Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

TRACING THE SHADOW. “The information is of no particular value now, Wise said; “‘ it refers to yester- day as the sailing date. The point is, that this card—this key card was found on—”’ He paused; a glance at Olive’s agonized face stopped the words he would have ut- tered. But we all knew. That card, found on Amos Gately’s desk—or in his desk drawer, proved that he was implicated in the interception of these messages, and that he was guilty of treason to his country! Wise. tried to help matters by saying hastily: ‘‘ Perhaps it was a plot! Perhaps this card was put where it was found by some sly scoundrel for the purpose of mis- leading—” “Don’t!” said Olive faintly; “ you are kind, Mr. Wise, but you are saying that merely to give me a ray of comfort and hope. You know better. You believe— and I fear I must believe that my guardian was involved in some wrong—some grave wrong—and—”’ She broke down utterly, and sobbed in Zizi’s arms which were opened to receive her. Feeling that our further stay was an intrusion, Rivers and I took leave, and Wise came along with us. We three went down to my rooms, and continued our confab without the embarrassment of Olive’s presence. ‘“‘Tt’s clearing itself up pretty quickly in some respects,” Wise said, as he settled himself with a cigar, and passed the box to Rivers. I’m not so surprised as some at Gately’s perfidy. It seems the govern- ment has been onto him for some time— at least, they suspected him, and were secretly investigating his~ private affairs. That Sadie person—”’ “By the way, Wise,” I interrupted him, ‘““you sized her up perfectly! Did you ever hear about that, Rivers? Mr. Wise saw only the girl’s Latpin, and from it he drew an exact portrait of the Link, herself. How did you do it, Wise? Tell us the details.” “Like all those deductions, it was simpler than it sounded,” the detective said smiling. ‘‘ You see, Mr. Rivers, the head of the pin was a big, good-looking scarab. I don’t know yet whether it was a real 131 one, but if not, it was a first-class imita- tion. This argued a person of education and taste. The average young woman doesn’t lean toward scarabs. Then, there was a short bit of a human hair caught in the setting. This was black, rather coarse and strong, denoting a healthy, buxom brunette. Hair is a clear indication of physical appearance, as arule. That’s how I know you aren’t Amory Manning,” he broke off suddenly and looked at Case Rivers. “I’ve had his description from Miss Raynor and from Brice, here, and they agree that. Manning had dark, heavy hair—rather footballish type. Yours is light, fine, and a little scant. And you have all the characteristics that belong to it. Oh, yes, I admit I’ve been trying to fasten Manning’s identity on you, but without success.” “Don’t apologize,” laughed Rivers. ‘““T’ve been trying to connect up with the missing Manning, myself, but I can’t work it. So, I’m out for the reward for finding that elusive individual... But, I fear, he’s gone beyond recall.” “‘ By the way,” Wise put in, “‘ I’ve found out who offers the reward. And, if you please, it’s none other than the United States Government!” ‘““ Why?” Rivers asked interestedly. ‘Well, it seems Manning is—or was—a secret service man, and he was set on the trail of Amos Gately. He worked secretly, of course, and—” ‘““And he was kidnaped by Gately’s friends!” I cried, ‘‘ by some of Rodman’s underlings, and put out of the way! I don’t believe Manning is alive!”’ ‘Go on about the hatpin, Mr. Wise, won’t you?” urged Rivers. “I think I’m going to grow up to be a detective, and I’m taking notes.” “Well,” said Wise good-humoredly, “ as I remember it, I mentioned the lady’s good teeth. This, because the prints on the rather soft gold of the pin were straight and even.” ‘““'You said she was proud of them,” I put in. ‘‘ A glittering generality,’ and Wise laughed. ‘“ Aren’t all girls proud of good teeth? Also, I assumed she had rather CONMUC NOOLK CO