The Argosy for May — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

THE TIME FOR ACTION... his crime was known, and the pursuit begun. Then, with a better comprehension of the situation, a malignant light kindled in his eye, and he raised his hand to hide the smile of triumph which flick- ered across his lips. “Yes, certainly I know this man,” he replied to the questions addressed to him; “but it is equally certain that I do not know what he was doing in my room.” As he spoke,~he turned the key in the lock, and, as he switched on the light, turned instinctively toward the desk. With a sharp exclamation, he sprang forward and thrust his hand into the rifled compartment. “Good Heavens!” he cried. “I have been robbed of ten thousand dol- lars in bonds!” The poltceman stepped quickly back to Rock and, reaching into his inside coat-pocket, held up the envelope. “Ts these thim ?P2’ he asked. “Then come wid me, my gay joker,” clapping down a hand of authority on his prisoner’s shoulder. ‘‘ Th’ capt’n be wantin’ to see yez down at th’ station- house!” (Oe ee eee ee CHAPTER X. HELD FOR EVIDENCE, Harry realized the futility of attempt- ing any defense at that stage of the pro- ceedings, and therefore accompanied his captor quietly and with the best grace he could muster over to the police station. Arrived there, however, he imme- diately asked for an interview with the captain, and made a clean breast of the whole affair, at least so far as the bonds were concerned. His own trouble on account of the draft, he somewhat dole- fully reflected, would become known soon enough. The captain was naturally a bit in- credulous of the story recited to him; but, being favorably impressed with the seeming frankness of the young prisoner, finally consented that George Ramsey should be telephoned to come down. The distressing information came back, however, that Mr. Ramsey was quite ill with a severe sick headache and . gether. 215 could not be disturbed on any account. ‘Would not his presence on the morrow serve as well? “Every bit as well, as far as I am concerned,’ commented the captain; ‘but it’s a shade rough on you, if you’re innocent, Mr. Rock, for under the cir- cumstances I shall of course have to lock you up.” “Oh, that’s all right,’ rejoined Harry, thinking involuntarily that with- in a very short time the experience might become a by no means novel one to him. “The chief point of interest with me is to know that the bonds are safe, and you will take good-care of them?” “Oh, yes; they will be as secure here as they would in your vault over at the Thirty-Fourth National.” Corning, who had been sitting across the room, pretending to be serenely con- temptuous of Rock’s charges against him, jumped up as though he were shot. ‘Secure here?” he gasped. ‘ Do you mean to fell me that I cannot have my property, now that the thief is under arrest ?”” | : “Certainly not. Those bonds. will have to be held as evidence until the case is finally adjudicated.” “Oh, but I say,” in agitated protest, “that will never do. Why, I need those bonds to put through an important busi- ness deal to-morrow; absolutely must have them.” “Can’t help that, Mr. Corning, You've had this man arrested on the evidence of those bonds being in his possession, and now they will have to remain with us until the court decides to whom they do belong.” “But I will withdraw the charge,” cried Corning eagerly. ‘I will decline to prosecute.” All his debonair assumption was gone now. His face was gray, and his hands trembled as he knotted his fingers to- If he could not secure the bonds and market them, he saw where a swift retribution waited for him. ‘Yes, I withdraw the charge,” he re- peated almost hysterically. “Then,” said the captain, a glint of a teasing twinkle in his eye, “ you admit that the bonds belong to Mr. Rock, eh, their having been in his possession being prima facie proof of his ownership?” E® DOO AMUG S (C@