The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1901-11-26

whom he had presumably wished to
escape? There seemed to be no plaus-
ible answer to this question
But Sturgis was not given much
time in which to consider it; for Muir
dock, who had waited for him to
breach the subject of his interview,
now coldly remarked
Perhaps, Mr.. Sturgis, you will be
good enough to inform me to what
l owe the honor of this visit?"
Sturgis took as pretext the first
subject which came into his mind.
Doctor" said he, II have been told
that you We're engaged in series of
brilliant chemical researches; that
you had proved, or were on the point
of proving, that several, at least, of
the so-called elementary metals are
compounds; thus ushering in the
realization of the dream of the al
chemists-the transmutation of met
ais
''You have not come here to inter
view me on the subject of my chemical
researches" laughed Murdoch
why not?'
Because / gave you credit for pos
sessing the scientific spirit. A man
spends years in making a series of ex-
haustive experiments, and refrains
from advancing any theory until he
has built up an elaborate monument of
cold facts; and you ask him TO make
premature report, to be spread broad
cast in a sensational sheet. with all the
embellishments which an unbridled re-
portorial imagination can add to it.
No, sir. my report. when it is ready,
will be made through the proper chan
nels. l am surprised that one who
passes for a 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 a smile:
81 am not man of science now, but
only reporter"
SIN that case replied Murdoch. "let
US talk of something else. 1 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
omous sarcasm to which he was now
accustomed from this strange man.
He raised his eyes to those of the chem
list, and for the space of a 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 a 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 mild curiosity.
is anything the matter, Mr.. Stur-
gis?" he asked.
"Only sudden thought" carelessly
replied Sturgis, who to all appearances
had. completely recovered from the mo-
mentary shock produced by the sud
denness of the suspicion which had
crossed his mind. Your mention of
the Knickerbocker bank mystery re-
minded me of something. that is all.
Ever since Sprague's dinner said
Murdock. 81 have been devoting all my
spare time to the reading OF the Tenn
pest, in the hope of finding there SEN
sational account with glazing head
lines, of the brilliant work of our dis
tinguished reporter, Mr.. Sturgis.'"
Sturgis made no reply. Hiseyes were
fixed upon the typewriter which stood
near Murdock's desk.
up to the present time" continued
Murdock, Il have not seen anything to
cause me to worry about my stakes"
Il have still IS days in which to com
plete my case said sturgis.
''True." replied Murdoch. well,
wish you luck. If | can render you any
assistance in your Investigations |
hope you will call upon me. In the
cause of science | would willingly jeop-
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, il is quite
complete"
He observed the reporter narrowly,
as if to mark the effect OF his words.
ut is replied Sturgis, after an al
most imperceptible hesitation; Il have
already admired it,"
'mdeed?" said Murdoch, arching his
brows in mild surprise.
YES; l stepped into the library for
few minutes while l was waiting for
YOU
"Ah! yes; l see
Murdoch gave the reporter another
searching look Then he leant back
in his easy chair with half-closed eyes
and silently pulled away at his cigar
for il few minutes.
Had Sturgis been able to read the
sinister thoughts which were passing
through The mind of this impassive
man as he sat apparently in lazy en-
Iii f,..,