The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-26


tive himself
found himself in the presence of the
immovable Hoskins; and, having
caused his name to be announced, he
was requested to wait in the lobby
for one minute. Exactly one minute
had elapsed when he was shown into
that long, lofty room, which of late
had been the scene of strange happen
ings.
He looked into the unfathomable,
light blue eyes of Nicol Brinn. and
became conscious Of a certain mental
confusion.
Good evening, sir" he said, awk-
wardly. Il am acting in the case con
corning the disappearance of Mr.. Paul
Hartley"
Yes" replied Brinn.
well, sir,"-again he glanced rap
idly about-'I don't want to intrude
more than necessary, but a lady
lady come in here about half an hour
ago."
Yes" drawled Brinn. TITS pos
sible."
It's a fact" declared the detective
sergeant. IF it isn't troubling you
too much, I should like to know that
lady's name. Also, I should like a
chat with her before she leaves"
NicOl Brinn replaced his cigar in
the right corner of his mouth. DE
tective Sergeant Stokes, give you
my word that the lady to whom you
refer is no longer In these chambers"
Stokes glared at him angrily. But
there is no other way out" he blus-
tered.
4 shall not deal with this matter
further" declared Brinn, coldly. Il
may have vices. but I never was a
liar"
oh" muttered the detective ser
geant, taken aback by the cold in
cisiveHess Of the speaker. Then per-
haps you will lead the way, as
should like to take a look around"
Nicoi Brinn spread his feet more
widely upon the hearthug. 'Detec-
tive Sergeant Stokes" he said, you
are not playing the game. Inspector
Wessex passed his word TO me thar
for twenty-four hours my movements
should not be questioned or inter
fered with. How is It that find you
here?"
Stokes thrust his hands in his peck
cts and coughed uneasily. L am
not a machine" he replied; and l
GO my own job in my own way"
Maybe, but it is no affair OF yours
TO interfere with private affairs Of
mine, Detective Sergeant. See here,
there is no lady in these chambers.
Secondly, have an appointment a.
Q o'clock and you are OBTAINING me-"
What's more" answered Stokes.
who had now quite lost his temper,
- intend to go on OBTAINING you until
have searched these chambers and
searched them thoroughly"
Nicol Brinn glanced al his watch
If I leave in five minutes, I'll be in
good time" he said. Follow me"
Crossing to the center section Of
a massive bookcase, he opened it, and
t proved to be a door. Within was
small and coy study. In contrast
with the museumlike room out of
which it opened. it was furnished in
a severely simple fashion.
Palpably there was no one there
Nor did the two bedrooms. tho
kitchen, and the lobby afford any
more satisfactory evidence. Nicol
Brinn led the way back from the
lobby. He resumed his place upon
the hearthrug
Are you satisfied. Detective Ser
geant?"
'T ann Stokes spoke angrily.
while you kept me talking. she
slipped out through that study, and
down into the street"
Sorry" drawled Brinn, again CON
sulting his watch. THE five minutes
are up. I must be off"
Not until have spoken to Scotland
Yard. sir"
Nicol Brinn STROBE to the telephone,
which stood upon small table almost
Immediately in front of the bookcase.
The masked door remained ajar.
You are quite fixed upon detain-
ing me?"
Quite" said Stokes. watching him
closely.
In one long stride Brinn was
through the doorway, telephone in
hand! Before Stokes had time to
move, the doO- closed violently, in
order, no doub,. 20 make it shut over
the telephone cable which lay under it.
C,IrATr-U-D x~,rrr