The Argosy, April 1912 — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

WRESTING A PITTSBURGH SECRET. “Capital! I see!” ejaculated Fred. “Go on, Lucille.” “When Sim Galt comes in with his car- pet-bags —as I’m positive he will — you could take whatever course you think wise. I leave that to you.” ‘But you must not forget that Sim Galt knows both of us,” objected the professor. ““What of that? There will be nothing remarkable in your ordering some glass re- torts of a particular pattern for important experiments you may be going tomake. My stepfather does not know that you are in- terested in the Barrington Company in any way. As for Mr. McKee, everybody is aware that he is in the steel business.” “‘Say, professor, this looks as if it might work out all right,” observed Jim. “ All we want to know is whether Sim Galt is sup- plying the No. 1 to Carl Steiner. When we are satisfied with that it ought not to be hard to arrange with Sim to let Fred have the stuff instead of Steiner.” “There will be no ‘ arranging ’ about it,” insisted Fred hotly. ‘The powder is mine. If Sim Galt is bringing it to Pittsburgh I’ll just make him show me where he gets It. You can be sure he’ll take no more of it to Carl Steiner.” “Let’s go, professor,” urged Jim, who always hammered fiercely at an idea while it was red-hot. “I want to hear what Carl Steiner will have to say.”’ The professor was willing enough. He picked up his hat and announced that he was ready. “We'll come back here, Mr. Barrington,” he said, “and tell you what we find out. Will that suit your” “Perfectly. Only I wish I could do something to help, instead of piling it all on you.” : “Don’t worry about that,” returned the professor. ‘Once we learn beyond perad- venture that Sim Galt is handling this pow- der you will be busy enough, I’ll promise. Jim, can you find your way to the Steiner factory?” “Of course I can. away.” “All right! Fall in!” The professor flung open the door. Then, with a bow of farewell to Lucille and a re- assuring wave of the hand in the direction of Fred Barrington, he strode out, with Jim McKee by his side. The very click of their heels on the brick sidewalk expressed confi- dence in the success of their mission. It’s only a few blocks 127 Somehow Fred could not help feeling that his pursuit of the No. 1 secret would end triumphantly very soon. “T think I will go home now,” said Lu- cille, when they were alone. “I carmot do anything for you before I go, can I?” “No. I blame myself for keeping you so long as it is. I never can thank you enough.” “Nonsense!” she smiled. “I can’t help feeling interested in the Barrington Com- pany, after being here so many months. Will you telephone me at the house what Mr. McKee and Professor Shaw discover at the factory?” “Of course I will—as soon as they come back.” “Thanks. all turns out. I want to do it. your” As she opened the door there was a wist- ful look in her eyes that caught a response in those of the young man. He jumped up from his chair, with the intention of grasp- ing one or both of her hands. She divined his purpose, and, with a reproving shake of the head—which the accompanying smile belied—slipped out to the street. It was the noon hour, and a group of the Barrington workmen were sunning them- selves outside of the factory. Fred was obliged to let her go. “I wonder whether she really didn’t want me to touch her hand,” he thought as he returned to his office with a slow step. It was the kind of puzzle that girls have been offering to sighing swains since the beginning of time. So long as coquetry continues to be a word of any meaning the puzzle will be repeated. Fred Barrington was still trying to find the answer in his own mind an hour later, when the door banged open to admit Professor Shaw and Jim McKee. “Well?” Fred shouted, forgetting every- thing but the No. 1 as they appeared. “Tt’s all right!” replied Jim. “Sim Galt came there with his two carpet-bags. They were full of the Barrington powder, and Carl Steiner got it. He has the stuff in a cupboard in his factory, under lock and key.” “The scoundrel! Dl—” “Yes, yes!” interrupted Professor Shaw pleasantly. “You shall do what you like. But you can’t do it just now. McKee and I are going to sit in a four-handed game of I am anxious to hear how it Then, if I can help at all, You know that, don’t COUN clooolk< CO