The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-11
VOW BEGIN THE STORY
CHAPTER xx1v

CHAPTER XXIV
Pfyfe made a mildly deprecating
movement with his carefully mani
cured fingers. He was, he explain
ed with an air of ineffable self
complacency, only too glad to dis
commode himself to give aid to SER
wants OF the public. A distressing
necessity, to be sure; but his man.
ner conveyed Enthusiastically that he
knew and recognized the obligations
attaching to the dictum of noblesse
oblige, and was prepared to meet
them.
He looked at Markham with
self-congratulatory air, and his eye
brows queried: "What can | do for
your" though his lips did not move.
Il understand from Major An
thony Benson" Markham said, "that
you were very close to his brother,
and therefore might be able to tell
us something of his personal af-
! fairs, or private social relationships,
that would indicate line Of inves-
tigation.''
Pfyfe gazcd sadly at the floor.
"Ah, yes, Alvin and l We're very
close,-wc were, in fact, the most
intimate Of friends. You can not
imagine how broken up | was at
hearing Of the dear fellows tragic
! end"
He gave the impression that here
was modern instance of Aeneas
and Achates. "And | was deeply
| grieved at not being able to come
at once to New York to put myself
at the service Of those that needed
me-"
elm sure it would have been a
comfort to his other friends" re-
marked Vance, with cool politeness.
''But in the circumstances you will
be forgiven"
Pfyfc blinkcd regrctfully.
"Ah, but l shall never forgive
myself-though l cannot hold my
self altogether blameworthy. Only
the day before the tragedy I had
started on trip to the Catskills.
/ had even asked dear Alvin to go
along; but he was too busy"
Pfyfe shook his head as if la
menting the incomprehensible irony
Of life. "How much better-ah, how
infinitely much better-if only"
''You were gone very short
time," commented Markham, inter-
rupting what promised to be hon.
lily on perverse providence.
"True," Pfyfe indulgently admit
ted. But met with most unfor-
tunate accident" He polished his.
eye-glass q moment. my car broke
down, and I was necessitated to re-.
turn"
"What road did you take?" asked
Heath.
Pfyfe delicately adjusted his eye
| glass, and regarded the sergeant
with an intimation Of boredom.
my advice, Mr.-ah-Sneed-"
Heath" the other corrected him
surlily.
"Ah, yes-Heath. My adj
vice, Mr.. Heath, is, that if You are
contemplating a motor trip to the
Catskills, you apply to the Auto
mobile Club Of America for road
map. My choice of itinerary might
very possibly not suit you."
He turned back to the district
attorney with an air that implied
he preferred talking to an equal.
Tell me, Mr.. Pfyfe," Markham
asked; ibid Mr.. Benson have any
enemies? 81"
The other appeared to think the
matter over.
moo. Not one, should say, who
would actually have killed him as q
result of animosity."
"You imply nevertheless that he
had enemies. Gould you not tell us
q little more?"
Pfyfc passed his hand gracefully
over the tips Of his golden mus
tachc, and then permitted his in
dex-finger To linger on his cheek
In An attitude Of meditative indc-
cisiOn.
"Your request, Mr.. Markham, -
he spoke with panied reluctance
brings up n matter which | hest
tate to discuss. But perhaps it is
best that | confidc in you-as one
gentleman to another. Alvin, in
common with many other admirable
fellows, had a-what shall ] say7-
= weakness jet me put It that way
for the fair sex"
He looked at Markham, seeking
appreciation for his extreme tact IN
stating IN indicate truth.