The Redwood gazette., 1909-11-17

and his keen brain analyzing all that
had transpired.
"Why was I not informed of this
before" asked Sommers. still partly
| dazed
'They decided to keep it from you
until you came ashore" replied the
secret service man. "How it all hap
pened will be decided at the court of
inquiry have been on the case since
the accident occurred. Your gun stood
the test at the proving ground. It's
my opinion that it was killed in the
tempering BATH"
A wave of light swept over Sommers.
He saw everything now 1t was all
plain. He understood why a drunken
foreman had been left in charge of the
job. He knew why Pinckney had been
SO solicitous. He realized why. finally.
he himself had been assaulted in the
last desperate effort to keep him from
witnessing the transfer of the gun to
the tempering bath.
Finally he understood why Frances
had come there that night. She must
have suspected. and she had come to
save him. The thought of the bastard
| ly trick enraged him.
''1t was killed in the temperfng bath.
1 swear il was!' Sommers exclaimed
| f1ercely. "Pinckney was in the room
that night at the Durant works. He's
| here-here at this hotel I'll settle
with him.
| He had taken a step when the secret
service man caught him by the arm.
easy. lad. easyw he cautioned.
3'Donst lose your head! I've made in
vestigations in Pittsbarg. and I'm 60
ing TO question Mr. Pfnckney myself"
| With 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 mast
help this friendly officer
May 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
"Eie may iave known something. He
ought to. He was there
"Did you ever see Mr. Rhiaestrom
about theref" asked Bradley next.
Sommers still looked pQzzled
~No: | didn't see him, but hearE q
great deal of him Marsh was greatly
interested in the gun Rhinestrom had
iEvented."
Bradley looked keeniy at the naval
officer
"Oh. Marsh was interested in that
gun? But you never saw Rhinestrom
about thare?" he said significantly.
Again there came that startling flash
to Sommers. He began to suspect just
how blind he had been, bat 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, Somnlers?" he said
coldly.
Somnners bowed with equal ,celdness
as Bradley stepped in between tie two
men.
I've been most anxious to see you.
Mr.. Pinckney," the secret service .ng gent
began.
Pinckney looked at him. surprised.
"Who are you?" he asked.
United States secret service man
detailed on the Sommers gun ease"
came the quick reply.
PiDc{yrxov- c,,nproceoxJ no -.
start.
"Oh, Il 'see," he said TIN down
right sorry. Most unfortunate affair.
indeed. But what can | do?"
Bradley smiled pleasantly.
"Why. answer few questions. If
sou wiii.'' he suggested.
The general manager could not keep
Down alItexpression of annoyance. hut
he knew it would never dc to COM /
pietely antagonize the secret service
man on the case. SO he forced an apGl- |
ogy for a smile
|Of course. with pleasure But I'm
rather pushed for time We sail al
most immediately
"fn that cnse. II begin at once"
He turned to the government agent
Mr.. Duraut has kindly consented
that | should make q thorough in
vestiGation at the works In Pitts1,urg
when | return. He Is anxious to do
all in his power to help me end tn,on
whom the blame rests"
The general manager drew himself
up.
Blame he said sternly.
Yes, biame," was the pointed reply.
Again Pinckney made a move for
1eay. He wanted TO get to Pittsburg
IS quickly as he could to see Marsh
md cover iup all tracks before he an
'wered any questions
Cant you defer ali questions until
he investigation in Pittsburgh he
suggested. I'm in great hurry. and
Pittsburg | will have all facts be-
ore me and can answer fully"
But Bradley was man NOT to ho