Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-11-18

works N charge Of Bradley to ferret
out the truth
pinckncy. with a few hours start.
hurried to the works as fast as posi-.
bio. He wanted TO meet Marsh before
the investigation began. He must
know what Marsh had told Bradley.
Their stories must agree. But the first
blnrted question brought another sur.
prise to the chief conspirator.
az haven't seen any secret service
man. There hasn't been any around
here" protested Marsh.
Pnckney shook his head impsticn
ly.
Don't he foolish. Marsh. You saw
him and talked to him. lie questioned
you here nearly month ago. His
name was Bradley"
Marsh. thoroughly frightened at the
idea Of secret service men working on
case, could only rclouble his pro.
test.
81 haven't seen him. ! haven't talked
TO anybody didn't know in a month"
Plnckney gave relieved sigh
"rhcn he hluffed me-" he said. "But
now listen. This investigation Is com
Ing Oft today. We're all right II you
keep your head for half an hour you
cant go wrong. And we begin work
on government contract for the
Hhinestrom tomorrow"
What must say" inquired the in
vontor of tho Rhincstrom gun weakly.
say that and Sommers were in the
furnace room when the gun went into
the tcmpcring bath. Then Bradley
can't prove anything TO save his life.
Don't let him brighten You. He'll try
to, but keep yonr 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."
Pinckncy grabbed the little man by
the shoulder to snake some courage
into him
Don't get chicken hearted, you fool"
Nv tIl'u "HSihS. ietl 'tS Dtt aDout
the accident as you do. but we can't
think of that now. It's states prison
or fortune for you. Marsh. Now
keep your nerve. How did we know
the gun was going IN explode? l 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"
Th"y were stlll in the inner room
when Bradley cool aDd debonair. as
usual. stroled into the outer office.
How are you:" he said genially to
Maize O'Rricn. the pretty stenogra-
rhor. peg9ing away in one corner at
her machine. ~ was looking for Mr.
pinckncy."
Hes in the inner Office with Mr.
Marsh responded the girl.
Bradley nodded.
"Sure. TIE sent for Marsh as soon as
he came. didn't he?"
yes" replied the girl curiously.
"Iow did you know that?"
Bradley smiled.
Mind reader" he suggested. then
added, with 4 serious explanation. T
have an engagement with him. so
thought they'd be waiting for me-"
Shall tell him you are here?"
asked the 81 nnographcr.
Bradley made hasty objection.
"Oh, no; don't bother. I'll wait ill
they set through. | was just going TO
scp them on a little business abour the
RhncstrOm gun. And that reminds me.
Give me Mr. Rhinestrom's address.
won't you: I have 10 drop him let
ter"
"Rhlnestrom's address," she asked
ouriousiy
The man nodded.
"Sure. Rh.nestrom. the inventor Of
the gun they're making here. Can't
YOU give me his address! If you don't
remember it look at the last letter you
sent him."
why. I've never sent him any let
ters," Maize returned curiously. IF
you want his address. why don't you
get it from Mr.. pinckncy;"
Bradley smiled
"Thnts good idea" he said. "Pll
just do that. You take all Mr. Pinck-
news dictaiion. don't you:"
The girl had begun 10 wonder at the
questioning. BRADLEY looked well and
was pleasant. But what did he want?
Yes. | take Mr. Pincbney's dicta-
ton" she agreed cautiously.
And he's never written to Rhine
strOm:" dena nied BRADLEY, with sad.
den sternneSS
For moment the girl Jared up.
Say. who are you anyhow? What
TO you want: Are you trying 10 pump
me:"
Her Nuestioner smiled blandly
"Oh. please don't suggest such 4
thing he said. I'm going in he
works now to SEQ a man named OLea-
ry. When Mr.. Durant comes tell him
that Mr.. Bradley of the secret service
is in the works, then send for me.
Go3dby. Much obliged fer what you
bad to tell me-"
Maize O'Brien leaned back in her
chair, looking after BRADLEY with a
'urious expression on her face.
well, what do YOU think Of that?"
she said 10 herself at last in astonish-
uient. Him detective. Well. hos
pretty good looking fellov-for a de-
tcctivc. I wonder what's mp. remem-
bcr he was around here month ago"
Ten minutes later the detective was
back in the Office In time to meet
Frances entering with Lieutenant
Sommers.