mr. Trenwyck, Bill Jenks occasionally peddles this sort of merchandise? ” “He couldn’t have peddled that,” an- swered Trenwyck. “My friend knows Jenks, and would have strung him on his sword if he had tried it.” The four back numbers will be mailed to any * He address on recetpt of 40 cents. CORMICLOOOK (C@