The Argosy — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

THREE THEORIES OF A CRIME. 197 Dr. Throck was a large, handsome young man, smooth shaven, with a classic cut of features and large, intelligent blue eyes. He seemed strangely nervous when I opened the subject of the murder to him, ‘although I took it for granted that the matter could not be entirely new to him, as the papers had devoted the usual space to all manner of sensational stories regarding it. ‘“T can tell you nothing at all about her, Mr. Bright,’’ he said after a slight pause, during which he seemed to be reflecting, as if endeavoring to recall the circumstances of the woman’s supposed visit. ‘‘ We have many applications here from women who graduate as trained nurses, and I confess that I am unable to remember this particular one.’ » I was not at all satisfied with the doctor’s answer. It was usual for us to receive all the assistance possible from heads of public institutions in cases of this character, and I took umbrage immediately at the doctor’s apparent disinclination to further the ends of justice to that extent. ‘But do you not keep a record of all applications of this kind ?’’ I asked a little sharply, for I had gone to him for information and expected him to manifest a desire at least to accord it. “‘ Certainly,’’ he replied with more affability than he had yet evinced. ‘Jones !’’ he called through the half open door of his private office. The clerk entered. ‘“Jones,’’ said the doctor, ‘‘ bring me your application list.’’ The book was brought, and Jones stood by while Dr. Throck turned with apparent interest to the more recent entries. ‘“There is no one here by the name of Bella Seaford,’’ he remarked simply. . But I would not be baffled so easily. ‘“Ts it not possible,’’ I asked, ‘‘that if she had an enemy she may have registered under some other name? Jones,’’ I asked suddenly, thinking to elicit some information from the clerk, ‘‘do you remember the appearance of the women who have called here within the past ten days? ’’ ‘IT think I do, sir.’’ Before Jones could go any further the doctor peremptorily gave him an order which would take him into the hospital wards, but I interposed an objec- tion. Something about the doctor’s manner during the inquiry nettled me sorely. ‘Look you here, Dr. Throck,’’ I exclaimed with considerable emphasis, ‘‘] came here for certain information in a case of murder, and I want you to manifest a desire, at least, to-give it to me, or I’ll find a way myself to obtain it.’’ He looked troubled for an instant, then he smiled pleasantly as he re- plied : ‘‘I want you to feel assured, Mr. Bright, that everything we cau do to help you will be done. I merely thought the presence of Jones unnecessary, as I personally meet all applicants, and’’—with another very pleasant smile, which made me feel ashamed of myself for my hasty words—‘‘ my memory is always reliable.’’ ; Eomicbooks (S@)