The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1910-01-20


vestlgations in Pittshurg and I'm GO
ing to question Mr.. Pinckney myself"
With n 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 aud how he must
help this friendly officer.
MAY ask when you were in Pitts
burg did you question man named
Marshr
"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"
did you ever see Mr.. Rhinestrom
about thereT' asked Bradley next
Sommers still looked puzzled.
NO; didn't see him. but heard
great deal Of him Marsh was greatly
interested in the gun Rhlnestrom had
invented"
Bradley looked keenly at the naval
officer.
"oh, Marsh was interested In that
gun2 But you never saw Rhinestrom
about there?" he said significantly.
Again there came that startling fash
10 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 coldness
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 your" he asked.
United States secret service man
detailed on the Sommers gun case"
came the quick reply.
Pinckney suppressed an involuntary
start.
"Oh, see,' he said. I'm down
right sorry. Most unfortunate affair.
indeed. But what can | doT"
Bradley smiled pleasantly.
"Why. answer few questions. If
you will" he suggested.
The general manager could not keep
down all expression of annoyance, but
he knew it would never do to COM
pletely antagoniZe the secret service
man on the case. so he forced an apol-
ogy for a 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 | should make a thorough in
vestigation nj 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
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 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 can answer fully"
But Bradley was a man not to be
denied.
II should prefer asking one or two
now," he said and without waiting for
response put his first query bluntly
What is your belief, Mr. Plnckney.
as to the cause of this unfortunate
actionp
my beliefT said the general man
ager blankly.
''Yes. DO you think the gun was
killed in the tempering bath at your
Arsenalp'
Pinckney's face flushed.
Il do not" he retOrted angrlly. 81
think the gun was constructed on
theory, and the theory was unsound"
Sommers, standing by, made 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 generally
admitted that this particular star of
the secret service bureau could agree
with more people and get more in
formation without offense than any
man In the service. Now, apparently,
he was Pinckney's friend.
"M'm-very interesting" he said.
Now, what do you think Of the Rhine
strom gun, Mr. PinckneyT
Pinckney looked at his questioner
sharply, but the face before him
showed only bland agreement and
casual interest.
Il consider the Rhinestrom gun the
best gun that has been invented" said