Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-29
THE INVESTORS -
Mr.: Reede,;. e

of his arm and, turning the faucet, let hot water
run over his hands before he reached for n
small bottle on q shelf, poured liberal portion
into the water and let his hands soak. This
done, for three minutes he scrubbed his fingers
with nail brush, dried them and removing his
coat and waistcoat carefully, hung them over
the edge OF the bath. He went back to his UNI
comfortable guest IN his shirt sleeves
Our friend Walker Is employed in the hos
pital," he stated rather than asked. what
have you had there-scarlet fever or something
worSe?"
He glanced down at the letter under the glass.
Scarlet fever, of course" he said, "and the
letter has been Systematically infected Walker
Is almost clever"
The wood of a fire was laid in the crate He
carried the letter and. the blotting paper to the
hearth, lit the kindling and trust paper and
letter into the flames
He thrust his hands in his pockets and looked
down benevolently at the wretched emissarv of
the vengeful Walker.
You may go now, Mills" he said gently
Il rather think that you are infected That
ridiculous piece Of oiled silk is quite inadequate
which means quite useless'-as q protection
against wandering germs.
He opened the door, pointed to the stairway
and the man skunk out.
That day news Of another disappearance had
come through from police headquarters and Mr.
Reeder was waiting at 10 minutes before s at
StAC AChoc1NOuS 1OF the girl VINO, he inStinc-
lively knew could give him a thread of the
clue. He was determined that this time his
inquiries should bear fruit; but it was not until
they were walking slowly up toward the girls
Ooaroing mouse. that she gave him hint
why are you so persistent, Mr. Reeder?"
she asked, little impatiently do vo, Wis.,,
70 invest money? Because, if you do I'm sorry
I can't help you. That is another agreement
we made, that we would not introduce new
shareholders"
u
you" ' -
And very briefly he told the story Of the
disappearances and the queer coincidence which
marked every case-the receipt of dividend on
the first Of every month. AS he proceeded the
color left the girls face
You are serious of course?" "You wouldn't
tell me that unless The companv IN tha
Mexico City Investment Syndicate They have
ofhces in Pine street"
How did you come to hear of therno" asLad
Mr.. Reeder.
I had letter from their manager, Mr. lie
Silvo. He told me that friend had mentioned
my name. and gave full particulars of the In
Vestment."
Have you that letter."
She shok her head
NO. was particularly asked to bring il with
me when I went to see them Altho,,sl in
point Of fact, never did see them" smiled the
girl I wrote to their lawyers-win you wait?
Mr. REEDER waited at the steps while the
girl went into the house and returned pres
emily with small portfolio, from which she
took quarto sheet. It was headed with the
name Of 9 legal firm, Bracher Bracher, and
was the usual formal type Of letter one ex-
poets from q lawyer.
Dear Madam:
Re Mexican City Investment Syndicate: We
act as lawyers to this syndicate, and so far as
we know is q reputable concern. We feel that
it Is only due to US that we should say that we
do not advise investments in any concern which
offers such large profits, for usually there is y
corresponding risk We know, however, that
this syndicate has paid 1871 per cent and some
times as much as 20 per cent, and we have had
no complaints about them. We cannot, Of
course, IS lawyers guarantee the financial
SoundneSs Of any Of our clients, and can only
repeat that in SO far as we have been able to
ascertain, the syndicate conducts q genuine
business and enjoys very sound financial
backing.
yours faithfully,
PREACHER g. BRACHER"
you say you never saw De Silvo?"
She shook her head.
mo; saw Mr.. Bracher, but when went to
the office Of the syndicate which is in the same
building, found only q clerk IN attendance.
Mr.. De Silvo had been called out Of town."
Mr.. Reeder did not reply. That afternoon he
made it his business to call at the ONCE IN Pine
street. It was two-sorv building Of an old
fashioned type. A wide tagged hall led into
the building; set of old-fashioned stairs ran
up to the top floor" which was occupied by
China merchant, and from the hall led three
doors That on the left bore the legend.
"Bracher & Bracher, Solicitors" and immedi-
ately facing was the office of the Mexican syn
dicate At the far end of the passage was door
which exhibited the name Of "John Baston,"