The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-10-05
(ContinuQ6l

x1JliSd 6faQley. Do you tuuaA Ac knew anything ofsit?'
 somn.ers shook his head in puzzled fashion.
 ssHe may have known something. He ought to. He was there."
 ssDid you ever see MT. Rhinestrom about theref' asked Bradley next
 Sommers still looked puzzled
 "No; didn't see him, but heard great deal of him. Marsh was greatly interested in the gun Rhinestrom had invented''
 Bradley looked keenly at the naval officer.
 ssOh, Marsh was interested in that gun? But you never saw Rhinestrom about there ?" he said significantly.
 Again there came that startling flash to Sommers. He began to suspect just how blind he had been, but before he could say another word Pinckney came out quickly from the hotel. The gen. eral manager stopped. surprised at sight of the naval lieutenant.
 How are you, Sommers| he said coldly.
 Sommers bowed with equal coldness as Bradley stepped in between the two men, AI've been most anxious to see you, Mir. Pinckney."s the secret service agent began.
 Pinckney looked at him, surprised.
 s'Who are you P he asked.
 United States secret service man detailed on the Sommers gun case" |" came the quick reply.
 Pinckney suppressed an involuntary start. .sOh, I see,' he said. "I'm down right sorry Most unfortunate affair, indeed. But what can dol?
 Bradley smiled pleasantly.
 .sWhy, answer a few questions, if you will, he suggested.
 The general manager could not keep down all expression of annoyance, but he knew 1t would never do to com pletely antagonize the secret service man on the case, so he forced an apol- ogy for a smile. z W EsTsi'p ssas "Of course, with pleasure But I'm rather pushed for time. We sail al- most immediately"
 "In that case. I'll begin at once.''
 He turned to the government agent undisturbed.
 "Mr. Durant has kindly consented that should make thorough in vestigation at the works in Pittsburg when I return. He is anxious to do all in bis power to, help me find upon whom the blame rests"
 The general manager drew himself up- < < <. e.
 0T<Jan1a fe said Sfarnlv
 'sYes, blame." was tue pointed reply. Again Pinckney made move for delay. He wanted to get to Pittsburg as quickly as he could to see Marsh and cover up all tracks before he an- swered any questions.
 Cant you defer all questions until the investigation in Pittsburgg' he suggested, "Ism in great hurry, and in Pittsburg will have all facts be- fore me and can answer fully
 But Bradley was q man not to be denied
 q should prefer asking one or two now" he said and without waiting for response put his first query blHntly
 What is your belief, MT. Pinckney, as to tue cause of this unfortunate action T'
 My belief?' said the general man. ager blankly.
 s'Yes. Do you think the gun was killed in the tempering bath at your arsenal:''
 Pinckney's face flushed
 q do not,D he retorted angriIy. "I think the gun was constructed on theory, and the theory was unsound." !" Semmers, standing by, made quick, angry movement, but a sharp look from Bradley restrained him. The secret service man was apparently very much interested and thoroughly willing fO accept Pinckney's idea.
 In fact, agreeing with people was part of Bradley's stock in trade, and, in fact, in Washington it was generally admitted that this particular star of the secret service bureau could agree with more people and get more in formation without offense than any man in the service. Now. apparently, he was Pinckney's friend
 'sM'm-yery interesting" he said. s'Now, what do you think of the Rhine strom gun, MT. PinckneyT
 Pinckneys looked at his questioner sharply, but the face before him showed only bland agreement and casual interest.
 q consider the Rhinestrom gun the best gun that has been invented" said the general manager firmly.
 The face of the government agent continued to show bland interest only. And have you controlled the patents of the Rhinestrom gunT"
 sThe Durapt steel works control them,s corrected the general manager. "And you have a large government order for the Rhinestrom gun now that the Sommers gun is out of the way?" persisted the unruffied ques- tioner.
 Pinckney had been losing more and more of his self control as each sue ceeding home tsrust struck him.
 t'I don't like what that question inn plies, sir,'' he exclaimed angrily.
 Bradley made a slight conventional nod
 tTm sorry," he said indifferently.
 The conspirator had begun to real