The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-11-17

duO Ills Keen DIdlu dudiyZluS dill ludt
had transpired.
"Why was / not informed of this
before?" asked Sommers. still partly
dazed
"They decided to keep it from you
until you came ashore" replied the
pened will be decided at the court of
inquiry I 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 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.
cit was killed in the tempering bath.
l 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.
'sDonst lose your head! I've made in
designations in Pittsbarg. and I'm GO
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
MarSh9'
"You mean the draughtsman? Mo-
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 Mr.. Rhinestron
about there2" asked Bradley next
Sommers still looked puzzled
mo; ! didn't see him. but ] hearg a
great deal of him. Marsh was greatly
interested in the gun Rhinestrom had
Invented
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, Sommers?" he said
coldly.
Sommars bowed with equal Goodness
as Bradley stepped in between TIE 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 ease"
came the quick reply.
Pinckney suppressed an Involuntary
start.
"Oh. Il ssee,' he said. TIN down
right sorry. Most unfortunate affair.
indeed. But what can | ao?"
Bradley smiled pleasantly.
"Why. answer few questions. If
sou wiIE.'' he suggested
The general manager could not keep
down all4expression of annoyance. but
he knew lit would never do to com
pietely antagoniZe the secret service
ogy for a smile.
TOf course. with pleasure. BUT I'm
rather pushed for time We sail al.
most immediately
"fn that cfse. III begin at once
He turned to the government agent
undisturbed.
''Mr. Durant has kindly consented
that | should make a thorough in
vestigation az the works In Pittsburg
when | return. He is anxious to do
all In his power to help me end upon
whom the blame rests"
The general manager drew himself
mp.
Blame he said sternly.
Yes, 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
and cover up all tracks before he an
swered any questions.
Cant you defer ali questions until
the | investigation in Pittsburgh he
suggested. I'm in great hurry. and
In Pittsburg will have all facts be-
fore me and ean answer fully"
But Bradley was a man not to be