Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-01-28

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
and cover up all tracks before he an
swered any questions.
Cant you defer all questions until
the investigation In Pittsburgh he
suggested. Pm In a great hurry. and
In Pittsburg l will have all facts be-
fore me and a answer fully"
But Bradley was a man not to be
denied.
II should prefer asking n or two
now" he said and without waiting for
response put his first query bluntly.
"What is your belief, Mr.. Pinckney,
as to the cause of this unfortunate
action?'
my belief?' said the general man.
ager blankly.
Yes. Do you think the gun was
killed in the tempering bath at your
arsenal?'
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 Bradley's stock In trade. and.
In fact. In Washington 1t was ESnerally
admitted that this particular star of
the secret service bureau could agree
with more people and get pore in
formation without offense tLan any
man In the service. Now. apparently.
he was ~Pinckney's friend.
"M'm-very interesting" he said.
Nov. what do you think nj the Rhine
strom gun. Mr.. P~inckneyY"
Pinckney looked at his questioner
sharply. but the face before him
showed only bland agreement and
casual interest.
Il consider the Rhinestrom gun the
OCot III thdb hoo oCNA N%tA
the general manager firmly.
The face of the government agent
continued 70 snow Diand interest only.
And have you controlled the patents
of the Rhinestrom guny"
1.-The Durant steel works control
them." corrected the general manager.
And you have a large government
order for the Rhinestrom u now
that the Sommers gun is out of the
wayT' persisted the unruffled ques-
toner.
Pinckney had been losing more and
more Of his self control as Zach sue
ceeding home thrust struck him.
II don't like what that question i'm
plies. SIR" be exclaimed angrily.
Bradley made a slight conventional
nod.
I'm sorry" he said indifferently.
The conspirator had begun to real
lie he was fencing a strong. shrewd
antagonist and it would not do to lose
his temper. SO be FASTENED to explain.
I'VE had the Rhinestrom order be-
fore the Sommers gun was forged"
"Who is Rhinestrom? commanded
Bradley. with u sudden %sternness that
took the general manager completely
by surprise. Pinckney had not antici-
pated that question. For a moment
he hesitated. repeating blankly after
the government agent:
"Who Is hep"
Bradley's manner had changed abb
ruptly from bland curiosity to stern
determination to know.
YES" be said sharply. "who is
Rhinestrom! Where does he come
from? Where is he now? Whom did
you deal WITH
Pinckney hesitated.
why. / have no idea who his friends
are"
Does Mr.. Durant known asked the
detective.
Still Pinckney fenced.
III couldn't say, really. Better ask
Mr.. Durant."
II did," retorted Bradley shortly.
Pinckney saw 1t was time to end
this cross questioning if he was to get
away safe. The government agent
was shrewder than he thought, and
this thin spot In his defense-the iden-
tity of Rhinestrom-seemed %perilously
weak. The only thing to do was to
end 1t at once.
II haven't time to talk to you fur
ther." be said.
Bradley made a restraining gesture.
Just a moment more. Mr.. Pinckney.
Has Rhinestrom ever been at your
works?"
mo. sir" returned the general a
ager promptly.
Then how does Marsh know himT'
demanded the government agent stern
ly.
1t was pure bluff. but Pinckney had
no idea of that. and he took the bait.
hook, sinker and all.
Marsh" he exclaimed blankly.
skrryL- Na..-A I~z-oe@ --o-, hin u |