Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-03

here" protested Marsh.
Pinckney shook his head impatient
~.
Don't be foolish. Marsh. You saw
him and talked to him. He questioned
you here nearly a month ago. His
name was Bradley"
Marsh. thoroughly frightened at the
idea of secret service men working OF
a case. could only redouble his pro.
test
az haven't seen him. ] haven't talked
to anybody | didn't know in month
Pinckney gave a relieved sigh.
Then he bIuffed me-" he said. "But
now listen. This investigation is com
ing off today. We're all right. II you
keep your head for half an hour you
can't go wrong. And we begin work
on a government contract for the
Rhinestrom tomorrow"
What must say?' inquired the in.
ventor of the Rhinestrom gun weakly.
Swear that Smith was drunk and
say that I and Sommers were in the
furnace room when the gun went into
the tempering bath. Then Bradley
can't prove anything to save his life
Don't let him brighten you. He'll try
to, but keep your nerve. If he asks
you about the Rhinestrom gun don't
know anything about it,
Marsh. naturally nervous, was now
trembling with fear.
You know of those killed and
wounded. Mr.. Pinckney. We both de
serve states prison for it."
Pinckney grabbed the little man by
the shoulder to shake some courage
into him.
Don't get chicken hearted. you FOOL
he cried angrily. 81 feel as bad about
the accident as you do. but we can't
think of that now. It's states prison
or q fortune for you. Marsh. Now
keep your nerve. How did we know
the gun was going to explode? ! never
thought it would stand the test at the
proving ground. Come on in the office
and I'll give you a drink to brace
you"
They were still In the inner room
when Bradley. cool and debonair. as
usual. Strolled into the outer Office.
"How are you:" he said genially &c
Maize O'Rrien. the pretty stenogra.
pher. pegging away in one corner at
her machine. Il was looking for Mr.
Pinckney."
"He'S in the inner Office with Mr..
Marsh responded the girl.
Bradley nodded.
Sure He sent for Marsh as soon as
he came. didn't he:"
Eyes" replied the girl curiously
How did you know that?"
Bradley smiled
Mind reader he suggested. Their
added. with a serious explanation. al
have an engagement with him. so
thought they'd be waiting for me-"
Shall tell him you are here?'
asked the stenographer.
Bradley made hasty objection.
"Oh. no: don't bother. I'll wait til
they get through | was just going tC
see them on a little business about the
Rhinestrom gun. And that reminds me
Give me Mr.. RhinestTom's address
won't you? l have to drop him & let
ter"
"Rhinestrom's address, she asked
cu-iously.
The man nodded.
Sure. Rhinestrom. the inventor OF
the gun they're making here. Can't
you give me his address? II you don't
it look at the last letter you
sent him"
why. I've never sent him any let
ters," Maize returned curiousIy. IF
you want his address. why don't you
get it from Mr.. Pinckney:'
Bradley smiled.
That's a good idea" be said. an
just do that. You take all Mr.. Pinck-
ney's dictation. don't your
The girl had begun to wonder at the
Bradley looked well and
was pleasant. But what did he want?
Yes, 1 take Mr.. Pinckney's dicta-
ton" she agreed cautiously.
And he's never written to Rhine
den sternness.
For a moment the girl Jared up.
Say. who are you anyhow? What
do you want? Are you trying to pump
me?"
Her questioner smiled blandly.
"Oh. please don't suggest such a
thing" he said. Pm going in the
works now TO see a man named O'Lea-
~. When Mr.. Durant comes tell him
that Mr. Bradley of the secret service
Is in the works. then send for me.
Much obliged for what you
had to tell me-"
Maize O'Brien leaned back in her
chair. looking after Bradley with a
curious expression on her face.
''Well, what do you think of that?"
she said to herself at last in astonish- /!
nent Him a detective! Well. he's g |