Argosy, Vol. 112, No. 2 — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

260 “Go ahead,” said Tarton grimly. “ [ll be there.”’ And in a minute more he was—with a pair of aching arms, lacerated palms and a scraped knee. Over his head the detective * had ascended to the second-story window. “It’s probably open,” whispered Tarton. Pm LEY Its” a4 Yes.”’ “ Go in and wait.” As they stood side by side in the empty chamber, where, less than twenty-four hours ago, Tarton had listened thrillingly to the quarrel in the other room, both were con- scious of the difference. ‘““ Nobody here,” whispered the detective. “You can always tell when houses are empty. Something about ’em—”’ “We'll look around,” answered Tarton, ‘and then go down there to where Fisher was. I don’t imagine he’s been moved. And in that room around the corner there, there are a few things I want to look at—” Smith gripped his arm. ‘“‘ Some one coming,” he cautioned. Keys tinkled below. The front door opened, admitting a heavy tread. Presently a light sprang out, spreading a vague halo of radiance about the upper hall and across the threshold of the room. = The fellow was muttering to himself, ill- naturedly and disappointedly. Following his footsteps they could tell that he had gone into the front room. A match scratched. And then they knew that the professor’s body was still there, for he burst out suddenly into a storm of raging and vituperation, cursing the dead enemy as though he were yet living. A moment more and he came out again slamming the door shut behind him and beginning to scuff heavily up the stairs. “ That’s he,” whispered Smith. ‘ Now.” Tarton held his sleeve. “Wait! I want to see.” Heldstrom had topped the stairs, turned sharply, and*gone into the room on the right, the same where— They heard him scratch a match, saw the light fan out on the floor, heard him grunt as he dropped into a chair—and then he was on his feet again, belching out rage with a flood of imprecations. THE ARGOSY, “ Wait—till you hear what I have to tell you,” cut in the voice of his stepdaugh- ter in English. ‘‘I have been here three hours, waiting for you. I came back my- self, because—”’ ‘* Because—because—”’ snarled the voice, “because you were afraid. You came to beg mercy. You are going to promise to help me, eh? The thing, where is it? Did that young fool take it away? I have been to his house just now—to get it. To break his neck, too, as I ought to have done last night. But he had gone out. Never mind. To-morrow will do. You—what did you say? Why did you come back?” “Here it is—he took it by mistake. He did not know he had it. This morning he brought it to me, and I hurried back at once to give it to you.” ‘“‘ He has seen it then, Does he know how?” “No. He did not understand about it. He thought it was just an ornament. He does not suspect anything. You do not need to be afraid of him.” Has he read it? “You forget—he saw in the room below. . He does know. Besides, he wanted the magazines. There is no telling how much he is aware of. Every minute I wait is dan- gerous. As soon as I eat and get rested I am going back and wait for him. It must be to-night. And as for you—” The girl’s voice changed. “Sit down,” she begged. ‘I know you must be tired. I had forgotten. I will go and get your supper. In ten minutes you can have it. That will be time enough. Your coffee and your cakes and sausage, with strawberry jam, and the sweet pickles you are so fond of. At the threshold she turned and called back cheerily: “‘ Lie down and get rested. Ill be right back.” As she crossed the hall the men in the shadow of the door corner had a glimpse of her face. To Tarton it was unrecognizable. Smith gasped. - “ Hell! mouth? It was half open. What’s she up to?” “ Wait and see,’ idea—” While she was gone the big man, like a chained elephant, was fussing about the ’ said Tarton. “ I’ve an (eCoynnlike D00ks Did you see her eyes? And her ~ ere nf Wt A be