Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-11-13

invented"
Bradley looked keenly at the naval
officer.
-oh. Marsh was interested In that
gun? But you never saw Rhinestrom
about thereY'' be said significantly.
Again there came that startling fash
to Sommers. he began 10 suspect just
how blind he had been, but before be
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. SommersT' be said
coldly.
as Bradley stepped In between the two
men.
i've been most anxious to see you.
Mr. Pinckney," the secret service agent
began.
Pinckney looked at him. surprised.
who are youg' be asked.
United States secret service man
detailed on the Sommers gun case
came the quick reply.
Pinckney suppressed an involuntary
start
Lob. 1 see" he said. I'm down
right sorry. Most unfortunate affair.
indeed But what can | dog"
Bradley smiled pleasantly
why. answer a few questions. IL
you will" he suggested.
The general manager could not keep
down all expression OF annoyance. but
be knew II would never do 10 com
pletely antagonize the secret service
man on the case, so he forced an apol-
ogy for smile
"Of course. with pleasure But I'm
rather pushed for time. We sail al
most Immediately"
"In that case. III begin Mt once"
He turned TO the government agent
undisturbed
''Mr. Durant has kindly consented
| that I should make thorough in
vestigation ut the works 10 Pittsburg
when I return. He is anxious 20 do
all IN his power 20 help me tind upon
whom the blame rests"
The general manager drew himself
up.
Blame" he said sternly.
Eyes. blame" was the pointed reply.
Again Pinckney made a move for
| delay. He wanted 20 get to Pittsburg
as quickly as be could to see Marsh
and cover up all tracks before be an
swered any questions
| Cant you defer all questions until
the Investigation 10 Pittsburgh ne
| suggested. I'm IN great hurry, and
! In Pittsburg | viii have all facts be
! fore me and can answer fully"
But Bradley was man not TO be
denied
Il should prefer asking one or two
now" he said and without waiting for
response put his first query bluntly.
what is your belief. Mr.. Pinckney,
as 20 the cause OF this unfortunate
actiOu?"
My beIIefy" said the general man
agcr blankly.
yes. DO you think the gun was
killed In the tempering bath at your
arsenalT"
Pnckney's face flushed.
Il do not" he retorted ang0ly. Il
think the gun was constructed on
theory. and the theory was unsound."
Sommers, standing by. made q quick.
I angry movement but n sharp look
! from Bradley restrained him. Tho
secret service man was apparently
/ very much interested and thoroughly
willing 70 accept Pinckney's idea.
In fact. agreeing with people was
part or Bradley's stock In trade, and.
In fact, In Washington Il 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.
"Mm-very interesting" he said.
Now. what do you think OF the Rhine
strom gun, Mr.. FinckneyY
Pinckney looked at his Questioner
sharply. but the face before him
showed only bland agreement and
casual interest.
IL consider the Rhinestrom gun the
! p 81, 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
The Durant steel works control
/ them" corrected the general manager.
And you have large government
order for the Rhinestrom gun now
that the Sommers gun is out Of the
way" persisted the unrufied ques-
/ toner.
Pinckney had been losing more and
more OF his self control as each sue
ceeding home thrust struck him.
Il don't Ike what that question i'm
plies. sir" be exclaimed angrily.
Bradley made a slight conventional
nod.
I'm sorry" he said indifferently.
The conspirator had begun to real
lie be was fencing a strong. shrewd
antagonist and IL would not do to lose
his temper. so he FASTENED TO explain.
I'VE had the Rhinestrom order be-
fore the Sommers gun was forged"
who is Rhinestrom?' commanded
Bradley. With sudden sternness that
4 took the general manager completely
! by surprise. Pinckney had not antics-
pated that question. For a moment