Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-29

Easy. lad, easy" he cautioned.
Don't lose your head! I've made In
vestigations in Pittsburg. and I'm go
ing TO question Mr.. Pinckney myself"
With q desperate effort under the re-
-straining hand Sommers regained his
self control. His mind began to work
again logically, shrewdly. He saw
what he had to do and how he must
help this friendly officer.
May 1 ask when you were in Pitts
burg did you question a man named
Marsh?"
You mean the draughtsman? No."
replied Bradley. do you think he
knew anything of it?'
Sommers shook his head in puzzled
fashion.
HE may have known something. He
ought to. He was there"
Ibid you ever see a Mr.. Rhinestrom
about there?' asked Bradley next.
Sommers still looked puzzled.
mo; didn't see him. but heard
interested in the gun Rhinestrom had
invented"
Bradley looked keenly at the naval
officer
"Oh, 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 GOODNESS
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 you?" he asked.
United States secret service man
detailed on the Sommers gun case"
came the quick reply.
Pinckney suppressed an involuntary
start
"Oh, 1 see,'' he said. I'm down
right sorry. Most unfortunate affair.
indeed. But what can 1 do?"
Bradley smiled pleasantly.
wig. answer n 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 smile.
"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 I should make q thorough in
vestigation at the works in Pittsburg
when / return. He is anxious to do
all in his power to help me find 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 to get to Pittsburg
as quickly as he could to see Marsh
anu COVeT up Ill tTdChS DeIOfe ne an
swered any questions.
Cant you defer all questions until
the investigation in Pittsburgh" he
suggested. I'm in great hurry, and
in Pittsburg I will have all facts be-
fore me and can answer fully"
BUT Bradley was a man not to be
denied.
Il should prefer asking one or two
now" he said and without Whiting for
response put his first query bluntly.
what is your belief, Mr.. Pinckney,
as to the cause OF this unfortunate
action?"
"sfy beiiefT' said the general man.
aser blankly.
Eyes. Do you think the gun was
killed in the tempering bath at your
arsenalT'
Pinckney's face flushed
81 do not" he retorted angrily. 81
think the gun was constructed on
theory, and the theory was unsound."
Sommers, standing by, made a quick,
angry movement, but a sharp look
from Bradley restrained him. The
secret service man was apparently
very much interested and thoroughly
willing to accept Pinckney,s idea.
In fact, agreeing with people was
part of Bradfey's stock In trade, and,
in fact, in Washington it was generally
admitted that this particular star o.
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