The Argosy — page 105: what you’re looking at

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

go Mrs. Raven’s Temptation. ‘*T will answer everything I can,” readily assented Frank. ‘ But, in the meantime, I’m afraid that first train from Coltburn will have started, and she will have got her chance of leaving the town.” ‘Oh, that’s all right,” said the officer, re-assuringly. ‘‘ One of our men was sent to the station at once. And now to business. You never saw this person before to-day, sir? ” ‘“ Never, to my knowledge,” answered Frank. ‘* And what made you go to her P” ‘Tl went partly to oblige some friends of mine,” said Frank. ‘‘ They had seen her, and had been puzzled by her; and, in her inter- view with them, she described me, and said she wished to see me. I dare say I should not have gone, but one of the young ladies had got nervous about the woman, and I really went hoping to bring back proofs that she was but a chattering impostor. And so that’s how it was.” ‘And had this woman anything special to tell you, sir?” ‘She told me something—something which she believed I knew as a secret.” ‘‘ And —-— ?” both listeners were waiting intently for the answer. “It was something I had never heard of—something I believe to be entirely false,” said Frank. ‘‘Can you tell us what it was ?” ‘*T would rather not—unless it is absolutely necessary. I believe it is false, utterly and absolutely. In fact, a made-up lie.” ‘“Nothing more likely, sir. Only the form of the he might help us to search for its source, as well as for the rest of the information © and the possession of the ring—all of which are puzzling you.” ‘Was this information—this secret—given with a view of tendering you any advice?” spoke up the silent Mr. Cran. Frank started. This man had been hitherto so nearly mute, that his voice, at once touching the right key, sounded like that of an oracle. ‘The detective noticed the start, and thought within himself that with a little extra knowledge of human nature and the world, anybody could set up for a witch. “Tt was,” said Frank, answering the question with a slight hesi- tancy, for he detested the thought of Evelyn Agate as a possible wife. A short pause ensued. And when the next question came, Frank began to wonder whether these men had the power to read people’s thoughts, as the woman professed to have. “On the subject of marriage, probably ?” spoke the reticent Mr. Cran. ‘* V—e—-s,” said Frank, trying to look cool and unconcerned. ‘Excuse me, sir,” said the detective, ‘‘but have you any idea of following the advice offered you?” ‘Certainly not,” said Frank, sharply. ‘¢ And this secret, that she thought you knew, she called a fact, I presume? Was it of grave import?” ECOPMICLIOO KS, EO)