Argosy All-Story Weekly, December 2, 1922 — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

520 “T’ll nose around a bit,” observed the old man. ‘‘ Mebbe I'll have something to tell you at breakfast.” A refreshing shower and the luxury of a shave entirely dissipated his desire for further sleep, and the young criminologist hurriedly dressed and descended the stairs. ‘Good morning, sir,” greeted Riggs. “We breakfast at all hours, sir. Miss Ca- rewe has just been served. Will you join her?” Fenwick assented and entered the dining room. Lorraine looked up from her grape- fruit. “Ambition could be made of no sterner stuff than yours,” she smiled. “ You’ve scarcely slept.” “How about yourself?” he challenged. The smile faded. ‘“T haven’t slept a wink,” she confessed, as he took the chair Riggs indicated, facing her. “ I’ve lain awake for ages, just think- ing of poor Mr. Kirke and of Olive—that’s his daughter, you know. Do you really think you can soon put an end to all these dreadful occurrences?” “Undoubtedly,” he assured her. “‘ We shall need all the help we can get, how- ever, and I’m looking to you for assist- ance.” Her eyes widened. “ Flattery, small talk—or do you really mean it?” she inquired. ‘ There’s little enough I know about these strange happen- ings. Of course Ill gladly answer any questions.” “1 knew you would,” he assured her. “Tell me who Mr. Willmer’s neighbors are,” She gave him a graphic description of the owners or occupants of the adjoining mansions and apartment houses, their names resembling a page from the social register. She recited their hobbies and foibles, de- fining their social positions and their rela- tions with Willmer and the other two mem- bers of the triumvirate. She could recall no reason for enmity between any of them and her employer and guardian. Fenwick listened attentively, thoroughly enjoying her vivacity, the clearness of her enuncia- tion and the music of her lovely voice. “Now tell me something about Otis ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. King,” he requested. ‘‘ How does he stand in the estimation of Mr. Willmer? Has he ever had any trouble with Mr. Kirke?”’ A momentary blush was followed by a look of apparent reluctance. ‘The business of the triumvirate is co- lossal,” she advised slowly. ‘It is carried on throughout the world. Mr. Willmer is a remarkable executive. So was Mr. Kirke. The essential details of the business were always at their finger tips, and I have sel- dom seen them hesitate when a crisis arose. Mr. King was always taken into their con- fidence, but he was handicapped by lack of experience. Sometimes he disagreed with them. On such occasions his personality and that of Mr. Kirke would clash. They were often at odds, but Mr. Willmer is wonderfully persuasive and convincing, and he usually straightened things out.” “Have they had any recent disagree- ments? Kirke and King, I mean.” “No, Mr. Bell—none that I know of.” “You would probably know if they had?” he suggested. Again she blushed slightly. “J think not, Mr. Bell. We are just good friends, and Otis is not the man to discuss his business problems with a wo- man.” They were interrupted by Riggs. ‘““Mr. Corson to see you, sir.” “Do you mind if I have him in?” asked Charlie. “Not at all,” responded Lorraine. ‘ I’m really curious to see a great detective.”’ Riggs left the room, and the inspector strode in a moment later in his character- istic manner, a picture of vigor and keen- ness. “I beg pardon,” he murmured, observing the girl. ‘“‘ Allow me to present Inspector Corson, Miss Carewe,” introduced Fenwick. “Delighted, Miss Carewe,” acknowl- edged Corson. ‘‘I wouldn’t think of in- truding, but it’s rather important.” “Won't you join us?” invited the girl. “Thank you; I will have a sip of coffee, please. I’ve been going all night.” “Anything new or startling?” queried Fenwick. ‘Yes; the Newtown police have arrested Gomichbooks.com