The Argosy, October 1906 — page 192: what you’re looking at

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

562 words with the professor himself as to the propriety of the act, but in the end Gorman allowed him to proceed. And, sir, Danvers went through the place from end-to end, frem the top of the-house to the bottom, houses and the aquarium to the stables, and even finished up in the loft of the carriage-house! ”’ ‘“Which was mented Bridger. “Which was a piece of unqualified asininity!’’ retorted Marsland. “ Few people beside Danvers would have had quite proper,’ com- the assurance even to imply in the vaguest way that Professor- Gorman could be harboring a criminal.” “But why is this Gorman so immacu- late?” Marsland snorted frankly. “You are evidently unacquainted with Rockhaven’se people, Mr. Bridgecr. For one thing, the professor is seventy-six years of age! For another, he is the wealthiest man in town, or very nearly SO. and a naturalist extends all over the country. He lives in his flowers and his animals! His heuse is almost the- hand- somest in the town!” Bridger leaned back and laughed. “Well, it’s a little far-fetched, :’ll ad- mit, to try to rake in a scptuagenarian scientist, where second-story burglaries are concerned—but I think your Dan- vers was justified in a way, nevertheless. Of course he found nothing in his search? ”’ “He found nothing.” “Um. And has anything e/se been seen of gentlemen with bundles?” ce No.”’ “And Danvers has been unable to learn anything from his various Investi- gations? ”’ “According to his own story. He seems to consider the matter dropped.” Marsland’s voice was distinctly angry. “Well—there you are, Mr. Bridger. There’s your case. We are willing to pay whatever is reasonable—or even more—to have this confounded pest ap- prehended. It’s injuring the town as it is. Numerous people are on edge, and one or two of my tenants actually talk of leaving Rockhaven unless it can be stopped. Why, some of our citizens are out threugh the hot- For a third, his reputation as a man t THE ARGOSY. positively having dinner served uptstairs in the bedrooms for the sake of having a constant eye on the second floor.” Bridger, having nothing at found some dificulty im subduing the amused chuckle which rose to his lips. ‘Just what do you expect me to do, Stake,. Mr. Marsland, at this-time?” he asked thoughtfully. “ Capture the man, if it’s a physical possibility !” ““He may be in Mexico by this time. The last robbery occurred on Monday, you say, and this-is Saturday.” “He didn’t leave for Mexico after the first—or the fifth—attempt, Mr. Bridger! ~ “True.” —Bridger’s smile was not quite free from Sees in face of the pointed comment. -‘‘ Well—I’ll see what can be done, sir. morrow cn the people who have been visited, or this evening, if - _you prefer it. TH look over the ground and hear what Danvers and the -coachman have to say—and do what I can. It’s im= possible-to promise much more than that, you know. I wasn’t on the spot when the trouble occurred.” } will call -te- “TY understand, Mr. Bridger. Well— 3 go ahead, then, in_your own way, and be assured that we'll make it well worth your while, : more pasticalarly. if- yeu. ‘suc: ceed in catching the rascal, . “Very well. But—— standing now; and his. tee wore a frown. “But. I wish that it might have- been possible for me to be at a little closer range with one of the robberies. — A faint crash of glass fpiecripied him. Marsland sat up suddenly, and Bridger looked questioningly at him. The sound had seemed to come from above, but the direction was most in- definite. The detective smiled. “Ts he visiting you now, Mr. Mars- land—and ene ane ‘windows with him ? ” 37 -Marsland- was out = his hare --“Tt’s more or less absurd, I presume,’’ he said, walking to the door. “ But Pm going up to investigate that racket. One © Beidger was of the servants has broken something, IT suppose, or- He was out of the room and ascending the stairs. _ Bridger, smilin g slightly, sat down and waited. L] comicboo (a) (S.C