Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-11


package of the securities.
Is this all of them?" inquired Carroll.
"All except about six hundred thousand
dollars worth which were in safety, deposit
vault farther up town." was the reply. :"
messenger is on his way with them now.
Carroll dismissed him with curt nod and
spilled the securities on the table before him.
Then he spoke to Swayne again. There was
singular softening of his tone-Swayne chose
to read it as hooking.
Really I'm very sorry, Mr. Swayne,' the
president said soothingly. Il had trusted
you to the utmost; indeed, dare say every
stakeholder in the company did, and whether
YOU are at fault or not now remains to be seen.
We know if those bonds are missing, as the
affidavit asserts, there may be Others missing,
and the entire amount will have to be verified.
l shall do that personally
Still Swayne didn't speak. There seemed
to he nothing to say. Once he glanced up
into the steady gaze which was directed
toward him, and relapsed Immediately into
his former position, with his head resting in his
hands.
Carroll. You are not prisoner This is a
matter that will not go to the poice-as yet
anyway. 1t would not be safe for our office
force to know what has happened. 1t might
precipitate disaster. Meanwhile go on about
your duties as if nothing has happened"
MY God, Charlie you don't believe l
stole them do you?" Swayne burst out at last
piteously as he rose to his feet.
That's the first time you have called me
BY that name since l have been president of
this company" Carroll remarked irrelevantly.
81 want to like you've always wanted to
like vou,-but of late you have wilfully an
tagonized me. Now, my first duty is here,
and he indicated the heap OF securities on his
desk Il must not be interrupted until l
have finished. 1t is necessary to you as to
me; so go on about your work. Atterward we'll
see what we can do
For an hour, perhaps, Swayne sat at his
desk gazing dreamily across the office. Halt
a dozen questions were asked; he didn't an
swer But slowly there subtle change
in his face; slowly some strong determine
ton seized upon him, and at last it brought
him to his feet with staring eyes. For only
an instant he hesitated over this idea which
had come to him, and then spoke to tie girl
in charge of the Office telephone exchange.
Connect booth with Central, he COM
manded sharply, then leave the exchange
there and don't answer ring under any cir
curnStances!'
Within less than minute Swayne was talk
ing to The Thinking Machine over the wire.
This is Gordon Swayne," he began abruptly.
"Something has happened, dom know what.
You told me might call on you II something
did happen. Can you come to the office at
once"
What happened?" demanded The Think
ing Machine irrtably.
I'm afraid it's a huge defalcation,'' was
the instant response. "Carro1 has locked
himself in the room from which he had dis
appeared previously, with millions of dollars
in securities which came into his possession
by trick and believe as firmly as | believe
I'm living that he has run away with them.
It's the only thing to account for his strange
actions. He went into the room an hour ago
I'd wager nv life he isn't there now"
why don't you rap on the door and ask
for him." came an imperturbable question.
Can you come at once?" demanded Swayne
abruptly.
III be there in fifteen minutes" was the
reply Don't do anything absurd until l
get there; and don't call the police because
you are probably only suffering from another
manifestation of that complaint with which
found you suffering before. Good by"
Swavne forced himself to calmness again,
and after few minutes wait raped quietly
On the door of the private office. There was
no response from inside He tried the door.
1t was locked 1t was just then that the door
from the hall opened, and The Thinking Ma
chine entered, peering about him curiously.
In tones subdued by sheer force, Swayne
related the incidents of the morning in
detail
Il believe-I know-Carroll has stolen
those securitiesp' Swayne burst out at last.
"What shall l dor"
For minute or more The Thinking Machine
sat silently squirting upward with white
fingers at rest tip to tip, then he rose and re-
adjusted his glasses.