The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-12

NOW BEGIN THE STORY
CHAPTER XIV

Pfyfc looked at him coldly, but
only vacuous countenance met his
gaze.
Il am acquainted with the gen.
tdeman," he replied haughtily.
"Was Colonel Ostrander present
at this delightful little social affair
Of yours 81" Vance's tone was art
lessly innocent.
Nov that you mention it, be-
lieve he was" admitted Pfyfe, and
lifted his eyebrows inquisitively.
But Vance was again staring dis
interestedly out Of the window.
Markham, annoyed at the inter-
ruption, attempted to re-establish
the conversation on q more amiable
and practical basis. But Pfyfe,
though loquacious, had little more
information to give. He insisted
constantly on bringing the talk
back to Captain Leacock, and,
despite his eloquent protestations,
it was obvious he attached more
Importance to the threat than he
chose to admit.
Markham questioned him for
fully an hour, hut could learn moth
ing else of suggestive nature.
When Pfyfc rose to go Vance
turned from his contemplation Of
the outside world and, bowling
affably, let his eyes rest on the
other with ingenious good-nature.
Nov that you are in New York,
Mr.. Pfyfe, and We're SO unfortunate
as to be unable to arrive earlier,
/ assume that you will remain until
after the investigation"
Pfyfe's studied and habitual calm
gave way to lo Of oily aston
ishment.
II hadn't contemplated doing SO"
ut would be most dcsirabIe-if
you could arrange it," urged Mark
ham; though l am sure he had no
intention of making the request
until Vance suggested it.
Pfyfe hesitated, and then made
an elegant gesture of resignation.
Certainly shall remain. When
you have further need of my serv-
ices. YOU will find me at the An
SONIA"
He spoke with exalted conde.
scension. and magnanimously con-
ferred upon Markham parting
smile. But the smile did not spring
from within. It appeared to have
been adjusted upon his features by
the unseen hands of sculptor:
and it affected only the muscles
about his mouth.
When he had gone Vance gave
Markham a look of suppressed
mirth.
'Elegancy, facility and golden
cadence. But put not your
faith in poesy, old dear. Our Cice-
roman friend is an unmitigated
fashioner Of receptions"
IF you're trying to say that he's
9 smooth liar" remarked Heath,
II don't agree with you. I think
that story about the captains
threat is straight goods"
"Oh, that! Of course, it's true.
E. And, " know, Markham, the
knightly Mr.. Pfyfe was frightfully
disappointed when you didn't in
sist on his revealing Miss St. Clair's
name. This 1eander, fear, would
never have swum the Hellespont
Tor a lady'S sake
Whether he's a swimmer or
not" said Heath impatiently, hes
given us something to go on"
Markham agreed that Pfyfe's re.
cital had added materially to the
case against Leacock.
II think I'll have the captain
down to my office tomorrow, and
question him." he said.
A moment later Major Benson en-.
tered the room, and Markham in
vited him to join US.
Il just saw Pfyfe get into taxi, :"
he said, when be had sat down. u
suppose you've been asking him
about Alvin's affairs. Did he
help you any,"
Il hope 50, for all our sakes."
returned Markham kindly. by the
way, Major, what do you know
about Captain Philip Leacock 2"
Major Benson lifted his eyes to
Markham's in surprise.
Didn't you know? Leacock was
one Of the captains in my rcgi.
ment,-a first-rate man. He knew
Alvin pretty well, ! think; but my
impression Is they didn't hit it off
very chummily. Surely you
don't connect him with this affair 2"
Markham ignored the question.
did you happen to attend 9