The San Francisco call., 1910-01-23
w O l. F

"All right But just remember what I said Good
night gentlemen and he swept by the group into the
hall. The door closed behind him with slam. Sam
dismissed attentive servants then turned Carter
with a smile. Carter, who had eyed him keeny
throughout little scene his glance frankly
Now that's over. old chap. let's get back to the
game; they'll be missing u.s." said Pulsain- And the
virginan following him. knew he had stood the test
Carter returned to his home that evening by cir
cuitous route, having mind certain red faced per-
son and an individual with bristly mustache. On
reaching his boarding house he made his way
tiously upstairs. His door never locked. He
stood on the threshold listening several minutes
before he moved swiftly the gas jet. The faring
fame showed no lurking intruder but up picture
of disorder in which the rosewood cabinet stood
the central object It's secret door had been forced
and by no gentle hand It's bad leg had crashed to
ruin. Fallen forward. upon knee. it held the
remnant of the shattered drawer from which the
newspapers traied in confusion. His trunk and bu-
reau had been rifed and the contents strewn upon
the floor His few paltry possessions had been kicked
and thrown about Anger stirred within him he
noted the wanton damage After double locking the
door and drawing window shade considered his
next
Homer Bidwell
There were the letters, first of all. Untying the
bundle again he laid them all the bed and
through them carefully Here and there he upon
names with eye their possible future value
he and their connection with the scandal
methodically in his little society memo book. With
all the details clear he could appreciate the full value
of his find To Of Bidwells wealth and imme-
diate position the letters were beyond price. He
looked up from the last letter to the wreck about him.
Trifng the injury might have been to another. it
meant much to him. The purchase of the cabinet had
nearly exhausted his resources. Some indispensable
garments irretrievaby ruined He needed money
badly. 1t was with grim smile that Robert Carter
prepared to retire that night.
The young virginian had little difficulty in obtaining
to Homer Bidwen in the offices Of the insur-
company next morning. There something IN
his and his appearance that seldom failed to
recommend him a gentleman worthy OF attention
to official buffers and private secretaries He
nounced important business with the president, and
within few minutes ushered into the small inner
room where the fnancier sat before wide rolltop
desk
Bidwell was TALL angular, with smooth, strongly
marked face and hair prematurely white. He meas
ured his visitor with cold eyes, One hand held Car
ters card and his air bespoke cold inquiry. He waited
as one who need not unbend- The virginian took
chair unbidden and in lesurely fashion that seemed
to stifen the elder mans attitude still more.
There a rosewood cabinet, Mr.. Bidwell," Car
ter began easily which recently into my hand
The insurance president made no acknowledgment
his expression showing no change. =
Quite by accident discovered that 1t contained
correspondence Of yours continued Carter. The
silence that followed.grew oppressive.
II must ask you to be explicit Mr.-ah-
Carter" said Bidwell disantly referring the carE
"The letters were all addressed to the Chsrringtos
hotel" the Virginian added. Bidwelrs revolving
chair creaked suddenly but there was no change in
his pose.
I thought you might be interested" suggested Car
ter after another pause. Again he awaited some re-
sponse
iDof or fhof fir1aT p1rrch
the object of the collecting zeal Of two
gentlemen with very red face and the other
with stubby mustache and decidedly unpleasant
way of conversation" he went
Friends of yours?" asked Bdwell calmly.
Quite the contrary I thought you might know
who they and perhaps be able to explain their
attachment for the cabinet The thing itself ap-
parently not to be classed piece de luxe They
were nordinatey fond of that cabinet, said the Vir
ginian like one who comments upon a remarkably
curious phenomenon.
The Pin Not for Sale
in fact they attempted to take it away piecemeal
during my absence. Their failure to do made at
of them quite Objectionable in his personal
resentment toward myself" He shook his head,
contemplation of the unfortunate obsession of the
disappointed collector.
Il do something in the collecting line myself, at
times said Bidwen presently. though quite
amateur. That is most attractive pin are wear
ing Mr.. Carter Do you mind letting examine it
moment?"
Carter took out the pin, passably good imitation OF
a scarab in thin gold setting. and handed it over.
Evidently a relic of very great value, said Bdwell,
ravely inspecting the stone 81 really must take the
liberty the almost objectionable liberty. OF asking
to set price upon it." He drew checkbook toward
him. picked up pen and turned his clear cold eyes
upon the virginian
Carter arose ficked cigarette ash from his sleeve.
and picking up the pin readjusted 1t in his cravat-
I'm sorry, Mr.. Bidwell." he said. with the utmost
reserve, "but you mistaken The pin is not for
roIo T. 70 thao ohia tofr ny