Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-22
BY GEORGE BUCHANAN FIFE

snector who bent over the two trunks and the bag that
Marine smingy opened for him.
IL have declared the few things bring in he said.
"They all to be found IN the lett compartment OF
this trunk"
The Inspector took them one by and compared
them with the declaration paper, until he had hnaly
checked them all off
"You have nothing else, Mr.. Marno?" This
Strong, who stood directly behind him. .,
Marno turned slowly and just as slowly said Il beg
Strong repeated the inquiry, and in the tone
first the foreigner replied Il have declared what you
see. You may search you will find nothing more |
sorry my declaration has been SO misunderstood
He smiled.
1t was then that Strong, having copy of Richards
cabegram in his pocket, smiled in his turn. Never
mind those trunks he said the Inspector and then
to Marino, "You may lock them again
Marino inclined his head SO slightly, said
THANK you" scarcely audbly, and clicked the locks
AS he rose, Strong bit closer to him.
would you object to going aboard the steamer with
me for a moment?" he asked
Marino looked at him in bewlderment. @Q course
not" he replied, regarding Strong fxedly. But why!
Who your"
a am Special Treasury agent, Mr.. Marino.'
The others eyes wavered.
"There are few questions should like to ask you.
"Quite at your service Mr.-Mr.-'
"My name is Strong"
"Mr. Strong But what about my trunks and bag!
Do you wish to examine them further, may have
them sent my hote?" He extended the keys toward
the Inspector
"You may have them sent if you wish,' Strong re-
piled, rather in to guarded gesture OF nothing
in them" from the Inspector
WITHIN few minutes the trunks had been de-
w spatched in of an expressrnan AS the last
being taken away MaTino turned upon Strong, his
abruptly changed His tone was clearly tine
tured with Indignation and defiance he demanded:
Il should much like to know the reason for your
quest l am stranger here, not accustomed to Amer
manners May inquire what questions you wish
to ask?"
II think, Mr.. Marino, that conversation would
be carried on much more satisfactorily aboard the
steamer"
Suppose do not desire to go there with you!
whatever for complying. You are a
stranger me; you ask to back to the steamer
in ORDER you say to certain questions Let me
say that any question you have the right to ask
be asked here and answered here Mar1no gave his
mustache moments attention. proceed with your
questions, Sir!"
@Must ask you again to 60 aboard the steamer"
Strongs infection unmiStakable.
"In l refused, then wlat!" Mar1no met him
upon his own guard
"Then to my regret should find it necessary per-
haps" his hand touched Marnos sleeve with apparent
you'd take me, yes?"
Strong nodded. at will be so much better for all
if you come with quite voluntarily, as it We're.
"If YOU will tell why you wish me to accompany
you shall do So" Marino seemed utterly mystied
he stared at Strong.
"Wel" the latter replied, II have to believe
that you conceang somewhere in your clothing two
steel plates engraved in Italy for the countereitlng OF
the one-hundred dollar United States gold certificate.
His low and earnest. II should like oppor
tunity to prove myself wrong or you-al wrong. VIII
YOU Gomez"
aThis is absurd Sir utterly absurd have no such
thing Of course I'll go aboard with YOU"
steward passing, and Strong hailed him. "This
gentleman" he said indicating Marino wishes to find
the purser Will you show him the way?'
So escorted by the steward, with Strong incon-
distance behind Marine aboard