New Britain herald., 1927-10-24

place it. But I don't for second believe there was no security in ad- ttion 10 the confession. Benson wasn't the type of man--fricnd or no friend - who'd hand over that amount without security. He wanted his money back--not some body in jail. That's why I put my oar in, and asked about the security.
 "Pfyfe, of course, denied it; but when pressed as to how Benson knew he'd pay the note, he retired into cloud. ! had 10 suggest the confession as the possible eXplana- ton; which showed that something else was in his mind-something he didn't care to mention. And the way he jumped at my suggestion 1 bears out my thcory.' Well, what of ito" Markham asked impaticntly.
 "Oh. for the gift Of tears.' moancd Vance. Don't you see that there's someone in the background someone connected with the security? It must be so, y know; otherwise Pfyfe would have told you the entire tale of the quarrel, If only to clear himself from sus- picion.
 "Yct. Knowing that his position is an awkward one, he refuses to divulge what passed between him and Benson in the office that day. Pfyfe is shielding someone and he is not the soul Of chivalry, y know. Therefore, l ask: Why?'
 He leaned back and g1zcd ;t inc ceiling.
 "I have an idea, amounting to cerebral cyclone" he added. that when we put our hands on that security. we'll also put our hands on the murderer" At this moment the telephone" rang, and when Markham answered it a look of startled amusement came into his eyes. He made an appointment with the speaker 10" half past five that afternoon. Then, hanging np the receiver, he laughed outright at Vance.
 "Your auricular researches hay" been confirmed" he said. Miss Hoffman just called me confiden- tally on an outside phone 10 say she has something 10 add to her story. Shes coming here at 5:3O." Vance was unimpressed by tn" announce ment.
 "I rather ina gined shed tele- phon" during her lunch hour.' Again Markham gave him one Of ] his searching scrutinias. l "Th.re's something damned queer going on around here" h" observed.
 ; "oh. quite" r"turred Vance care l"sSlr. "Querror than you could { poeeiby im@ zine" For l5 or 20 minutes Markham cndeavored 10 draw him out; but Vance seemed suddenly possessed of an ability to say nothing with , the. blandest flu"ncy. Markham l finally became eyasperated.
 "Im rapidly coming 10 the con- clusion." he said, that either you had q hand in Hensons murder, or you're 2 phcnom"nally good gunsser."
 "Therc is. y know. an alt"rna- , tive" rojoincd Vance. Ut might bo that my acst th"t:c hypotheses and metaphysical deductions--as you c?ll 'cm--are working out-eh, what?"
 4 few minutes before we went ,o lunch Swackor announced that Tracy had just returned from Long Island with his report.
 "ls he the lad you sent to look into Pfyfcs affaircs du cocur?" Vanc" asked Markham. For, if he Is. am all a-fmtter.'
 Hes the man. =. Send him in, Swacker."
 Tracy entered smiiins silkily, his black notebook in on" hand, his pincc-nez in the other.
 'I had no trouble learning about pfytc," he said. Hes well known in Port Washington-quite a char acter. in fact--and it was easy 10 pick up gossip about him"
 He adjusted his glasses carefully. and referred 10 his notebook.
 "Hc married q Miss Hawthorn in 1910. She's wealthy. but Pfyfe doesn't bcncfit' by it, because her father sits on 'thn money bags"
 'Mr. Tracy. say" interrupted Vance: meyer mind the flaw thorn and her doting papa,-Mr. Pfyfe himself has confided in us about his sad marriage. Tell us if you can. about Mir. Phyfe's extra nuptial affairs. Are there any other ladies''
 Tracy looked induiringly at the district attorney: he was uncertain as 10 Nancc's standing. Receiving, nod from Markham. he turned { page in his notebook and pro. cecded.
 (TO BE CONTINUED