The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1912-02-10
CHAPTER xxv-(continued.)

cit is only a request from the Sec
rotary Of war that I be permitted to
meet the inventor of the wireless per
cussion cap" Mr.. Grimm explained
carelessly THE negotiations have
reached a point where the War De
partment must have one or two ques-
lions answered directly by the inven-
tor. Simple enough, you see"
But it has been understood. and 1
have personally impressed it upon the
secretary of war, that such meeting
is impossible" objected Mr.. Howard.
"All negotiations have been conducted
through me, and I have, as attorney
for the inventor, the right to answer
any question that may properly be an
swered. This now is a request for
personal interview with the inventor"
"The necessity for such an inter
view has risen Unexpectedly, because
Of a pressing need of either closing
the deal or allowing it to Drop" Mr..
Grimm stated. 81 may add that the
success Of the deat depends entirely
on this interview"
Mr.. Howard was leaning forward in
his chair with wrinkled brow intently
studying the calm face of the young
man. Innocent himself Of all the in
trigue and international chicanery
back of the affair, representing only
an individual in these secret nego-
tiations, he saw in the statement, as
Mr.. Grimm intended that he should,
the possible climax of a great bust
ness contract His greed was
aroused; it might mean hundreds OF
thousands of dollars to him.
do you think the deal can be
nader he asked at last
''I have no doubt there will be some
sort of a DEAL" replied Mr.. Grimm.
LAS 1 say, however, it is absolutely de-
pendent on an interview between the
inventor and myself at once-this
afternoon"
Mr.. Howard thoughtfully drummed
on his desk for little while. From
the first, save in so far as the patent
rights were concerned, he had seen no
reasons for the obligations of utter
secrecy which had been enforced upon
him. Perhaps, If he laid it before the
inventor in this new light, with the
deal practically closed, the interview
would be possiblel
Grimm he said at last 81 shall have
10 put it to my client, of course. Can
you give me, say, half an hour, to
communicate with him ?"
Certainly" and Mr. Grimm rose
Dbligingly. Shall I wait outside here
DIT call again?"
"You may wait, If you don't mf2d.'
said Mr. Howard. I'll be able to let
you know in a few minutes, hope"
Mr.. Grimm bowed and passed out.
At the end OF twenty-five minutes the
door of Mr.. Towards private office
opened and he appeared. His face was
violently red, evidently from anger.
and perspiration stood on his fore
head.
st can't do anything with him." he
declared savagely. He says simply
that negotiations must be conducted
through me or not at all"
Mr.. Grimm had risen; he bowed
courteously.
Very WELL" he said placidly. you
understand, Of course, as the note
says, that this refusal of his termin-
ates the negotiations. So"
But just a moment" interposed
Mr.. Howard quickly.
Good day." said Mr. Grimm.
The door opened and closed: he
was gone. Three minutes later he
stepped into a telephone booth at
nearby corner and took down the re-
ceiver.
Hello. cenLraI!" he called. and
then: This is Mr. Grimm of the Sc
cret Service. What number was Mr..
Howard talking to?"
Eleven double-nought six, Alexan-
dria," was the reply.
Where is the connection? In whose
manner"
THE connection is five miles out
from Alexandria in a farmhouse on
the old Baltimore Road" came the
crisp. business-like answer. 1.-The name
Murdoch Williams
Thank you. said Mr.. Grimm.
"Good-by.'
A moment lager he was standing by
the curb waiting for a.car, when How
ard. still angry. and w1th an express
sion Of deep chagrin on his face, came |
bustling up.
If you can give me unsil tomorrow