Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-03

who was wanted was operator well, and
able to read the unwritten message the regular
operator was sending,-a message, understand,
which meant capture and punishment that
a motive for murder?
This is all partly conjecture, partly fact
merely discussion of the possibilities. Still,
the capture of the guilty person may be sim
pie; but it may be tedious. When l hear
from"
There was sharp ringing of the telephone
bell in the next. room. The scientist rose
abruptly and went out After few minutes
he returned.
You allowed Miss Belingdame to leave the
Uranus motor boat, l understand before
you docked?" he inquired placidly.
Yes. replied Captain Delhi. She re-
would perhaps be best as she was very
i'll and weak from the shock following the
tragedy"
Il shall be able to put my conjectures to
test at once then, said The Thinking Machine
as he put on his hat First, must ask some
pose you gentlemen wait for me at police head
quartersl | shall be there in hour or so.
The Thinking Machine and Hutchinson
Hatch, reporter, were sitting together in
small reception room adjoining the telegraph
Office in the Hotel Teutonic. Opposite them
Miss Belingdame. still pale and weary
looking, with traces of grief on her face.
Our close relationship with Mr.. lngraham
condolences at this time" The Thinking Ma
chine was saying glibly; and at the same
time to ask if could be of any service to
your"
Il appreciate the feeling; but hardly think
there is anything you do" Miss Belling-
dame responded; unless, indeed. it is to re
leve me of the painful task of taking charge of
the body, and"
Just what was going to suggest, inter
rupted the little scientist. with your per-
mission l shall send telegram at once to
friends at home and tell them to make the
preparations. If you will excuse me!" and he
rose.
Miss Bellingdame nodded, and he went to
the small window of the telegraph Office, wrote
despatch, and handed it in After moment
he resumed his seat
:" 1t is singular;that Charlie should never have
mentioned your name in his letters home,
continued The Thinking Machine as he dropped
back into his chair.
well, our acquaintance was rather brief, ;"
replied Miss Bellingdame. met him abroad.
and at his suggestion came directly over with
him. Now that everything has happened.
hardly know just what l shall do next.
The telegraph sounder clicked sharply, and
distinctly.
And when were you to have been married."
interrupted the scientist gently
Miss Bellingdame was listening intenty.
Married." she repeated absently. "Oh, yes,
we were TO nave Oeen TO Ue SURF
Hatch strove vainly to read the expression
which was creeping into her face. She was
leaning forward, gripping the arms of the chair
in which she sat with wide. staring frightened
eyes, and every instant her face grew whittier.
Suddenly she rose.
Really you must pardon me- she gasped
hurriedly. 81 am il!''
She turned quickly and almost out of
the room. The Thinking Machine walked out
and into the arms of Detective Mallory in the
lobby.
Are your men placed?" demanded the
scientist abruptly.
yes" was the complacent answer did
it work."
at worked" replied The Thinking Machine
enigmatically. Come on. Let go to head
quarters.
The Thinking Machines conjecture was
faulty only in one point, and that was his sur
mise that the message which had been sent at
night from the Uranus after the murder had
been to counteract the message which Ingra-
ham was sending when he was killed. In
stead, Miss Bellingdame, herself an operator,
had picked up the wireless station ashore and
ordered a motor boat out to meet her and take
her off Every other statement was correct
as he had stated it.
And simple he told Hatch and Captain
Delhi. Mr.. Hatch, to whom l teephoned