The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1910-01-29

"~~~ASS~
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. I'm in great hurry, and
In Pittsburg will have all facts be-
fore me and can answer fully"
But Bradley was a man not to be
denied. s..
Il should prefer asking one or two
now" he said and without waiting for
response put his first query bluntly.
'What is your belief, Mr.. sPinckney,
as to the cause Of this unfortunate
action" L..
my beliefT' said the general man.
ager blankly.
Eyes. Do you think the gun was
killed in the tempering bath at your
arsenal?'
Pinckney's face flushed.
II do not" he retorted angrily. II
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 it 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.. Pinckney"
Pinckney looked at his questioner
sharply, but the face before. him
showed only bland agreement and
casual interest.
II consider the Rhinestrom gun the
best gun that has been invented" said
the general manager firmly
The face of the. government agent
continued to show bland interest only.
"And have you controlled the patents
Of the Rhinestrom gun?"
'"The Durant steel works control
them," corrected the general manager.
"And you have a large government
order for the Rhinestrom gun now
that the Sommers gun is out of the
way" persisted the unruft1ed ques-
toner.
Pinckney had been losing more and
more OF his self control as each sue
ceeding home thrust struck him.
II don't like what that question: i'm
plies, sir" he exclaimed angrily.
Bradley made slight conventional
nod. -
I'm sorry" he said indifferently.
The conspirator had begun to real
lie he was. fencing strong, shrewd
antagonist and it would not do to lose
his temper, so he FASTENED to explain.
1--WE had the Rhinestrom order be-
fore the Sommers gun was forged"
"Who is RhinestromY' commanded
Bradley, with sudden sternness that
took the general manager completely
by surprise. Pinckney had not antici-
pated that question. For moment
he hesitated, repeating blankly after
the government agent:
'Who is hep
I Bradley's manner had changed alb
ruptly from bland curiosity to stern
determination to know.
eyes," he 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.. D:arant known asked the
detective.
Still Pinckney fenced.
Ill couldn't say, really. Better ask
Mr.. Durant."
II did," retorted Bradley shortly.
Pinckney saw it 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-
uty Of Rhinestrom-seemed perilously
weak. The only thing to do was to
V4u ~ At OACCs
II haven't time to talk to you fur
ther,'' he said.
Bradley made restraining gesture:
"Just moment more, Mr.: Pinckney.
Has Rhinestrom ever been at your
wofks7" e.
"No, sir" returned the general man.
ager promptly.
"Then how does Marsh know him?'
demanded the government agent stern
~. -. = \ H. 49, y :.
It was pure bluff, but Pirlckney had
no idea Of that, and he took the bait,
hook, sinker and all. -
"Marsh!' he exclaimed blankly.
"Why, Marsh doesn't know him. ~.
For the first time Bradley permitted
himself sneering smile. =
II can only 60 by what Marsh says -
he declared. "Do you mean to tell
me, Mr.. Pnckney, that Marsh, the
draughtsman OF the Dufant steel
| works does not knnw 4tn lnvonf0i. ~