Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

46 of these signatures that distinguish them from my true signature, though an ama- teur wouldn’t notice them. I had to take - them to a handwriting expert who is in my confidence to have them pointed out. But they agree exactly with the signature on this check and the same earmarks ap- pear in your own natural handwriting. You see, it’s a pretty tight case.”’ _ Bradwell’s coolness had returned now and he was thinking rapidly. He had no- ticed that the practise sheet in Guthrie’s hand was of the same color and texture as the checks used by the firm. The second and missing sheet was of the same stock. What was more simple than to take that second sheet to a printer and have a check- blank printed on it so that the signature already there would lie in exactly the right place? “All right,” Bradwell admitted at last. ‘““You’ve trapped me. You and [ still know that I didn’t knowingly forge that check. We both know that this is a dirty, contemptible trick pulled for the purpose of putting me in your power. When I first discovered that you were a crook, Guthrie, I still thought you were a good sport. I find instead that you are simply an artistic thug. What’s the answer? Now you’ve got me, what are you going to do with me?” “Now we can talk business, I think,” Guthrie replied without a trace of resent- ment at Bradwell’s denunciation. ‘ Don’t blame you for being sore just now. You'll get over it. I'll ignore your strong language, seeing it’s you. It isn’t recorded that the kettle became irritated on that historic occasion when the pot called it black. ‘“ Now I don’t want to have you arrested. You are too useful to us. I simply want you to realize that you can’t afford any fancy scruples such as you showed this morning when you refused to sign the Peterson affidavit. When you understand our practise better you'll see things in a different light, and be glad to work with us. I’nr prepared to give you a good raise now and when Worden steps into a partnership with us, as he will next spring, there’s his job for you. Later on, if you play the game, there’s a partnership for you. With meant it. THE ARGOSY. us you can jump ahead fast. and—”’ Guthrie shrugged his shoulders signifi- cantly and left the sentence unfinished. Bradwell arose. He was perfectly calm by now. Not in vain had he won a repu- tation at poker in the old Collinsville days. He was ready to admit that his present opponent had a good hand, but was un- certain how far he would back it. He knew, too, that his own cards were not cut of the running, and resolved to bluff it through. “Now, it’s my turn to talk,” he an- nounced. ‘ Your propositicn has been carefully considered and firmly rejected. When I told you I was going straight I You can send me to prison again in punishment, if you wish, but if you do, you'll go, too. I haven’t been asleep around here. I felt something of this kind coming and I’ve filed away enough evidence in several different cases to send up the whole gang of you for a long term. “But I don’t care to go to the jug again myself, so if you leave me alone and forget that little check, naturally I’m going to keep my information to myself. Se there you are. Now gentlemen, I’m going to turn and walk out that door and out of your lives, unless your officer in She next room stops me. So it’s up to you to decide whether the arrest comes off. Good day.” Bradwell turned and walked out of the office. He heard a low, hurried discus- sion between Guthrie and his clerk as he closed the door, but no officer stopped him. Against us, CHAPTER IX. HUNTED, BRADWELL forced himself to walk away from the door of the office building with the utmost deliberation. He could not re- press the fear that after a brief consid- eration, Guthrie would decide he was only bluffing and put his threat of arrest into execution. Yet he had about him enough of boyish bravado to be- unwilling to let them see in that case that he felt any fear. COMiICcloo SS (CO