Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

166 “Do you know where the balance of the money is, Dykeman?” asked Mr. Layard, merely as a matter of form. ‘No more than you do, sir,” was the reply. A searching investigation was made, but the balance of the money could not be found anywhere. Superintendent Layard questioned Dykeman over and over again, but of course could learn nothing more than the latter had al- ready told. “ This is a case that will have to be turned over to the law,” concluded the superintendent, with regret; “but 1f you will give me your word, Dykeman, that you will not leave here, [I will see that you are not taken into custody, and will give my bond for your appear- ance when you are needed.” “Thank you,” murmured Dash, gratefully and considerably relieved ; “T will stay right here, and be ready to answer at any time.” “Do not say anything about this matter to anybody,” added Mr. Lay- ard, turning to Forsdyke and Kinney. “T will see the proper officers and take their advice.” After the others had gone, Dykeman straightened up his room and repacked his trunk. He then began his duties of the day, though he did everything in a mechanical sort of way, and was so stunned by the revelations of the morn- ing that he seemed to move about as if in a dream. The whole thing was like a horrible nightmare, from which he could not convince himself he would not awake. He was astounded at Forsdyke’s vil- lainy, and wondered why the latter should do such a thing. The express agent was undoubtedly wholly respon- sible for the vile plot, and Kinney was only his innocent tool. | As Dykeman thought of the former, his heart throbbed, and his blood boiled with indignation and anger. It was well that Forsdyke kept out of the agent’s way that day, or he might have received an addition to the contusion THE ARGOSY. on his forehead, in spite of Dykeman’s promise to the superintendent to re- frain from pugilistic methods. While this dark cloud was hovering over Dykeman’s prospects, another was gathering in nature about him. The weather had been unusually hot and sultry. Not a breath of air had stirred ali day long, and there was a leaden haze covering the whole sky. There was an oppressive quietness in the very air that seemed to make dumb animals droop, and to cause the leaves to hang motionless and wilted looking upon the trees. The least sound seemed to be heard with singular distinctness remarkable distances, and the telegraph wires gave forth a dull moaning and vibrating noise. Weather wise travelers, who took the train that day shook their heads and predicted a storm of unusual violence. The unprecedented calm and sultriness certainly seemed to presage a warring of the elements. Dykeman had just finished making his reports, which closed his day’s work, and was about starting to sup- per, when word was brought that the night operator was sick and could not go on duty that night. | As the agent could not spare his day operator, he agreed with the latter that they should divide the night between them—the day man to work till mid- night and he the balance of the trick till morning, so both could be on duty. the next day. If the night operator was no better in the morning, they could arrange to have a man sent down in time to take his place the next night. Dykeman had no inclination to go down to Mrs. Handiford’s to see Dor- othy that evening, though he felt more like making a confidant of her in his trouble than any one else; but as it was necessary that he should get as much rest and sleep as possible before re- lieving the day operator at twelve o’clock, he decided it was best not to make a call, and sought his bed at an early hour. COM Goo eo