The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1900-09-14

east in a sensational sheet, with all the
embellishments which an unbridled re-
portorial imagination can add to 1t.
No, sir, my report, when II is ready,
will be made through the proper chan
nels. am surprised that one who
passes for man of science should be
willing to make such request"
If Murdoch intended to gall the re-
porter. he succeeded; for, modest as he
was. Sturgis prided himself above all
things upon the scientific value of his
work in all its aspects. He manifested
no external sign of annoyance, how
ever, as he answered. with n smile:
81 am not man of science now, but
only a reporter"
"ln that case" replied Murdoch, "let
us talk of something else. | should be
pleased to discuss my chemical re-
searches with Mr.. Sturgis, the scientist;
but with Mr.. Sturgis, the reporter, |
should prefer to talk about something
in his line of knowledge; let me see,
shall we say the Knickerbocker bank
mystery, for instance?"
The reporters ear detected the ven
OInOuS SuTCuSll W W lllCll lt was nOh
accustomed from this strange man.
lie raised his eyes to those of the chem
list, and for the space of few seconds
the two men looked steadily into each
others souls.
Then a sudden light flashed across
Sturgis' brain. and he started percepti-
bly,. At the same time he thought he
saw n shadow cross Murdock's impas-
sive features; but in this he might have
been mistaken, for when he looked
again the chemist was regarding him
with an air of mid curiosity.
as anything the matter, Mr.. Stur-
gis?' he asked.
"Only n sudden thought" carelessly
replied Sturgis. who to all appearances
had completely recovered from the mo-
mentary shock produced by the sud-
denness of the susu cion which had
crossed his mind. Your mention of
the Knickerboc1cr bank mystery re-
minded me of sc#e'hiug, that is all"
Ever since Sprague's dinner" said
Murdoch, IL have len devuting all my
spare time to the reading OF the Tenn
pest, in the hope of finding there a SEN
sational account. with glazing head
lines, of the brilliant work of our dis
tinguished reporter, Mr.. Sturgs.'"
Sturgis made no reply. His eyes were
fixed upon the typewriter which stood
near Murdock's desk.
up to the present time" continued
Murdoch, 81 have not seen anything to
cause me to worry about my stakes"
81 have still 2s days in which TO com
plete my case" said Sturgis.
True" replied Murdoch. "Well,
wish you luck. If l can render YOU any
assistance in your Investigations |
hope you will call upon me. In the
cause of science would willingly ieop-
ardize my stakes. For instance. If you
need to consult any works of reference
my library is at your disposal. | am
told that, at least on the subjects in
which you are interested, it is quite
complete"
He observed the reporter narrowly,
as if to mark the effect of his words.
at is" replied Sturgis, after an al
most imperceptibe hesitation; II have
already admired it,"
indeed'' sad Murdoch, arching his
orows III mild surprise.
Aes' / stepped INTO the library for
rev minutes while was waiting for
you
an! yes; l see
Murdoch gave the reporter another
searching look. Then he lcaut back
IN his easy chair with haIi-cIosed eyes
ana silently PulIed away at his cigar
for few minutes
liau SturgiS been able to read the
SINISTER thoughts which were passing
through the mind OF this impressive
man as he sat apparently IN lazy en-
Joyment OF his fragrant Havana, it is
probable that he might have lost some