The Argosy, January 1907 — page 61: what you’re looking at

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

WHEN SUSPICION STRUCK HARD. would switch over to Schlagenheim’s Star Confectionery as a result. Of course, when the Chicago analysis was completed it would be shown that his wares were the purest and most delect- able to be obtained on earth, but still A voice aroused him. Before the door a black wagon had driven up. Rad- ford started as his eyes left the solitary light and met those of Jim Smith, the undertaker, and those of one of Bond- ville’s ten uniformed policemen. ‘“Excitement been kicking up here, Bert?” the former observed genially. ‘“Eh?” muttered the druggist. “ Yes, too darned much excitement, Jim!” *K *K *K *K 7K It was something after three when Radford returned from the inquest and allowed, the resentful Miggs to seek a long-delayed lunch. His brother, who had_ naturally at- tended the affair, walked back with him, and his face was graver than on the previous night. The two settled in chairs in the store, and for-.a while neither spoke. “Donaldson certainly did try to drag me over the coals,’ the druggist ob- served at last. “It was’ the very dickens of a cross- examination,’ Robert agreed. ‘“Why, he seemed to be trying to make me commit myself to—something or other,’ Albert pursued gloomily. ‘\He was only trying to et the whole story, Bert.” “Well, I-had no reason on earth for not giving it to him. Why did he go at it in such_a fashion?” ‘Just his way, Bert.” “Perhaps, but ” The druggist’s eyes wandered to the soda-fountain, and he scowled. ‘‘Confound that affair, anyway! I'll rip it out and sell it for junk, and——” Bah! Don’t be absurd, my dear boy.””’ ‘ But this thing’s got me all worked up!” the druggist cried. ‘“T don’t mind it so much myself, but every one in town knows that I’m engaged to Ethel, and all this beastly. chatter and gossip ‘“ Well} my dear brother, when a girl thinks enough of a man to marry him = 243 do you imagine that an accident of this sort is going to affect her?” “Perhaps not; but it’s devilish un- pleasant to think of people pointing her out as the prospective wife of the fel- low who sells poisoned soda-water!”’ “And all that sort of thing is pure poppycock, as you know perfectly well. Why, Donaldson’! hear from his chem- ical analysis by to-morrow morning at the latest. You'll be cleared of any suspicion of carelessness—and that’ll be the end of it!” “Do you believe that it really will be the end of it?” Albert asked gravely. The editor faced him for an instant and dropped his eyes. “Of course it will!” he snapped. “Why on earth shouldn’t it?” “T don’t know, but The druggist’s voice trailed away gioomily. His brother rose and slapped him on the shoulder. “This time to-morrow you and your soda-fountain will be absolved of all homicidal tendencies,” he said, with a little laugh. ‘“ Buck up, Bert! You're getting positively morbid, and the main reason is that things have been going along so smoothly with you that. any jar—let alone a big one like this—seems magnified to your pampered brain.”. He waited for the reply which did not come. “Aha! Here are the Bates girls and that Chicago young woman who’s visit- ing them.. More candy, Bert! Brace up! If I’m not around this evening drop in at the office.” He strode out, and the girls entered. Radford mustered a poor imitation of his best store smile and gathered him- self to answer questions as lightly as might be possible. The ae dragged slowly to a close. People came in throngs to. talk over the tremendous excitement and learn all that might be learned from one of the most central figures. Radford answered as superficially and as evasively as pos- sible—and he began to note something a trifle odd. At first he laid it to imagination and overwrought nerves. An hour later he could not but call it fact. People were looking queerly at him! Gomichboo (E@)