The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-08-27

CHAPTER XXNH

Al Cunningham had always flatter-
ed himself that he had detective IN
stinct. But it was flattery, and,
moreover, it was harmful flattcry.
For it gave him confidence in him
self and in his conclusions which was
not justifitable. .s
His detective instinct was all right
up to certain point. But thai.
point came very near the beginning
Of the line Of detective qualities.
For instance, his imaginati was
good. but it was unframed. A, de-
leetive depends frequently on his
imagination. but it is not one which
runs rampant, or flies off IN new
direction at any and every hint that
presents itself.
Also. Cunningham lacked expert
ence in many ways. He had intu:-
ton and quick perceptions, but his
;.ss -; his symp.thies too easily en-
listed, and his personal bias too domi
nant in his conclusions.
II Mott had had Cunningham
brains in addition to his own. he
would have been . first class sleuth
But Motifs strong points were his
persistence and his logged pcrse-
verance. Too often these were APP
piled to a wrong premise. and so led
him into a futile line Of research.
Cunningham on the contrary,
starting on 4 promising outlook
would be easily turned aside by some
sudden development, which might 81
might not be Of real Importance
Had the two men chosen to work
/ together and work tremendously.
they might have accomplished much
But in truth. each held the others
| powers In contempt. and pursued his
| own way with more or less success.
Myra Heath had been killed Tues
day night, or, rather in the early
hours of Wednesday morning. About
two o'clock, the doctors had sur
missed. but had admitted that might
be from half an hour to an hour
out Of the way.
It was now late Thursday after
| noon, and Cunningham couldn't feel
| that he had, 50 far, unearthed any
real evidence or discovered any real
clues. He was sure that Bunny
Moore either did the deed. or knew
who did it, but his certainty went
. for little without proof.
He despaired Of finding Perry
Heath, feeling certain that clever
man who could disappear so myster-
iously was not going to let himself
be found until he was good and
/ ready.
Cunningham rather thought that
Bunny had killed Myra accidentally.
/ and that Heath knew it, and had
gone away to save the girl from his
enforced evidence.
| Anf this tnn IVA. nnl., e.n.....
and with little foundation, at that.
/ So. rather discouraged, and with
his vanity somewhat disturbed. Gun
| ninGham walked into the club, with
a half formed intention Of telling his
friends there that he could not solve
| the mystery.
But on reaching the club he WAS
| given note that proved to be from
Sam Anderson.
| Dear Cunny:" it ran. "I've gone
! down to New York on a mere chance
Of getting line on Heath. shall
| get back about nine, or, possibly
later. wish you'd be at my house
when | return. as | may have news.
but. more likely not, Anyway. he
there, and we can talk over things.
Wait for me on the side porch.
4 Yours. Sam"
Cunningham felt relieved at this
| promised help OF Andcrson's. but also
]; felt q bit chagrined that the matter
had been taken out Of his own
!, hands.
J However, he proceeded to put in
the time pleasantly enough. had his
dinner at the club, and bit before
!, the appointed hour. he strolled over
| to Andersons house.
/ It WAS solid, pretentious affair,
/ built with an eye to bachelor free
!. dom and luxury. A house typical
/, Of H&rbor Park and entirely unlike
| the homes in Harbor Gardens.
Knowing we'll the side porch in
| question. Cunningham went there
and sat down to wait. No formality
| Was required. for Anderson's friends
often conKregated in this spot, and
| the big, coxy place WAS supplied with
comfortable lounging chairs, smok-
ing stands and all that went to make
! entertainment.
| A butler appeared, and asked Cum
nineAam what he could bring him,
and than filled his order with the
defk promPtness Of = wsll-tgNined