The Argosy — page 35: what you’re looking at

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

The Mystery of Allan Grale. 5 “What do you mean by transactions ? ” demanded Edgar, a shade of imitation in his tone. “You must pardon me,” said the Doctor. ‘ Of course you can refuse to answer my questions, if you choose. Did you borrow any more money from him?—or did you even seek to borrow any more ? ” “Oh!” ejaculated Edgar, with apparently relieved surprise. “ No, certainly I never did.” ‘To put it very plainly to you, Edgar,” said Dr. Palmer, “ do you know where young Grale now Is ?” Edgar Vivian averted his face. ‘‘No, Dr. Palmer, I do not.” Perhaps it was only the gesture which gave an indistinctness and uncertainty to his tone. But somehow Dr. Palmer did not feel satis- fied with the answer. “Have you any idea that he left home in an abrupt and secret manner ? ” “IT know nothing about his leaving home,” said Edgar Vivian, curtly. ‘““ My dear young friend,” went on the Doctor, almost piteously, for he did not like his role of inquisitor, “do you know anything which you are willing to tell? If so, tell it at once and spare these questions. If not, say so, and still spare them.” Edgar walked on in silence for some paces. His usually bright face looked dark. “ I know nothing which it is in my power to tell you, Dr. Palmer. At least not until I know why I am asked—and possibly not then.” The Doctor could have groaned with disappointment. “ Will you answer this one question,” he said. ‘“‘ Has there not been some communication between you and Allan Grale since his departure ? ” Edgar Vivian visibly hesitated. ‘‘ Yes,” he said, with constraint, ‘‘Y suppose you may believe so. But under present circumstances I cannot say anything about that.” ° “Have you directed a parcel to him—to wait at the station of Corrabuin until called for ? ” “Dr. Palmer, I most earnestly beg of you not to put further questions to me.” “ Mr. Grale is anxious about his son,” stated the Doctor, forlornly, feeling that he was fighting some intangible influence adverse to his purpose. “I suppose you mean me to be at liberty to tell him all you have told me.” “Yes, 1f you like. I have told you very little.” They had reached a cross-road, and they instinctively paused to part there. Edgar continued, with something of compunction in his tone. “It isn’t my own affair you have been asking me abont, Doctor. We must not be too frank with other people's business.” “You have to!d me plenty that will interest Mr. Grale, in saying GOMMGIO@ S (C(O)