The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

146 been driven to the house about ten o’clock by the chauffeur. Preston, throwing Finch a triumphant look, reached into his pocket and hand- ed her the gold mesh-bag. “We knew you had been there,” he smiled, ‘ because we found this lying on the floor. Rather a careless way to leave articles of value about—especially as it seems to be filled with money.” She took the bag, and then turned to- ward the steps, at the same time speaking to Sammis, who had remained a little in the background, a rather curious observer of the trio. ‘“Sammis,” she ordered, “I think you had better come down to the bungalow with us. Mr. Swandorf should certainly have—” She stopped, “‘ I mean you two should certainly have found him there. He is rather eccentric, and has probably - gone off for a walk. But I think, if you don’t mind, we’ll all run down in your car, Mr. Finch.” Finch sprang to the wheel, and Preston assisted the girl into the rear seat. The butler took his place beside Finch. Thus they quickly traversed the little road that led to the shore. “The place is just as we found it,” said Finch, bringing the motor to a stop, “except that that blind on the side was opened by us. And, as I said, the door was slightly ajar.” “Most curious,” muttered the girl, alighting and waiting for the others to join her. “ He was not a great walker, and he never bathed in the Sound. I don’t know what to make of it. But let us go in.” They entered the hall and found every- thing in order. Finch led the way into the bedroom and showed the girl where he had found her purse. “Why, he couldn’t have gone out, for, see, here are his shoes and his coat. That means he must be somewhere about. I wonder if he has fainted? I do not like this at all.’”’ She raised her voice. ‘“ Oh, Uncle Ben!” THE ARGOSY. Nothing resulted but the echo of her call. She winced and glanced at Preston. Most of her attention, by the way, had been given to Preston. ‘““T should say as how we ought to go through every room,” the butler sug- gested, and in compliance the party moved from the bedroom into the hall, and thence, into a smaller bed-chamber. This apartment had evidently con- tained no tenant. The kitchen was un- disturbed, and the dining-room was in perfect order. “He had the servants remove the din- ner dishes last night,” explained Cecil. ‘““T dined here with him.” ‘“What’s over there?” asked Preston, nodding toward a closed door. The girl hesitated for a moment and then colored. ‘“ Why, that,” she responded at length, ‘is his study. But—but—” She stopped and looked appealingly at the two young men. “I’m afraid to go in there.” “Why?” Preston was gazing at her curiously. “Why, because—because, well, we have searched everywhere and called, and there has been no answer. And so, of course, in that room lies the explana- tion of it all. I feel it. I know it. Oh, some one please open that door. I’m afraid.” With a sober face the butler paced to- ward the closed room, Preston and Finch hanging back. The measured tread of Sammis was like the beat of a muffled drum. He laid his hand upon the knob, turning it slight- ly. Then he looked back at the two men who had slowly followed him. “The door is not locked,” he said hoarsely. ‘Then open it, for God’s sake,” com- manded Preston. There was a clicking sound. The but- ler pushed upon the door, and then, as it swung open with a bang, he stepped back and without looking into the apartment turned his face toward the group. (To Be Continued. ) COME DOOKS (C@