,! ,poison$ ,p5 by1 ,ar?ur ,b4 ,reeve   
7transcrib]'s note3 ^! /ories 7 fir/    
publi%$ 9 #aiaa-ac7   ,,cont5ts  ,i     
,,! ,,poison$ ,,p5  ,,ii     ,,!        
,,yeggman  ,,iii    ,,! ,,g]m ,,( ,,dea?
  ,,iv     ,,! ,,firebug  ,v      ,,!   
,,confid5ce ,,k+  ,,vi     ,,!          
,,s&-,,hog  ,,vii    ,,! ,,:ite ,,slave 
,,viii   ,,! ,,=g]  ,,ix     ,,!        
,,un(ficial ,,spy  ,x      ,,! ,,smuggl]
  ,,xi     ,,! ,,invisible ,,ray  ,,xii 
,,! ,,campaign ,,graft]    ,i  ,,!      
,,poison$ ,,p5   ,k5n$y's suit-case 0   
ly+ op5 on ! b$1 & he 0 lit]ally ?r[+   
?+s into x f 8 *iffoni]1 z ,i ent]$ aft]
 a hurri$ trip up-t[n f ! ,/> (fice 9   
response to an urg5t message f him4     
,come1 ,walt]1 he cri$1 ha/ily /uff+ 9 a
 package ( clean laundry )\t tak+ (f !  
wrapp+-pap]1 ,i've got y\r suit-case    
out4  ,pack up :atev] y c 9 five m9utes4
  ,we mu/ take ! six o'clock tra9 =     
,danbridge4  ,i did n wait to he> any m4
  ,! m]e m5tion ( ! "n ( ! qua9t & quiet
 little ,connecticut t[n 0 suffici5t4   

,= ,danbridge 0 on ev]ybody's lips at t 
"t4  ,x 0 ! sc5e ( ! n[ fam\s ,danbridge
 poison+ case - a brutal case 9 :i* !   
pretty little actress1 ,v]a ,lytton1 _h 
be5 ! victim4  ,i've be5 reta9$ by      
,s5ator ,adrian ,will>d1 he call$ f 8   
room1 z ,i 0 busy pack+ 9 m9e4  ,!      
,will>d family believe t t "y ,dr4      
,dixon is ! victim ( a conspiracy - or  
at lea/ ,alma ,will>d does1 :i* comes to
 ! same ?+1 & - well1 ! s5ator call$ me 
up on long-di/ance & (f]$ me any?+ ,i   
w\ld "n 9 reason to take ! case4  ,are y
 ready8  ,come on1 !n4  ,we've simply   
got to make t tra94  ,z we settl$       
ourselves 9 ! smok+-comp>tm5t ( !       
,pullman1 :i* = "s reason or o!r we _h  
to ourselves1 ,k5n$y spoke aga9 = ! fir/
 "t s9ce our frantic da% across ! city  
to cat* ! tra94  ,n[ let u see1 ,walt]1 
he began4  ,we've bo? read a good deal  
ab\t ?is case 9 ! pap]s4  ,let's try to 
get our k 9 an ord]ly %ape be=e we      
tackle ! actual case itself4  ,ev] be5 9
 ,danbridge8 ,i ask$4  ,nev]1 he repli$4

  ,:at sort ( place is x8  ,mighty      
int]e/+1 ,i answ]$2 a comb9ation ( old  
,new ,engl& & new1 ( ance/ors &         
factories1 ( weal? & pov]ty1 & above all
 x is int]e/+ = its colony (            
,new-,york]s - :at %all ,i call x8 - a  
lit]>y-arti/ic-musical comb9ation1 ,i   
guess4  ,yes1 he resum$1 ,i ?\ght z mu*4
  ,v]a ,lytton belong$ to ! colony4  ,a 
v tal5t$ girl1 too - y rememb] h] 9 ',! 
,tam+ ( ! ,new ,woman' la/ season8      
,well1 to get back to ! facts z we "k !m
 at pres5t4  ,"h is a girl ) a brilliant
 future on ! /age discov]$ by h] fri5d1 
,mrs4 ,bonc\r1 9 convulsions -          
practically ins5sible  - ) a bottle (   
heada*e-p[d] & a j> ( ammonia on h]     
dress+-table4  ,mrs4 ,bonc\r s5ds ! maid
 = ! ne>e/ doctor1 :o happ5s to be a    
,dr4 ,wat]wor?4  ,mean:ile %e tries to  
re/ore ,miss ,lytton1 b ) no result4    
,%e smells ! ammonia & !n j ta/es !     
heada*e-p[d]1 a v fooli% ?+ to d1 = by !
 "t ,dr4 ,wat]wor? arrives he has two   
pati5ts4  ,no1 ,i correct$1 only "o1 =  

,miss ,lytton 0 dead :5 he arriv$1      
accord+ to 8 late/ /atem5t4  ,v well1 !n
 - "o4  ,he arrives1 ,mrs4 ,bonc\r is   
ill1 ! maid kn[s no?+ at all ab\t x1 &  
,v]a ,lytton is dead4  ,he1 too1 smells 
! ammonia1 ta/es ! heada*e-p[d] - j !   
m]e/ trace - & !n he has two pati5ts1 "o
 ( !m himself4  ,we mu/ see him1 = 8    
exp]i5ce mu/ h be5 appall+4  ,h[ he ev] 
did x ,i c't imag9e1 b he sav$ bo?      
himself & ,mrs4 ,bonc\r f poison+ -     
cyanide1 ! pap]s say1 b ( c\rse we c't  
accept t until we see4  ,x seems to me1 
,walt]1 t lately ! pap]s h made ! rule 9
 murd] cases3 ,:5 9 d\bt1 call x        
cyanide4  ,n reli%+ ,k5n$y 9 ! hum\r (  
express+ 8 real op9ion ( ! newspap]s1 ,i
 ha/ily turn$ ! conv]sation back aga9 by
 ask+1 ,h[ ab\t ! note f ,dr4 ,dixon8   
,ah1 !re is ! crux ( ! :ole case - t    
note f ,dixon4 ,let u see4  ,dr4 ,dixon 
is1 if ,i am in=m$ correctly1 ( a f9e & 
ari/ocratic family1 ?\gh n weal?y4  ,i  
believe x has be5 e/abli%$ t :ile he 0  
an int]ne 9 a city hospital he became   

acqua9t$ ) ,v]a ,lytton1 aft] h] divorce
 f t arti/ ,?ur/on4  ,!n comes 8 removal
 to ,danbridge & 8 meet+ & lat] 8       
engagem5t ) ,miss ,will>d4  ,on ! :ole1 
,walt]1 judg+ f ! newspap] pictures1    
,alma ,will>d is q ! equal ( ,v]a       
,lytton = looks1 only ( a diff]5t /yle (
 beauty4  ,oh1 well1 we %all see4  ,v]a 
decid$ to sp5d ! spr+ & summ] at        
,danbridge 9 ! bungal[ ( h] fri5d1 ,mrs4
 ,bonc\r1 ! noveli/4  ,t's :5 ?+s began 
to happ54  ,yes1 ,i put 91 :5 y come to 
"k ,danbridge z ,i did aft] t summ] :5 y
 7 abroad1 y'll und]/&1 too4  ,ev]ybody 
kn[s ev]ybody else's bus9ess4  ,x is !  
ma9 occupation ( a c]ta9 set1 & !       
p]-capita output ( gossip is a record t 
w\ld /agg] ! c5sus bureau4  ,/ill1 y c't
 get away f ! note1 ,craig4  ,!re x is1 
9 ,dixon's own h&writ+1 ev5 if he does  
d5y x3 ',?is w cure y\r heada*e4  ,dr4  
,dixon4' ,t's a damn+ piece ( evid5ce4  
,q "r1 he agre$ ha/ily2 ! note 0 que]1  
?\gh1 wasn't x8  ,!y f\nd x crumpl$ up 9
 ! j> ( ammonia4  ,oh1 !re are lots (   

problems ! newspap]s h fail$ to see !   
significance (1 let alone try+ to foll[ 
up4  ,our fir/ visit 9 ,danbridge 0 to !
 prosecut+ attorney1 ^: (fice 0 n f> f !
 /ation on ! ma9 /reet4  ,craig _h wir$ 
him1 & he _h k9dly wait$ to see u1 = x 0
 evid5t t ,danbridge respect$ ,s5ator   
,will>d & e "o connect$ ) him4  ,w\ld x 
be too mu* to ask j to see t note t 0   
f\nd 9 ! ,bonc\r bungal[8 ask$ ,craig4  
,! prosecutor1 an en]getic "y man1 pull$
 out ( a docum5t-case a crumpl$ note :i*
 _h be5 press$ flat aga94  ,on x 9 cle>1
 deep black lett]s 7 ! words1 j z       
report$3   ,?is w cure y\r heada*e4     
,,dr4 ,dixon4   ,h[ ab\t ! h&writ+8 ask$
 ,k5n$y4  ,! lawy] pull$ out a numb] (  
lett]s4  ,i'm afraid !y w h to admit x1 
he said ) reluctance1 z if d[n 9 8 he>t 
he hat$ to prosecute ,dixon4  ,we h lots
 ( ^!1 & no h&writ+ exp]t c\ld          
successfully d5y ! id5tity ( ! writ+4   
,he /[$ away ! lett]s )\t lett+ ,k5n$y  
get a h9t z to _! cont5ts4  ,k5n$y 0    
exam9+ ! note c>efully4  ,may ,i c\nt on

 hav+ ?is note = fur!r exam9ation1 (    
c\rse always at su* times & "u su*      
conditions z y agree to8  ,! attorney   
nodd$4  ,i am p]fectly will+ to d any?+ 
n illegal to accommodate ! s5ator1 he   
said4  ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 ,i am "h to d my
 duty = ! /ate1 co/ :om x may4  ,!      
,will>d h\se 0 9 a virtual /ate ( siege4
  ,newspap] report]s f ,bo/on & ,new    
,york 7 actually encamp$ at e gate1     
t]rible z an army1 ) cam]as4  ,x 0 ) "s 
difficulty t we got 91 ev5 ?\gh we 7    
expect$1 = "s ( ! m ent]pris+ _h already
 fool$ ! family by pos+ z (fic]s ( ! law
 & mess5g]s f ,dr4 ,dixon4  ,! h\se 0 a 
real1 old colonial mansion ) tall :ite  
pill>s1 a door ) a glitt]+ brass knock]1
 :i* gleam$ out sev]ely at y z y        
approa*$ ?r\gh a h$ge ( faultlessly     
trimm$ boxwoods4  ,s5ator1 or r =m]     
,s5ator1 ,will>d met u 9 ! libr>y1 & a  
mom5t lat] 8 daught] ,alma jo9$ him4    
,%e 0 tall1 l h] fa!r1 a girl ( poise & 
self-control4  ,yet ev5 ! s*ool+ (      
tw5ty-two ye>s 9 rigor\s ,new ,engl&    

self-re/ra9t c\ld n hide ! v human      
pallor ( h] face aft] ! sleepless nights
 & n]v\s days s9ce ?is tr\ble _h brok5  
on h] placid exi/5ce4 ,yet !re 0 a m>k (
 /r5g? & det]m9ation on h] face t 0     
fasc9at+4  ,! man :o w\ld trifle ) ?is  
girl1 ,i felt1 0 play+ fa/ & loose ) h] 
v life4  ,i ?\ght !n1 & ,i said to      
,k5n$y aft]w>d3 ,if ?is ,dr4 ,dixon is  
guilty1 y h no "r to hide x f t girl4   
,any?+ less ?an ! tru? w only black5 !  
hide\sness ( ! crime t has already be5  
committ$4  ,! s5ator greet$ ,i u        
gravely1 & ,i c\ld n b take x z a good  
om5 :51 9 8 pride ( weal? & family &    
tradition1 he laid b>e ev]y?+ to u1 = ! 
sake ( ,alma ,will>d4  ,x 0 cle> t 9 ?is
 family !re 0 "o ^w t /ood above all    
o!rs1 ,duty4  ,z we 7 ab\t to leave aft]
 an int]view b>r5 ( new facts1 a "y man 
0 ann\nc$1 ,mr4 ,halsey ,po/4  ,he b[$  
politely to u1 b x 0 evid5t :y he _h    
call$1 z 8 eye foll[$ ,alma ab\t ! room4
  ,! son ( ! late ,halsey ,po/1 ( ,po/  
,vance1 silv]smi?s1 :o h ! l>ge factory 

9 t[n1 :i* y p]haps notic$1 expla9$ !   
s5ator4  ,my daught] has kn[n him all h]
 life4  ,a v f9e "y man4  ,lat]1 we     
le>n$ t ! s5ator _h b5t e ef=t t[>d     
secur+ ,halsey ,po/ z a son-9-law1 b 8  
daught] _h _h views ( h] own on !       
subject4  ,po/ wait$ until ,alma _h     
)drawn be=e he disclos$ ! real object ( 
8 visit4  ,9 almo/ a :isp]1 le/ %e %\ld 
/ill be li/5+1 he said1 ,!re is a /ory  
ab\t t[n t ,v]a ,lytton's =m] husb& - an
 arti/ nam$ ,?ur/on - 0 "h j be=e h]    
dea?4  ,s5ator ,will>d lean$ =w>d z if  
expect+ to he> ,dixon imm$iately        
acquitt$4  ,none ( u 0 prep>$ = ! next  
rem>k4  ,& ! /ory goes on to say t he   
?reat5$ to make a sc5e ov] a wrong he   
says he has suff]$ f ,dixon4  ,i don't  
"k any?+ m ab\t x1 & ,i tell y only     
because ,i ?9k y ought to "k :at        
,danbridge is say+ "u its brea?4  ,we   
%ook (f ! la/ ( ! report]s :o affix$    
!mselves to u1 & = a mom5t ,k5n$y dropp$
 9 at ! little bungal[ to see ,mrs4     
,bonc\r4  ,%e 0 mu* bett]1 ?\gh %e _h   

suff]$ mu*4 ,%e _h tak5 only a p9head ( 
! poison1 b x _h prov$ v ne>ly fatal4   
,_h ,miss ,lytton any enemies :om y ?9k 
(1 p :o 7 jeal\s ( h] pr(essionally or  
p]sonally8 ask$ ,craig4  ,i %\ld n ev5 h
 said ,dr4 ,dixon 0 an enemy1 %e repli$ 
evasively4  ,b ?is ,mr4 ,?ur/on1 put 9  
,k5n$y quickly4  ,"o is n usually visit$
 9 p]fect fri5d%ip by a husb& :o has be5
 divorc$4  ,%e reg>d$ him ke5ly = a     
mom5t4  ,halsey ,po/ told y t1 %e said4 
,no "o else knew he 0 "h4  ,b ,halsey   
,po/ 0 an old fri5d ( bo? ,v]a & ,mr4   
,?ur/on be=e !y sep>at$4  ,by *ance he  
happ5$ to drop 9 ! day ,mr4 ,?ur/on 0   
"h1 & lat] 9 ! day ,i gave him a lett]  
to =w>d to ,mr4 ,?ur/on1 :i* _h come    
aft] ! arti/ left4  ,i'm sure no "o else
 knew ! arti/4  ,he 0 "h ! morn+ ( ! day
 %e di$1 & - &  - t's e bit ,i'm go+ to 
tell y ab\t him1 s !re4  ,i don't "k :y 
he came or :]e he w5t4  ,t's a ?+ we mu/
 foll[ up lat]1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y z we made 
our adieus4  ,j n[ ,i want to get !     
facts 9 h&4  ,! next ?+ on my programme 

is to see ?is ,dr4 ,wat]wor?4  ,we f\nd 
! doctor /ill 9 b$2 9 fact1 a wreck z ! 
result ( 8 adv5ture4  ,he _h little to  
correct 9 ! facts ( ! /ory :i* _h be5   
publi%$ s f>4  ,b !re 7 _m o!r details (
 ! poison+ he 0 q will+ to discuss      
frankly4  ,x 0 true ab\t ! j> ( ammonia8
 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,yes1 he answ]$4  ,x 0   
/&+ on h] dress+-table ) ! note crumpl$ 
up 9 x1 j z ! pap]s said4  ,& y h no    
idea :y x 0 !re8  ,i didn't say t4  ,i c
 guess4  ,fumes ( ammonia are "o ( !    
antidotes = poison+ ( ?is k9d4  ,b ,v]a 
,lytton c\ld h>dly h kn[n t1 object$    
,k5n$y4  ,no1 ( c\rse n4  ,b %e probably
 did "k t ammonia is good = j t sort (  
fa9tness :i* %e mu/ h exp]i5c$ aft] tak+
 ! p[d]4  ,p]haps %e ?\ght ( sal        
volatile1 ,i don't "k4  ,b mo/ p "k t   
ammonia 9 "s =m is good = fa9tness ( ?is
 sort1 ev5 if !y don't "k any?+ ab\t    
cyanides & -   ,!n x 0 cyanide8         
int]rupt$ ,craig4  ,yes1 he repli$      
sl[ly4  ,x 0 evid5t t he 0 suff]+ great 
physical & n]v\s angui% z ! result ( 8  

too intimate acqua9tance ) ! poisons 9  
"q4   ,i w tell y precisely h[ x 01     
,pr(essor ,k5n$y4  ,:5 ,i 0 call$ 9 to  
see ,miss ,lytton ,i f\nd h] on ! b$4   
,i pri$ op5 h] jaws & smell$ ! sweeti%  
od\r ( ! cyanog5 gas4  ,i knew !n :at %e
 _h tak51 & at ! mom5t %e 0 dead4  ,9 ! 
next room ,i he>d "s "o moan+4  ,! maid 
said t x 0 ,mrs4 ,bonc\r1 & t %e 0      
dea?ly sick4  ,i ran into h] room1 &    
?\gh %e 0 beside h]self ) pa9 ,i manag$ 
to control h]1 ?\gh %e /ruggl$          
desp]ately aga9/ me4  ,i 0 ru%+ h] to ! 
ba?room1 pass+ ?r\gh ,miss ,lytton's    
room4  ',:at's wrong8' ,i ask$ z ,i     
c>ri$ h] along4  ',i took "s ( t1' %e   
repli$1 po9t+ to ! bottle on !          
dress+-table4  ,i put a small quantity (
 its cry/al cont5ts on my tongue4  ,!n  
,i realis$ ! mo/ tragic tru? ( my life4 
,i _h tak5 "o ( ! deadlie/ poisons 9 !  
_w4  ,! od\r ( ! releas$ gas ( cyanog5 0
 /rong4  ,b m ?an t1 ! metallic ta/e & !
 horrible burn+ s5sation told ( !       
pres5ce ( "s =m ( m]cury1 too4  ,9 t    

t]rible mom5t my bra9 work$ ) !         
incr$ible swiftness ( light4  ,9 a fla% 
,i knew t if ,i add$ malic acid to !    
m]cury - p] *loride ( m]cury or         
corrosive sublimate - ,i w\ld h calomel 
or sub*loride ( m]cury1 ! only ?+ t w\ld
 swit* ! poison out ( my sy/em & ,mrs4  
,bonc\r's4  ,seiz+ h] ab\t ! wai/1 ,i   
hurri$ into ! d9+-room4  ,on a sidebo>d 
0 a di% ( fruit4  ,i took two apples4   
,i made h] eat "o1 core & all4  ,i ate !
 o!r4  ,! fruit conta9$ ! malic acid ,i 
ne$$ to manufacture ! calomel1 & ,i made
 x "r !re 9 nature's own laboratory4  ,b
 !re 0 no "t to /op4  ,i _h to act j z  
quickly to neutralise t cyanide1 too4   
,rememb]+ ! ammonia1 ,i ru%$ back )     
,mrs4 ,bonc\r1 & we inhal$ ! fumes4  ,!n
 ,i f\nd a bottle ( p]oxide ( hydrog54  
,i wa%$ out h] /oma* ) x1 & !n my own4  
,!n ,i inject$ "s ( ! p]oxide into v>i\s
 p>ts ( h] body4  ,! p]oxide ( hydrog5 &
 hydrocyanic acid1 y "k1 make oxamide1  
:i* is a h>mless comp\nd4  ,! maid put  
,mrs4 ,bonc\r to b$1 sav$4  ,i w5t to my

 h\se1 a wreck4  ,s9ce !n ,i h n left   
?is b$4  ,) my legs p>alys$ ,i lie "h1  
expect+ ea* h\r to be my la/4  ,w\ld y  
ta/e an unkn[n drug aga9 to discov] !   
nature ( a probable poison8 ask$ ,craig4
  ,i don't "k1 he answ]$ sl[ly1 b ,i    
suppose ,i w\ld4  ,9 su* a case a       
consci5ti\s doctor has no ?\ght ( self4 
,he is !re to d ?+s1 & he does !m1      
accord+ to ! be/ t is 9 him4 ,9 spite ( 
! fact t ,i hav5't _h "o h\r ( unbrok5  
sleep s9ce t fatal day1 ,i suppose ,i   
w\ld d x aga94  ,:5 we 7 leav+1 ,i      
rem>k$3 ,t is a m>tyr to sci5ce4 ,c\ld  
any?+ be m dramatic ?an 8 will+ p5alty =
 8 devotion to m$ic9e8  ,we walk$ along 
9 sil5ce4  ,walt]1 did y notice he said 
n a ^w ( condemnation ( ,dixon1 ?\gh !  
note 0 be=e 8 eyes8 ,surely ,dixon has  
"s /rong support]s 9 ,danbridge1 z well 
z enemies4  ,! next morn+ we cont9u$ our
 inve/igation4  ,we f\nd ,dixon's lawy]1
 ,lel&1 9 consultation ) 8 cli5t 9 ! b>e
 cell ( ! c\nty jail4  ,dixon prov$ to  
be a cle>-ey$1 clean-cut "y man4  ,! ?+ 

t impress$ me mo/ ab\t him1 aside f !   
prepossession 9 8 fav\r due to ! fai? ( 
,alma ,will>d1 0 ! n]ve he display$1    
:e!r guilty or innoc5t4  ,ev5 an innoc5t
 man might well h be5 /agg]$ by !       
circum/antial evid5ce aga9/ him & ! high
 tide ( public feel+1 9 spite ( !       
support t he 0 receiv+4  ,lel&1 we      
le>n$1 _h be5 v active4  ,by prompt "w  
at ! "t ( ! "y doctor's arre/ he _h     
manag$ to secure ! great] "p ( ,dr4     
,dixon's p]sonal lett]s1 ?\gh !         
prosecutor secur$ "s1 ! cont5ts ( :i* _h
 n be5 disclos$4  ,k5n$y sp5t mo/ ( !   
day 9 trac+ out ! movem5ts ( ,?ur/on4   
,no?+ t prov$ important 0 turn$ up1 &   
ev5 visits to ne>-by t[ns fail$ to %[   
any sales ( cyanide or sublimate to any 
"o n entitl$ to buy !m4  ,mean:ile1 9   
turn+ ov] ! gossip ( ! t[n1 "o ( !      
newspap]m5 ran across ! fact t ! ,bonc\r
 bungal[ 0 own$ by ! ,po/s1 & t ,halsey 
,po/1 z ! executor ( ! e/ate1 0 a m     
frequ5t visitor ?an ! m]e collection ( !
 r5t w\ld w>rant4 ,mrs4 ,bonc\r ma9ta9$ 

a /olid sil5ce t cov]$ a see?+ int]nal  
fury :5 ! newspap]man 9 "q h9t$ t !     
l&lord & t5ant 7 on exceptionally good  
t]ms4  ,x 0 aft] a fruitless day ( su*  
se>* t we 7 sitt+ 9 ! read+-room ( !    
,fairfield ,hotel4  ,lel& ent]$4  ,8    
face 0 positively :ite4  ,)\t a ^w he   
took u by ! arm & l$ u across ,ma9      
,/reet & up a flight ( /airs to 8 (fice4
  ,!n he lock$ ! door4  ,:at's ! matt]8 
ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,:5 ,i took ?is case1 he  
said1 ,i believ$ d[n 9 my he>t t ,dixon 
0 innoc5t4  ,i /ill believe x1 b my fai?
 has be5 rudely %ak54  ,i feel t y %\ld 
"k ab\t :at ,i h j f\nd4  ,z ,i told y1 
we secur$ ne>ly all ( ,dr4 ,dixon's     
lett]s4 ,i _h n read !m all !n4  ,b ,i h
 be5 go+ ?r\gh !m to-night4  ,"h is a   
lett] f ,v]a ,lytton h]self4  ,y w      
notice x is dat$ ! day ( h] dea?4  ,he  
laid ! lett] be=e u4  ,x 0 writt5 9 a   
curi\s greyi%-black ink 9 a woman's h&1 
& read3  ,,de> ,,h>ris3 ,s9ce we agre$  
to disagree we h at lea/ be5 good       
fri5ds1 if no long] lov]s4  ,i am n     

writ+ 9 ang] to reproa* y ) y\r new     
love1 s soon aft] ! old4  ,i suppose    
,alma ,will>d is f> bett] suit$ to be   
y\r wife ?an is a poor little actress  -
 r look$ d[n on 9 ?is ,puritan society  
"h4  ,b !re is some?+ ,i wi% to w>n y   
ab\t1 = x conc]ns u all intimately4  ,we
 are 9 dang] ( an awful mix-up if we    
don't look out4  ,mr4 ,?ur/on - ,i _h   
almo/ said my husb&1 ?\gh ,i don't "k   
:e!r t is ! tru? or n - :o has j come   
ov] f ,new ,york1 tells me t !re is "s  
d\bt ab\t ! validity ( our divorce4 ,y  
recall he 0 9 ! ,s\? at ! "t ,i su$ him1
 & ! pap]s 7 s]v$ on him 9 ,georgia4    
,he n[ says ! pro( ( s]vice 0 fraudul5t 
& t he c set aside ! divorce4  ,9 t case
 y might figure 9 a suit = ali5at+ my   
affections4  ,i d n write ?is ) ill w1 b
 simply to let y "k h[ ?+s /&4  ,if we  
_h m>ri$1 ,i suppose ,i w\ld be guilty (
 bigamy4  ,at any rate1 if he 7 dispos$ 
he c\ld make a t]rible sc&al4  ,oh1     
,h>ris1 c't y settle ) him if he asks   
any?+8  ,don't =get s soon t we once    

?\ght we 7 go+ to be ! happie/ ( mortals
 - at lea/ ,i did4  ,don't des]t me1 or 
! v e>? w cry out aga9/ y4  ,i am       
frantic & h>dly "k :at ,i am writ+4  ,my
 head a*es1 b x is my he>t t is break+4 
,h>ris1 ,i am y\rs /ill1 d[n 9 my he>t1 
b n to be ca/ (f l an old suit = a new  
"o4  ,y "k ! old say+ ab\t a woman      
scorn$4  ,i beg y n to g back on  ,y\r  
poor little des]t$ ,,v]a4   ,z we f9i%$ 
read+1 ,lel& exclaim$1 ,t nev] mu/ come 
be=e ! jury4  ,k5n$y 0 exam9+ ! lett]   
c>efully4  ,/range1 he mutt]$4 ,see h[ x
 0 fold$4  ,x 0 writt5 on ! wrong side (
 ! %eet1 or r fold$ up ) ! writ+        
outside4  ,:]e h ^! lett]s be58  ,"p ( !
 "t 9 my safe1 "p ( ! "t ?is aft]noon on
 my desk by ! w9d[4  ,! (fice 0 lock$1  
,i suppose8 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,!re 0 no way 
to slip ?is lett] 9 among ! o!rs s9ce y 
obta9$ !m8  ,none4  ,! (fice has be5    
lock$1 & !re is no evid5ce ( any "o hav+
 ent]$ or di/urb$ a ?+4  ,he 0 ha/ily   
runn+ ov] ! pile ( lett]s z if look+ to 
see :e!r !y 7 all !re4  ,sudd5ly he     

/opp$4  ,yes1 he exclaim$ excit$ly1 "o (
 !m is gone4  ,n]v\sly he fumbl$ ?r\gh  
!m aga94  ,"o is gone1 he repeat$1 look+
 at u1 />tl$4  ,:at 0 x ab\t8 ask$      
,craig4  ,x 0 a note f an arti/1        
,?ur/on1 :o gave ! address ( ,mrs4      
,bonc\r's bungal[ - ah1 ,i see y h he>d 
( him4  ,he ask$ ,dixon's recomm5dation 
( a c]ta9 pat5t heada*e m$ic9e4  ,i     
?\ght x possibly evid5tial1 & ,i ask$   
,dixon ab\t x4  ,he expla9$ x by say+ t 
he did n h a copy ( 8 reply1 b z ne> z  
he c\ld recall1 he wrote t ! comp\nd    
w\ld n cure a heada*e except at ! exp5se
 ( r$uc+ he>t action dang]\sly4  ,he    
says he s5t no prescription4  ,inde$1 he
 ?\ght x a s*eme to extract advice )\t  
incurr+ ! *>ge = an (fice call & answ]$ 
x only because he ?\ght ,v]a _h become  
reconcil$ to ,?ur/on aga94  ,i c't f9d t
 lett] ( ,?ur/on's4 ,x is gone4  ,we    
look$ at ea* o!r 9 amazem5t4  ,:y1 if   
,dixon contemplat$ any?+ aga9/ ,miss    
,lytton1 %\ld he pres]ve ?is lett] f h]8
 mus$ ,k5n$y4  ,:y didn't he de/roy x8  

,t's :at puzzles me1 rem>k$ ,lel&4  ,d y
 suppose "s "o has brok5 9 & sub/itut$  
?is ,lytton lett] = ! ,?ur/on lett]8    
,k5n$y 0 scrut9is+ ! lett]1 say+ no?+4  
,i may keep x8 he ask$ at l5g?4  ,lel& 0
 q will+ & ev5 und]took to obta9 "s     
specim5s ( ! writ+ ( ,v]a ,lytton4  ,)  
^! & ! lett] ,k5n$y 0 work+ f> into !   
night & long aft] ,i _h pass$ into a l& 
tr\bl$ ) _m wild dreams ( deadly poisons
 & secret intrigues ( arti/s4  ,! next  
morn+ a message f our old fri5d ,fir/   
,deputy ,o',connor 9 ,new ,york told    
briefly ( locat+ ! rooms ( an arti/ nam$
 ,?ur/on 9 "o ( ! co-op]ative /udio     
ap>tm5ts4  ,?ur/on himself _h n be5 !re 
= sev]al days & 0 report$ to h gone to  
,ma9e to sket*4  ,he _h _h a numb] (    
debts1 b be=e he left !y _h all be5 paid
 - /range to say1 by a notori\s firm (  
,%y/] lawy]s1 ,k]r  ,kimmel4  ,k5n$y    
wir$ back to f9d out ! facts f ,k]r     
,kimmel & to locate ,?ur/on at any co/4 
,ev5 ! discov]y ( ! new lett] did n %ake
 ! wond]ful self-possession ( ,dr4      

,dixon4  ,he d5i$ ev] hav+ receiv$ x &  
repeat$ 8 /ory ( a lett] f ,?ur/on to   
:i* he _h repli$ by s5d+ an answ]1 c>e (
 ,mrs4 ,bonc\r1 z reque/$4 ,he insi/$ t 
! engagem5t betwe5 ,miss ,lytton &      
himself _h be5 brok5 be=e ! ann\ncem5t (
 8 engagem5t ) ,miss ,will>d4  ,z =     
,?ur/on1 he said ! man 0 little m ?an a 
"n to him4  ,he _h kn[n p]fectly all !  
circum/ances ( ! divorce1 b _h _h no    
deal+s ) ,?ur/on & no fe> ( him4 ,aga9 &
 aga9 he d5i$ ev] receiv+ ! lett] f ,v]a
 ,lytton4  ,k5n$y did n tell ! ,will>ds 
( ! new lett]4  ,! /ra9 _h begun to tell
 on ,alma1 & h] fa!r _h _h h] quietly   
tak5 to a f>m ( 8 up 9 ! c\ntry4  ,to   
escape ! curi\s eyes ( report]s1 ,halsey
 ,po/ _h driv5 up "o night 9 8 clos$ c>4
  ,%e _h ent]$ x quickly ) h] fa!r1 & ! 
j\rney _h be5 made 9 ! c>1 :ile ,halsey 
,po/ _h quietly dropp$ (f on ! outskirts
 ( ! t[n1 :]e ano!r c> 0 wait+ to take  
him back4  ,x 0 evid5t t ! ,will>d      
family reli$ implicitly on ,halsey1 & 8 
assi/ance to !m 0 mo/ consid]ate4  ,:ile

 he nev] =c$ himself =w>d1 he kept 9    
close t\* ) ! progress ( ! case1 & n[ t 
,alma 0 away 8 wat*fulness increas$     
proportionately1 & twice a day he wrote 
a long report :i* 0 s5t to h]4  ,k5n$y 0
 n[ b5d+ e ef=t to locate ! miss+ arti/4
 ,:5 he left ,danbridge1 he seem$ to h  
dropp$ out ( sight completely4  ,h[ev]1 
) ,o',connor's aid1 ! police ( all ,new 
,engl& 7 on ! look\t4  ,! ,?ur/ons _h   
be5 fri5ds ( ,halsey's be=e ,v]a ,lytton
 _h ev] met ,dr4 ,dixon1 we discov]$ f !
 ,danbridge gossips1 & ,i1 at lea/1     
jump$ to ! conclusion t ,halsey 0 %ield+
 ! arti/1 p]haps ?r\gh a s5se ( fri5d%ip
 :5 he f\nd t ,k5n$y 0 int]e/$ 9        
,?ur/on's movem5t4  ,i mu/ say ,i r lik$
 ,halsey1 = he seem$ v ?\ghtful ( !     
,will>ds1 & 0 nev] too busy to give an  
h\r or s to any commission !y wi%$ c>ri$
 out )\t publicity44  ,two days pass$ ) 
n a ^w f ,?ur/on4  ,k5n$y 0 obvi\sly    
gett+ impati5t4  ,"o day a rum\r 0      
receiv$ t he 0 9 ,b> ,h>b\r2 ! next x 0 
a report f ,nova ,scotia4  ,at la/1     

h[ev]1 came ! welcome news t he _h be5  
locat$ 9 ,new ,hamp%ire1 arre/$1 & might
 be expect$ ! next day4  ,at once ,k5n$y
 became all en]gy4  ,he arrang$ = a     
secret conf]5ce 9 ,s5ator ,will>d's     
h\se1 ! mom5t ! arti/ 0 to arrive4  ,!  
s5ator & 8 daught] made a fly+ trip back
 to t[n4  ,no?+ 0 said to any "o ab\t   
,?ur/on1 b ,k5n$y quietly arrang$ ) !   
di/rict attorney to be pres5t ) ! note &
 ! j> ( ammonia prop]ly safegu>d$4      
,lel& ( c\rse came1 al?\gh 8 cli5t c\ld 
n4  ,halsey ,po/ seem$ only too glad to 
be ) ,miss ,will>d1 ?\gh he seem$ to h  
lo/ int]e/ 9 ! case z soon z ! ,will>ds 
return$ to look aft] x !mselves4  ,mrs4 
,bonc\r 0 well en\gh to att5d1 & ev5    
,dr4 ,wat]wor? insi/$ on com+ 9 a       
private ambulance :i* drove ov] f a     
ne>-by city especially = him4  ,! "t 0  
fix$ j be=e ! arrival ( ! tra9 t 0 to   
br+ ,?ur/on4  ,x 0 an anxi\s ga!r+ (    
fri5ds & foes ( ,dr4 ,dixon :o sat      
impati5tly wait+ = ,k5n$y to beg9 ?is   
mom5t\s exposition t 0 to e/abli% !     

guilt or innoc5ce ( ! calm "y physician 
:o sat impassively 9 ! jail n half a    
mile f ! room :]e 8 life & dea? 7 be+   
debat$4  ,9 _m respects ?is is ! mo/    
rem>kable case t x has ev] be5 my lot to
 h&le1 began ,k5n$y4  ,nev] be=e h ,i   
felt s ke5ly my s5se ( responsibility4  
,!re=e1 ?\gh ?is is a some:at irregul>  
proce$+1 let me beg9 by sett+ =? ! facts
 z ,i see !m4  ,fir/1 let u consid] !   
dead woman4  ,! "q t arises "h is1 ,0 %e
 murd]$ or did %e commit suicide8  ,i   
?9k y w discov] ! answ] z ,i proce$4    
,miss ,lytton1 z y "k1 01 two ye>s ago1 
,mrs4 ,burgess ,?ur/on4  ,! ,?ur/ons _h 
temp]am5t1 & temp]am5t is q (t5 !       
highway to ! divorce c\rt4  ,x 0 s 9 ?is
 case4  ,mrs4 ,?ur/on discov]$ t h]     
husb& 0 pay+ mu* att5tion to o!r wom54  
,%e su$ = divorce 9 ,new ,york1 & he    
accept$ s]vice 9 ! ,s\?1 :]e he happ5$  
to be4  ,at lea/ x 0 s te/ifi$ by ,mrs4 
,?ur/on's lawy]4  ,n[ "h comes !        
rem>kable feature ( ! case4  ,! law firm
 ( ,k]r  ,kimmel1 ,i f9d1 n long ago    

began to inve/igate !#bj legality ( ?is 
divorce4  ,be=e a not>y ,?ur/on made an 
affidavit t he _h nev] be5 s]v$ by !    
lawy] = ,miss ,lytton1 z %e 0 n[ kn[n4  
,h] lawy] is dead1 b 8 repres5tative 9 !
 ,s\? :o s]v$ ! pap]s is alive4  ,he 0  
br\ght to ,new ,york & ass]t$ squ>ely t 
he _h s]v$ ! pap]s prop]ly4  ,"h is :]e 
! %rewdness ( ,mose ,kimmel1 ! %y/]     
lawy]1 came 94  ,he arrang$ to h !      
,s\!rn attorney id5tify ! man he _h s]v$
 ! pap]s on4  ,= ?is purpose he 0 engag$
 9 conv]sation ) "o ( 8 own cl]ks :5 !  
lawy] 0 due to appe>4  ,kimmel appe>$ to
 act confus$1 z if he _h be5 caught     
napp+4  ,! ,s\!rn lawy]1 :o _h se5      
,?ur/on only once1 fell squ>ely into !  
trap & id5tifi$ ! cl]k z ,?ur/on4  ,!re 
7 pl5ty ( witnesses to x1 & x 0 po9t    
numb] two = ! great ,mose ,kimmel4      
,pap]s 7 drawn up to set aside ! divorce
 decree4  ,9 ! meantime1 ,miss ,lytton1 
or ,mrs4 ,?ur/on1 _h become acqua9t$ ) a
 "y doctor 9 a ,new ,york hospital1 & _h
 become engag$ to him4  ,x matt]s n t ! 

engagem5t 0 lat] brok54  ,! fact rema9s 
t if ! divorce 7 set aside an action    
w\ld lie aga9/ ,dr4 ,dixon = ali5at+    
,mrs4 ,?ur/on's affections1 & a grave   
sc&al w\ld result4  ,i ne$ n add t 9 ?is
 quiet little t[n ( ,danbridge ! mo/    
c\ld be made ( su* a suit4  ,k5n$y 0    
unfold+ a piece#bj( pap]4  ,z he laid x 
d[n1 ,lel&1 :o 0 sitt+ next to me1      
exclaim$ "u 8 brea?3  ,my ,god1 he's go+
 to let ! prosecutor "k ab\t t lett]4   
,c't y /op him8  ,x 0 too late4  ,k5n$y 
_h already begun to read ,v]a's lett]4  
,x 0 damn+ to ,dixon1 add$ to ! o!r note
 f\nd 9 ! ammonia-j>4  ,:5 he _h f9i%$  
read+1 y c\ld almo/ he> ! he>ts ?robb+ 9
 ! room4  ,a sc[l ov]spread ,s5ator     
,will>d's features4 ,alma ,will>d 0 pale
 & />+ wildly at ,k5n$y4  ,halsey ,po/1 
ev] solicit\s = h]1 h&$ h] a glass (    
wat] f ! table4 ,dr4 ,wat]wor? _h =gott5
 8 pa9 9 8 int5se att5tion1 & ,mrs4     
,bonc\r seem$ /unn$ ) a/oni%m5t4  ,!    
prosecut+ attorney 0 eag]ly tak+ notes4 
,9 "s way1 pursu$ ,k5n$y 9 an ev5 voice1

 ?is lett] 0 ei!r ov]look$ 9 ! orig9al  
correspond5ce ( ,dr4 ,dixon or x 0 add$ 
to x lat]4  ,i %all come back to t      
pres5tly4  ,my next po9t is t ,dr4      
,dixon says he receiv$ a lett] f ,?ur/on
 on ! day ! arti/ visit$ ! ,bonc\r      
bungal[4  ,x ask$ ab\t a c]ta9 heada*e  
comp\nd1 & 8 reply 0 brief &1 z ne>ly z 
,i c f9d out1 read1 ',?is comp\nd w n   
cure y\r heada*e except at ! exp5se (   
r$uc+ he>t action dang]\sly4'  ,next    
comes ! trag$y4  ,on ! ev5+ ( ! day t   
,?ur/on#bj eft1 aft] presumably tell+   
,miss ,lytton ab\t :at ,k]r  ,kimmel _h 
discov]$1 ,miss ,lytton is f\nd dy+ ) a 
bottle conta9+ cyanide & sublimate      
beside h]4  ,y are all famili> ) !      
circum/ances & ) ! note discov]$ 9 ! j> 
( ammonia4 ,n[1 if ! prosecutor w be s  
k9d z to let me see t note  - ?ank y1   
sir4  ,?is is ! id5tical note4  ,y h all
 he>d ! v>i\s !ories ( ! j> & h read !  
note4  ,"h x is 9 pla91 cold black &    
:ite - 9 ,dr4 ,dixon's own h&writ+1 z y 
"k1 & reads3 ',?is w cure y\r heada*e4  

,dr4 ,dixon4'  ,alma ,will>d seem$ z "o 
p>alys$4  ,0 ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 engag$ by
 h] fa!r to def5d h] fianc#hb1 ab\t to  
convict him8  ,be=e we draw ! f9al      
conclusion1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y gravely1 !re 
are "o or two po9ts ,i wi% to elaborate4
  ,walt]1 w y op5 t door into ! ma9     
hall8  ,i did s1 & two policem5 /epp$ 9 
) a prison]4  ,x 0 ,?ur/on1 b *ang$     
almo/ beyond recognition4  ,8 clo!s 7   
worn1 8 be>d %av$ (f1 & he _h a g5]ally 
hunt$ appe>ance4  ,?ur/on 0 visibly     
n]v\s4  ,app>5tly he _h he>d all t      
,k5n$y _h said & int5d$ he %\ld he>1 = z
 he ent]$ he almo/ broke away f ! police
 (fic]s 9 8 eag]ness to speak4  ,be=e   
,god1 he cri$ dramatically1 ,i am z     
innoc5t z y are ( ?is crime1 ,pr(essor  
,k5n$y4  ,are y prep>$ to swe> be=e me1 
almo/ %\t$ ,k5n$y1 8 eyes blaz+1 t y 7  
nev] s]v$ prop]ly by y\r wife's lawy]s 9
 t suit8  ,! man cr+$ back z if a /++   
bl[ _h be5 deliv]$ betwe5 8 eyes4  ,z he
 met ,craig's fix$ gl>e he knew !re 0 no
 hope4  ,sl[ly1 z if ! words 7 be+ wrung

 f him syllable by syllable1 he said 9 a
 muffl$ voice3  ,no1 ,i p]jur$ myself4  
,i 0 s]v$ 9 t suit4  ,b -   ,& y swore  
falsely be=e ,kimmel t y 7 n8 p]si/$    
,k5n$y4  ,yes1 he murmur$4  ,b -   ,& y 
are prep>$ n[ to make ano!r affidavit to
 t effect8  ,yes1 he repli$4  ,if -     
,no buts or ifs1 ,?ur/on1 cri$ ,k5n$y   
s>ca/ically4  ,:at did y make t         
affidavit =8  ,:at is y\r /ory8  ,kimmel
 s5t = me4  ,i did n g to him4  ,he (f]$
 to pay my debts if ,i w\ld swe> to su* 
a /atem5t4  ,i did n ask :y or = :om4   
,i swore to x & gave him a li/ ( my     
cr$itors4  ,i wait$ until !y 7 paid4    
,!n my consci5ce -  ,i c\ld n help      
revolt+ at ! ?\ght ( consci5ce 9 su* a  
wret*1 & ! ^w itself seem$ to /ick 9 8  
?roat z he w5t on & saw h[ feeble an    
impression he 0 mak+ on u -  my         
consci5ce began to tr\ble me4  ,i       
det]m9$ to see ,v]a1 tell h] all1 & f9d 
out :e!r x 0 %e :o want$ ?is /atem5t4   
,i saw h]4 ,:5 at la/ ,i told h]1 %e    
scorn$ me4  ,i c confirm t1 = z ,i left 

a man ent]$4  ,i n[ knew h[ grossly ,i  
_h s9n$1 9 li/5+ to ,mose ,kimmel4  ,i  
fl$4  ,i disappe>$ 9 ,ma9e4  ,i         
travell$4  ,e day my money grew less4   
,at la/ ,i 0 ov]tak51 captur$1 & br\ght 
back "h4  ,he /opp$ & sank wret*$ly d[n 
9 a *air & cov]$ 8 face ) 8 h&s4  ,a    
likely /ory1 mutt]$ ,lel& 9 my e>4      
,k5n$y 0 work+ quickly4  ,motion+ !     
(fic]s to be seat$ by ,?ur/on1 he       
uncov]$ a j> :i* he _h plac$ on ! table4
 ,! col\r _h n[ appe>$ 9 ,alma's *eeks1 
z if hope _h aga9 sprung 9 h] he>t1 & ,i
 fanci$ t ,halsey ,po/ saw 8 claim on h]
 fav\r decl9+ correspond+ly4  ,i want y 
to exam9e ! lett]s 9 ?is case ) me1     
cont9u$ ,k5n$y4  ,take ! lett] :i* ,i   
read f ,miss ,lytton1 :i* 0 f\nd foll[+ 
! /range disappe>ance ( ! note f        
,?ur/on4  ,he dipp$ a p5 into a little  
bottle1 & wrote on a piece ( pap]3      
,:at is y\r op9ion ab\t ,cross's        
,heada*e ,cure8  ,w\ld y recomm5d x = a 
n]v\s heada*e8  ,,burgess ,,?ur/on1 c_/o
 ,mrs4 ,s4  ,,bonc\r4   ,craig held up !

 writ+ s t we c\ld all see t he _h      
writt5 :at ,dixon decl>$ ,?ur/on wrote 9
 ! note t _h disappe>$4  ,!n he dipp$   
ano!r p5 into a second bottle1 & = "s "t
 he scrawl$ on ano!r %eet ( pap]4  ,he  
held x up1 b x 0 /ill p]fectly blank4   
,n[1 he add$1 ,i am go+ to give a little
 demon/ration :i* ,i expect to be       
successful only 9 a measure4  ,"h 9 !   
op5 sun%9e by ?is w9d[ ,i am go+ to     
place ^! two %eets ( pap] side by side4 
,x w take long] ?an ,i c>e to wait to   
make my demon/ration complete1 b ,i c d 
en\gh to conv9ce y4  ,= a qu>t] ( an h\r
 we sat 9 sil5ce1 wond]+ :at he w\ld d  
next4  ,at la/ he beckon$ u ov] to !    
w9d[4  ,z we approa*$ he said1 ,on %eet 
numb] "o ,i h writt5 ) qu9ol9e2 on %eet 
numb] two ,i wrote ) a solution (       
nitrate ( silv]4  ,we b5t ov]4  ,! writ+
 sign$ ,?ur/on on %eet numb] "o 0 fa9t1 
almo/ imp]ceptible1 b on pap] numb] two1
 9 black lett]s1 appe>$ :at ,k5n$y _h   
writt53  ,de> ,h>ris3 ,s9ce we agre$ to 
disagree we h at lea/ be5 good fri5ds4  

,x is l ! />t ( ! sub/itut$ lett]1 & !  
o!r is l ! miss+ note1 gasp$ ,lel& 9 a  
daze4  ,yes1 said ,k5n$y quickly4       
,lel&1 no "o ent]$ y\r (fice4 ,no "o    
/ole ! ,?ur/on note4  ,no "o sub/itut$ !
 ,lytton lett]4  ,accord+ to y\r own    
/ory1 y took !m out ( ! safe & left !m 9
 ! sunlight all day4  ,! process t _h   
be5 />t$ e>li] 9 ord9>y light1 sl[ly1 0 
n[ quickly complet$4  ,9 o!r words1 !re 
0 writ+ :i* w\ld soon fade away on "o   
side ( ! pap] & writ+ :i* 0 invisible b 
w\ld soon appe> on ! o!r4  ,= in/ance1  
qu9ol9e rapidly disappe>s 9 sunlight4   
,/>* ) a slight trace ( iod9e writes a  
light blue1 :i* disappe>s 9 air4  ,x 0  
some?+ l t us$ 9 ! ,?ur/on lett]4 ,!n1  
too1 silv] nitrate dissolv$ 9 ammonia   
gradually turns black z x is act$ on by 
light & air4  ,or mag5ta treat$ ) a     
blea*+-ag5t 9 j suffici5t quantity to   
decol\rise x is invisible :5 us$ =      
writ+4  ,b ! orig9al col\r reappe>s z ! 
oxyg5 ( ! air acts ^u ! pigm5t4  ,i     
hav5't a d\bt b t my analyses ( ! inks  

are correct & on "o side qu9ol9e 0 us$ &
 on ! o!r nitrate ( silv]4  ,?is expla9s
 ! inexplicable disappe>ance ( evid5ce  
incrim9at+ "o p]son1 ,?ur/on1 & ! sudd5 
appe>ance ( evid5ce incrim9at+ ano!r1   
,dr4 ,dixon4  ,sympa!tic ink also       
acc\nts = ! curi\s circum/ance t !      
,lytton lett] 0 fold$ up ) ! writ+      
app>5tly outside4  ,x 0 outside & unse5 
until ! sunlight br\ght x out & de/roy$ 
! o!r1 inside1 writ+ - a *ange1 ,i      
suspect1 t 0 int5d$ = ! police to see   
aft] x 0 complet$1 n = ! def5ce to      
witness z x 0 tak+ place4  ,we look$ at 
ea* o!r agha/4  ,?ur/on 0 n]v\sly op5+ &
 %utt+ 8 lips & moi/5+ !m z if he want$ 
to say some?+ b c\ld n f9d ! words4     
,la/ly1 w5t on ,craig1 utt]ly reg>dless 
( ,?ur/on's frantic ef=ts to speak1 we  
come to ! note t 0 discov]$ s que]ly    
crumpl$ up 9 ! j> ( ammonia on ,v]a     
,lytton's dress+-table4  ,i h "h a      
cyl9drical glass j> 9 :i* ,i place "s   
sal-ammoniac & quicklime4  ,i w wet x & 
heat x a little4  ,t produces ! pung5t  

gas ( ammonia4  ,on "o side ( ?is ?ird  
piece ( pap] ,i myself write ) ?is      
m]cur\s nitrate solution4  ,y see1 ,i   
leave no m>k on ! pap] z ,i write4  ,i  
fold x up & drop x into ! j> - & 9 a few
 seconds )draw x4  ,"h is a v quick way 
( produc+ some?+ l ! sl[ result (       
sunlight ) silv] nitrate4  ,! fumes (   
ammonia h =m$ ! precipitate ( black     
m]cur\s nitrate1 a v di/9ct black writ+ 
:i* is almo/ indelible4  ,t is :at is   
te*nically call$ invisible r ?an        
sympa!tic ink4  ,we lean$ ov] to read   
:at he _h writt54  ,x 0 ! same z ! note 
incrim9at+ ,dixon3   ,?is w cure y\r    
heada*e4 ,dr4 ,,dixon4   ,a s]vant ent]$
 ) a telegram f ,new ,york4  ,sc>cely   
/opp+ 9 8 exposure1 ,k5n$y tore x op51  
read x ha/ily1 /uff$ x into 8 pocket1 & 
w5t on4  ,"h 9 ?is f\r? bottle ,i h an  
acid solution ( iron *loride1 dilut$    
until ! writ+ is invisible :5 dry1 he   
hurri$ on4  ,i w j make a few scrat*es  
on ?is f\r? %eet ( pap]  - s4 ,x leaves 
no m>k4  ,b x has ! rem>kable prop]ty ( 

becom+ r$ 9 vap\r ( sulpho-cyanide4  ,"h
 is a long-neck$ flask ( ! gas1 made by 
sulphuric acid act+ on potassium        
sulphocyanide4  ,keep back1 ,dr4        
,wat]wor?1 = x w\ld be v dang]\s = y to 
get ev5 a :iff ( ?is 9 y\r condition4   
,ah6  ,see - ! scrat*es ,i made on !    
pap] are r$4  ,!n h>dly giv+ u m ?an a  
mom5t to let ! fact impress itself on   
our m9ds1 he seiz$ ! piece ( pap] & da%$
 x into ! j> ( ammonia4  ,:5 he )drew x1
 x 0 j a pla9 %eet ( :ite pap] aga94  ,!
 r$ m>ks :i* ! gas 9 ! flask _h br\ght  
out ( no?+ness _h be5 effac$ by !       
ammonia4 ,!y _h gone & left no trace4   
,9 ?is way ,i c alt]nately make ! m>ks  
appe> & disappe> by us+ ! sulpho-cyanide
 & ! ammonia4  ,:oev] wrote ?is note )  
,dr4 ,dixon's "n on x mu/ h _h !        
doctor's reply to ! ,?ur/on lett]       
conta9+ ! words1 ',?is w n cure y\r     
heada*e4'  ,he c>efully trac$ ! words1  
hold+ ! g5u9e note up to ! light ) a    
piece ( pap] ov] x1 leav+ out ! ^w 'n' &
 us+ only su* words z he ne$$4  ,?is    

note 0 !n de/roy$4  ,b he =got t aft] he
 _h br\ght out ! r$ writ+ by ! use ( !  
sulpho-cyanide1 & ?\gh he c\ld c\nt on  
,v]a ,lytton's plac+ ! note 9 ! j> (    
ammonia & h5ce oblit]at+ ! writ+1 :ile  
at ! same "t ! invisible writ+ 9 !      
m]cur\s nitrate involv+ ,dr4 ,dixon's "n
 w\ld be br\ght out by ! ammonia        
indelibly on ! o!r side ( ! note - he   
=got -  ,k5n$y 0 n[ speak+ eag]ly &     
l\dly - t ! sulpho-cyanide vap\rs c\ld  
always be made to br+ back to accuse him
 ! words t ! ammonia _h blott$ out4     
,be=e ! prosecutor c\ld int]f]e1 ,k5n$y 
_h pick$ up ! note f\nd 9 ! ammonia-j>  
beside ! dy+ girl & _h jamm$ ! /ate's   
evid5ce into ! long-neck$ flask (       
sulpho-cyanide vap\r4  ,don't fe>1 he   
said1 try+ to pacify ! n[ furi\s        
prosecutor1 x w d no?+ to ! ,dixon      
writ+4  ,t is p]man5t n[1 ev5 if x is   
only a trac+4  ,:5 he )drew ! note1 !re 
0 writ+ on bo? sides1 ! black ( !       
orig9al note & some?+ 9 r$ on ! o!r     
side4  ,we cr[d$ ar\nd1 & ,craig read x 

) z mu* int]e/ z any ( u3  ,be=e tak+ ! 
heada*e-p[d]1 be sure to place ! cont5ts
 ( ?is pap] 9 a j> ) a little w>m wat]4 
,hum1 comm5t$ ,craig1 ?is 0 app>5tly on 
! outside wrapp] ( a pap] fold$ ab\t "s 
sal-ammoniac & quicklime4  ,x goes on3  
',j drop ! :ole ?+ 91 pap] & all4  ,!n  
if y feel a fa9tness f ! m$ic9e !       
ammonia w quickly re/ore y4 ,"o spoonful
 ( ! heada*e-p[d] swall[$ quickly is    
en\gh4'  ,no "n 0 sign$ to ! directions1
 b !y 7 pla9ly writt51 & pap] & all 0   
und]scor$ heavily4  ,craig pull$ out "s 
lett]s4  ,i h "h specim5s ( writ+ ( _m  
p]sons connect$ ) ?is case1 b ,i c see  
at a glance :i* "o corresponds to !     
writ+ on ?is r$ dea?-w>rant by an almo/ 
inhuman fi5d4  ,i %all1 h[ev]1 leave t  
"p ( x to ! h&writ+ exp]ts to det]m9e at
 ! trial4  ,?ur/on1 :o 0 ! man :om y saw
 ent] ! ,bonc\r bungal[ z y left  - !   
con/ant visitor8  ,?ur/on _h n yet      
rega9$ 8 self-control1 b ) trembl+ =ef+]
 he turn$ & po9t$ to ,halsey ,po/4      
,yes1 ladies & g5tlem51 cri$ ,k5n$y z he

 slapp$ ! telegram t _h j come f ,new   
,york d[n on ! table decisively1 yes1 ! 
real cli5t ( ,k]r  ,kimmel1 :o b5t      
,?ur/on to 8 purposes1 0 ,halsey ,po/1  
once secret lov] ( ,v]a ,lytton till    
?reat5$ by sc&al 9 ,danbridge - ,halsey 
,po/1 graduate 9 te*nology1 /ud5t (     
sympa!tic inks1 =g] ( ! ,v]a ,lytton    
lett] & ! o!r notes1 & deal] 9 cyanides 
9 ! silv]-smi?+ bus9ess1 =tune-hunt] = !
 ,will>d millions ) :i* to rec\p ! ,po/ 
,vance losses1 & h5ce rival ( ,dr4      
,dixon = ! love ( ,alma ,will>d4  ,t is 
! man :o wield$ ! poison$ p54  ,dr4     
,dixon is innoc5t4    ,,ii  ,,!         
,,yeggman   ,hello6  ,yes1 ?is is       
,pr(essor ,k5n$y4  ,i didn't cat* ! "n  
- oh1 yes - ,presid5t ,blake ( ! ,/&>d  
,burgl>y ,insurance ,company4  ,:at  -  
really8  ,! ,bran=d pe>ls - /ol58  ,maid
 *lor(orm$8  ,yes1 ,i'll take ! case4   
,y'll be up 9 half an h\r8  ,all "r1    
,i'll be "h4  ,goodbye4  ,x 0 ?r\gh ?is 
brief & bus9esslike conv]sation ov] !   
telephone t ,k5n$y became involv$ 9 :at 

prov$ to be "o ( ! mo/ dang]\s cases he 
_h ev] h&l$4  ,at ! m5tion ( ! ,bran=d  
pe>ls ,i involunt>ily /opp$ read+1 &    
li/5$1 n because ,i want$ to pry into   
,craig's affairs1 b because ,i simply   
c\ldn't help x4  ,?is 0 news t _h n yet 
be5 giv5 out to ! pap]s1 & my in/9ct    
told me t !re mu/ be some?+ m to x ?an !
 b>e /atem5t ( ! robb]y4  ,"s "o has    
made a ri* haul1 ,i comm5t$4  ,x 0      
report$1 ,i rememb]1 :5 ! ,bran=d pe>ls 
7 b\ght 9 ,p>is la/ ye> t ,mrs4 ,bran=d 
paid upw>d ( a million francs = !       
collection4  ,blake is br++ up 8 %rewde/
 detective to co-op]ate ) me 9 ! case1  
add$ ,k5n$y4  ,blake1 ,i und]/&1 is !   
head ( ! ,burgl>y ,insurance            
,und]writ]s' ,association1 too4  ,?is w 
be a big ?+1 ,walt]1 if we c c>ry x     
?r\gh4  ,x 0 ! longe/ half-h\r t ,i ev] 
put 91 wait+ = ,blake to arrive4  ,:5 he
 did come1 x 0 q evid5t t my surmise _h 
be5 correct4  ,blake 0 "o ( ^? "y old m5
 :o are increas+ly common 9 bus9ess     
to-day4  ,!re 0 an air ( dignity &      

ke5ness ab\t 8 mann] t %[$ cle>ly h[    
important he reg>d$ ! case4  ,s anxi\s 0
 he to get d[n to bus9ess t he b>ely    
introduc$ himself & 8 companion1        
,special ,(fic] ,maloney1 a typical     
private detective4  ,( c\rse y hav5't   
he>d any?+ except :at ,i h told y ov] ! 
wire1 he began1 go+ "r to ! po9t4  ,we 7
 notifi$ ( x only ?is noon ourselves1 & 
we hav5't giv5 x out to ! pap]s yet1    
?\gh ! local police 9 ,j]sey are n[ on !
 sc5e4  ,! ,new ,york police mu/ be     
notifi$ to-night1 s t :atev] we d mu/ be
 done be=e !y muss ?+s up4  ,we've got a
 clue t we want to foll[ up secretly4   
,^! are ! facts4  ,9 ! t]se1 /raight=w>d
 language ( ! up-to-date man (          
effici5cy1 he sket*$ ! situation = u4   
,! ,bran=d e/ate1 y "k1 consi/s ( sev]al
 acres on ! m\nta9 back ( ,montclair1   
ov]look+ ! valley1 & surr\nd$ by ev5    
l>g] e/ates4  ,bran=d1 ,i und]/&1 is 9 !
 ,we/ ) a p>ty ( capitali/s1 inspect+ a 
report$ f9d ( pota% salts4 ,mrs4 ,bran=d
 clos$ up ! h\se a few days ago & left =

 a %ort /ay at ,palm ,bea*4  ,( c\rse !y
 ought to h put _! valuables 9 a safe   
deposit vault4  ,b !y didn't4  ,!y reli$
 on a safe t 0 really "o ( ! be/ 9 !    
m>ket - a spl5did safe1 ,i may say4     
,well1 x seems t :ile ! ma/] & mi/ress 7
 bo? away ! s]vants decid$ on hav+ a    
good "t 9 ,new ,york4  ,!y lock$ up !   
h\se securely - !re's no d\bt ( t  - & j
 w5t4  ,t is1 !y all w5t except ,mrs4   
,bran=d's maid1 :o refus$ to g = "s     
reason or o!r4  ,we've got all !        
s]vants1 b !re's n a clue to be _h f any
 ( !m4 ,!y j w5t (f on a bu/1 t's cle>4 
,!y admit x4  ,n[1 :5 !y got back e>ly  
?is morn+ !y f\nd ! maid 9 b$ - dead4   
,!re 0 /ill a /rong od\r ( *lor(orm ab\t
 ! room4  ,! b$ 0 dis>rang$ z if !re _h 
be5 a /ruggle4  ,a t[el _h be5 wrapp$ up
 9 a sort3 ( cone1 saturat$ ) *lor(orm1 
& =cibly held ov] ! girl's nose4  ,!    
next ?+ !y discov]$ 0 ! safe - bl[n op5 
9 a mo/ peculi> mann]4 ,i won't dwell on
 t4  ,we're go+ to take y out !re & %[ x
 to y aft] ,i've told y ! :ole /ory4    

,"h's ! real po9t4  ,x looks all "r1 s  
f>4  ,! local police say t ! ?ief or    
?ieves1 :oev] !y 71 app>5tly ga9$ access
 by break+ a back w9d[4  ,t's mi/ake    
numb] "o4 ,tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y ab\t ! w9d[1
 ,maloney4  ,x's j simply ?is1 respond$ 
! detective4  ,:5 ,i came to look at !  
brok5 w9d[ ,i f\nd t ! glass _h fall5   
outside 9 su* a way z x c\ld n h fall5  
if ! w9d[ _h be5 brok5 f ! outside4  ,! 
?+ 0 a bl9d4  ,:oev] did x got into !   
h\se 9 "s o!r way & !n broke ! glass    
lat] to give a false clue4  ,&1 conclud$
 ,blake1 tak+ 8 cig> betwe5 8 ?umb &    
=ef+] & %ak+ x to give all possible     
emphasis to 8 words1 we h _h our ag5t at
 ,palm ,bea* on long-di/ance 'phone     
twice ?is aft]noon4  ,mrs4 ,bran=d did  
no3 g to ,palm ,bea*4  ,%e did n engage 
rooms 9 any hotel !re4  ,& fur!rmore %e 
nev] _h any int5tion ( go+ !re4  ,by a  
=tunate circum/ance ,maloney pick$ up a 
h9t f "o ( ! s]vants1 & he has locat$ h]
 at ! ,grattan ,inn 9 ?is city4  ,9 o!r 
words1 ,mrs4 ,bran=d has /ol5 h] own    

jewels f h]self 9 ord] to collect !     
burgl>y insurance - a common-en\gh ?+ 9 
itself1 b nev] to my k done on su* a    
l>ge scale be=e4  ,! insurance man sank 
back 9 8 *air & survey$ u %>ply4  ,b1   
int]rupt$ ,k5n$y sl[ly1 h[ ab\t -  ,i "k
 - ! maid1 cont9u$ ,blake4  ,i d n mean 
t ,mrs4 ,bran=d did ! actual /eal+4     
,oh1 no4  ,t 0 done by a yeggman (      
exp]i5ce4  ,he mu/ h be5 above ! av]age1
 b ev]y?+ po9ts to ! "w ( a yeggman4    
,%e hir$ him4 ,b he ov]/epp$ ! m>k :5 he
 *lor(orm$ ! maid4  ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y   
said no?+4  ,!n he rem>k$3 ,let u g out 
& see ! safe4  ,!re mu/ be "s clue4     
,aft] t ,i want to h a talk ) ,mrs4     
,bran=d4  ,by ! way1 he add$1 z we all  
rose to g d[n to ,blake's c>1 ,i once   
h&l$ a life insurance case = ! ,great   
,ea/]n4  ,i made ! condition t ,i 0 to  
h&le x 9 my own way1 :e!r x w5t = or    
aga9/ ! company4 ,t's und]/ood1 is x1   
be=e ,i und]take ! case8  ,yes1 yes1    
agre$ ,blake4  ,get at ! tru?4  ,we're n
 seek+ to squirm out ( meet+ an hone/   

liability4  ,only we want to make a     
signal example if x is z we h e reason  
to believe4  ,!re has be5 altoge!r too  
mu* ( ?is sort ( fake burgl>y to collect
 insurance1 & z presid5t ( ! und]writ]s 
x is my duty & int5tion to put a /op to 
x4  ,come on4  ,maloney nodd$ 8 head    
vigor\sly 9 ass5t ) 8 *ief4  ,nev] fe>1 
he murmur$4  ,! tru? is :at w b5efit !  
company1 all "r4  ,%e did x4  ,! ,bran=d
 e/ate lay "s di/ance back f ! railroad 
/ation1 s t1 al?\gh x took long] to g by
 automobile ?an by tra91 ! c> made u    
indep5d5t ( ! r fitful night tra9 s]vice
 & ! local cabm54  ,we f\nd ! h\se n    
des]t$ by ! s]vants1 b subdu$4  ,! body 
( ! maid _h be5 remov$ to a local       
morgue1 & a police (fic] 0 patroll+ !   
gr\nds1 ?\gh ( :at use t c\ld be ,i 0 at
 a loss to und]/&4  ,k5n$y 0 *iefly     
int]e/$ 9 ! safe4  ,x 0 ( ! s-call$     
burgl>-pro( v>iety1 sph]ical 9 %ape1 &  
look+ = all ! _w l a m9iature piece (   
electrical ma*9]y4  ,i d\bt if any?+    
c\ld h )/ood su* savage treatm5t z has  

be5 giv5 to ?is safe1 rem>k$ ,craig z he
 conclud$ a cursory exam9ation ( x4  ,x 
%[s great resi/ance to high explosives1 
*iefly1 ,i believe1 z a result ( its    
r\nd$ %ape4 ,b no?+ c\ld /& up aga9/ su*
 cont9u$ assaults4  ,he cont9u$ to      
exam9e ! safe :ile we /ood idly by4  ,i 
l to recon/ruct my cases 9 my own m9d1  
expla9$ ,k5n$y1 z he took 8 "t 9 !      
exam9ation4  ,n[1 ?is fell[ mu/ h /ripp$
 ! safe ( all ! out] trimm+s4  ,8 next  
move 0 to make a d5t 9 ! manganese      
surface across ! jo9t :]e ! door fits ! 
body4  ,t mu/ h tak5 a good _m m9utes ( 
husky "w4  ,9 fact1 ,i don't see h[ he  
c\ld h done x )\t a sl$ge-hamm] & a hot 
*isel4  ,/ill1 he did x & !n -  ,b !    
maid1 int]pos$ ,maloney4  ,%e 0 9 !     
h\se4  ,%e w\ld h he>d & giv5 an al>m4  
,= answ]1 ,craig simply w5t to a        
bay-w9d[ & rais$ ! curta94 ,po9t+ to !  
lights ( ! next h\se1 f> d[n ! road1 he 
said1 ,i'll buy ! be/ cig>s 9 ! /ate if 
y c make !m he> y on a blu/]y night l   
la/ night4  ,no1 %e probably did scream4

 ,ei!r at ?is po9t1 or at ! v />t1 !    
burgl> mu/ h *lor(orm$ h]4  ,i don't see
 any o!r way to expla9 x4  ,i d\bt if he
 expect$ su* a t\gh proposition z he    
f\nd 9 ?is safe1 b he 0 evid5tly prep>$ 
to c>ry x ?r\gh1 n[ t he 0 "h & _h su*  
an unexpect$ly cle> field1 except = !   
maid4  ,he simply got h] out ( ! way1 or
 8 conf$]ates did - 9 ! easie/ possible 
way1 poor girl4  ,return+ to ! safe1 he 
cont9u$3 ,well1 anyh[1 he made a furr[  
p]haps an in* & a half long & a qu>t] ( 
an in* wide &1 ,i %\ld say1 n ov] an    
eigh? ( an in* deep4  ,!n he comm5c$ to 
burgle 9 e>ne/4  ,"u ! d5t he made a    
sort ( little cup ( r$ clay & p\r$ 9 !  
's\p' - ! nitroglyc]9 - s t x w\ld run  
into ! depression4  ,!n he explod$ x 9 !
 regul> way ) a batt]y & a fulm9ate cap4
  ,i d\bt if x did mu* m ?an discol\r ! 
metal at fir/4  ,/ill1 ) ! true p]si/5cy
 ( 8 k9d1 he probably repeat$ ! dose1   
us+ m & m ( ! 's\p' until ! jo9t 0      
/ret*$ a little1 & m ( an op5+ made s t 
! 's\p' c\ld run 94  ,aga9 & aga9 he mu/

 h repeat$ & increas$ ! *>ges4 ,p]haps  
he us$ two or ?ree cups at a "t4  ,by   
?is "t ! out] door mu/ h be5 /ret*$ s z 
to make x easy to introduce ! explosive4
  ,no d\bt he 0 able to use t5 or twelve
 ounces ( ! /uff at a *>ge4  ,x mu/ h   
be5 m l t>get-practice ?an safe-bl[+4   
,b ! *ance doesn't (t5 come - an empty  
h\se & pl5ty ( "t4  ,f9ally ! door mu/ h
 bulg$ a fraction ( an in* or s1 & !n a 
good big *>ge & ! out] portion 0 ripp$  
(f & ! safe turn$ ov]4 ,!re 0 /ill two  
or ?ree in*es ( manganese /eel protect+ 
! cont5ts1 w$g$ 9 s tight t x mu/ h     
seem$ t no?+ c\ld budge x4  ,b he mu/ h 
kept at x until we h ! wreck t we see   
"h1 & ,k5n$y kick$ ! safe ) 8 foot z he 
f9i%$4  ,blake 0 all att5tion by ?is "t1
 :ile ,maloney gasp$1 ,if ,i 0 9 !      
safe-crack+ bus9ess1 ,i'd make y ! head 
( ! firm4  ,& n[1 said ,craig1 let u g  
back to ,new ,york & see if we c f9d    
,mrs4 ,bran=d4  ,( c\rse y und]/&1      
expla9$ ,blake z we 7 spe$+ back1 t mo/ 
( ^! cases ( fake robb]ies are among    

small p1 _m ( !m on ! ,ea/ ,side among  
little jewell]s or o!r tradesm54  ,/ill1
 !y are n limit$ to any "o class4       
,inde$1 x is easi] to foil ! insurance  
companies :5 y sit 9 ! mid/ ( f9]y &    
weal?1 protect$ by a self-assur+ halo ( 
moral rectitude1 ?an "u less =tunate    
circum/ances4 ,too (t51 ,i'm afraid1 we 
h good-natur$ly admitt$ ! unsolv$       
burgl>y & paid ! insurance claim4  ,t   
has got to /op4  ,"h's a case :]e we    
consid]$ ! moral haz>d a safe "o1 & we  
are mi/ak54  ,x's ! la/ /raw4  ,our     
int]view ) ,mrs4 ,bran=d 0 ab\t z awkw>d
 an und]tak+ z ,i h ev] be5 conc]n$ )4  
,imag9e y\rself =c$ to "q a p]fectly    
/unn+ woman1 :o 0 suspect$ ( plott+ s   
d>+ a de$ & knew t y suspect$ h]4       
,res5tm5t 0 no "n = h] feel+s4  ,%e     
scorn$ u1 loa!d u4  ,x 0 only by :at mu/
 h be5 ! utmo/ ex]cise ( h] rem>kable   
w-p[] t %e re/ra9$ h]self f call+ !     
hotel port]s & hav+ u ?r[n out bodily4  
,t w\ld h put a bad face on x1 s %e     
tol]at$ our pres5ce4  ,!n1 ( c\rse1 !   

insurance company _h res]v$ ! "r to     
exam9e ev]ybody 9 ! h\sehold1 "u oa? if 
necess>y1 be=e pass+ on ! claim4  ,?is  
is an outrage1 %e exclaim$1 h] eyes     
fla%+ & h] brea/ ris+ & fall+ )         
suppress$ emotion1 an outrage4 ,:5 my   
husb& returns ,i int5d to h him place ! 
:ole matt] 9 ! h&s ( ! be/ attorney 9 ! 
city4  ,n only w ,i h ! full am\nt ( !  
insurance1 b ,i w h damages & co/s &    
ev]y?+ ! law all[s4  ,spy+ on my e      
movem5t 9 ?is way - x is an outrage6    
,"o w\ld ?9k we 7 9 ,/4 ,pet]sburg      
in/ead ( ,new ,york4  ,"o mom5t1 ,mrs4  
,bran=d1 put 9 ,k5n$y1 z politely z he  
c\ld4 ,suppose -   ,suppose no?+1 %e    
cri$ angrily4  ,i %all expla9 no?+1 say 
no?+4  ,:at if ,i d *oose to close up t 
lonely big h\se 9 ! suburbs & come to ! 
city to live = a few days - is x        
anybody's bus9ess except m9e8  ,& y\r   
husb&'s8 add$ ,k5n$y1 nettl$ at h]      
treatm5t ( him4  ,%e %ot him a scornful 
glance4  ,i suppose ,mr4 ,bran=d w5t out
 to ,arizona = ! express purpose (      

collect+ insurance on my jewels1 %e add$
 s>ca/ically ) eyes t snapp$ fire4  ,i 0
 ab\t to say1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y z           
imp]turbably z if he 7 an automaton1 t  
suppos+ "s "o took advantage ( y\r      
abs5ce to rob y\r safe1 don't y ?9k !   
wise/ c\rse w\ld be to be p]fectly frank
 ab\t x8  ,& give j "o plausible reason 
:y y wi%$ s mu* to h x kn[n t y 7 go+ to
 ,palm ,bea* :5 9 reality y 7 9 ,new    
,york8 pursu$ ,maloney1 :ile ,k5n$y     
fr[n$ at 8 tactless attempt at a ?ird   
degree4  ,if %e _h res5t$ ,k5n$y1 %e    
positively flew up 9 ! air & comm5c$ to 
aviate at ,maloney's que/ion+4  ,toss+  
h] head1 %e said icily3 ,i d n "k t y h 
be5 appo9t$ my gu>dian1 sir4  ,let u    
consid] ?is int]view at an end4         
,good-night1 & ) t %e swept out ( !     
room1 ignor+ ,maloney & be/[+ "o bit+   
glance on ,blake1 :o actually w9c$1 s   
little reli% did he h = ?is tickli% "p (
 ! proce$+s4  ,i ?9k we all felt l      
s*oolboys :o _h be5 detect$ robb+ a     
melon-pat* or 9 "s o!r he9\s (f5ce1 z we

 sl[ly fil$ d[n ! hall to ! elevator4   
,a woman ( ,mrs4 ,bran=d's /amp s       
readily & successfully puts "o 9 ! wrong
 t ,i c\ld easily compreh5d :y ,blake   
want$ to call on ,k5n$y = help 9 :at    
o!rwise seem$ a pla9 case4  ,blake &    
,maloney 7 "s di/ance ahead ( u1 z      
,craig lean$ ov] to me & :isp]$3 ,t     
,maloney is impossible4  ,i'll h to %ake
 him loose 9 "s way4  ,ei!r we h&le ?is 
case alone or we quit4  ,"r-o1 ,i agre$ 
emphatically4  ,he's put 8 foot 9 x     
badly at ! v />t4  ,only1 be dec5t ab\t 
x1 ,craig4  ,! case is too big = y to   
let x slip by4  ,tru/ me1 ,walt]4  ,i'll
 d x tactfully1 he :isp]$1 !n to ,blake 
he add$ z we ov]took !m3 ,maloney is "r4
  ,! case is simple en\gh1 aft] all4  ,b
 we mu/ f9d out "s way to fa/5 ! ?+ m   
closely on ,mrs4 ,bran=d4  ,let me ?9k  
out a s*eme to-night4  ,i'll see y      
to-morr[4  ,z ,blake & ,maloney         
disappe>$ d[n ! /reet 9 ! c>1 ,k5n$y    
:eel$ ab\t & walk$ delib]ately back into
 ! ,grattan ,inn aga94 ,x 0 q late4  ,p 

7 com+ 9 f ! !atres1 laugh+ & *att+     
gaily4  ,k5n$y select$ a table t comm&$ 
a view ( ! p>l\r z well z ( ! d9+-room  
itself4  ,%e 0 dress$ to receive "s "o -
 did y notice8 he rem>k$ z we sat d[n & 
ca/ our eyes ov] ! dizzy array (        
in$ibles on ! c>d be=e u4  ,i ?9k x is  
wor? wait+ a :ile to see :o x is4  ,hav+
 ord]$ :at ,i did n want1 ,i glanc$ ab\t
 until my eye re/$ on a l>ge pi]-glass  
at ! o!r end ( ! d9+-room4  ,craig1 ,i  
:isp]$ excit$ly1 ,mrs4 ,b4 is 9 !       
writ+-room - ,i c see h] 9 t glass at ! 
end ( ! room1 beh9d y4  ,get up & *ange 
places ) me z quietly z y c1 ,walt]1 he 
said quickly4  ,i want to see h] :5 %e  
c't see me4  ,k5n$y 0 />+ 9 rapt        
att5tion at ! mirror4  ,!re's a man )   
h]1 ,walt]1 he said "u 8 brea?4  ,he    
came 9 :ile we 7 *ang+ places - a       
f9e-look+ *ap4  ,by ,jove1 ,i've se5 him
 be=e some:]e4  ,8 face & 8 mann] are   
famili> to me4 ,b ,i simply c't place   
him4  ,did y see h] wraps 9 ! *air8 ,no8
 ,well1 he's help+ h] on ) !m4  ,!y're  

go+ out4  ,g>con1 l'addition - vite4    
,we 7 too late1 h[ev]1 = j z we rea*$ ! 
door we caught a fleet+ glimpse ( a huge
 new lim\s9e4  ,:o 0 t man :o j w5t out 
) ! lady8 ask$ ,craig ( ! negro :o turn$
 ! revolv+-door at ! c>riage entrance4  
,jack ,del>ue1 sah - 9 ',! ,grass       
,wid[]1' sah1 repli$ ! doorman4  ,yes1  
sah1 he /ays "h once 9 a :ile4  ,?ank y1
 sah1 z ,k5n$y dropp$ a qu>t] into !    
man's h&4  ,t complicates ?+s           
consid]ably1 he mus$ z we walk$ sl[ly   
d[n to ! subway /ation4  ,jack ,del>ue -
 ,i wond] if he is mix$ up 9 ?is ?+     
also4  ,i've he>d t ',! ,grass ,wid[]'  
isn't su* a h[l+ success z a money-mak]1
 ,i volunte]$4  ,del>ue has a ho/ (     
cr$itors1 no d\bt4  ,by ! way1 ,craig1  
,i exclaim$1 don't y ?9k x w\ld be a    
good plan to drop d[n & see ,o',connor8 
,! police w h to be in=m$ 9 a few h\rs  
n[1 anyh[4  ,maybe ,del>ue has a crim9al
 record4  ,a good idea1 ,walt]1 agre$   
,craig1 turn+ into a drug-/ore :i* _h a 
telephone boo?4  ,i'll j call ,o',connor

 up1 & we'll see if he does "k any?+    
ab\t x4  ,o',connor 0 n at headqu>t]s1 b
 we f9ally f\nd him at 8 home1 & x 0    
well into ! small h\rs :5 we arriv$ !re4
 ,tru/+ to ! fir/ deputy's hon\r1 :i* _h
 /ood _m a te/1 ,craig began to unfold !
 /ory4  ,he _h sc>cely got z f> z       
describ+ ! "w ( ! suspect$ hir$ yeggman1
 :5 ,o',connor rais$ bo? h&s & br\ght !m
 d[n h>d on ! arms ( 8 *air4  ,say1 he  
ejaculat$1 t expla9s x6  ,:at8 we ask$ 9
 *orus4  ,:y1 "o ( my be/ /ool-pigeons  
told me to-day t !re 0 some?+ do+ at a  
h\se 9 ! ,*a?am ,squ>e di/rict t we h   
be5 wat*+ = a long "t4  ,x's full (     
crooks1 & to-day !y've all be5 z drunk z
 lords1 a sure sign "s "o has made a    
haul & be5 g5]\s ) ! re/4  ,& "o or two 
( ! pr(essional 'f5ces' h be5 act+      
suspici\sly1 too4  ,oh1 t expla9s x all 
"r4  ,i look$ at ,craig z mu* z to say1 
,i told y s1 b he 0 engross$ 9 :at      
,o',connor 0 say+4  ,y "k1 cont9u$ !    
police (fic]1 !re is "o p>ticul> 'f5ce' 
:o runs 8 bus9ess "u ! guise ( a        

loan-%>k's (fice4  ,he probably has a   
wid] acqua9tance among ! big crim9als   
?an any o!r man 9 ! city4  ,f him crooks
 c obta9 any?+ f a jimmy to a           
safe-crack+ outfit4  ,i "k t ?is man has
 be5 try+ to dispose ( "s unm\nt$ pe>ls 
to-day among jewell]s 9 ,maid5 ,lane4   
,i'll bet he has be5 dispos+ ( "s ( !   
,bran=d pe>ls1 "o by "o4  ,i'll foll[ t 
up4  ,i'll arre/ ?is 'f5ce' & hold him  
till he tells me :at yeggman came to him
 ) ! pe>ls4  ,& if y f9d out1 w y g ) me
 to t h\se ne> ,*a?am ,squ>e1 provid+ x 
0 "s "o 9 t gang8 ask$ ,craig eag]ly4   
,o',connor %ook 8 head4  ,i'd bett] keep
 out ( x4  ,!y "k me too well4  ,g      
alone4  ,i'll get t /ool-pigeon - ! ,gay
 ,cat is 8 "n - to g ) y4  ,i'll help y 
9 any way4  ,i'll h any numb] (         
pla9-clo!s m5 y want ready to raid !    
place ! mom5t y get ! evid5ce4  ,b y'll 
nev] get any evid5ce if !y "k ,i'm 9 !  
neighb\rhood4  ,! next morn+ ,craig     
sc>cely ate any breakfa/ himself & made 
me bolt my food mo/ unc]emoni\sly4  ,we 

7 out 9 ,montclair aga9 be=e ! commut]s 
_h />t$ to g to ,new ,york1 & t 9 spite 
( ! fact t we _h /opp$ at 8 laboratory  
on ! way & _h got a package :i* he c>ri$
 c>efully4  ,k5n$y in/itut$ a mo/ ?or\gh
 se>* ( ! h\se f cell> to attic 9       
daylight4  ,:at he expect$ to f9d1 ,i   
did n "k1 b ,i am q sure no?+ escap$    
him4  ,n[1 ,walt]1 he said aft] he _h   
ransack$ ! h\se1 !re rema9s j "o place4 
,"h is ?is little wall safe 9 ,mrs4     
,bran=d's room4  ,we mu/ op5 x4  ,= an  
h\r if n long] he work$ ov] !           
comb9ation1 li/5+ to ! fall ( ! tumbl]s 
9 ! lock4  ,x 0 a simple little ?+ & "o 
( ! old-tim]s 9 ! indu/ry w\ld no d\bt h
 op5$ x 9 %ort ord]4  ,! p]spiration    
/ood out on 8 =ehead1 s int5t 0 he 9    
work+ ! ?+4  ,at la/ x yield$4 ,except =
 "s ( ! family silv]1 ! safe 0 empty4   
,c>efully not+ h[ ! light %one on ! wall
 safe1 ,craig unwrapp$ ! package he _h  
br\ght & disclos$ a cam]a4  ,he plac$ x 
on a writ+-desk opposite ! safe1 9 su* a
 way t x 0 n at all conspicu\s1 & focus$

 x on ! safe4  ,?is is a cam]a ) a      
newly-inv5t$ betwe5-l5s %utt] ( great   
illum9ation & effici5cy1 he expla9$4  ,x
 has always be5 practically impossible  
to get su* pictures1 b ?is new %utt] has
 s mu* great] spe$ ?an any?+ ev] inv5t$ 
be=e t x is possible to use x 9         
detective "w4  ,i'll j run ^! f9e wires 
l a burgl> al>m1 only in/ead ( hav+ an  
al>m ,i'll atta* !m to ! cam]a s t we c 
get a picture4 ,i've prov$ its spe$ up  
to "o two-?\s&? ( a second4  ,x may or x
 may n "w4  ,if x does we'll cat*       
somebody1 "r 9 ! act4  ,ab\t noon we w5t
 d[n to ,lib]ty ,/reet1 home ( burgl>y  
insurance4  ,i don't ?9k ,blake lik$ x v
 mu* because ,k5n$y insi/$ on play+ !   
lone h&1 b he said no?+1 = x 0 "p ( !   
agreem5t4  ,maloney seem$ r glad ?an    
o!rwise4 ,he _h be5 comb+ out "s tangl$ 
clues ( 8 own ab\t ,mrs4 ,bran=d4       
,/ill1 ,k5n$y smoo!d ?+s ov] by         
complim5t+ ! detective on 8 activity1 & 
inde$ he _h %[n rem>kable ability 9 !   
fir/ place 9 locat+ ,mrs4 ,bran=d4  ,i  

/>t$ out ) ! assumption t ! ,bran=ds mu/
 h ne$$ money = "s reason or o!r1 said  
,maloney4   ,s ,i w5t to ! comm]cial    
ag5cies to-day & look$ up ,bran=d4  ,i  
c't say he has be5 prosp]\s2 nobody has 
be5 9 ,wall ,/reet ^! days1 & t's j ! ?+
 t causes an increase 9 fake burgl>ies4 
,!n !re is ano!r possibility1 he cont9u$
 triumphantly4  ,i _h a man up at !     
,grattan ,inn1 & he reports to me t     
,mrs4 ,bran=d 0 se5 ) ! actor ,jack     
,del>ue la/ night4  ,i imag9e !y        
qu>rell$1 = %e return$ alone1 mu*       
agitat$1 9 a taxi-cab4  ,any way y look 
at x1 ! clues are promis+ - :e!r %e ne$$
 money = ,bran=d's speculations or = !  
f9anc+ ( t rake ,del>ue4  ,maloney      
reg>d$ ,craig ) ! air ( an exp]t :o c\ld
 af=d to patronise a good amateur - b   
aft] all an amateur4  ,k5n$y said no?+1 
& ( c\rse ,i took ! cue4  ,yes1 agre$   
,blake1 y see1 our orig9al hypo!sis 0 a 
pretty good "o4  ,mean:ile1 ( c\rse1 !  
police are fl\nd]+ ar\nd 9 a bog ( false
 sc5ts4  ,x w\ld make our case a good   

deal /rong]1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y quietly1 if  
we c\ld discov] "s ( ! /ol5 jewell]y    
hidd5 some:]e by ,mrs4 ,bran=d h]self4  
,he said no?+ ( 8 own unsuccessful se>* 
?r\gh ! h\se1 b cont9u$3 ,:at d y       
suppose %e has done ) ! jewels8  ,%e mu/
 h put !m some:]e be=e %e got ! yeggman 
to break ! safe4  ,%e'd h>dly tru/ !m 9 
8 h&s4  ,b %e might h be5 fooli% en\gh =
 t4  ,( c\rse x's ano!r possibility t he
 really got away ) !m4  ,i d\bt if %e   
has !m at ,grattan ,inn1 or ev5 if %e   
w\ld p]sonally put !m 9 a safe deposit  
vault4 ,p]haps ,del>ue figures 9 t end (
 x4  ,we mu/ let no /one g unturn$4     
,t's "r1 m$itat$ ,maloney1 app>5tly     
turn+ some?+ ov] 9 8 m9d z if x 7 a new 
idea4  ,if we only _h "s evid5ce1 ev5 "p
 ( ! jewels t %e _h hidd51 x w\ld cl9* !
 case4  ,t's a good idea1 ,k5n$y4       
,craig said no?+1 b ,i c\ld see1 or     
fanci$ ,i saw1 t he 0 gratifi$ at !     
?\ght t he _h />t$ ,maloney (f on ano!r 
trail1 leav+ u to foll[ ours unhamp]$4  
,! int]view ) ,blake 0 soon ov]1 & z we 

left ,i look$ inquir+ly at ,craig4  ,i  
want to see ,mrs4 ,bran=d aga91 he said4
  ,i ?9k we c d bett] alone to-day ?an  
we did la/ night4  ,i mu/ say ,i half   
expect$ t %e w\ld refuse to see u & 0 q 
surpris$ :5 ! page return$ ) ! reque/ t 
we g up to h] suite4  ,x 0 evid5t t h]  
attitude t[>d u 0 v diff]5t f t ( ! fir/
 int]view4  ,:e!r %e 0 ruffl$ by !      
(ficial pres5ce ( ,blake or ! (fici\s   
pres5ce ( ,maloney1 %e 0 at lea/        
politely tol]ant ( u4  ,or 0 x t %e at  
la/ began to realise t ! toils 7 clos+  
ab\t h] & t ?+s began to look           
unmi/akably black8  ,k5n$y 0 quick to   
see 8 advantage4  ,mrs4 ,bran=d1 he     
began1 s9ce la/ night ,i h come into !  
possession ( "s facts t are v important4
  ,i h he>d t sev]al loose pe>ls :i* may
 or may n be y\rs h be5 (f]$ = sale by a
 man on ! ,b[]y :o is :at ! yeggm5 call 
a 'f5ce4'  ,yeggm5 - 'f5ce'8 %e repeat$4
  ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 really ,i d n c>e to     
discuss ! pe>ls any long]4  ,x is       
immat]ial to me :at becomes ( !m4  ,my  

fir/ desire is to collect ! insurance4  
,if any?+ is recov]$ ,i am q will+ to   
d$uct t am\nt f ! total4  ,b ,i mu/     
insi/ on ! full insurance or ! return ( 
! pe>ls4  ,z soon z ,mr4 ,bran=d arrives
 ,i %all take o!r /eps to secure r$ress4
  ,a boy rapp$ at ! door & br\ght 9 a   
telegram :i* %e tore op5 n]v\sly4  ,he w
 be "h 9 f\r days1 %e said1 te>+ !      
telegram petulantly1 & n at all z if %e 
7 glad to receive x4  ,is !re any?+ else
 t y wi% to say8  ,%e 0 tapp+ h] foot on
 ! rug z if anxi\s to conclude !        
int]view4  ,k5n$y lean$ =w>d e>ne/ly &  
play$ 8 trump c>d boldly4  ,d y rememb] 
t sc5e 9 ',! ,grass ,wid[]1' he said    
sl[ly1 :]e ,jack ,del>ue meets 8 runaway
 wife at ! masqu]ade ball8  ,%e col\r$  
slightly1 b in/antly rega9$ h]          
composure4 ,vaguely1 %e murmur$1 toy+ ) 
! fl[]s 9 h] dress4  ,9 real life1 said 
,k5n$y1 8 voice purposely betray+ t he  
meant x to h a p]sonal application1     
husb&s d n =give ev5 rum\rs ( - ah -    
%all we say aff9ities8 - mu* less !     

fact4  ,9 real life1 %e repli$1 wives d 
n h aff9ities z (t5 z "s newspap]s &    
plays w\ld h u believe4  ,i saw ,del>ue 
aft] ! p]=mance la/ night1 w5t on ,k5n$y
 inexorably4  ,i 0 n se51 b ,i saw1 & he
 0 ) -   ,%e 0 pac+ ! room n[ 9         
unsuppress$ excitem5t4  ,w y nev] /op   
spy+ on me8 %e cri$4  ,mu/ my e act be  
wat*$ & misrepres5t$8  ,i suppose a     
di/ort$ v]sion ( ! facts w be giv5 to my
 husb&4  ,h y no *ivalry1 or ju/ice1 or 
- or m]cy8 %e plead$1 /opp+ 9 front (   
,k5n$y4  ,mrs4 ,bran=d1 he repli$       
coldly1 ,i _c promise :at ,i %all d4    
,my duty is simply to get at ! tru? ab\t
 ! pe>ls4  ,if x involves "s o!r p]son1 
x is /ill my duty to get at ! tru?4 ,:y 
n tell me all t y really "k ab\t ! pe>ls
 & tru/ me to br+ x out all "r8  ,%e    
fac$ him1 pale & hagg>d4  ,i h told1 %e 
repeat$ /eadily4  ,i _c tell any m - ,i 
"k no?+ m4  ,0 %e ly+8  ,i 0 n exp]t    
en\gh 9 fem99e psy*ology to judge1 b d[n
 9 my he>t ,i knew t ! woman 0 hid+     
some?+ beh9d t =c$ /ead9ess4  ,:at 0 x  

%e 0 battl+ =8  ,we _h rea*$ an impasse4
  ,x 0 aft] d9n] :5 ,i met ,craig at !  
laboratory4  ,he _h made a trip to      
,montclair aga91 :]e 8 /ay _h be5       
protract$ because ,maloney 0 !re & he   
wi%$ to avoid him4  ,he _h br\ght back !
 cam]a1 & _h _h ano!r talk ) ,o',connor1
 at :i* he _h mapp$ out a plan ( battle4
  ,we are to meet ! ,gay ,cat at ! ,city
 ,hall at n9e o'clock1 expla9$ ,craig   
laconically4  ,we are go+ to visit a    
haunt ( yeggm51 ,walt]1 t few outsid]s h
 ev] se54  ,are y game8 ,o',connor & 8  
m5 w be close by - hid+1 ( c\rse4  ,i   
suppose s1 ,i repli$ sl[ly4  ,b :at     
excuse are y go+ to h = gett+ into ?is  
yegg-resort8  ,simply t we are two      
newspap] m5 look+ = an article1 )\t     
names1 dates1 or places - j a good /ory 
( yeggm5 & tramps4  ,i've got a little -
 well1 we'll call x a little cam]a      
outfit t ,i'm go+ to sl+ ov] my %\ld]4  
,y are ! report]1 rememb]1 & ,i'm !     
newspap] photograph]4  ,!y won't pose = 
u1 ( c\rse1 b t w be all "r4  ,speak+   

ab\t photographs1 ,i got "o out at      
,montclair t is int]e/+4  ,i'll %[ x to 
y lat] 9 ! ev5+ - & 9 case any?+ %\ld   
happ5 to me1 ,walt]1 y'll f9d ! orig9al 
plate lock$ "h 9 ! top draw] ( my desk4 
,i guess we'd bett] be gett+ d[nt[n4  ,!
 h\se to :i* we 7 guid$ by ! ,gay ,cat 0
 on a cross /reet )9 a block or two (   
,*a?am ,squ>e4  ,if we _h pass$ x       
casually 9 ! daytime !re w\ld h be5 no?+
 to di/+ui% x above ! o!r ram%ackle     
build+s on ! /reet1 except t ! o!r h\ses
 7 clutt]$ ) *ildr5 & baby-c>riages1    
:ile ?is "o 0 vacant1 ! front door      
clos$1 & ! bl9ds tightly drawn4  ,z we  
approa*$1 a furtive figure %ambl$ f !   
basem5t areaway & slunk (f into ! cr[d =
 ! night's bus9ess ( pocket-pick+ or    
second-/ory "w4  ,i _h _h misgiv+s z to 
:e!r we w\ld be admitt$ at all - ,i     
might almo/ say hopes - b ! ,gay ,cat   
succe$$ 9 gett+ a ready response at !   
basem5t door4  ,! h\se itself 0 !       
dilapidat$ ru9 ( :at _h once be5 a      
fa%ionable resid5ce 9 ! days :5 society 

liv$ 9 ! !n suburban ,b[]y4  ,! iron    
h&rail on ! /eps 0 /ill graceful1 ?\gh  
ru/$ & insecure4  ,! /ones ( ! /eps 7   
decay$ & eat5 away by "t1 & ! front door
 0 nev] op5$4  ,z we ent]$ ! l[ basem5t 
door1 ,i felt t ^? :o ent]$ "h did inde$
 ab&on hope4  ,inside1 ! evid5ces ( !   
pa/ gr&eur 7 /ill m /rik+4  ,:at _h once
 be5 a draw+-room 0 n[ ! g5]al assembly 
room ( ! resort4 ,brok5-d[n *airs l9$ ! 
walls1 & ! floor 0 g5]\sly spr9kl$ )    
sawdu/4  ,a huge pot-belli$ /ove occupi$
 ! c5tre ( ! room1 & by x /ood a box (  
sawdu/ pl5tifully discol\r$ )           
tobacco-juice4  ,?ree or f\r ( ! gue/s  
- !re 0 no regi/] 9 ?is yeggman's hotel 
- 7 seat$ ab\t ! /ove discuss+ some?+ 9 
a language t 0 ,engli%1 to be sure1 b ( 
a v>iation t only a yegg c\ld und]/&4   
,i not$ ! once h&some :ite m>ble mantel1
 n[ /a9$ by age1 /&+ above ! unus$      
grate4 ,d\ble fold+-doors l$ to :at1 ,i 
imag9e1 0 once a libr>y4 ,dirt & grime  
indescribable 7 ev]y:]e4  ,!re 0 ! smell
 ( old clo!s & old cook+1 ! race od\rs (

 e nationality kn[n to ! metropolis4  ,i
 recall$ a night ,i once sp5t 9 a ,b[]y 
lodg+-h\se = local col\r4  ,only ?is 0  
inf9itely worse4  ,no law regulat$ ?is  
h\se4  ,!re 0 an atmosph]e ( *e]lessness
 t a half-?ick5$ ,welsba* mantle turn$  
into positive gha/l9ess4  ,our guide    
introduc$ u4  ,!re 0 a dead sil5ce z    
eight eyes 7 craftily fix$ on u1 siz+ u 
up4  ,:at %\ld ,i say8  ,craig came to !
 rescue4  ,to him ! adv5ture 0 a l>k4   
,x 0 novel1 & t 0 m]it en\gh4  ,ask ab\t
 ! slang1 he sugge/$4  ,t makes a       
picturesque /ory4  ,x seem$ to me       
innocu\s en\gh1 s ,i engag$ 9           
conv]sation ) a man :om ! ,gay ,cat _h  
introduc$ z ! proprietor4  ,mu* ( !     
slang ,i already knew by he>say1 su* z  
bulls = policem51 a m\?piece = a lawy]  
to def5d "o :5 he is dit*$ or arre/$2 9 
fact1 z ,i busily scribbl$ away ,i mu/ h
 collect$ a lexicon ( a hundr$ words or 
s = future ref]5ce4  ,& names8 ,i qu]i$4
  ,y h "s que] nicknames4  ,oh1 yes1    
repli$ ! man4  ,n[ "h's ! ,gay ,cat -   

t's :at we call a fell[ :o is ! f9d]1 :o
 ent]s a t[n ahead ( ! gang4  ,!n !re's 
,*i ,fat - t means he's f ,*icago & fat4
 ,& ,pitts ,slim - he's f ,pittsburgh & 
-   ,aw1 cut x1 broke 9 "o ( ! o!rs4    
,pitts ,slim'll be "h to-night4  ,he'll 
give y ! devil if he he>s y talk+ to    
report]s ab\t him4  ,! proprietor began 
to talk ( less dang]\s subjects4  ,craig
 succe$$ 9 draw+ out f him ! yegg recipe
 = mak+ s\p4  ,x's "h 9 ?is ciph]1 said 
! man1 draw+ out a dirty piece ( pap]4  
,x's well kn[n1 & y c h ?is4  ,"h's !   
key4 ,x 0 writt5 by ',deafy' ,smi?1 & ! 
police p9*$ x4  ,craig busily translat$ 
! curi\s docum5t3    ,take t5 or a doz5 
/icks ( dynamite1 crumble x up f9e1   & 
put x 9 a pan or wa%b[l1 !n p\r ov] x   
en\gh   alcohol1 wood or pure1 to cov] x
 well4  ,/ir x up well )   y\r h&s1 be+ 
c>eful to break all ! lumps4  ,leave x  
set = a few m9utes4  ,!n get a few y>ds 
( *eeseclo?   & te> x up 9 pieces & /ra9
 ! mixture ?r\gh !   clo? into ano!r    
,vessel4  ,wr+ ! sawdu/ dry & ?r[   x   

away4  ,! rema9s w be ! s\p & alcohol   
mix$4   ,next take ! same am\nt ( wat] z
 y us$ ( alcohol   & p\r x 94  ,leave ! 
:ole set = a few m9utes4  ,v int]e/+1   
comm5t$ ,craig4  ,safe-bl[+ 9 "o lesson 
by correspond5ce s*ool4  ,! re/ ( ?is   
tells h[ to attack v>i\s makes1 doesn't 
x8  ,j !n a ?9 man 9 a huge1 worn ul/]  
came /amp+ up/airs f ! basem5t1 8 coll> 
up & 8 hat d[n ov] 8 eyes4 ,!re 0 some?+
 indef9ably famili> ab\t him1 b z 8 face
 & figure 7 s well conceal$1 ,i c\ld n  
tell j :y ,i ?\ght s4  ,cat*+ a glimpse 
( u1 he beat a retreat across ! opposite
 end ( ! room1 beckon+ to ! proprietor1 
:o jo9$ him outside ! door4  ,i ?\ght ,i
 he>d him ask3 ,:o are ^? m58  ,:o let  
!m 98 b ,i c\ld n cat* ! reply4  ,"o by 
"o ! o!r occupants ( ! room rose & sidl$
 out1 leav+ u alone ) ! ,gay ,cat4      
,k5n$y rea*$ ov] to get a cig>ette f my 
case & light x f "o t ,i 0 smok+4       
,t's#bjour man1 ,i ?9k1 he :isp]$ -     
,pitts ,slim4  ,i said no?+1 b ,i w\ld h
 be5 will+ to "p ) a l>ge section ( my  

bank-acc\nt to be up on ! ,*a?am ,squ>e 
/ation ( ! ,elevat$ j !n4  ,!re 0 a ru% 
f ! half-op5 door beh9d u4  ,sudd5ly    
ev]y?+ turn$ black be=e me2 my eyes     
swam2 ,i felt a /++ s5sation on my head 
& a weak feel+ ab\t ! /oma*2 ,i sank    
half-consci\s to ! floor4  ,all 0 blank1
 b1 dimly1 ,i seem$ to be dragg$ &      
dropp$ d[n h>d4  ,h[ long ,i lay !re ,i 
don't "k4  ,k5n$y says x 0 n ov] five   
m9utes4  ,x may h be5 s1 b to me x seem$
 an age4 ,:5 ,i op5$ my eyes ,i 0 ly+ on
 my back on a v dirty s(a 9 ano!r room4 
,k5n$y 0 b5d+ ov] me ) blood /ream+ f a 
long deep ga% on 8 head4  ,ano!r figure 
0 groan+ 9 ! semi-d>kness opposite2 x 0 
! ,gay ,cat4  ,!y blackjack$ u1 :isp]$  
,k5n$y to me z ,i /agg]$ to my feet4    
,!n !y dragg$ u ?r\gh a secret passage  
into ano!r h\se4  ,h[ d y feel8  ,all   
"r1 ,i answ]$1 brac+ myself aga9/ a     
*air1 = ,i 0 weak f ! loss ( blood1 &   
dizzy4  ,i 0 sore 9 e jo9t & muscle4  ,i
 look$ ab\t1 only half compreh5d+4  ,!n 
my recollection flood$ back ) a ru%4    

,we _h be5 lock$ 9 ano!r room aft] !    
attack1 & left to be dealt ) lat]4  ,i  
felt 9 my pocket4  ,i _h left my wat* at
 ! laboratory1 b ev5 ! doll> wat* ,i _h 
tak5 & ! small sum ( money 9 my         
pocketbook 7 gone4  ,k5n$y /ill _h 8    
cam]a slung ov] 8 %\ld]1 :]e he _h fa/5$
 x securely4  ,"h we 71 imprison$1 :ile 
,pitts ,slim1 ! man we _h come aft]1    
:oev] he 01 0 mak+ 8 escape4  ,some:]e  
across ! /reet 0 ,o',connor1 wait+ 9 a  
room z we _h agre$4  ,!re 0 only "o w9d[
 9 our room1 & x op5$ on a mis]able     
little dumbwait] air-%aft4  ,x w\ld be  
h\rs yet be=e 8 suspicions w\ld be ar\s$
 & he w\ld discov] :i* ( ! h\ses we 7   
held 94  ,mean:ile :at might n happ5 to 
u8  ,k5n$y calmly set up 8 tripod4  ,"o 
leg _h be5 brok5 9 ! r\gh-h\se1 b he ti$
 x toge!r ) 8 h&k]*ief1 n[ wet ) blood4 
,i wond]$ h[ he c\ld ?9k ( tak+ a       
picture4  ,8 v delib]ation set me frett+
 & fum+1 & ,i swore at him "u my brea?4 
,/ill1 he work$ calmly ahead4  ,i saw   
him take ! black box & set x on !       

tripod4  ,x 0 indi/9ct 9 ! d>kness4  ,x 
look$ l a cam]a1 & yet x _h "s atta*m5t 
at ! side t 0 que]1 includ+ a little    
lamp4  ,craig b5t & atta*$ "s wires ab\t
 ! box4  ,at la/ he seem$ ready4        
,walt]1 he :isp]$1 roll t s(a quietly   
ov] aga9/ ! door4  ,!re1 n[ ! table & t 
bureau1 & w$ge ! *airs 94  ,keep t door 
%ut at any co/4  ,x's n[ or nev] - "h   
goes4  ,he /opp$ a mom5t & t9k]$ ) ! box
 on ! tripod4  ,hello6 ,hello6  ,hello6 
,is t y1 ,o',connor8 he %\t$4  ,i wat*$ 
him 9 amazem5t4  ,0 ! man crazy8  ,_h ! 
bl[ affect$ 8 bra98  ,"h he 01 try+ to  
talk into a cam]a4  ,a little           
signall+-bell 9 ! box comm5c$ to r+1 z  
if by _s h&s4  ,%ut up 9 t room1 gr[l$ a
 voice f outside ! door4  ,by ,god1     
!y've b>ricad$ ! door4  ,come on1 pals1 
we'll kill ! spies4  ,a smile ( triumph 
light$ up ,k5n$y's pale face4  ,x works1
 x works1 he cri$ z ! little bell       
cont9u$ to buzz4   ,?is is a wireless   
telephone y p]haps h se5 ann\nc$ rec5tly
 -#bj good = sev]al hundr$ feet - ?r\gh 

walls & ev]y?+4  ,! inv5tor plac$ x 9 a 
box easily c>ri$ by a man1 includ+ a    
batt]y1 & m\nt$ on an ord9>y cam]a      
tripod s t ! us] might well be tak5 = a 
travell+ photograph]4  ,x is good 9 "o  
direction only1 b ,i h a signall+-bell  
"h t c be rung f ! o!r end by ,h]tzian  
waves4  ,?ank ,heav51 x's compact &     
simple4  ,o',connor1 he w5t on1 x is z  
,i told y4  ,x 0 ,pitts ,slim4 ,he left 
"h t5 or fifte5 m9utes ago - ,i don't "k
 by :at exit1 b ,i he>d !m say !y w\ld  
meet at ! ,c5tral freighty>ds at        
midnight4  ,/>t y\r pla9-clo!s m5 out & 
s5d "s "o "h1 quick1 to release u4  ,we 
are lock$ 9 a room 9 ! f\r? or fif? h\se
 f ! corn]4  ,!re's a secret passage to 
! yegg-h\se4 ,! ,gay ,cat is /ill       
unconsci\s1 ,jameson is groggy1 & ,i h a
 bad scalp w\nd4  ,!y are try+ to beat 9
 our b>ricade4  ,hurry4  ,i ?9k ,i %all 
nev] get /raight 9 my m9d ! fe>ful five 
m9utes t foll[$1 ! batt]+ at ! door1 !  
oa?s1 ! scuffle outside1 ! cra% z ! s(a1
 bureau1 table1 & *airs all yield$ at   

once - & my relief :5 ,i saw !          
squ>e-set1 hone/ face ( ,o',connor &    
half a doz5 pla9-clo!s m5 hold+ ! yeggs 
:o w\ld c]ta9ly h murd]$ u ?is "t to    
protect _! pal 9 8 getaway4  ,! fact is 
,i didn't ?9k /raight until we 7 halfway
 upt[n1 spe$+ t[>d ! railroad           
freight-y>ds 9 ,o',connor's c>4  ,! fre%
 air at la/ reviv$ me1 & ,i began to    
=get my cuts & bruises 9 ! r5ew$        
excitem5t4  ,we ent]$ ! y>ds c>efully1  
accompani$ by sev]al ( ! railroad's     
detectives1 :o met u ) a c\ple ( police 
dogs4 ,skulk+ 9 ! %ad[ "u ! high        
embankm5t t sep>at$ ! y>ds ) _!         
int]m9able l9es ( full & empty c>s on "o
 side & ! ,san ,juan ,hill di/rict (    
,new ,york up on ! bluff on ! o!r side1 
we came ^u a p>ty ( ?ree m5 :o 7 wait+  
to cat* ! midnight side-door ,pullman  -
 ! fa/ freight out ( ,new ,york4  ,!    
fight 0 brief1 = we outnumb]$ !m m ?an  
?ree to "o4 ,o',connor himself snapp$ a 
pair ( /eel bracelets on ! ?9 man1 :o   
seem$ to be lead] ( ! p>ty4  ,x's all   

up1 ,pitts ,slim1 he gr\nd out f 8 set  
tee?4  ,"o ( our m5 fla%$ 8 bull's-eye  
on ! ?ree prison]s4  ,i caught myself z 
9 a dream4  ,pitts ,slim 0 ,maloney1 !  
detective4  ,an h\r lat]1 at headqu>t]s1
 aft] ! p$igrees _h be5 tak51 ! mugg+   
done1 & ! jewels f\nd on ! ?ree yeggs   
*eck$ (f f ! li/ ( ! ,bran=d pe>ls1     
leav+ a few ?\s& doll>s' wor? unacc\nt$ 
=1 ,o',connor l$ ! way into 8 private   
(fice4  ,!re 7 ,mrs4 ,bran=d & ,blake1  
wait+4  ,maloney sull5ly refus$ to look 
at 8 =m] employ]1 z ,blake ru%$ ov] &   
grasp$ ,k5n$y's h&1 ask+ eag]ly3 ,h[ did
 y d x1 ,k5n$y8  ,?is is ! la/ ?+ ,i    
expect$4  ,craig said no?+1 b sl[ly op5$
 a n[ crumpl$ envelope1 :i* conta9$ an  
unton$ pr9t ( a photograph4  ,he laid x 
on ! desk4 ,!re is y\r yeggman - at "w1 
he said4  ,we b5t ov] to look4  ,x 0 a  
photograph ( ,maloney 9 ! act ( putt+   
some?+ 9 ! little wall safe 9 ,mrs4     
,bran=d's room4 ,9 a fla% x dawn$ on me 
- ! quick-%utt] cam]a1 ! wire connect$ )
 ! wall safe1 ,craig's h9t to ,maloney t

 if "s ( ! jewels 7 f\nd hidd5 9 a      
likely place 9 ! h\se1 x w\ld furni% !  
la/ l9k 9 ! *a9 aga9/ h]1 ,maloney's    
eag] acceptance ( ! sugge/ion1 & 8 visit
 to ,montclair dur+ :i* ,craig _h _h h>d
 "w to avoid him4  ,pitts ,slim1 alias  
,maloney1 add$ ,k5n$y1 turn+ to ,blake1 
y\r %rewde/ private detective1 0 pos+ 9 
two *>act]s at once v successfully4  ,he
 0 y\r tru/$ ag5t 9 possession ( ! mo/  
valuable secrets ( y\r cli5ts1 at ! same
 "t eng9e]+ all ! robb]ies t y ?\ght 7  
fakes1 & !n work+ up ! evid5ce          
incrim9at+ ! victims !mselves4  ,he got 
into ! ,bran=d h\se ) a skeleton key1 & 
kill$ ! maid4  ,! picture %[s him putt+ 
?is %ield-%ap$ broo* 9 ! safe ?is       
aft]noon - "h's ! broo*4  ,& all ?is "t 
he 0 ! lead] ( ! mo/ dang]\s b& ( yeggm5
 9 ! c\ntry4  ,mrs4 ,bran=d1 exclaim$   
,blake1 advanc+ & b[+ mo/ pr(\ndly1 ,i  
tru/ t y und]/& my awkw>d position8  ,my
 apologies _c be too humble4  ,x w give 
me great pleasure to h& y a c]tifi$ *eck
 = ! miss+ gems ! fir/ ?+ 9 ! morn+4    

,mrs4 ,bran=d bit h] lip n]v\sly4  ,!   
return ( ! pe>ls did n seem to int]e/ h]
 9 ! lea/4  ,& ,i1 too1 mu/ apologise = 
! false suspicion ,i _h ( y & - & -     
dep5d on me1 x is already =gott51 said  
,k5n$y1 emphasis+ ! false & look+ h]    
/raight 9 ! eyes4  ,%e read 8 mean+ & a 
look ( relief cross$ h] face4  ,?ank y1 
%e murmur$ simply1 !n dropp+ h] eyes %e 
add$ 9 a l[] tone :i* no "o he>d except 
,craig3 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 h[ c ,i ev] ?ank y8
  ,ano!r night1 & x w\ld h be5 too late 
to save me f myself4    ,,iii  ,,! ,,g]m
 ,,( ,,dea?   ,by ?is "t ,i 0 becom+ us$
 to ,k5n$y's /range visitors &1 9 fact1 
_h begun to enjoy ke5ly ! unc]ta9ty ( n 
kn[+ j :at to expect f !m next4  ,/ill1 
,i 0 h>dly prep>$ "o ev5+ to see a tall1
 n]v\s =eign] /alk noiselessly &        
unann\nc$ into our ap>tm5t & h& 8 c>d to
 ,k5n$y )\t say+ a ^w4  ,dr4 ,ni*olas   
,kh>k(f  - hum - er1 ,jameson1 y mu/ h  
=gott5 to lat* ! door4  ,well1 ,dr4     
,kh>k(f1 :at c ,i d = y8  ,x is evid5t  
some?+ has upset y4  ,! tall ,russian   

put 8 =ef+] to 8 lips &1 tak+ "o ( our  
good *airs1 plac$ x by ! door4  ,!n he  
/ood on x & pe]$ cauti\sly ?r\gh !      
transom into ! hallway4  ,i ?9k ,i elud$
 him ?is "t1 he exclaim$1 z he n]v\sly  
took a seat4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 ,i am be+
 foll[$4  ,e /ep t ,i take somebody     
%ad[s me1 f ! mom5t ,i leave my (fice   
until ,i return4  ,x is en\gh to drive  
me mad4  ,b t is only "o reason :y ,i h 
come "h to-night4  ,i believe t ,i c    
tru/ y z a fri5d ( ju/ice - a fri5d (   
,russian fre$om8  ,he _h includ$ me 9 8 
e>ne/ b some:at vague qu]y1 s t ,i did n
 )draw4  ,someh[1 app>5tly1 he _h he>d (
 ,k5n$y's r lib]al political views4  ,x 
is ab\t ,vassili ,s>atovsky1 ! fa!r ( ! 
,russian revolution1 z we call him1 t ,i
 h come to consult y1 he cont9u$        
quickly4  ,j two weeks ago he 0 tak5    
ill4  ,x came on sudd5ly1 a viol5t fev] 
:i* cont9u$ = a week4  ,!n he seem$ to  
gr[ bett]1 aft] ! crisis _h pass$1 & ev5
 att5d$ a meet+ ( our c5tral committee !
 o!r night4  ,b 9 ! meantime ,olga      

,sam>ova1 ! little ,russian danc]1 :om y
 h p]haps se51 fell ill 9 ! same way4   
,sam>ova is an ard5t revolutioni/1 y "k4
  ,?is morn+ ! s]vant at my own home on 
,ea/ ,broadway 0 also /rick51 & - :o    
kn[s8  - p]haps x w be my turn next4  ,=
 to-night ,s>atovsky _h an ev5 m viol5t 
return ( ! fev]1 ) int5se %iv]+1        
excruciat+ pa9s 9 ! limbs1 & deliri\s   
heada*e4  ,x is n l any?+ ,i ev] saw    
be=e4  ,c y look into ! case be=e x gr[s
 any worse1 ,pr(essor8  ,aga9 ! ,russian
 got on ! *air & look$ ov] ! transom to 
be sure t he 0 n be+ ov]he>d4  ,i %all  
be only too glad to help y 9 any way ,i 
c1 return$ ,k5n$y1 8 mann] express+ !   
g5u9e int]e/ t he nev] feign$ ov] a     
p>ticul>ly knotty problem 9 sci5ce &    
crime4 ,i _h ! pleasure ( meet+         
,s>atovsky once 9 ,london4  ,i %all try 
to see him ! fir/ ?+ 9 ! morn+4  ,dr4   
,kh>k(f's face fell4  ,i _h hop$ y w\ld 
see him to-night4 ,if any?+ %\ld happ5 -
  ,is x z urg5t z t8  ,i believe x is1  
:isp]$ ,kh>k(f1 lean+ =w>d e>ne/ly4 ,we 

c call a taxicab - x w n take long1 sir4
  ,consid]1 !re are _m lives possibly at
 /ake1 he plead$4  ,v well1 ,i w g1     
cons5t$ ,k5n$y4  ,at ! /reet door       
,kh>k(f /opp$ %ort & drew ,k5n$y back4  
,look - across ! /reet 9 ! %ad[4  ,!re  
is ! man4  ,if ,i />t t[>d him he w     
disappe>2 he is v clev]4  ,he foll[$ me 
f ,s>atovsky's "h1 & has be5 wait+ = me 
to come out4  ,!re are two taxicabs     
wait+ at ! /&1 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 ,doctor1 
y jump 9 ! fir/1 & ,jameson & ,i w take 
! second4  ,!n he c't foll[ u4  ,x 0    
done 9 a mom5t1 & we 7 :isk$ away1 to ! 
*agr9 ( ! figure1 :i* glid$ impot5tly   
out ( ! %ad[ 9 va9 pursuit1 too late ev5
 to cat* ! numb] ( ! cab4  ,a promis+   
adv5ture1 comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 z we bump$    
along ov] ,new ,york's unev5 asphalt4   
,h y ev] met ,s>atovsky8  ,no1 ,i repli$
 dubi\sly4  ,w y gu>antee t he w n bl[ u
 up ) a bomb8  ,gr&mo!r6 repli$ ,craig4 
,:y1 ,walt]1 he is ! mo/ g5tle1 engag+  
old philosoph] -   ,t ev] cut a ?roat or
 scuttl$ a %ip8 ,i int]rupt$4  ,on !    

contr>y1 insi/$ ,k5n$y1 some:at nettl$1 
he is a patri>*1 respect$ by e faction (
 ! revolutioni/s1 f ! fight+            
organisation to ! believ]s 9            
non-resi/ance & ,tol/oy4  ,i tell y1    
,walt]1 ! nation t c produce a man su* z
 ,s>atovsky des]ves & "s day w w9       
political fre$om4 ,i h he>d ( ?is ,dr4  
,kh>k(f be=e1 too4  ,8 life w\ld be a   
%ort "o if he 7 9 ,russia4  ,a rem>kable
 man1 :o fl$ aft] ^? un=tunate upris+s 9
 #aije4  ,ah1 we are on ,fif? ,av5ue4 ,i
 suspect t he is tak+ u to a club on !  
l[] "p ( ! av5ue1 :]e a numb] ( !       
,russian re=m]s live1 pati5tly wait+ &  
plann+ = ! great 'awak5+' 9 _! native   
l&4  ,kh>k(f's cab _h /opp$4  ,our que/ 
_h inde$ br\ght u almo/ to ,wa%+ton     
,squ>e4  ,"h we ent]$ an old h\se ( !   
pa/ g5]ation4  ,z we pass$ ?r\gh ! wide 
hall1 ,i not$ ! high ceil+s1 !          
old-fa%ion$ m>ble mantels /a9$ by "t1 ! 
long1 n>r[ rooms & dirty-:ite woodwork1 
& ! ?readb>e furniture ( black walnut & 
horsehair4  ,up/airs 9 a small back room

 we f\nd ! v5]able ,s>atovsky1 toss+1   
half-deliri\s ) ! fev]1 on a disord]$   
b$4  ,8 0 a /rik+ figure 9 ?is sordid   
sett+1 ) a high intellectual =ehead &   
deep-set1 gl[+ coals ( eyes :i* gave a  
h9t at ! ?+s :i* _h made 8 life "o ( !  
/range/ among all ! revolutioni/s (     
,russia & ! works he _h done among ! mo/
 d>+4  ,! br[n dye 0 sc>cely yet out ( 8
 fl[+ :ite be>d - a relic ( 8 la/ trip  
back to 8 fa!rl&1 :]e he _h elud$ !     
secret police 9 ! disguise ( a ,g]man   
gymnasium pr(essor4  ,s>atovsky ext5d$ a
 ?91 hot1 emaciat$ h& to u1 & we rema9$ 
/&+4  ,k5n$y said no?+ = ! mom5t4  ,!   
sick man motion$ feebly to u to come    
clos]4  ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 he :isp]$1 !re
 is "s deviltry afoot4 ,! ,russian      
autocracy w\ld /op at no?+4  ,kh>k(f has
 probably told y ( x4  ,i am s weak -   
,he groan$ & sank back1 ov]come by a    
*ill t seem$ to rack 8 poor gaunt =m4   
,kazanovit* c tell ,pr(essor ,k5n$y     
some?+1 ,doctor4  ,i am too weak to     
talk1 ev5 at ?is critical "t4  ,take him

 to see ,boris & ,ekat]9a4  ,almo/      
rev]5tly we )drew1 & ,kh>k(f l$ u d[n ! 
hall to ano!r room4  ,! door 0 aj>1 & a 
light disclos$ a man 9 a ,russian       
peasant's bl\se1 b5d+ labori\sly ov] a  
writ+-desk4  ,s absorb$ 0 he t n until  
,kh>k(f spoke did he look up4  ,8 figure
 0 some:at slight & 8 face po9t$ & ( an 
ascetic m\ld4  ,ah6 he exclaim$4  ,y h  
recall$ me f a dream4  ,i fanci$ ,i 0 on
 ! old mir ) ,ivan1 "o ( my *>act]s4    
,welcome1 comrades4  ,x fla%$ ov] me at 
once t ?is 0 ! fam\s ,russian noveli/1  
,boris ,kazanovit*4  ,i _h n at fir/    
connect$ ! "n ) t ( ! au?or ( ^? gloomy 
tales ( peasant life4  ,kazanovit* /ood 
) 8 h&s tuck$ "u 8 bl\se4  ,night is my 
fav\rite "t = writ+1 he expla9$4  ,x is 
!n t ! imag9ation works at its be/4  ,i 
gaz$ curi\sly ab\t ! room4  ,!re seem$  
to be a m>k$ t\* ( a woman's h& "h &    
!re2 x 0 unmi/akable4  ,at la/ my eye   
re/$ on a c>eless heap ( da9ty we>+     
app>el on a *air 9 ! corn]4  ,:]e is    
,nevsky8 ask$ ,dr4 ,kh>k(f1 app>5tly    

miss+ ! p]son :o own$ ! g>m5ts4         
,ekat]9a has gone to a rehe>sal ( !     
little play ( ,g]%uni's escape f ,sib]ia
 & betrayal by ,ros5b]g4  ,%e w /ay )   
fri5ds on ,ea/ ,broadway to-night4  ,%e 
has des]t$ me1 & "h ,i am all alone1    
f9i%+ a /ory = "o ( ! ,am]ican magaz9es4
  ,ah1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 t is un=tunate1
 comm5t$ ,kh>k(f4 ,a brilliant woman is 
,mademoiselle ,nevsky - devot$ to !     
cause4  ,i "k only "o :o equals h]1 & t 
is my pati5t d[n/airs1 ! little danc]1  
,sam>ova4  ,sam>ova is fai?ful - ,nevsky
 is a g5ius1 put 9 ,kazanovit*4 ,kh>k(f 
said no?+ = a "t1 ?\gh x 0 easy to see  
he reg>d$ ! actress highly4  ,sam>ova1  
he said at l5g? to u1 0 arre/$ = h] "p 9
 ! assass9ation ( ,gr& ,duke ,s]gius &  
?r[n into solit>y conf9em5t 9 ! =tress (
 ,/4  ,pet] & ,/4  ,paul4  ,!y tortur$  
h]1 ! bea/s - burn$ h] body ) _!        
cig>ettes4 ,x 0 unspeakable4  ,b %e w\ld
 n confess1 & f9ally !y _h to let h] g4 
,nevsky1 :o 0 a /ud5t ( biology at !    
,univ]sity ( ,/4 ,pet]sburg :5 ,von     

,plehve 0 assass9at$1 0 arre/$1 b h]    
relatives _h suffici5t influ5ce to      
secure h] release4  ,!y met 9 ,p>is1 &  
,nevsky p]suad$ ,olga to g on ! /age &  
come to ,new ,york4  ,next to ,ekat]9a's
 devotion to ! cause is h] devotion to  
sci5ce1 said ,kazanovit*1 op5+ a door to
 a little room4  ,!n he add$3 ,if %e 7 n
 a woman1 or if y\r univ]sities 7 less  
prejudic$1 %e w\ld be welcome any:]e z a
 pr(essor4  ,see1 "h is h] laboratory4  
,x is ! be/ we - %e c af=d4  ,organic   
*emi/ry1 z y call x 9 ,engli%1 int]e/s  
me too1 b ( c\rse ,i am n a tra9$       
sci5ti/ - ,i am a noveli/4  ,!          
laboratory 0 simple1 almo/ b>e4         
,photographs ( ,ko*1 ,ehrli*1           
,met*nik(f1 & a numb] ( o!r sci5ti/s    
adorn$ ! walls4  ,! deeply /a9$ deal    
table 0 litt]$ ) beak]s & te/-tubes4    
,h[ is ,s>atovsky8 ask$ ! writ] ( !     
doctor1 aside1 z we gaz$ curi\sly ab\t4 
,kh>k(f %ook 8 head gravely4  ,we h j   
come f 8 room4 ,he 0 too weak to talk1 b
 he ask$ t y tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y any?+ t x 

is necess>y he %\ld "k ab\t our         
suspicions4  ,x is t we are liv+ ) !    
sword ( ,damocles con/antly dangl+ ov]  
our heads1 g5tlem51 cri$ ,kazanovit*    
passionately1 turn+ t[>d u4  ,y w excuse
 me if ,i get "s cig>ettes d[n/airs8    
,ov] !m ,i w tell y :at we fe>4  ,a call
 f ,s>atovsky took ! doctor away also at
 ! same mom5t1 & we 7 left alone4  ,a   
que] situation1 ,craig1 ,i rem>k$1      
glanc+ involunt>ily at ! heap ( fem99e  
f9]y on ! *air1 z ,i sat d[n be=e       
,kazanovit*'s desk4  ,que] = ,new ,york2
 n = ,/4 ,pet]sburg1 0 8 laconic reply1 
z he look$ ar\nd = ano!r *air4  ,ev]y?+ 
0 litt]$ ) books & pap]s1 & at la/ he   
lean$ ov] & lift$ ! dress f ! *air to   
place x on ! b$1 z ! easie/ way ( secur+
 a seat 9 ! scantily furni%$ room4  ,a  
pocketbook & a lett] fell to ! floor f !
 folds ( ! dress4  ,he /oop$ to pick !m 
up1 & ,i saw a /range look ( surprise on
 8 face4  ,)\t a mom5t's hesitation he  
%ov$ ! lett] into 8 pocket & replac$ !  
o!r ?+s z he _h f\nd !m4  ,a mom5t lat] 

,kazanovit* return$ ) a l>ge box (      
,russian cig>ettes4  ,be seat$1 sir1 he 
said to ,k5n$y1 sweep+ a mass ( books & 
pap]s (f a l>ge divan4  ,:5 ,nevsky is n
 "h ! room gets sadly dis>rang$4  ,i h  
no g5ius = ord]4  ,amid ! cl\ds (       
fragrant light smoke we wait$ =         
,kazanovit* to break ! sil5ce4  ,p]haps 
y ?9k t ! iron h& ( ! ,russian prime    
m9i/] has brok5 ! backbone ( revolution 
9 ,russia1 he began at l5g?4 ,b because 
! ,duma is subs]vi5t1 x does n mean t   
all is ov]4  ,n at all4  ,we are n      
asleep4  ,revolution is sm\ld]+1 ready  
to break =? at any mom5t4  ,! ag5ts ( ! 
gov]nm5t "k x4  ,!y are desp]ate4  ,!re 
is no means !y w\ld n use to cru% u4    
,_! long arm rea*es ev5 to ,new ,york1 9
 ?is l& ( fre$om4  ,he rose & excit$ly  
pac$ ! room4  ,someh[ or o!r1 ?is man   
did n prepossess me4  ,0 x t ,i 0       
prejudic$ by a puritanical disapproval (
 ! ?+s t pass curr5t 9 ,old ,_w         
morality8 ,or 0 x m]ely t ,i f\nd !     
great writ] ( fiction seek+ ! dramatic  

effect always at ! co/ ( s9c]ity8  ,j   
:at is x t y suspect8 ask$ ,craig1      
anxi\s to disp5se ) ! rhetoric & to get 
d[n to facts4   ,surely1 :5 ?ree p]sons 
are /rick51 y mu/ suspect some?+4       
,poison1 repli$ ,kazanovit* quickly4    
,poison1 & ( a k9d t ev5 ! poison       
doctors ( ,/4 ,pet]sburg h nev] employ$4
  ,dr4 ,kh>k(f is completely baffl$4    
,y\r ,am]ican doctors - two 7 call$ 9 to
 see ,s>atovsky - say x is ! typhus     
fev]4  ,b ,kh>k(f kn[s bett]4  ,!re is  
no typhus ra%4  ,besides - & he lean$   
=w>d to emphasise 8 words -  "o does n  
get ov] typhus 9 a week & h x aga9 z    
,s>atovsky has4  ,i c\ld see t ,k5n$y 0 
gr[+ impati5t4  ,an idea _h occurr$ to  
him1 & only polit5ess kept him li/5+ to 
,kazanovit* long]4  ,doctor1 he said1 z 
,kh>k(f ent]$ ! room aga91 d y suppose y
 c\ld get "s p]fectly clean te/-tubes & 
/]ile b\illon f ,miss ,nevsky's         
laboratory8  ,i ?9k ,i saw a rack (     
tubes on ! table4  ,surely1 answ]$      
,kh>k(f4  ,y w excuse u1 ,mr4           

,kazanovit*1 apologis$ ,k5n$y briskly1 b
 ,i feel t ,i am go+ to h a h>d day     
to-morr[ & - by ! way1 w\ld y be s k9d z
 to come up to my laboratory "s "t dur+ 
! day1 & cont9ue y\r /ory4  ,on ! way   
out ,craig took ! doctor aside = a      
mom5t1 & !y talk$ e>ne/ly4  ,at la/     
,craig motion$ to me4  ,walt]1 he       
expla9$1 ,dr4 ,kh>k(f is go+ to prep>e  
"s cultures 9 ! te/-tubes to-night s t  
,i c make a microscopic exam9ation ( !  
blood ( ,s>atovsky1 ,sam>ova1 & lat] ( 8
 s]vant4  ,! tubes w be ready e>ly 9 !  
morn+1 & ,i h arrang$ ) ! doctor = y to 
call & get !m if y h no objection4  ,i  
ass5t$1 & we />t$ d[n/airs4  ,z we pass$
 a door on ! second floor1 a woman's    
voice call$ out1 ,is t y1 ,boris8  ,no1 
,olga1 ?is is ,ni*olas1 repli$ ! doctor4
  ,x is ,sam>ova1 he said to u z he     
ent]$4  ,9 a few mom5ts he rejo9$ u4    
,%e is no bett]1 he cont9u$1 z we aga9  
/>t$ away4  ,i may z well tell y1       
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 j h[ matt]s /& "h4    
,sam>ova is head ov] heels 9 love )     

,kazanovit* - y he>d h] call = him j n[8
 ,be=e !y left ,p>is1 ,kazanovit* %[$ "s
 p>tiality = ,olga1 b n[ ,nevsky has    
captur$ him4  ,%e is inde$ a fasc9at+   
woman1 b z = me1 if ,olga w\ld cons5t to
 become ,madame ,kh>k(f1 x %\ld be done 
to-morr[1 & %e ne$ worry no long] ov] h]
 brok5 contract ) ! ,am]ican !atre      
manag]s4  ,b wom5 are n t way4  ,%e     
pref]s ! hopeless love4  ,ah1 well1 ,i  
%all let y "k if any?+ new happ5s4      
,good-night1 & a ?\s& ?anks = y\r help1 
g5tlem54  ,no?+ 0 said by ei!r ( u on   
our j\rney upt[n1 = x 0 late & ,i1 at   
lea/1 0 tir$4  ,b ,k5n$y _h no int5tion 
( go+ to b$1 ,i f\nd4  ,in/ead1 he sat  
d[n 9 8 easy *air & %ad$ 8 eyes1        
app>5tly 9 deep ?\ght4  ,z ,i /ood by ! 
table to fill my pipe = a la/ smoke1 ,i 
saw t he 0 c>efully reg>d+ ! lett] he _h
 pick$ up1 turn+ x ov] & ov]1 & app>5tly
 debat+ ) himself :at to d ) x4  ,"s    
k9ds ( pap] c be /eam$ op5 )\t leav+ any
 trace1 he rem>k$ 9 answ] to my unspok5 
"q1 lay+ ! lett] d[n be=e me4  ,i read !

 address3 ,m4  ,alex&] ,alex&rovit*     
,orl(f1  -  ,rue de  - 1 ,p>is1 ,france4
  ,lett]-op5+ has be5 rais$ to a f9e art
 by ! secret s]vice ag5ts ( =eign       
c\ntries1 he cont9u$4  ,:y n take a     
*ance8 ,! simple op]ation ( /eam+ a     
lett] op5 is foll[$ by reburni%+ ! flap 
) a bone in/rum5t1 & no trace is left4  
,i c't d t1 = ?is lett] is seal$ ) wax4 
,"o way w\ld be to take a matrix ( !    
seal be=e break+ ! wax & !n replace a   
duplicate ( x4  ,no1 ,i won't risk x4   
,i'll try a sci5tific way4  ,betwe5 two 
pieces ( smoo? wood1 ,craig laid ! lett]
 flat1 s t ! edges project$ ab\t a      
?irty-second ( an in*4  ,he flatt5$ !   
project+ edge ( ! envelope1 !n r\gh5$ x1
 & f9ally slit x op54  ,y see1 ,walt]1  
lat] ,i w place ! lett] back1 apply a   
hair l9e ( /rong :ite gum1 & unite !    
edges ( ! envelope "u pressure4  ,let u 
see :at we h "h4  ,he drew out :at seem$
 to be a manuscript on v ?9 pap]1 &     
spread x out flat on ! table be=e u4    
,app>5tly x 0 a sci5tific pap] on a r   

unusual subject1 ,spontane\s ,g5]ation (
 ,life4  ,x 0 9 longh& & read3   99,_m  
?anks = ! copy ( ! pap] by ,pr(4        
,betallion ( ,dijon on ! artificial     
f]tilization ( ! eggs ( frogs4  ,i      
consid] x a mo/ important advance 9 !   
artificial g5]ation ( life4   99,9 !    
pr9t$ book ?is is %[n z h&writt5  #bj   
,i w n attempt to reproduce 9 facsimile 
! entire manuscript1 = x is unnecess>y1 
&1 9 fact1 ,i m]ely set d[n "p ( its    
cont5ts "h because x seem$ s utt]ly     
valueless to me at ! "t4  ,x w5t on to  
say3  ,:ile ,betallion punctur$ ! eggs )
 a plat9um ne$le & develop$ !m by means 
( electric dis*>ges1 ,loeb 9 ,am]ica    
plac$ eggs ( ! sea-ur*9 9 a /rong       
solution ( sea wat]1 !n 9 a ba? :]e !y 7
 subject$ to ! action ( butyric acid4   
,f9ally !y 7 plac$ 9 ord9>y sea wat]    
aga91 :]e !y develop$ 9 ! natural mann]4
  ,delage at ,roscorf us$ a liquid      
conta9+ salts ( magnesia & tannate (    
ammonia to produce ! same result4  ,9 8 
late/ book on ! ,orig9 ( ,life ,dr4     

,*>lton ,ba/ian tells ( us+ two         
solutions4  ,"o consi/$ ( two or ?ree   
drops ( dilute sodium silicate ) eight  
drops ( liquor f]n p]nitratis to "o     
ounce ( di/ill$ wat]4  ,! o!r 0 compos$ 
( ! same am\nt ( ! silicate ) six drops 
( dilute phosphoric acid & six gra9s (  
ammonium phosphate4  ,he fill$ /]ilis$  
tubes1 seal$ !m h]metically1 & heat$ !m 
to #abe or #ade degrees1 ,c5tigrade1    
al?\gh #fj or #gj degrees w\ld h kill$  
any bact]ia rema9+ 9 !m4  ,next he      
expos$ !m to sunlight 9 a s\? w9d[ = f  
two to f\r mon?s4  ,:5 ! tubes 7 op5$   
,dr4 ,ba/ian f\nd organisms 9 !m :i*    
diff]$ 9 no way f real bact]ia4  ,!y    
grew & multipli$4  ,he cont5ds t he has 
prov$ ! possibility ( spontane\s        
g5]ation ( life4  ,!n !re 7 ! exp]im5ts 
( ,john ,butl] ,burke ( ,cambridge1 :o  
claim$ t he _h develop$ radiobes 9 tubes
 ( /]ilis$ b\illon by means ( radium    
emanations4  ,daniel ,b]!lot 9 ,france  
la/ ye> ann\nc$ t he _h us$ !           
ultra-violet rays to duplicate nature's 

own process ( *lorophyll assimilation4  
,he has brok5 up c>bon dioxide &        
wat]-vap\r 9 ! air 9 precisely ! same   
way t ! gre5 cells ( plants d x4  ,l$uc 
at ,nantes has made cry/als gr[ f an    
artificial egg compos$ ( c]ta9 *emicals4
  ,^! cry/als %[ all ! app>5t vital     
ph5om5a )\t be+ actually alive4  ,8 "w  
is int]e/+1 = x %[s ! physical =ces t   
probably control m9ute life cells1 once 
!y are creat$4  ,:at d y make ( x8 ask$ 
,k5n$y1 not+ ! puzzl$ look on my face z 
,i f9i%$ read+4  ,well1 rec5t rese>* 9 !
 problem ( ! orig9 ( life may be v      
int]e/+1 ,i repli$4  ,!re are a good _m 
*emicals m5tion$ "h - ,i wond] if any ( 
!m is poison\s8  ,b ,i am ( ! op9ion t  
!re is some?+ m to ?is manuscript ?an a 
m]e sci5tific pap]4  ,exactly1 ,walt]1  
said ,k5n$y 9 half raill]y4  ,:at ,i    
want$ to "k 0 h[ y w\ld sugge/ gett+ at 
t some?+4  ,/udy z ,i might1 ,i c\ld    
make no?+ out ( x4  ,mean:ile ,craig 0  
busily figur+ ) a piece ( pap] & a      
p5cil4  ,i give x up1 ,craig1 ,i said at

 la/4  ,x is late4  ,p]haps we _h bett] 
bo? turn 91 & we may h "s ideas on x 9 !
 morn+4  ,= answ] he m]ely %ook 8 head &
 cont9u$ to scribble & figure on ! pap]4
  ,) a reluctant good-night ,i %ut my   
door1 det]m9$ to be up e>ly 9 ! morn+ & 
g = ! tubes t ,kh>k(f 0 to prep>e4  ,b 9
 ! morn+ ,k5n$y 0 gone4  ,i dress$      
ha/ily1 & 0 j ab\t to g out :5 he hurri$
 91 %[+ pla9ly ! effects ( hav+ sp5t a  
sleepless night4  ,he flung an e>ly     
edition ( a newspap] on ! table4  ,too  
late1 he exclaim$4  ,i tri$ to rea*     
,kh>k(f1 b x 0 too late4  ,ano!r ,ea/   
,side ,bomb ,outrage1 ,i read4  ,:ile   
return+ at a late h\r la/ night f a     
pati5t1 ,dr4 ,ni*olas ,kh>k(f1 (   -    
,ea/ ,broadway1 0 sev]ely injur$ by a   
bomb :i* _h be5 plac$ 9 8 hallway e>li] 
9 ! ev5+4  ,dr4 ,kh>k(f1 :o is a        
well-kn[n physician on ! ,ea/ ,side1    
/ates t he has be5 con/antly %ad[$ by "s
 "o unkn[n = ! pa/ week or two4 ,he     
attributes 8 escape ) 8 life to ! fact t
 s9ce he 0 %ad[$ he has obs]v$ extreme  

caution4  ,ye/]day 8 cook 0 poison$ & is
 n[ dang]\sly ill4  ,dr4 ,kh>k(f /&s    
high 9 ! ,russian community1 & x is     
?\ght by ! police t ! bomb 0 plac$ by a 
,russian political ag5t1 z ,kh>k(f has  
be5 active 9 ! ranks ( ! revolutioni/s4 
,b :at made y anticipate x8 ,i ask$ (   
,k5n$y1 consid]ably my/ifi$4  ,!        
manuscript1 he repli$4  ,! manuscript8  
,h[8  ,:]e is x8  ,aft] ,i f\nd t x 0   
too late to save ,kh>k(f & t he 0 well  
c>$ = at ! hospital1 ,i hurri$ to       
,s>atovsky's4 ,kh>k(f _h =tunately left 
! tubes !re1 & ,i got !m4  ,"h !y are4  
,z = ! manuscript 9 ! lett]1 ,i 0 go+ to
 ask y to slip up/airs by "s /rategy &  
return x :]e ,i f\nd x1 :5 y w5t = !    
tubes ?is morn+4  ,kazanovit* 0 out1 &  
,i h return$ x myself1 s y ne$ n g1 n[4 
,he's com+ to see y to-day1 isn't he8   
,i hope s4  ,i left a note ask+ him to  
br+ ,miss ,nevsky1 if possible1 too4    
,come1 let u breakfa/ & g ov] to !      
laboratory4 ,!y may arrive at any mom5t4
  ,besides1 ,i'm int]e/$ to see :at !   

tubes disclose4  ,in/ead ( ,kazanovit*  
await+ u at ! laboratory1 h[ev]1 we f\nd
 ,miss ,nevsky1 hagg>d & worn4  ,%e 0 a 
tall1 /rik+ girl ) m ( ! ,gaul ?an !    
,slav 9 h] appe>ance4  ,!re 0 a slightly
 s5su\s curve to h] m\?1 b on ! :ole h] 
face 0 /rik+ & intellectual4  ,i felt t 
if %e *ose %e c\ld fasc9ate a man s t he
 w\ld d>e any?+4  ,i nev] be=e und]/ood 
:y ! ,russian police fe>$ ! wom5        
revolutioni/s s mu*4  ,x 0 because !y 7 
!mselves1 plus e man !y c\ld influ5ce4  
,nevsky appe>$ v excit$4  ,%e talk$     
rapidly1 & fire fla%$ f h] grey eyes4   
,!y tell me at ! club1 %e began1  t y   
are inve/igat+ ! t]rible ?+s t are      
happ5+ to u4 ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 x is
 awful6  ,la/ night ,i 0 /ay+ ) "s      
fri5ds on ,ea/ ,broadway4  ,sudd5ly we  
he>d a t]rific explosion up ! /reet4  ,x
 0 9 front ( ,dr4 ,kh>k(f's h\se4 ,?ank 
,heav51 he is /ill alive6  ,b ,i 0 s    
unn]v$ ,i c\ld n sleep4  ,i fanci$ ,i   
might be ! next to g4  ,e>ly ?is morn+  
,i ha/5$ to return to ,fif? ,av5ue4  ,z 

,i ent]$ ! door ( my room ,i c\ld n help
 ?9k+ ( ! horrible fate ( ,dr4 ,kh>k(f4 
,= "s unkn[n reason1 j z ,i 0 ab\t to   
pu% ! door f>!r op51 ,i hesitat$ & look$
  - ,i almo/ fa9t$4  ,!re /ood ano!r    
bomb j inside4  ,if ,i _h mov$ ! door a 
fraction ( an in* x w\ld h explod$4 ,i  
scream$1 & ,olga1 sick z %e 01 ran to my
 assi/ance - or p]haps %e ?\ght some?+  
_h happ5$ to ,boris4  ,x is /&+ !re yet4
  ,none ( u d>es t\* x4  ,oh1 ,pr(essor 
,k5n$y1 x is dreadful1 dreadful4  ,& ,i 
_c f9d ,boris - ,mr4 ,kazanovit*1 ,i    
mean4  ,s>atovsky1 :o is l a fa!r to u  
all1 is sc>cely able to speak4  ,dr4    
,kh>k(f is helpless 9 ! hospital4  ,oh1 
:at are we to d1 :at are we to d8  ,%e  
/ood trembl+ be=e u1 implor+4  ,calm    
y\rself1 ,miss ,nevsky1 said ,k5n$y 9 a 
reassur+ tone4 ,sit d[n & let u plan4   
,i take x t x 0 a *emical bomb & n "o ) 
a fuse1 or y w\ld h a diff]5t /ory to   
tell4  ,fir/ ( all1 we mu/ remove x4  ,t
 is easily done4  ,he call$ up a ne>-by 
g>age & ord]$ an automobile4  ,i w drive

 x myself1 he ord]$1 only s5d a man     
ar\nd ) x imm$iately4  ,no1 no1 no1 %e  
cri$1 runn+ t[>d him1 y mu/ n risk x4 ,x
 is bad en\gh t we %\ld risk our lives4 
,b /rang]s mu/ n4  ,?9k1 ,pr(essor      
,k5n$y4  ,suppose ! bomb %\ld explode at
 a t\*6  ,_h we n bett] call ! police & 
let !m take ! risk1 ev5 if x does get   
into ! pap]s8  ,no1 repli$ ,k5n$y       
firmly4  ,miss ,nevsky1 ,i am q will+ to
 take ! risk4  ,besides1 "h comes !     
automobile4  ,y are too k9d1 %e         
exclaim$4  ,kazanovit* himself c\ld d no
 m4  ,h[ am ,i ev] to ?ank y8  ,on !    
back ( ! automobile ,k5n$y plac$ a      
peculi> oblong box1 swung on two        
conc5tric r+s balanc$ on pivots1 l a mo/
 delicate compass4  ,we rode quickly    
d[nt[n1 & ,k5n$y hurri$ into ! h\se1    
bidd+ u /& back4  ,) a long pair ( tongs
 he seiz$ ! bomb firmly4  ,x 0 a t5se   
mom5t4  ,suppose 8 h& %\ld unnecess>ily 
tremble1 or he %\ld tip x j a bit - x   
might explode & bl[ him to atoms4       
,keep+ x p]fectly horizontal he c>ri$ x 

c>efully out to ! wait+ automobile &    
plac$ x g+]ly 9 ! box4  ,w\ldn't x be a 
good ?+ to fill ! box ) wat]8 ,i        
sugge/$1 hav+ read some:]e t t 0 ! usual
 way ( op5+ a bomb1 "u wat]4  ,no1 he   
repli$1 z he clos$ ! lid1 t w\ldn't d   
any good ) a bomb ( ?is sort4  ,x w\ld  
explode "u wat] j z well z 9 air4  ,?is 
is a safety bomb-c>ri]4  ,x is kn[n z ! 
,c>don susp5sion4  ,x 0 inv5t$ by       
,pr(essor ,c>dono1 an ,italian4 ,y see1 
x is always held 9 a p]fectly horizontal
 position1 no matt] h[ y j> x4  ,i am n[
 go+ to take ! bomb to "s safe &        
conv5i5t place :]e ,i c exam9e x at my  
leisure4 ,mean:ile1 ,miss ,nevsky1 ,i w 
leave y 9 *>ge ( ,mr4 ,jameson4  ,?ank y
 s mu*1 %e said4  ,i feel bett] n[4  ,i 
didn't d>e g into my own room ) t bomb  
at ! door4  ,if ,mr4 ,jameson c only f9d
 out :at has become ( ,mr4 ,kazanovit*1 
t is all ,i want4  ,:at d y suppose has 
happ5$ to him8  ,is he1 too1 hurt or    
ill8  ,v well1 !n1 ,craig repli$4   ,i w
 commission y1 ,walt]1 to f9d           

,kazanovit*4  ,i %all be back aga9      
%ortly be=e noon to exam9e ! wreck (    
,kh>k(f's (fice4  ,meet me !re4         
,goodbye1 ,miss ,nevsky4  ,x 0 n ! fir/ 
"t t ,i _h _h a rov+ commission to f9d  
"s "o :o _h disappe>$ 9 ,new ,york4  ,i 
/>t$ by inquir+ = e possible place t he 
might be f\nd4  ,no "o at ! ,fif? ,av5ue
 h\se c\ld tell me any?+ def9ite1 ?\gh  
!y 7 able to give me a numb] ( places   
:]e he 0 kn[n4  ,i consum$ practically !
 :ole morn+ go+ f "o place to ano!r on !
 ,ea/ ,side4  ,"s ( ! picturesque haunts
 ( ! revolutioni/s w\ld h furni%$       
mat]ial = a /ory 9 !mselves4  ,b n[h]e  
_h !y any ^w ( ,kazanovit*1 until ,i    
visit$ a ,poli% arti/ :o 0 illu/rat+ 8  
/ories4  ,he _h be5 !re1 look+ v worn & 
tir$1 & _h talk$ vacantly ab\t ! sket*es
 :i* ! arti/ _h %[$ him4  ,aft] t ,i lo/
 all trace ( him aga94  ,x 0 ne>ly noon 
z ,i hurri$ to meet ,craig at ,kh>k(f's4
  ,imag9e my surprise to see ,kazanovit*
 already !re1 seat$ 9 ! wreck$ (fice1   
furi\sly smok+ cig>ettes & %[+ evid5t   

signs ( hav+ some?+ v di/urb+ on 8 m9d4 
,! mom5t he caught sight ( me1 he hurri$
 =w>d4  ,is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y com+ soon8 
he inquir$ eag]ly4  ,i 0 go+ up to 8    
laboratory1 b ,i call$ up ,nevsky1 & %e 
said he w\ld be "h at noon4  ,!n he put 
8 h& up to my e> & :isp]$1 ,i h f\nd out
 :o x 0 :o %ad[$ ,kh>k(f4  ,:o8 ,i ask$1
 say+ no?+ ( my long se>* ( ! morn+4  ,8
 "n is ,reval5ko - ,feodor ,reval5ko4   
,i saw him /&+ across ! /reet 9 front ( 
! h\se la/ night aft] y _h gone4  ,:5   
,kh>k(f left1 he foll[$ him4  ,i hurri$ 
out quietly & foll[$ bo? ( !m4  ,!n !   
explosion came4  ,?is man slipp$ d[n a  
n>r[ /reet z soon z he saw ,kh>k(f fall4
  ,z p 7 runn+ to ,kh>k(f's assi/ance1  
,i did ! same4  ,he saw me foll[+ him & 
ran1 & ,i ran1 too1 & ov]took him4 ,mr4 
,jameson1 :5 ,i look$ into 8 face ,i    
c\ld n believe x4 ,reval5ko - he is "o (
 ! mo/ ard5t memb]s ( our organisation4 
,he w\ld n tell me :y he _h foll[$      
,kh>k(f4  ,i c\ld make him confess no?+4
  ,b ,i am sure he is an ag5t           

provocateur ( ! ,russian gov]nm5t1 t he 
is secretly giv+ away ! plans t we are  
mak+1 ev]y?+4  ,we h a plot on n[ -     
p]haps he has in=m$ !m ( t4  ,( c\rse he
 d5i$ sett+ ! bomb or try+ to poison any
 ( u1 b he 0 v fright5$4  ,i %all d5\nce
 him at ! fir/ opportunity4  ,i said    
no?+4  ,kazanovit* reg>d$ me ke5ly to   
see :at impression ! /ory made on me1 b 
,i did n let my looks betray any?+1     
except prop] surprise1 & he seem$       
satisfi$4  ,x might be true1 aft] all1  
,i reason$1 ! m ,i ?\ght ( x4 ,i _h he>d
 t ! ,russian consul-g5]al _h a v       
ext5sive spy sy/em 9 ! city4  ,9 fact1  
ev5 t morn+ ,i _h _h po9t$ out to me "s 
spies at "w 9 ! public libr>ies1 wat*+  
:at "y ,russians 7 read+4  ,i did n d\bt
 t !re 7 spies 9 ! v inn] circle ( !    
revolutioni/s !mselves4  ,at la/ ,k5n$y 
appe>$4  ,:ile ,kazanovit* p\r$ =? 8    
/ory1 ) "h & !re1 ,i fanci$1 an         
elaboration ( a p>ticul>ly dramatic     
po9t1 ,k5n$y quickly exam9$ ! walls &   
floor ( ! wreck$ (fice ) 8              

magnify+-glass4  ,:5 he _h conclud$ 8   
se>*1 he turn$ to ,kazanovit*4  ,w\ld x 
be possible1 he ask$1 to let ?is        
,reval5ko believe t he c\ld tru/ y1 t x 
w\ld be safe = him to visit y to-night  
at ,s>atovsky's8  ,surely y c f9d "s way
 ( reassur+ him4  ,yes1 ,i ?9k t c be   
arrang$1 said ,kazanovit*4  ,i w g to   
him1 w make him ?9k ,i h misund]/ood    
him1 t ,i h n lo/ fai? 9 him1 provid$ he
 c expla9 all4  ,he w come4 ,tru/ me4   
,v well1 !n4  ,to-night at eight ,i %all
 be !re1 promis$ ,k5n$y1 z ! noveli/ &  
he %ook h&s4  ,:at d y ?9k ( ! ,reval5ko
 /ory8 ,i ask$ ( ,craig1 z we />t$ upt[n
 aga94  ,any?+ is possible 9 ?is case1  
he answ]$ s5t5ti\sly4  ,well1 ,i        
exclaim$1 ?is all is truly ,russian4  ,=
 intrigue !y are c]ta9ly ! lead]s ( ! _w
 to-day4  ,!re is only "o p]son t ,i h  
any real confid5ce 91 & t is old        
,s>atovsky himself4  ,somebody is play+ 
traitor1 ,craig4  ,:o is x8  ,t is :at  
sci5ce w tell u to-night1 0 8 brief     
reply4 ,!re 0 no gett+ any?+ out (      

,craig until he 0 absolutely sure t 8   
pro(s _h pil$ up irresi/ibly4  ,promptly
 at eight we met at ! old h\se on ,fif? 
,av5ue4  ,kh>k(f's w\nds _h prov$ less  
sev]e ?an _h at fir/ be5 suspect$1 &1   
hav+ recov]$ f ! %ock1 he insi/$ on be+ 
transf]r$ f ! hospital 9 a private      
ambulance s t he c\ld be ne> 8 fri5ds4  
,s>atovsky1 9 spite ( 8 high fev]1 ord]$
 t ! door to 8 room be left op5 & 8 b$  
mov$ s t he c\ld he> & see :at pass$ 9 !
 room d[n ! hall4  ,nevsky 0 !re &      
,kazanovit*1 & ev5 brave ,olga ,sam>ova1
 h] pretty face burn+ ) ! fev]1 w\ld n  
be cont5t until %e 0 c>ri$ up/airs1     
al?\gh ,dr4 ,kh>k(f prote/$ vigor\sly t 
x might h fatal consequ5ces4  ,reval5ko1
 an enigma ( a man1 sat /olidly4  ,!    
only ?+ ,i notic$ ab\t him 0 an         
occasional look ( malignity at ,nevsky &
 ,kazanovit* :5 he ?\ght he 0 unobs]v$4 
,x 0 inde$ a /range ga!r+1 ! l ( :i* !  
old h\se _h nev] be=e h>b\r$ 9 all its  
v>i$ hi/ory4  ,e "o 0 on ! qui vive1 z  
,k5n$y plac$ on ! table a small wire    

basket conta9+ "s te/-tubes1 ea* tube   
cork$ ) a small wadd+ ( cotton4  ,!re 0 
also a receptacle hold+ a doz5          
glass-h&l$ plat9um wires1 a microscope1 
& a numb] ( slides4 ,! bomb1 n[ r5d]$   
innocu\s by hav+ be5 cru%$ 9 a huge     
hydraulic press1 lay 9 fragm5ts 9 ! box4
  ,fir/1 ,i want y to consid] ! evid5ce 
( ! bomb1 began ,k5n$y4  ,no crime1 ,i  
firmly believe1 is ev] p]petrat$ )\t    
leav+ "s clue4  ,! slighte/ trace1 ev5 a
 drop ( blood no l>g] ?an a p9-head1 may
 suffice to convict a murd]]4  ,!       
impression made on a c>tridge by ! hamm]
 ( a pi/ol1 or a s+le hair f\nd on !    
clo?+ ( a suspect$ p]son1 may s]ve z    
valid pro( ( crime4  ,until lately1     
h[ev]1 sci5ce 0 p[]less aga9/ !         
bomb-?r[]4  ,a bomb explodes into a ?\s&
 p>ts1 & its cont5ts sudd5ly become     
gase\s4  ,y c't collect & inve/igate !  
gases4  ,/ill1 ! bomb-?r[] is sadly     
deceiv$ if he believes ! bomb leaves no 
trace = ! sci5tific detective4  ,x is   
difficult = ! *emi/ to f9d out ! secrets

 ( a %att]$ bomb4  ,b x c be done4  ,i  
exam9$ ! walls ( ,dr4 ,kh>k(f's h\se1 & 
=tunately 0 able to pick out a few small
 fragm5ts ( ! cont5ts ( ! bomb :i* _h   
be5 ?r[n out be=e ! flame ignit$ !m4  ,i
 h analys$ !m1 & f9d !m to be a peculi> 
species ( bla/+-gelat9e4  ,x is made at 
only "o factory 9 ?is c\ntry1 & ,i h a  
li/ ( pur*as]s = "s "t back4  ,"o "n1 or
 r ! description ( an assum$ "n1 9 ! li/
 agrees ) o!r evid5ce ,i h be5 able to  
collect4  ,moreov]1 ! explosive 0 plac$ 
9 a lead tube4  ,lead tubes are common  
en\gh4  ,h[ev]1 !re is no ne$ ( fur!r   
evid5ce4  ,he paus$1 & ! revolutioni/s  
/>$ fix$ly at ! fragm5ts ( ! n[ h>mless 
bomb be=e !m4  ,! explod$ bomb1 conclud$
 ,craig1 0 compos$ ( ! same mat]ials z  
?is1 :i* ,i f\nd unexplod$ at ! door (  
,miss ,nevsky's room - ! same sort (    
lead tube1 ! same bla/+-gelat9e4  ,!    
fuse1 a long cord saturat$ 9 sulphur1 0 
m]ely a bl9d4  ,! real me?od ( explosion
 0 by means ( a *emical conta9$ 9 a     
glass tube :i* 0 ins]t$ aft] ! bomb 0   

put 9 place4  ,! lea/ j>1 su* z op5+ a  
door1 :i* w\ld tip ! bomb ev] s little  
out ( ! horizontal1 0 all t 0 necess>y  
to explode x4  ,! explod$ bomb & !      
unexplod$ 7 9 all respects id5tical - ! 
same h& set bo?4  ,a gasp ( a/oni%m5t   
ran ?r\gh ! circle4  ,c\ld x be t "o (  
_! own numb] 0 play+ false8  ,9 at lea/ 
?is in/ance 9 ! w>f>e ( ! *emi/ & !     
dynamit] ! *emi/ _h come out ahead4  ,b1
 ,k5n$y hurri$ along1 ! ?+ t int]e/s me 
mo/ ab\t ?is case is n ! evid5ce ( !    
bombs4  ,bombs are common en\gh weapons1
 aft] all4  ,x is ! evid5ce ( almo/     
diabolical cunn+ t has be5 %[n 9 ! ef=t 
to get rid ( ! fa!r ( ! revolution1 z y 
l to call him4  ,craig cle>$ 8 ?roat &  
play$ ) our feel+s z a cat does ) a     
m\se4  ,/range to say1 ! mo/ deadly1 !  
mo/ insidi\s1 ! mo/ elusive ag5cy =     
committ+ murd] is "o t c be obta9$ &    
di/ribut$ ) practically no legal        
re/rictions4 ,any doctor c pur*ase      
disease g]ms 9 quantities suffici5t to  
cause ?\s&s & ?\s&s ( dea?s )\t giv+ any

 adequate explanation = :at purpose he  
requires !m4  ,m ?an t1 any p]son claim+
 to be a sci5ti/ or hav+ "s acqua9tance 
) sci5ce & sci5ti/s c usually obta9 g]ms
 )\t difficulty4 ,e pa?ological         
laboratory conta9s /ores ( disease g]ms1
 neatly seal$ up 9 te/-tubes1 suffici5t 
to depopulate :ole cities & ev5 nations4
  ,) almo/ no ef=t1 ,i myself h actually
 cultivat$ en\gh g]ms to kill e p]son )9
 a radius ( a mile ( ! ,wa%+ton ,ar* d[n
 ! /reet4  ,!y are "h 9 ^! te/-tubes4   
,we sc>cely brea!d4  ,suppose ,k5n$y    
%\ld let loose ?is deadly foe1 ^! g]ms (
 dea?1 :atev] !y 78  ,yet t 0 precisely 
:at "s fi5d inc>nate _h done1 & t fi5d 0
 sitt+ 9 ! room ) u4  ,"h ,i h "o ( !   
mo/ mod]n d>k-field microscopes1 he     
resum$4  ,on ?is slide ,i h plac$ a     
little p9-po9t ( a culture made f !     
blood ( ,s>atovsky4  ,i w /a9 ! culture4
 ,n[ - er - ,walt]1 look ?r\gh !        
microscope "u ?is p[]ful light & tell u 
:at y see on ! slide4  ,i b5t ov]4  ,9 !
 d>k5$ field ,i see a numb] ( g]ms l    

danc+ po9ts ( col\r$ light1 ,i said4    
,!y are wriggl+ ab\t ) a peculi> twi/+  
motion4  ,l a corkscrew1 int]rupt$      
,k5n$y1 impati5t to g on4  ,!y are ( !  
species kn[n z ,spirilla4  ,"h is ano!r 
slide1 a culture f ! blood ( ,sam>ova4  
,i see !m !re1 too1 ,i exclaim$4  ,e "o 
0 n[ cr[d+ ab\t = a glimpse1 z ,i rais$ 
my head4  ,:at is ?is g]m8 ask$ a holl[ 
voice f ! doorway4  ,we look$1 />tl$4   
,!re /ood ,s>atovsky1 m l a gho/ ?an a  
liv+ be+4  ,k5n$y sprang =w>d & caught  
him z he sway$1 & ,i mov$ up an arm*air 
= him4  ,x is ! spirillum ,ob]mei]i1    
said ,k5n$y1 ! g]m ( ! relaps+ fev]1 b (
 ! mo/ virul5t ,asiatic /ra94  ,ob]mey]1
 :o discov]$ x1 caught ! disease & di$ (
 x1 a m>tyr to sci5ce4  ,a %riek (      
con/]nation rang =? f ,sam>ova4  ,! re/ 
( u pal$1 b repress$ our feel+s4  ,"o   
mom5t1 add$ ,k5n$y ha/ily4  ,don't be   
unnecess>ily al>m$4 ,i h some?+ m to    
say4  ,be calm = a mom5t long]4  ,he    
unroll$ a blue-pr9t & plac$ x on !      
table4  ,?is1 he cont9u$1 is !          

photographic copy ( a message :i*1 ,i   
suppose1 is n[ on its way to ! ,russian 
m9i/] to ,france 9 ,p>is4  ,"s "o 9 ?is 
room besides ,mr4 ,jameson & myself has 
se5 ?is lett] be=e4  ,i w hold x up z ,i
 pass ar\nd & let ea* "o see x4  ,9     
int5se sil5ce ,k5n$y pass$ be=e ea* ( u1
 hold+ up ! blue-pr9t & se>*+ly scann+ !
 faces4  ,no "o betray$ by any sign t he
 recognis$ x4  ,at la/ x came to        
,reval5ko himself4  ,! *eck]bo>d1 !     
*eck]bo>d6 he cri$1 8 eyes half />t+ f  
_! sockets z he gaz$ at x4  ,yes1 said  
,k5n$y 9 a l[ tone1 ! *eck]bo>d4  ,x    
took me "s "t to figure x out4  ,x is a 
ciph] t w\ld h baffl$ ,poe4  ,9 fact1   
!re is no means ( deciph]+ x unless y   
*ance to "k its secret4  ,i happ5$ to h 
he>d ( x a long "t ago abroad1 yet my   
recollection 0 vague1 & ,i _h to        
recon/ruct x ) mu* difficulty4  ,x took 
me all night to d x4  ,x is a ciph]1    
h[ev]1 t is well kn[n among ! (ficial   
classes ( ,russia4  ,=tunately ,i       
rememb] ! crucial po9t1 )\t :i* ,i %\ld 

/ill be puzzl+ ov] x4  ,x is t a        
p]fectly innoc5t message1 on its face1  
may be us$ to c>ry a secret1 hidd5      
message4  ,! lett]s :i* compose ! words1
 in/ead ( be+ writt5 cont9u\sly along1 z
 we ord9>ily write1 h1 z y w obs]ve if y
 look twice1 breaks1 "h & !re4  ,^!     
breaks 9 ! lett]s /& = numb]s4  ,?us !  
fir/ words are ',_m ?anks4'  ,! fir/    
break is at ! end ( ! lett] 'n1' betwe5 
x & ! 'y4'  ,!re are ?ree lett]s be=e   
?is break4  ,t /&s = ! numb] #c4  ,:5 y 
come to ! end ( a ^w1 if ! /roke is d[n 
at ! end ( ! la/ lett]1 t means no      
break2 if x is up1 x means a break4  ,! 
/roke at ! end ( ! 'y' is pla9ly d[n4   
,!re=e !re is no break until aft] ! 't4'
  ,t gives u ! numb] #b4 ,s we get #a   
next1 & aga9 #a1 & /ill aga9 #a2 !n #e2 
!n #e2 !n #a2 & s on4  ,n[1 take ^!     
numb]s 9 pairs1 ?us #c - #b2 #a - #a2 #a
 - #e2 #e - #a4 ,by consult+ ?is table y
 c arrive at ! hidd5 message4  ,he held 
up a c>dbo>d be>+ ! foll[+ arrangem5t ( 
! lett]s ( ! alphabet3  #abcde          

#a;,a,b,c,d,e #b;,f,g,h,,ij,k           
#c,l,m,n,o,p #d,q,r,s,t,u #e,v,w,x,y,z  
,?us1 he cont9u$1 #c - #b means ! ?ird  
column & second l9e4 ,t is ',h4'  ,!n #a
 - #a is ',a'2 #a - #e is ',v'2 #e - #a 
is ',e' - & we get ! ^w ',h4'  ,n a s\l 
/irr$ z ,k5n$y unfold$ ! ciph]4  ,:at 0 
! t]rible secret 9 t sci5tific essay ,i 
_h puzzl$ s unsuccessfully ov]1 ! night 
be=e8  ,ev5 ?is c be complicat$ by *oos+
 a s]ies ( fix$ numb]s to be add$ to !  
real numb]s ov] & ov] aga91 ,or ! ord] (
 ! alphabet c be *ang$4  ,h[ev]1 we h ! 
/raight ciph] only to deal ) "h4  ,& :at
 = ,heav5's sake does x reveal8 ask$    
,s>atovsky1 lean+ =w>d1 =getful ( ! fev]
 t 0 consum+ him4  ,k5n$y pull$ out a   
piece ( pap] on :i* he _h writt5 ! hidd5
 message & read3  ,h successfully       
inoculat$ ,s4 ) fev]4  ,public op9ion   
,am]ica w\ld condemn viol5ce4  ,?9k be/ 
dea? %\ld appe> natural4 ,sam>ova       
infect$ also4  ,cook un=tunately took   
dose 9 food int5d$ ,kh>k(f4  ,n[ h ?ree 
cases4  ,%all /op !re at pres5t4        

,dang]\s excite fur!r suspicion heal?   
au?orities4  ,rapidly ,i elim9at$ 9 my  
m9d ! p]sons m5tion$1 z ,craig read4    
,s>atovsky ( c\rse 0 n guilty1 = ! plot 
_h c5tr$ ab\t him4  ,nor 0 little       
,sam>ova1 nor ,dr4 ,kh>k(f4  ,i not$    
,reval5ko & ,kazanovit* gl>+ at ea* o!r 
& ha/ily tri$ to decide :i* ,i m /rongly
 suspect$4  ,w get ,k41 cont9u$ ,k5n$y4 
,?9k bomb p]haps all "r4 ,k4 case       
diff]5t f ,s4  ,no public s5tim5t4  ,s  
,kh>k(f _h be5 m>k$ = slaught]1 ,i      
?\ght4  ,or 0 ,k4 ,kazanovit*8  ,i      
reg>d$ ,reval5ko m closely4  ,he 0      
suspici\sly sull54  ,mu/ h m money4     
,cable t5 ?\s& rubles at once ,russian  
consul-g5]al4  ,w advise y plot aga9/   
,cz> z details p]fect$ "h4  ,expect     
break up ,new ,york b& ) dea? ( ,s4  ,if
 ,k5n$y himself _h ?r[n a bomb or       
scatt]$ broadca/ ! cont5ts ( !          
te/-tubes1 ! effect c\ld n h be5 m />tl+
 ?an 8 la/ quiet s5t5ce - & s5t5ce x 0 9
 two s5ses4  ,sign$1 he said1 fold+ !   
pap] up delib]ately1 ,ekat]9a ,nevsky4  

,x 0 z if a cable _h snapp$ & a weight  
_h fall54  ,reval5ko sprang up & grasp$ 
,kazanovit* by ! h&4  ,=give me1        
comrade1 = ev] suspect+ y1 he cri$4  ,& 
=give me = suspect+ y1 repli$           
,kazanovit*1 b h[ did y come to %ad[    
,kh>k(f8  ,i ord]$ him to foll[ ,kh>k(f 
secretly & protect him1 expla9$         
,s>atovsky4  ,olga & ,ekat]9a fac$ ea*  
o!r fi]cely4  ,olga 0 trembl+ ) emotion4
  ,nevsky /ood coldly1 defiantly4  ,if  
ev] !re 0 a consummate actress x 0 %e1  
:o _h put ! bomb at h] own door & _h    
ru%$ (f to />t ,k5n$y on a bl9d trail4  
,y traitress1 cri$ ,olga passionately1  
=gett+ all 9 h] outrag$ love4  ,y won 8 
affections f me by y\r false beauty  -  
yet all ! "t y w\ld h kill$ him l a dog 
= ! ,cz>'s gold4  ,at la/ y are unmask$ 
- y ,azeff 9 skirts4  ,false fri5d - y  
w\ld h kill$ u all - ,s>atovsky1 ,kh>k(f
  ,be /ill1 little fool1 exclaim$       
,nevsky contemptu\sly4  ,! spirilla fev]
 has affect$ y\r bra9s4  ,bah6  ,i w n  
/ay ) ^? :o are s ready to suspect an   

old comrade on ! m]e ^w ( a *>latan4    
,boris ,kazanovit*1 d y /& !re sil5t &  
let ?is insult be heap$ ^u me8  ,=      
answ]1 ,kazanovit* delib]ately turn$ 8  
back on 8 lov] ( a mom5t ago & cross$ ! 
room4  ,olga1 he plead$1 ,i h be5 a     
fool4  ,"s day ,i may be wor?y ( y\r    
love4  ,fev] or n1 ,i mu/ beg y\r       
=giv5ess4  ,) a cry ( delight ! actress 
flung h] arms ab\t ,boris1 z he impr9t$ 
a p5it5t kiss on h] w>m lips4           
,simpleton1 hiss$ ,nevsky ) curl+ lips4 
,n[ y1 too1 w die4  ,"o mom5t1 ,ekat]9a 
,nevsky1 int]pos$ ,k5n$y1 z he pick$ up 
"s vacuum tubes full ( a gold5-yell[    
p[d]1 t lay on ! table4  ,! spirilla1 z 
sci5ti/s n[ "k1 belong to ! same family 
z ^? :i* cause :at we call1             
euphemi/ically1 ! 'black plague4'  ,x is
 ! same species z t ( ! ,african sleep+ 
sickness & ! ,philipp9e yaws4  ,la/ ye> 
a fam\s doctor ^: photograph ,i see 9 ! 
next room1 ,dr4 ,ehrli* ( ,frank=t1     
discov]$ a cure = all ^! diseases4  ,x w
 rid ! blood ( y\r victims ( ! ,asiatic 

relaps+ fev] g]ms 9 =ty-eight h\rs4  ,9 
^! tubes ,i h ! n[ fam\s salv>san4  ,) a
 pi]c+ %riek ( rage at see+ h] deadly "w
 s quickly & completely undone1 ,nevsky 
flung h]self into ! little laboratory   
beh9d h] & bolt$ ! door4  ,h] face /ill 
wore ! same cold1 contemptu\s smile1 z  
,k5n$y g5tly )drew a %>p scalpel f h]   
brea/4  ,p]haps x is be/ ?is way1 aft]  
all1 he said simply4    ,,iv  ,,!       
,,firebug   ,a big1 p[]ful1 r$ t\r+-c>1 
) a %9+ brass bell on ! front ( x1 0 /&+
 at ! curb be=e our ap>tm5t late "o     
aft]noon z ,i ent]$4  ,x 0 su* a ma*9e z
 "o frequ5tly sees ?read+ its reckless  
c\rse 9 & out among ! trucks &          
/reet-c>s1 break+ all rules &           
regulations1 /opp+ at no?+1 ! bell      
clang+ ) excitem5t1 policem5 hold+ back 
traffic in/ead ( try+ to arre/ ! driv] -
 9 o!r words1 a ,fire ,dep>tm5t         
automobile4  ,i reg>d$ x curi\sly = a   
mom5t1 = ev]y?+ connect$ ) mod]n        
fire-fight+ is int]e/+4  ,!n ,i =got    
ab\t x z ,i 0 :isk$ up 9 ! elevator1    

only to h x recall$ %>ply by ! sight ( a
 /rongly built1 grizzl$ man 9 a blue    
uni=m ) r$ l9+4  ,he 0 lean+ =w>d1      
e>ne/ly p\r+ =? a /ory into ,k5n$y's e>4
  ,& back ( ! :ole ?+1 sir1 ,i he>d him 
say z he br\ght 8 l>ge fi/ d[n on !     
table1 is a firebug - m>k my words4     
,be=e ,i c\ld close ! door1 ,craig      
caught my eye1 & ,i read 9 8 look t he  
_h a new case - "o t int]e/$ him        
greatly4 ,walt]1 he cri$1 ?is is ,fire  
,m>%al ,mc,cormick4  ,x's all "r1       
,mc,cormick4  ,mr4 ,jameson is an       
accessory bo? be=e & aft] ! fact 9 my   
detective cases4  ,a firebug6  - "o ( ! 
mo/ dang]\s ( crim9als4  ,! ^w excit$ my
 imag9ation at once1 = ! newspap]s _h   
lately be5 mak+ mu* ( ! /range & appall+
 succession ( app>5tly inc5di>y fires t 
_h t]roris$ ! bus9ess section ( ! city4 
,j :at makes y ?9k t !re is a firebug - 
"o firebug1 ,i mean - back ( ?is curi\s 
epidemic ( fires8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 lean+    
back 9 8 morris-*air ) 8 f+]-tips toge!r
 & 8 eyes half clos$ z if expect+ a     

revelation f "s subconsci\s tra9 ( ?\ght
 :ile ! fire m>%al pres5t$ 8 case4      
,well1 usually !re is no rhyme or reason
 ab\t ! firebug1 repli$ ,mc,cormick1    
measur+ 8 words1 b ?is "t ,i ?9k !re is 
"s me?od 9 8 madness4  ,y "k ! ,/acey   
dep>tm5t-/ores & _! alli$ dry-goods &   
g>m5t-trade int]e/s8  ,craig nodd$4  ,( 
c\rse we knew ( ! gigantic dry-goods    
comb9ation4  ,x _h be5 ! talk ( ! press 
at ! "t ( its =mation1 a few mon?s ago1 
especially z x includ$ among its        
organis]s "o v clev] bus9ess woman1     
,miss ,rebecca ,w5d4  ,!re _h be5       
consid]able opposition to ! comb9ation 9
 ! trade1 b ,/acey _h %att]$ x by ! %e] 
=ce ( 8 p]sonality4  ,mc,cormick lean$  
=w>d &1 %ak+ 8 =ef+] to emphasise 8     
po9t1 repli$ sl[ly1 ,practically e "o ( 
^! fires has be5 direct$ aga9/ a ,/acey 
subsidi>y or a corporation controll$ by 
!m4  ,b if x has gone z f> z t1 put 9   
,k5n$y1 surely ! regul> police ought to 
be ( m assi/ance to y ?an ,i4  ,i h     
call$ 9 ! police1 answ]$ ,mc,cormick    

we>ily1 b !y hav5't ev5 made up _! m9ds 
:e!r x is a s+le firebug or a gang4  ,& 
9 ! meantime1 my ,god1 ,k5n$y1 ! firebug
 may />t a fire t w get beyond control6 
,y say ! police hav5't a s+le clue to   
any "o :o might be responsible = !      
fires8  ,i ask$1 hop+ t p]haps ! m>%al  
might talk m freely ( 8 suspicions to u 
?an he _h already express$ himself 9 !  
newspap] int]views ,i _h read4          
,absolutely n a clue - except su* z are 
ridicul\s1 repli$ ,mc,cormick1 twi/+ 8  
cap vici\sly4  ,no "o spoke4  ,we 7     
wait+ = ,mc,cormick to g on4  ,! fir/   
fire1 he began1 repeat+ 8 /ory = my     
b5efit1 al?\gh ,craig li/5$ q z         
att5tively z if he _h n he>d x already1 
0 at ! big /ore ( ,jones1 ,gre5  ,co41 !
 clo?i]s4  ,! place 0 heavily insur$4   
,w>r51 ! manag] & real head ( ! firm1 0 
out ( t[n at ! "t4  ,! m>%al paus$ z if 
to *eck (f ! /range facts 9 8 m9d z he  
w5t along4  ,! next day ano!r puzzl+    
fire occurr$4  ,x 0 at ! ,quadrangle    
,cloak & ,suit ,co41 on ,fif? ,av5ue4   

,!re _h be5 "s tr\ble1 ,i believe1 ) !  
employees1 & ! company _h dis*>g$ a     
numb] ( !m4  ,sev]al ( ! lead]s h be5   
arre/$1 b ,i c't say we h any?+ aga9/   
any ( !m4 ,/ill1 ,max ,bloom1 ! manag] (
 ?is company1 insi/s t ! fire 0 set =   
rev5ge1 & inde$ x looks z mu* l a fire =
 rev5ge z ! ,jones-,gre5 fire does - "h 
he l[]$ 8 voice confid5tially - = !     
purpose ( collect+ insurance4  ,!n came 
! fire 9 ! ,slawson ,build+1 a new      
l(t-build+ t _h be5 erect$ j (f ,f\r?   
,av5ue4  ,o!r ?an ! fact t ! ,/acey     
int]e/s put up ! money = f9anc+ ?is     
build+ !re seem$ to be no reason = t    
fire at all4  ,! build+ 0 reput$ to be  
e>n+ a good return on ! inve/m5t1 & ,i 0
 at a loss to acc\nt = ! fire4  ,i h    
made no arre/s = x - j set x d[n z ! "w 
( a pure pyromaniac1 a man :o burns     
build+s = fun1 a man ) an inord9ate     
desire to he> ! fire-eng9es scree* ?r\gh
 ! /reets & p]haps get a *ance to %[ a  
little h]oism 9 'rescu+' t5ants4 ,h[ev]1
 ! adju/] = ! insurance company1 ,laz>d1

 & ! adju/] = ! insur$1 ,h>t/e91 h rea*$
 an agreem5t1 & ,i believe ! insurance  
is to be paid4  ,b1 int]pos$ ,k5n$y1 ,i 
see no evid5ce ( organis$ arson s f>4   
,wait1 repli$ ! fire m>%al4  ,t 0 only !
 beg9n+1 y und]/&4  ,a little lat] came 
a fire t look$ q l an attempt to mask a 
robb]y by burn+ ! build+ aft]w>d4 ,t 0 9
 a silk-h\se ne> ,spr+ ,/reet4  ,b aft] 
a controv]sy ! adju/]s h rea*$ an       
agreem5t on t case4 ,i m5tion ^! fires  
because !y %[ practically all ! types ( 
"w ( ! v>i\s k9ds ( firebug - insurance1
 rev5ge1 robb]y1 & pla9 insanity4  ,b   
s9ce ! ,spr+ ,/reet fire1 ! "* ( ! fires
 has be5 m uni=m4  ,!y h all be5 9      
bus9ess places1 or ne>ly all4  ,"h !    
fire m>%al laun*$ =? into a catalogue ( 
fires ( suspect$ inc5di>y orig91 at lea/
 eight 9 all4  ,i took !m d[n ha/ily1   
int5d+ to use ! li/ "s "t 9 a box head )
 an article 9 ! ,/>4  ,:5 he _h f9i%$ 8 
li/ ,i ha/ily c\nt$ up ! numb] ( kill$4 
,!re 7 six1 two ( !m firem51 & f\r      
employees4  ,! money loss rang$ into !  

millions4  ,mc,cormick pass$ 8 h& ov] 8 
=ehead to bru% (f ! p]spiration4  ,i    
guess ?is ?+ has got on my n]ves1 he    
mutt]$ ho>sely4   ,ev]y:]e ,i g !y talk 
ab\t no?+ else4 ,if ,i drop into !      
re/aurant = lun*1 my wait] talks ( x4   
,if ,i meet a newspap] man1 he talks (  
x4  ,my b>b] talks ( x  - ev]ybody4     
,sometimes ,i dream ( x2 o!r times ,i   
lie awake ?9k+ ab\t x4  ,i tell y1      
g5tlem51 ,i've sweat$ blood ov] ?is     
problem4  ,b1 insi/$ ,k5n$y1 ,i /ill c't
 see :y y l9k all ^! fires z due to "o  
firebug4  ,i admit !re is an epidemic ( 
fires4 ,b :at makes y s positive t x is 
all ! "w ( "o man8  ,i 0 com+ to t4  ,= 
"o ?+1 he isn't l ! usual firebug at    
all4  ,ord9>ily !y />t _! fires )       
excelsior & petroleum1 or !y sme> ! wood
 ) p>aff9 or !y use gasol9e1 b5z9e1 or  
some?+ ( t sort4  ,?is fell[ app>5tly   
scorns su* crude me?ods4  ,i c't say h[ 
he />ts 8 fires1 b 9 e case ,i h m5tion$
 we h f\nd ! rema9s ( a wire4  ,x has   
some?+ to d ) electricity - b :at1 ,i   

don't "k4  ,t's "o reason :y ,i ?9k ^!  
fires are all connect$4  ,"h's ano!r4   
,mc,cormick pull$ a dirty note out ( 8  
pocket & laid x on ! table4  ,we read x 
eag]ly3    ,hello1 ,*ief6  ,hav5't f\nd 
! firebug yet1 h y8  ,y   w "k :o he is 
only :5 ,i am dead & ! fires /op4   ,i  
don't suppose y ev5 realise t ! firebug 
talks )   y almo/ e day ab\t cat*+ !    
firebug4  ,t's me4   ,i am ! real       
firebug1 t is writ+ ?is lett]4  ,i am   
go+ to tell y :y ,i am />t+ ^! fires4   
,!re's   money 9 x - an easy liv+4  ,!y 
nev] caught me 9 or   any:]e1 s y might 
z well quit look+ = me & take   y\r     
m$ic9e4   ,a4 ,,sp>k4   ,humph6         
ejaculat$ ,k5n$y1 he has a s5se ( hum\r1
 anyh[ - ,a4 ,sp>k6  ,que] s5se ( hum\r1
 gr[l$ ,mc,cormick1 gritt+ 8 tee?4 ,"h's
 ano!r ,i got to-day3    ,say1 ,*ief3   
,we are go+ to get busy aga9 & fire a   
big   dep>tm5t-/ore next4  ,h[ does t   
suit ,y\r ,maje/y8   till ! fun beg9s :5
 ! firebug gets to "w aga94   ,a4       
,,sp>k4   ,well1 sir1 :5 ,i got t lett]1

 cri$ ,mc,cormick1 ,i 0 almo/ ready to  
r+ 9 a d\ble-n9e al>m at once - !y h me 
t bluff$ out4  ,b ,i said to myself1    
',!re's only "o ?+ to d  - see ?is man  
,k5n$y4'  ,s "h ,i am4  ,y see :at ,i am
 driv+ at8  ,i believe t firebug is an  
arti/ at ! ?+1 does x = ! m]e fun ( x & 
! ready money 9 x4  ,b m ?an t1 !re mu/ 
be "s "o back ( him4  ,:o is ! man high]
 up - we mu/ cat* him4  ,see8  ,a big   
dep>tm5t-/ore1 mus$ ,k5n$y4  ,t's       
def9ite - !re are only a score or s (   
!m1 & ! ,/acey int]e/s control sev]al4  
,mac1 ,i'll tell y :at ,i'll d4 ,let me 
sit up ) y to-night at headqu>t]s until 
we get an al>m4  ,by ,george1 ,i'll see 
?is case ?r\gh to a f9i%6  ,! fire m>%al
 leap$ to 8 feet & b\nd$ ov] to :]e     
,k5n$y 0 seat$4  ,) "o h& on ,craig's   
%\ld] & ! o!r grasp+ ,craig's h&1 he    
/>t$ to speak1 b 8 voice *ok$4  ,?anks1 
he blurt$ out huskily at la/4  ,my      
reputation 9 ! dep>tm5t is at /ake1 my  
promotion1 my position itself1 my - my  
family - er - er -   ,n a ^w1 sir1 said 

,k5n$y1 8 features work+ sympa!tically4 
,to-night at eight ,i w g on wat* ) y4  
,by ! way1 leave me ^? ,a4 ,sp>k notes4 
,mc,cormick _h s f> rega9$ 8 composure z
 to say a he>ty f>ewell4  ,he left !    
room z if t5 ye>s _h be5 lift$ (f 8     
%\ld]s4  ,a mom5t lat] he /uck 8 head 9 
! door aga94 ,i'll h "o ( ! ,dep>tm5t   
ma*9es call = y1 g5tlem51 he said4      
,aft] ! m>%al _h gone1 we sat = sev]al  
m9utes 9 sil5ce4 ,k5n$y 0 read+ & r]ead+
 ! notes1 sc[l+ to himself z if !y      
pres5t$ a p>ticul>ly p]plex+ problem4   
,i said no?+1 ?\gh my m9d 0 teem+ )     
speculations4  ,at l5g? he plac$ ! notes
 v decisively on ! table & snapp$ out ! 
rem>k1  ,yes1 x mu/ be s4  ,:at8 ,i     
qu]i$1 /ill drumm+ away at my typewrit]1
 copy+ ! li/ ( inc5di>y fires aga9/ !   
mom5t :5 ! case %\ld be complete & !    
/ory releas$ = publication1 z x 74  ,?is
 note1 he expla9$1 pick+ up ! fir/ "o & 
speak+ sl[ly1 0 writt5 by a woman4  ,i  
swung ar\nd 9 my *air quickly4  ,get    
out6  ,i exclaim$ sceptically4  ,no     

woman ev] us$ su* phrases4  ,i didn't   
say compos$ by a woman - ,i said writt5 
by a woman1 he repli$4  ,oh1 ,i said1 r 
*agr9$4  ,x is possible to det]m9e sex f
 h&writ+ 9 p]haps eighty cases out ( a  
hundr$1 ,k5n$y w5t on1 enjoy+ my        
discomfiture4 ,once ,i exam9$ sev]al    
hundr$ specim5s ( writ+ to decide t po9t
 to my satisfaction4  ,j to te/ my      
conclusions ,i submitt$ ! specim5s to   
two pr(essional graphologi/s4  ,i f\nd t
 our results 7 slightly diff]5t1 b ,i   
av]ag$ ! ?+ up to f\r cases out ( five  
correct4  ,! s-call$ sex signs are f\nd 
to be l>gely influ5c$ by ! am\nt ( writ+
 done1 by age1 & to a c]ta9 ext5t by    
practice & pr(essional requirem5ts1 z 9 
! conv5tional writ+ ( tea*]s & ! rapid  
h& ( bookkeep]s4 ,n[ 9 ?is case ! p]son 
:o wrote ! fir/ note 0 only an indiff]5t
 writ]4  ,!re=e ! sex signs are pretty  
likely to be accurate4  ,yes1 ,i'm ready
 to g on ! /& & swe> t ?is note 0 writt5
 by a woman & ! second by a man4  ,!n   
!re's a woman 9 ! case1 & %e wrote !    

fir/ note = ! firebug - is t :at y mean8
 ,i ask$4  ,exactly4  ,!re ne>ly always 
is a woman 9 ! case1 someh[ or o!r4     
,?is woman is closely connect$ ) !      
firebug4  ,z = ! firebug1 :oev] x may   
be1 he p]=ms 8 crimes ) cold            
prem$itation &1 z ,de ,qu9cey said1 9 a 
_s ( pure arti/ry4 ,! lu/ ( fire propels
 him1 & he uses 8 art to secure weal?4  
,! man may be a tool 9 ! h&s ( o!rs1    
h[ev]4  ,x's unsafe to g5]alise on !    
meagre facts we n[ h4  ,oh1 well1 !re is
 no?+ we c d j yet4  ,let's take a walk1
 get an e>ly d9n]1 & be back "h be=e !  
automobile arrives4  ,n a ^w m did      
,k5n$y say ab\t ! case dur+ our /roll or
 ev5 on ! way d[nt[n to fire headqu>t]s4
  ,we f\nd ,mc,cormick anxi\sly wait+ = 
u4  ,high up 9 ! s&/one t[] at          
headqu>t]s1 we sat ) him 9 ! maze (     
delicate ma*9]y ) :i* ! fire game is    
play$ 9 ,new ,york4 ,9 great glass cases
 7 gli/5+ brass & nickel ma*9es ) discs 
& lev]s & bells1 tick]s1 %eets ( pap]1 &
 annunciators )\t numb]4  ,?is 0 !      

fire-al>m telegraph1 ! r\lette-:eel ( ! 
fire demon1 z "s "o has aptly call$ x4  
,all ! al>ms = fire f all ! bor\ghs1 bo?
 f ! regul> al>m-boxes & ! auxili>y     
sy/ems1 come "h fir/ ov] ! network (    
?ree ?\s& miles or m ( wire n]ves t     
/ret* out ?r\gh ! city1 ,mc,cormick 0   
expla9+ to u4  ,a buzz] hiss$4  ,"h's an
 al>m n[1 he exclaim$1 all att5tion4    
,?ree1 six1 sev51 ! numb]s appe>$ on !  
annunciator4 ,! cl]ks 9 ! (fice mov$ z  
if !y 7 "p ( ! me*anism4 ,twice ! al>m 0
 repeat$1 be+ s5t out all ov] ! city4   
,mc,cormick relaps$ f 8 air ( att5tion4 
,t al>m 0 n 9 ! %opp+ di/rict1 he       
expla9$1 mu* reliev$4  ,n[ ! fire-h\ses 
9 ! p>ticul> di/rict :]e t fire is#bj;h 
receiv$ ! al>m in/antly4  ,f\r eng9es1  
two hook-&-ladd]s1 a wat]-t[]1 !        
battalion *ief1 & a deputy are hurry+ to
 t fire4  ,hello1 "h comes ano!r4  ,aga9
 ! buzz] s\nd$4  ,"o1 f\r1 five %[$ 9 ! 
annunciator4  ,ev5 be=e ! cl]ks c\ld    
respond1 ,mc,cormick _h dragg$ u to !   
door4  ,9 ano!r in/ant we 7 wildly spe$+

 upt[n1 ! bell on ! front ( ! automobile
 clang+ l a fire-eng9e1 ! sir5 horn go+ 
cont9u\sly1 ! eng9e ( ! ma*9e ?robb+ )  
en]gy until ! wat] boil$ 9 ! radiator4  
,let h] out1 ,frank1 call$ ,mc,cormick  
to 8 *auffeur1 z we r\nd$ into a broad &
 n[ almo/ des]t$ ?or\ghf>e4  ,l a r$    
/reak 9 ! night we flew up t av5ue1     
turn$ into ,f\rte5? ,/reet on two :eels1
 & at la/ 7 on ,six? ,av5ue4 ,) a j]k & 
a skid we /opp$4  ,!re 7 ! eng9es1 !    
hose-c>ts1 ! hook-&-ladd]s1 ! salvage   
corps1 ! police e/abli%+ fire           
l9es-ev]y?+4  ,b :]e 0 ! fire8  ,! cr[d 
indicat$ :]e x ought to be - x 0        
,/acey's4  ,firem5 & policem5 7 ent]+ ! 
huge build+4  ,mc,cormick %\ld]$ 9 aft] 
!m1 & we foll[$4  ,:o turn$ 9 ! al>m8 he
 ask$ z we m\nt$ ! /airs ) ! o!rs4  ,i  
did1 repli$ a night wat*man on ! ?ird   
l&+4  ,saw a light 9 ! (fice on ! ?ird  
floor back - some?+ blaz+4 ,b x seems to
 be out n[4  ,we _h at la/ come to !    
(fice4  ,x 0 d>k & des]t$1 yet ) !      
lant]ns we c\ld see ! floor ( ! l>ge/   

room litt]$ ) torn books & l$g]s4       
,k5n$y caught 8 foot 9 some?+4  ,x 0 a  
loose wire on ! floor4  ,he foll[$ x4   
,x l$ to an electric-light socket1 :]e x
 0 atta*$4  ,c't y turn on ! lights8    
%\t$ ,mc,cormick to ! wat*man4  ,n "h4  
,!y're turn$ on f d[n/airs1 & !y're (f =
 ! night4  ,i'll g d[n if y want me to &
 -  ,no1 ro>$ ,k5n$y4  ,/ay :]e y are   
until ,i foll[ ! wire to ! o!r end4  ,at
 la/ we came to a little (fice p>tition$
 (f f ! ma9 room4  ,k5n$y c>efully op5$ 
! door4  ,"o :iff ( ! air f x 0         
suffici5t4  ,he bang$ ! door %ut aga94  
,/& back ) ^? lant]ns1 boys1 he ord]$4  
,i sniff$1 expect+ to smell             
illum9at+-gas4  ,in/ead1 a peculi>1     
sweeti% od\r p]vad$ ! air4  ,= a mom5t x
 made me ?9k ( a hospital op]at+-room4  
,e!r1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4  ,/& back f>!r ) 
^? lights & hold !m up f ! floor4  ,= a 
mom5t he seem$ to hesitate z if at loss 
:at to d next4 ,%\ld he op5 ! door & let
 ?is highly inflammable gas out or %\ld 
he wait pati5tly until ! natural        

v5tilation ( ! little (fice _h dispell$ 
x8  ,:ile he 0 debat+ he happ5$ to      
glance out ( ! w9d[ & cat* sight ( a    
drug-/ore across ! /reet4  ,walt]1 he   
said to me1 hurry across !re & get all !
 saltpet] & sulphur ! man has 9 ! %op4  
,i lo/ no "t 9 do+ s4  ,k5n$y dump$ !   
two *emicals into a pan 9 ! middle ( !  
ma9 (fice1 ab\t ?ree-fif?s saltpet] &   
two-fif?s sulphur1 ,i %\ld say4  ,!n he 
light$ x4  ,! mass burn$ ) a bright     
flame b )\t explosion4  ,we c\ld smell !
 suffocat+ fumes f x1 & we retreat$4  ,=
 a mom5t or two we wat*$ x curi\sly at a
 di/ance4  ,t's v good ext+ui%+-p[d]1   
expla9$ ,craig z we sniff$ at ! od\r4   
,x yields a l>ge am\nt ( c>bon dioxide &
 sulphur dioxide4  ,n[ - be=e x gets any
 worse - ,i guess x's safe to op5 ! door
 & let ! e!r out4  ,y see ?is is z good 
a way z any to r5d] safe a room full (  
inflammable vap\r4  ,come1 we'll wait   
outside ! ma9 (fice = a few m9utes until
 ! gases mix4  ,x seem$ h\rs be=e ,k5n$y
 deem$ x safe to ent] ! (fice aga9 ) a  

light4  ,:5 we did s1 we made a ru% = ! 
little cubby-hole ( an (fice at ! o!r   
end4  ,on ! floor 0 a little c ( e!r1   
evaporat$ ( c\rse1 & beside x a small   
app>atus app>5tly us$ = produc+ electric
 sp>ks4  ,s1 t's h[ he does x1 mus$     
,k5n$y1 f+]+ ! c contemplatively4  ,he  
lets ! e!r evaporate 9 a room = a :ile &
 !n causes an explosion f a safe di/ance
 ) ?is little electric sp>k4  ,!re's :]e
 y\r wire comes 91 ,mc,cormick4  ,say1  
my man1 y c swit* on ! lights f         
d[n/airs1 n[4  ,z we wait$ = ! wat*man  
to turn on ! lights ,i exclaim$1 ,he    
fail$ ?is "t because ! electricity 0 %ut
 (f4  ,precisely1 ,walt]1 ass5t$ ,k5n$y4
  ,b ! flames :i* ! night wat*man saw1  
:at ( !m8 put 9 ,mc,cormick1 consid]ably
 my/ifi$4  ,he mu/ h se5 some?+4  ,j !n 
! lights w9k$ up4  ,oh1 t 0 be=e ! fell[
 tri$ to t\* (f ! e!r vap\r1 expla9$    
,k5n$y4  ,he _h to make sure ( 8 "w (   
de/ruction fir/ - &1 judg+ by ! *>r$    
pap]s ab\t1 he did x well4 ,see1 he tore
 leaves f ! l$g]s & light$ !m on !      

floor4 ,!re 0 an object 9 all t4  ,:at 0
 x8  ,hello6  ,look at ?is mass ( *>r$  
pap] 9 ! corn]4  ,he b5t d[n & exam9$ x 
c>efully4  ,memor&a ( "s k9d1 ,i guess4 
,i'll save ?is burnt pap] & look x ov]  
lat]4  ,don't di/urb x4  ,i'll take x   
away myself4  ,se>* z we might1 we c\ld 
f9d no o!r trace ( ! firebug1 & at la/  
we left4  ,k5n$y c>ri$ ! *>r$ pap]      
c>efully 9 a l>ge hat-box4  ,!re'll be  
no m fires to-night1 ,mc,cormick1 he    
said4  ,b ,i'll wat* ) y e night until  
we get ?is inc5di>y4  ,mean:ile ,i'll   
see :at ,i c deciph]1 if any?+1 9 ?is   
burnt pap]4  ,next day ,mc,cormick      
dropp$ 9 to see u aga94  ,?is "t he _h  
ano!r note1 a disguis$ scrawl :i* read3 
,*ief ,i'm n ?r\gh4  ,wat* me get ano!r 
/ore yet4   ,i won't fall d[n ?is "t4   
,craig sc[l$ z he read ! note & h&$ x to
 me4  ,! man's   ,a4 ,,sp>k4   writ+ ?is
 "t - l ! second note1 0 all he said4   
,mc,cormick1 s9ce we "k :]e ! lightn+ is
 go+ to /rike1 don't y ?9k x w\ld be    
wis] to make our headqu>t]s 9 "o ( !    

eng9e-h\ses 9 t di/rict8  ,! fire m>%al 
agre$1 & t night saw u wat*+ at !       
fire-h\se ne>e/ ! dep>tm5t-/ore region4 
,k5n$y & ,i 7 assign$ to places on !    
hose-c>t & eng9e1 respectively1 ,k5n$y  
be+ 9 ! hose-c>t s t he c\ld be )       
,mc,cormick4  ,we 7 taught to desc5d "o 
( ! f\r brass poles h& "u elb[1 f !     
dormitory on ! second floor4 ,!y %[$ u  
h[ to jump into ! turn-outs - a pair (  
tr\s]s op5$ out ov] ! high top boots4   
,we 7 giv5 helmets :i* we plac$ 9       
regulation fa%ion on our rubb] coats1   
turn$ inside out ) ! "r armhole up4     
,?us x came ab\t t ,craig & ,i jo9$ !   
,fire ,dep>tm5t tempor>ily4  ,x 0 a     
novel exp]i5ce = u bo?4  ,n[1 ,walt]1   
said ,k5n$y1 z long z we h gone s f>1   
we'll 'roll' to e fire1 j l ! regul>s4  
,we won't take any *ances ( miss+ !     
firebug at any "t ( night or day4  ,x   
prov$ to be a rem>kably quiet ev5+ )    
only "o little blaze 9 a c&y-%op on     
,sev5? ,av5ue4  ,mo/ ( ! "t we sat ar\nd
 try+ to draw ! m5 out ab\t _! ?rill+   

exp]i5ces at fires4  ,b if !re is "o ?+ 
! fireman doesn't "k x is ! ,engli%     
language :5 talk+ ab\t himself4  ,x 0 q 
late :5 we turn$ into ! neat :ite cots  
up/airs4  ,we _h sc>cely fall5 into a   
half doze 9 our /range surr\nd+s :5 !   
gong d[n/airs s\nd$4  ,x 0 our signal4  
,we c\ld he> ! rapid clatt] ( ! horses' 
ho(s z !y 7 automatically releas$ f _!  
/alls & ! coll>s & h>ness me*anically   
lock$ ab\t !m4  ,all 0 /ir1 & motion1 & 
%\ts4  ,craig & ,i _h b\nd$ awkw>dly    
into our p>aph]nalia at ! fir/ s\nd4    
,we slid ungracefully d[n ! pole & 7    
pu%$ & %ov$ into our places1 = sci5tific
 managem5t 9 a ,new ,york fire-h\se has 
rea*$ "o hundr$ p] c5t effici5cy1 & we 7
 n to be all[$ to delay ! game4  ,!     
oil-tor* _h be5 appli$ to ! eng9e1 & x  
roll$ =?1 bel*+ flames4  ,i 0 hang+ on =
 de> life1 n[ & !n cat*+ sight ( ! driv]
 urg+ 8 plung+ horses onw>d l a *>iote] 
9 a mod]n ,b5 ,hur race4  ,! t5d] )     
,craig & ,mc,cormick 0 lo/ 9 ! cl\ds (  
smoke & sp>ks t trail$ beh9d u4  ,on we 

da%$ until we turn$ into ,six? ,av5ue4  
,! gl>e ( ! sky told u t ?is "t !       
firebug _h made good4  ,i'll be hang$ if
 x isn't ! ,/acey /ore aga91 %\t$ ! man 
next me on ! eng9e z ! horses lung$ up !
 av5ue & /opp$ at ! allott$ hydrant4  ,x
 0 l a w> game4  ,e move _h be5 plann$  
out by ! fire-/rategi/s1 ev5 d[n to !   
hydrants t ! eng9es %\ld take at a giv5 
fire4  ,already sev]al floors 7 aflame1 
! w9d[s gl[+ l op5-he>? furnaces1 !     
glass bulg+ & crack+ & ! flames lick+   
upw>d & %oot+ out 9 long /ream]s4  ,!   
hose 0 c\pl$ up 9 an in/ant1 ! wat]     
turn$ on1 & ! limp rubb] & canvas became
 z rigid z a po/ ) ! high pressure ( !  
wat] be+ =c$ ?r\gh x4  ,company aft]    
company da%$ into ! blaz+ firepro(      
build+1 urg$ by ! ho>se pr(anity ( !    
*ief4  ,tw5ty or ?irty m5 mu/ h         
disappe>$ into ! /ifle f :i* ! police   
retreat$4  ,!re 0 no ha/e1 no           
hesitation4 ,ev]y?+ mov$ z smoo?ly z if 
by clockwork4  ,yet we c\ld n see "o ( !
 m5 :o _h disappe>$ into ! burn+ build+4

 ,!y _h be5 swall[$ up1 z x 74  ,= t is 
! way ) ! ,new ,york firem54  ,!y g     
/raight to ! he>t ( ! fire4 ,n[ & !n a  
/ream ( a hose spat out ( a w9d[1 %[+ t 
! m5 7 /ill alive & work+4  ,ab\t !     
gr\nd floors ! r$-helmet$ salvage corps 
7 busy cov]+ up :at !y c\ld ( ! goods ) 
rubb] %eets to protect !m f wat]4       
,doctors ) black bags & :ite tr\s]s 7   
work+ ov] ! injur$4  ,k5n$y & ,i 7 busy 
ab\t ! eng9e1 & !re 0 pl5ty = u to d4   
,above ! %rill :i/le = m coal ,i he>d a 
voice %\t1 ,began ) an explosion - x's !
 fire- bug1 all "r4  ,i look$ up4  ,x 0 
,mc,cormick1 dripp+ & grimy1 9 a high   
/ate ( excitem5t1 talk+ to ,k5n$y4  ,i  
_h be5 s busy try+ to make myself       
believe t ,i 0 really ( "s assi/ance    
ab\t ! eng9e t ,i _h n tak5 "t to wat* !
 fire itself4  ,x 0 n[ "u control4  ,!  
%>p & sci5tific attack _h nipp$ :at     
might h be5 "o ( ,new ,york's hi/oric   
conflagrations4  ,are y game to g       
inside8 ,i he>d ,mc,cormick ask4  ,=    
answ] ,k5n$y simply nodd$4  ,z = me1 :]e

 ,craig w5t ,i w5t4  ,! ?ree ( u drove  
?r\gh ! scor*+ door1 pa/ twi/$ masses ( 
iron /ill gl[+ dull r$ 9 ! smoke & /eam1
 :ile ! wat] hiss$ & spatt]$ & slopp$4  
,! smoke 0 /ill suffocat+1 & e once 9 a 
:ile we 7 =c$ to f9d air close to !     
floor & ne> ! wall4  ,my h&s & arms &   
legs felt l lead1 yet on we drove4      
,c\gh+ & *ok+1 we foll[$ ,mc,cormick to 
:at _h be5 ! he>t ( ! fire1 ! (fice4    
,m5 ) picks & axes & all mann] ( cunn+ly
 devis$ in/rum5ts 7 hack+ & te>+ at !   
walls & woodwork1 putt+ out ! la/       
sm\ld]+ sp>ks :ile a ?\s& gallons ( wat]
 7 p\r+ 9 at v>i\s p>ts ( ! build+ :]e !
 fire /ill %[$ _s4  ,!re on ! floor ( ! 
(fice lay a *>r$1 %apeless1             
unrecognisable mass4  ,:at 0 t gruesome 
od\r 9 ! room8 ,burn$ human fle%8 ,i    
recoil$ f :at _h once be5 ! =m ( a      
woman4  ,mc,cormick utt]$ a cry1 & z ,i 
turn$ my eyes away1 ,i saw him hold+ a  
wire ) ! insulation burn$ (f4  ,he _h   
pick$ x up f ! wreckage ( ! floor4  ,x  
l$ to a b5t & black5$ c - t _h once be5 

a c ( e!r4  ,my m9d work$ rapidly1 b    
,mc,cormick blurt$ out ! words be=e ,i  
c\ld =m !m1 ,caught 9 h] own trap at    
la/6  ,k5n$y said no?+1 b z "o ( !      
firem5 r\ghly b rev]5tly cov]$ ! rema9s 
) a rubb] %eet1 he /oop$ d[n & )drew f !
 brea/ ( ! woman a long lett]-file4     
,come1 let u g1 he said4  ,back 9 our   
ap>tm5t aga9 we ba!d our rack+ heads1   
g>gl$ our p>*$ ?roats1 & wa%$ out our   
blood%ot eyes1 9 sil5ce4  ,! :ole       
adv5ture1 ?\gh /ill fre% & vivid 9 my   
m9d1 seem$ unreal1 l a dream4  ,! *ok+  
air1 ! hiss+ /eam1 ! gha/ly object "u ! 
t>paul9 - :at did x all mean8  ,:o 0 %e8
  ,i /rove to reason x out1 b c\ld f9d  
no answ]4  ,x 0 ne>ly dawn :5 ! door    
op5$ & ,mc,cormick came 9 & dropp$      
we>ily into a *air4  ,d y "k :o t woman 
08 he gasp$4   ,x 0 ,miss ,w5d h]self4  
,:o id5tifi$ h]8 ask$ ,k5n$y calmly4    
,oh1 sev]al p4  ,/acey recognis$ h] at  
once4  ,!n ,h>t/e91 ! adju/] = ! insur$1
 & ,laz>d1 ! adju/] = ! company1 bo? (  
:om _h _h m or less to d ) h] 9         

connection ) settl+ up = o!r fires1     
recognis$ h]4  ,%e 0 a v clev] woman1 0 
,miss ,w5d1 & a v important cog 9 !     
,/acey ent]prises4  ,& to ?9k %e 0 !    
firebug1 aft] all4  ,i c h>dly believe  
x4  ,:y believe x8 ask$ ,k5n$y quietly4 
,:y believe x8 e*o$ ,mc,cormick4  ,/acey
 has f\nd %ortages 9 8 books due to !   
op]ation ( h] dep>tm5ts4  ,! bookkeep]  
:o _h *>ge ( ! acc\nts 9 h] dep>tm5t1 a 
man nam$ ,d\glas1 is miss+4  ,%e mu/ h  
tri$ to cov] up h] op]ations by fires & 
juggl+ ! acc\nts4  ,fail+ 9 t %e tri$ to
 de/roy ,/acey's /ore itself1 twice4    
,%e 0 "o ( ! few t c\ld get into ! (fice
 unobs]v$4  ,oh1 x's a cle> case n[4 ,to
 my m9d1 ! heavy vap\rs ( e!r - !y are  
heavi] ?an air1 y "k - mu/ h escap$     
along ! surface ( ! floor la/ night &   
become ignit$ at a consid]able di/ance f
 :]e %e expect$4  ,%e 0 caught 9 a      
back-draught1 or some?+ ( ! sort4       
,well1 ?ank ,god1 we've se5 ! la/ ( ?is 
firebug bus9ess4 ,:at's t8  ,k5n$y _h   
laid ! lett]-file on ! table4  ,no?+4   

,only ,i f\nd ?is emb$d$ 9 ,miss ,w5d's 
brea/ "r ov] h] he>t4  ,!n %e 0 murd]$8 
exclaim$ ,mc,cormick4  ,we hav5't come  
to ! end ( ?is case yet1 repli$ ,craig  
evasively4  ,on ! contr>y1 we h j got   
our fir/ good clue4 ,no1 ,mc,cormick1   
y\r !ory w n hold wat]4  ,! real po9t is
 to f9d ?is miss+ bookkeep] at any co/4 
,y mu/ p]suade him to confess :at he    
kn[s4  ,(f] him immunity - he 0 only a  
pawn 9 ! h&s ( ^? high] up4  ,mc,cormick
 0 n h>d to conv9ce4  ,tir$ z he 01 he  
grabb$ up 8 hat & />t$ (f to put ! f9al 
ma*9]y 9 motion to w9d up ! long *ase = 
! firebug4  ,i mu/ get a c\ple ( h\rs'  
sleep1 he yawn$ z he left u1 b fir/ ,i  
want to />t some?+ t[>d f9d+ ,d\glas4   
,i %all try to see y ab\t noon4  ,i 0   
too exhau/$ to g to ! (fice4  ,9 fact1  
,i d\bt if ,i c\ld h writt5 a l9e4  ,b  
,i telephon$ 9 a /ory ( p]sonal         
exp]i5ces at ! ,/acey fire & told !m !y 
c\ld fix x up z !y *ose & ev5 sign my "n
 to x4  ,ab\t noon ,mc,cormick came 9   
aga91 look+ z fre% z if no?+ _h happ5$4 

,he 0 us$ to x4  ,i "k :]e ,d\glas is1  
he ann\nc$ brea?lessly4  ,f9e1 said     
,k5n$y1 & c y produce him at any "t :5 x
 is necess>y8  ,let me tell y :at ,i h  
done4  ,i w5t d[n to ! di/rict attorney 
f "h - r\t$ him out ( b$4  ,he has      
promis$ to turn loose 8 acc\ntants to   
audit ! reports ( ! adju/]s1 ,h>t/e9 &  
,laz>d1 z well z to make a cursory      
exam9ation ( :at ,/acey books !re are   
left4  ,he says he w h a prelim9>y      
report ready to-night1 b ! detail$      
report w take days1 ( c\rse4  ,x's !    
,d\glas problem t is difficult1 ?\gh4   
,i hav5't se5 him1 b "o ( ! c5tral-(fice
 m51 by %ad[+ 8 wife1 has f\nd t he is 9
 hid+ d[n on ! ,ea/ ,side4  ,he's safe  
!re2 he c't make a move to get away )\t 
be+ arre/$4  ,! tr\ble is t if ,i arre/ 
him1 ! p high] up w "k x & w escape be=e
 ,i c get 8 confession & ! w>rants4     
,i'd mu* r h ! :ole ?+ done at once4    
,isn't !re "s way we c get ! :ole ,/acey
 cr[d toge!r1 make ! arre/ ( ,d\glas &  
nab ! guilty ones 9 ! case1 all toge!r  

)\t giv+ !m a *ance to escape or to     
%ield ! real firebug8  ,k5n$y ?\ght a   
mom5t4  ,yes1 he answ]$ sl[ly4  ,!re is4
 ,if y c get !m all toge!r at my        
laboratory to-night at1 say1 eight      
o'clock1 ,i'll give y two cle> h\rs to  
make ! arre/ ( ,d\glas1 get !           
confession1 & swe> out ! w>rants4  ,all 
t y'll ne$ to d is to let me talk a few 
m9utes ?is aft]noon ) ! judge :o w sit 9
 ! night c\rt to-night4  ,i %all in/all 
a little ma*9e on 8 desk 9 ! c\rt1 &    
we'll cat* ! real crim9al - he'll nev]  
get a *ance to cross ! /ate l9e or      
disappe> 9 any way4  ,y see1 my         
laboratory w be neutral gr\nd4  ,i ?9k y
 c get !m to come1 inasmu* z !y "k !    
bookkeep] is safe & t dead wom5 tell no 
tales4  ,:5 next ,i saw ,k5n$y x 0 late 
9 ! aft]noon1 9 ! laboratory4  ,he 0    
arrang+ some?+ 9 ! top draw] ( a        
flat-top desk4  ,x seem$ to be two      
in/rum5ts compos$ ( _m lev]s & discs &  
magnets1 ea* in/rum5t ) a roll ( pap]   
ab\t five in*es wide4  ,on "o 0 a sort (

 /ylus ) two silk cords atta*$ at "r    
angles to ea* o!r ne> ! po9t4 ,on ! o!r 
0 a capill>y glass tube at ! junction ( 
two alum9um arms1 also at "r angles to  
ea* o!r4  ,x 0 q l old times to see     
,k5n$y at "w 9 8 laboratory prep>+ = a  
seance4  ,he said no?+ z ,i wat*$ him   
curi\sly1 & ,i ask$ no?+4  ,two sets (  
wires 7 atta*$ to ea* ( ! in/rum5ts1 &  
^! he c>efully conceal$ & l$ out ! w9d[4
  ,!n he arrang$ ! *airs on ! opposite  
side ( ! desk f 8 own4  ,walt]1 he said1
 :5 our gue/s beg9 to arrive ,i want y  
to be ma/] ( c]emonies4  ,simply keep !m
 on ! opposite side ( ! desk f me4      
,don't let !m move _! *airs ar\nd to !  
"r or left4  ,&1 above all1 leave !     
doors op54  ,i don't want any "o to be  
suspici\s or to feel t he is %ut 9 9 any
 way4 ,create ! impression t !y are free
 to g & come :5 !y please4  ,/acey      
arriv$ fir/ 9 a lim\s9e :i* he left /&+ 
at ! door ( ! ,*emi/ry ,build+4  ,bloom 
& ,w>r5 came toge!r 9 ! latt]'s c>4     
,laz>d came 9 a taxicab :i* he dismiss$1

 & ,h>t/e9 came up by ! subway1 be+ !   
la/ to arrive4  ,e "o seem$ to be 9 good
 hum\r4  ,i seat$ !m z ,k5n$y _h        
direct$4  ,k5n$y pull$ out ! ext5sion on
 ! left ( 8 desk & lean$ 8 elb[ on x z  
he began to apologise = tak+ up _! "t at
 su* a critical mom5t4  ,z ne> z ,i c\ld
 make out1 he _h quietly pull$ out ! top
 draw] ( 8 desk on ! "r1 ! draw] 9 :i*  
,i _h se5 him place ! complicat$        
app>atus4  ,b z no?+ fur!r happ5$ ,i    
almo/ =got ab\t x 9 li/5+ to him4  ,he  
began by ref]r+ to ! burn$ pap]s he _h  
f\nd 9 ! (fice4  ,x is sometimes        
possible1 he cont9u$1 to deciph] writ+  
on burn$ pap]s if "o is c>eful4  ,!     
processes ( col\r photography h rec5tly 
be5 appli$ to obta9 a legible photograph
 ( ! writ+ on burn$ manuscripts :i* are 
unreadable by any o!r kn[n means4  ,z   
long z ! %eet has n be5 entirely        
dis9tegrat$ positive results c be obta9$
 e "t4  ,! *>r$ manuscript is c>efully  
arrang$ 9 z ne> its orig9al %ape z      
possible1 on a %eet ( glass & cov]$ ) a 

dry+ v>ni%1 aft] :i* x is back$ by ano!r
 %eet ( glass4  ,by us+ c>efully select$
 col\r scre5s & or?o*romatic plates a   
p]fectly legible photograph ( ! writ+   
may be tak51 al?\gh !re may be no m>ks  
on ! *>r$ rema9s t are visible to ! eye4
  ,?is is ! only kn[n me?od 9 _m cases4 
,i h "h "s burn$ fragm5ts ( pap] :i* ,i 
ga!r$ up aft] ! fir/ attempt to fire y\r
 /ore1 ,mr4 ,/acey4  ,/acey c\gh$ 9     
ackn[l$gm5t4  ,z = ,craig1 he did n m9ce
 matt]s 9 tell+ :at he _h f\nd4  ,"s 7  
notes giv5 9 fav\r ( ,rebecca ,w5d &    
sign$ by ,joseph ,/acey1 he said        
quietly4  ,!y repres5t a l>ge sum (     
money 9 ! aggregate4  ,o!rs 7 memor&a ( 
,miss ,w5d's1 & /ill o!rs 7 autograph   
lett]s to ,miss ,w5d ( a v incrim9at+   
nature 9 connection ) ! fires by ano!r  
p]son4  ,"h he laid ! ,a4 ,sp>k lett]s  
on ! desk be=e him4  ,n[1 he add$ "s "o1
 9 a _s ( bravado1 s5t ^! notes to !    
fire m>%al at v>i\s times4  ,curi\sly   
en\gh1 ,i f9d t ! h&writ+ ( ! fir/ "o   
be>s a peculi> resemblance to t ( ,miss 

,w5d1 :ile ! second & ?ird1 ?\gh        
disguis$ also1 greatly sugge/ ! h&writ+ 
( ,miss ,w5d's correspond5t4  ,no "o    
mov$4  ,b ,i sat agha/4  ,%e _h be5 a "p
 ( ! conspiracy1 aft] all1 n a pawn4    
,_h !y play$ fair8  ,tak+ up next !     
rem>kable succession ( fires1 resum$    
,k5n$y1 ?is case pres5ts "s unique      
features4  ,9 %ort1 x is a cle> case (  
:at is kn[n z a 'firebug tru/4'  ,n[ j  
:at is a firebug tru/8  ,well1 x is1 z  
ne> z ,i c make out1 a comb9ation (     
di%one/ m]*ants & insurance adju/]s     
engag$ 9 ! bus9ess ( delib]ately sett+  
fires = pr(it4  ,^! arson tru/s are n ! 
ord9>y k9d ( firebugs :om ! firem5      
pl5tifully damn 9 ! fix$ belief t       
"o-f\r? ( all fires are k9dl$ by        
inc5di>ies4  ,su* 'tru/s' exi/ all ov] !
 c\ntry4  ,!y h op]at$ 9 ,*icago1 :]e !y
 are said to h made sev5 hundr$ & fifty 
?\s& doll>s 9 "o ye>4  ,ano!r gr\p is   
said to h its headqu>t]s 9 ,kansas      
,city4  ,o!rs h work$ 9 ,/4 ,l\is1      
,pittsburgh1 ,clevel&1 & ,buffalo4  ,!  

fire m>%als ( ,ill9ois1 ,k5tucky1       
,t5nessee1 & ,ohio h inve/igat$ _! "w4  
,b until rec5tly ,new ,york has be5     
s+ul>ly free f ! organis$ "w ( ?is sort4
  ,( c\rse we h pl5ty ( firebugs &      
pyromaniacs 9 a small way1 b ! big      
conspiracy has nev] come to my p]sonal  
att5tion be=e4  ,n[1 ! ,jones-,gre5     
fire1 ! ,quadrangle fire1 ! ,slawson    
,build+ fire1 & ! re/1 h all be5 set =  
"o purpose - to collect insurance4  ,i  
may z well say "r "h t "s p are 9 bad 9 
?is case1 b t o!rs are 9 worse4  ,miss  
,w5d 0 orig9ally a p>ty to ! s*eme4     
,only ! tr\ble ) ,miss ,w5d 0 t %e 0 too
 %rewd to be fool$4  ,%e insi/$ t %e h  
h] full %>e ( ! pick+s4  ,9 t case x    
seems to h be5 ! :ole field aga9/ ,miss 
,w5d1 n a v gallant ?+1 nor yet accord+ 
to ! adage ab\t hon\r among ?ieves4  ,a 
c]ta9 p]son ^: "n ,i am frank to say ,i 
d n "k - yet - conceiv$ ! idea ( de/roy+
 ! obligations ( ! ,/acey companies to  
,miss ,w5d z well z ! incrim9at+ evid5ce
 :i* %e held ( ! 'firebug tru/1' ( :i*  

%e 0 a memb] up to ?is "t4  ,! plan only
 p>tly succe$$4  ,! *ief c\p1 :i* 0 to  
de/roy he ,/acey /ore into ! b>ga91     
misc>ri$4  ,:at 0 ! result8  ,miss ,w5d1
 :o _h be5 h& 9 glove ) ! 'tru/1' 0 n[ a
 bitt] enemy1 p]haps w\ld turn /ate's   
evid5ce4  ,:at m natural ?an to complete
 ! conspiracy by c>ry+ out ! c\p & at ! 
same "t get rid ( ! dang]\s enemy ( !   
conspirators8  ,i believe t ,miss ,w5d 0
 lur$ "u "s pretext or o!r to ! ,/acey  
/ore on ! night ( ! big fire4  ,! p]son 
:o wrote ! second & ?ird ',a4 ,sp>k'    
lett]s did x4  ,%e 0 murd]$ ) ?is deadly
 in/rum5t  - ,craig laid ! lett]-file on
 ! table - & x 0 plann$ to ?r[ ! entire 
burd5 ( suspicion on h] by ass]t+ t !re 
0 a %ortage 9 ! books ( h] dep>tm5t4    
,pooh6 exclaim$ ,/acey1 smok+           
complac5tly at 8 cig>4  ,we h be5       
victimis$ 9 ^? fires by p :o h grudges  
aga9/ u1 lab\r unions & o!rs4  ,?is talk
 ( an arson tru/ is bo% - yell[         
j\rnalism4  ,m ?an t1 we h be5          
sy/ematically robb$ by a tru/$ head ( a 

dep>tm5t1 & ! fire at ,/acey's 0 ! way !
 ?ief took to cov] - er - h] /eal+s4    
,at ! prop] "t we %all produce !        
bookkeep] ,d\glas & prove x4  ,k5n$y    
fumbl$ 9 ! draw] ( ! desk1 !n drew =? a 
long /rip ( pap] cov]$ ) figures4  ,all 
! ,/acey companies1 he said1 h be5      
suff]+ f ! depression t exi/s 9 ! trade 
at pres5t4  ,!y are insolv5t4  ,glance  
ov] t1 ,/acey4  ,x is a summ>y ( !      
prelim9>y report ( ! acc\ntants ( !     
di/rict attorney :o h be5 go+ ov] y\r   
books to-day4  ,/acey gasp$4  ,h[ did y 
get x8  ,! report 0 n to be ready until 
n9e o'clock1 & x is sc>cely a qu>t] pa/ 
n[4  ,nev] m9d h[ ,i got x4  ,g ov] x ) 
! adju/]s1 anybody4 ,i ?9k y w f9d t !re
 0 no %ortage 9 ,miss ,w5d's dep>tm5t1 t
 y 7 los+ money1 t y 7 9 debt to ,miss  
,w5d1 & t %e w\ld h receiv$ ! lion's %>e
 ( ! proce$s ( ! insurance if ! firebug 
s*eme _h turn$ out z plann$4  ,we       
absolutely repudiate ^! figures z       
fiction1 said ,/acey1 angrily turn+ t[>d
 ,k5n$y aft] a hurri$ consultation4     

,p]haps1 !n1 y'll appreciate ?is1 repli$
 ,craig1 pull+ ano!r piece ( pap] f !   
desk4  ,i'll read x4  ',h5ry ,d\glas1   
be+ duly sworn1 deposes & says t "o' -  
we'll call him ',blank' = ! pres5t - ') 
=ce & arms did feloni\sly1 wilfully1 &  
int5tionally kill ,rebecca ,w5d :il/    
said ,blank 0 wilfully burn+ & sett+ on 
fire -   ,"o mom5t1 int]rupt$ ,/acey4   
,let me see t pap]4  ,k5n$y laid x d[n s
 t only ! signature %[$4  ,! "n 0 sign$ 
9 a full r\nd h&1 ,h5ry ,d\glas4  ,x's a
 =g]y1 cri$ ,/acey 9 rage4  ,n an h\r   
be=e ,i came into ?is place ,i saw ,h5ry
 ,d\glas4  ,he _h sign$ no su* pap] !n4 
,he c\ld n h sign$ x s9ce1 & y c\ld n h 
receiv$ x4  ,i br& t docum5t z a =g]y4  
,k5n$y /ood up & rea*$ d[n into ! op5   
draw] on ! "r ( 8 desk4  ,f x he lift$ !
 two ma*9es ,i _h se5 him place !re e>ly
 9 ! ev5+4  ,g5tlem51 he said1  ?is is !
 la/ sc5e ( ! play y are enact+4  ,y see
 "h on ! desk an in/rum5t t 0 inv5t$ _m 
ye>s ago1 b has only rec5tly become     
really practical4  ,x is ! telautograph 

- ! long-di/ance writ]4  ,9 ?is new =m x
 c be introduc$ into ! draw] ( a desk = 
! use ( any "o :o may wi% to make       
inquiries1 say1 ( cl]ks )\t ! k ( a     
call]4  ,x makes x possible to write a  
message "u ^! conditions & receive an   
answ] conc]n+ ! p]sonality or bus9ess ( 
! individual seat$ at "o's elb[ )\t     
leav+ ! desk or seem+ to make inquiries4
  ,) an ord9>y p5cil ,i h writt5 on !   
pap] ( ! transmitt]4  ,! silk cord      
atta*$ to ! p5cil regulates ! curr5t :i*
 controls a p5cil at ! o!r end ( ! l9e4 
,! receiv+ p5cil moves simultane\sly )  
my p5cil4  ,x is ! pr9ciple ( !         
pantograph cut 9 half1 "o half "h1 ! o!r
 half at ! end ( ! l9e1 two telephone   
wires 9 ?is case connect+ ! halves4     
,:ile we h be5 sitt+ "h ,i h _h my "r h&
 9 ! half-op5 draw] ( my desk writ+ )   
?is p5cil notes ( :at has transpir$ 9   
?is room4  ,^! notes1 ) o!r evid5ce1 h  
be5 simultane\sly plac$ be=e ,magi/rate 
,br5n] 9 ! night c\rt4  ,at ! same "t1  
on ?is o!r1 ! receiv+1 in/rum5t !       

figures ( ! acc\ntants writt5 9 c\rt h  
be5 reproduc$ "h4  ,y h se5 !m4         
,mean:ile4  ,d\glas 0 arre/$1 tak5 be=e 
! magi/rate1 & ! in=mation = a *>ge (   
murd] 9 ! fir/ degree p]petrat$ 9       
committ+ arson has be5 obta9$4  ,y h se5
 x4  ,x came 9 :ile y 7 read+ ! figures4
  ,! conspirators seem$ daz$4  ,& n[1   
cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 ,i see t ! p5cil ( !    
receiv+ in/rum5t is writ+ aga94  ,let u 
see :at x is4  ,we b5t ov]4  ,! writ+   
/>t$3 ,c\nty ( ,new ,york4  ,9 ! "n ( ! 
,p ( ! ,/ate ( ,new ,york -   ,k5n$y did
 n wait = u to f9i% read+4  ,he tore !  
writ+ f ! telautograph & wav$ x ov] 8   
head4  ,x is a w>rant4  ,y are all "u   
arre/ = arson4  ,b y1 ,samuel ,laz>d1   
are also "u arre/ = ! murd] ( ,rebecca  
,w5d & six o!r p]sons 9 fires :i* y h   
set4  ,y are ! real firebug1 ! tool (   
,joseph ,/acey1 p]haps1 b t w all come  
out 9 ! trial4  ,mc,cormick1            
,mc,cormick1 call$ ,craig1 x's all "r4  
,i h ! w>rant4  ,are ! police !re8  ,!re
 0 no answ]4  ,laz>d & ,/acey made a    

sudd5 da% = ! door1 & 9 an in/ant !y 7 9
 ,/acey's wait+ c>4  ,! *auffeur took (f
 ! brake & pull$ ! lev]4  ,sudd5ly      
,craig's pi/ol fla%$1 & ! *auffeur's    
arms hung limp & useless on ! /e]+-:eel4
   ,z ,mc,cormick ) ! police loom$ up1 a
 mom5t late1 out ( ! d>kness & aft] a   
%ort /ruggle clapp$ ! irons on ,/acey & 
,laz>d 9 ,/acey's own magnific5tly      
uphol/]$ c>1 ,i rem>k$ reproa*fully to  
,k5n$y3 ,b1 ,craig1 y h %ot ! innoc5t   
*auffeur4  ,ar5't y go+ to att5d to him8
  ,oh1 repli$ ,k5n$y non*alantly1 don't 
worry ab\t t4  ,!y 7 only rock-salt     
bullets4  ,!y didn't p5etrate f>4       
,!y'll /+ = "s "t1 b !y're antiseptic1 &
 !y'll dissolve & absorb quickly4    ,v 
,,! ,,confid5ce ,,k+   ,%ake h&s ) ,mr4 
,burke ( ! secret s]vice1 ,pr(essor     
,k5n$y4  ,x 0 our old fri5d ,fir/       
,deputy ,o',connor :o ?us 9 8 bluff way 
introduc$ a well-groom$ & prosp]\s-look+
 man :om he br\ght up to our ap>tm5t "o 
ev5+4  ,! =malities 7 quickly ov]4  ,mr4
 ,burke & ,i are old fri5ds1 expla9$    

,o',connor4  ,we try to "w toge!r :5 we 
c1 & v (t5 ! city dep>tm5t c give !     
gov]nm5t s]vice a lift1 & !n aga9 x's ! 
o!r way - z x 0 9 ! trunk-murd] my/]y4  
,%[ ,pr(essor ,k5n$y ! 'que]1' ,tom4    
,burke drew a wallet out ( 8 pocket1 & f
 x sl[ly & delib]ately select$ a crisp1 
yell[-back$ hundr$-doll> bill4 ,he laid 
x flat on ! table be=e u4  ,diagonally  
across its face f ! upp] left- to ! l[] 
"r-h& corn] ext5d$ two p>allel scor+s 9 
indelible ink4  ,n be+ initiat$ into !  
secrets ( ! g5tle art ( %ov+ ! que]1    
o!rwise kn[n z pass+ c\nt]feit money1 ,i
 suppose my que/ion+ look betray$ me4   
,a c\nt]feit1 ,walt]1 expla9$ ,k5n$y4   
,t's :at !y d ) bills :5 !y wi% to      
pres]ve !m z records 9 ! secret s]vice &
 yet r5d] !m valueless4  ,)\t a ^w      
,burke h&$ ,k5n$y a pocket              
magnify+-glass1 & ,k5n$y c>efully /udi$ 
! bill4  ,he 0 ab\t to say some?+ :5    
,burke op5$ 8 capaci\s wallet aga9 &    
laid d[n a ,bank ( ,engl& five-p\nd note
 :i* _h be5 simil>ly treat$4  ,aga9     

,k5n$y look$ ?r\gh ! glass ) gr[+       
amazem5t writt5 on 8 face1 b be=e he    
c\ld say any?+1 ,burke laid d[n an      
express money-ord] on ! ,int]national   
,express ,company4  ,i say1 exclaim$    
,k5n$y1 putt+ d[n ! glass1 /op6  ,h[ _m 
m ( ^! are !re8  ,burke smil$4  ,t's    
all1 he repli$1 b x's n ! wor/4  ,n !   
wor/8  ,good heav5s1 man1 next y'll tell
 me t ! gov]nm5t is c\nt]feit+ its own  
notes6  ,h[ mu* ( ?is /uff d y suppose  
has be5 put into circulation8  ,burke   
*ew$ a p5cil ?\ghtfully1 jott$ d[n "s   
figures on a piece ( pap]1 & ?\ght "s m4
  ,( c\rse ,i c't say exactly1 b f h9ts 
,i h receiv$ "h & !re ,i %\ld ?9k t a   
safe bet w\ld be t "s "o has ca%$ 9     
upw>d ( half a million doll>s already4  
,:ew1 :i/l$ ,k5n$y1 t's go+ "s4  ,& ,i  
suppose x is all salt$ away 9 "s        
portable =m4  ,:at an inv5tory if mu/ be
 - good bills1 gold1 diamonds1 &        
jewell]y4  ,?is is a /ake wor? play+ =4 
,yes1 broke 9 ,o',connor1 b f my /&po9t1
 pr(essionally1 ,i mean1 ! case is ev5  

worse ?an t4  ,x's n ! c\nt]feits t bo!r
 u4  ,we und]/& t1 all "r4  ,b1 & he    
lean$ =w>d e>ne/ly & br\ght 8 fi/ d[n   
h>d on ! table ) a res\nd+ ,iri% oa?1 ! 
f+]-pr9t sy/em1 ! infallible f+]-pr9t   
sy/em1 has gone to pieces4  ,we've j    
import$ ?is new 'portrait p>le' fre% f  
,p>is & ,london1 inv5t$ by ,b]tillon &  
all t sort ( ?+ - x has gone to pieces1 
too4 ,x's a f9e case1 ?is is1 ) no?+    
left ( ei!r sci5tific or unsci5tific    
crim9al-cat*+ to rely on4  ,!re - :at d 
y "k ab\t t8  ,y'll h to tell me ! facts
 fir/1 said ,k5n$y4  ,i c't diagnose y\r
 disease until ,i "k ! symptoms4  ,x's l
 ?is1 expla9$ ,burke1 ! detective 9 him 
%[+ n[ ) no ef=t at concealm5t4  ,a man1
 an ,engli%man1 app>5tly1 w5t into a    
d[nt[n bank]'s (fice ab\t ?ree mon?s ago
 & ask$ to h "s ,engli% bank-notes      
ex*ang$ = ,am]ican money4 ,aft] he _h   
gone away1 ! ca%i] began to get         
suspici\s4  ,he ?\ght !re 0 some?+      
phoney 9 ! feel ( ! notes4  ,"u ! glass 
he notic$ t ! little curl on ! 'e' ( !  

',five' 0 miss+4  ,x's ! protective m>k4
  ,! wat]-m>k 0 q equal to t ( ! g5u9e -
 maybe bett]4  ,hold t note up to !     
light & see = y\rself4  ,well1 ! next   
day1 d[n to ! ,cu/om ,h\se1 :]e my (fice
 is1 a man came :o runs a swell         
gambl+-h\se upt[n4  ,he laid t5 br&-new 
bills on my desk4  ,an ,engli%man _h be5
 bett+ on ! :eel4  ,he didn't seem to   
c>e ab\t w9n+1 & he ca%$ 9 ea* "t ) a   
new "o-hundr$-doll> bill4  ,( c\rse he  
didn't c>e ab\t w9n+4  ,he c>$ ab\t !   
*ange - t 0 8 w9n+4 ,! bill on ! table  
is "o ( ! orig9al t51 ?\gh s9ce !n      
scores h be5 put into circulation4  ,i  
made up my m9d t x 0 ! same ,engli%man 9
 bo? cases4  ,!n )9 a week1 9 walk$ !   
manag] ( ! ,mozambique ,hotel  - he _h  
be5 /ung ) ! fake ,int]national ,express
 money-ord]  - same ,engli%man1 too1 ,i 
believe4  ,& y h no trace ( him8 ask$   
,k5n$y eag]ly4  ,we _h him "u arre/ once
 - we ?\ght4 ,a g5]al al>m 0 s5t out1 ( 
c\rse1 to all ! banks & bank+-h\ses4  ,b
 ! man 0 too clev] to turn up 9 t way   

aga94  ,9 "o gambl+-jo9t :i* wom5       
frequ5t a good deal1 a classy dame :o   
might h be5 a du*ess or a - well1 %e 0 a
 pretty good los] & always paid )       
hundr$-doll> bills4  ,n[1 y "k wom5 are 
n good los]s4 ,besides1 !               
hundr$-doll>-bill /ory _h got ar\nd     
among ! gambl+-h\ses4  ,?is jo9t ?\ght x
 wor? tak+ a *ance1 s !y call$ me up on 
! 'phone1 extract$ a promise t ,i'd play
 fair & keep ,o',connor f raid+ !m1 b   
w\ldn't ,i please come up & look ov] !  
dame ( ! yell[ bills8  ,( c\rse ,i made 
a jump at x4  ,sure en\gh1 !y 7 ! same  
c\nt]feits4 ,i c\ld tell because ! silk 
?reads 7 drawn 9 ) col\r$ ink4  ,b      
in/ead ( mak+ an arre/ ,i decid$ to     
trail ! lady4  ,n[1 "h comes ! /range "p
 ( x4  ,let me see1 ?is mu/ h be5 ov]   
two mon?s ago4  ,i foll[$ h] out to a   
suburban t[n1 ,riv]wood along ! ,hudson1
 & to a swell c\ntry h\se ov]look+ !    
riv]1 private drive1 /one gate1 h$ges1  
old trees1 & all t sort ( ?+4  ,a       
sporty-look+ ,engli%man met h] at ! gate

 ) "o ( ^? big import$ t\r+-c>s1 & !y   
took a sp94  ,i wait$ a day or s1 b no?+
 m happ5$1 & ,i began to get anxi\s4    
,p]haps ,i 0 a bit ha/y4  ,anyh[ ,i     
wat*$ my *ance & made an arre/ ( bo? (  
!m :5 !y came to ,new ,york on a %opp+  
exp$ition4  ,y %\ld h he>d t ,engli%man 
swe>4 ,i didn't "k su* language 0       
possible4  ,b 9 8 pocket we f\nd tw5ty m
 ( ^? hundr$-doll> bills - t 0 all4 ,d y
 ?9k he own$ up8  ,n a bit ( x4  ,he    
swore he _h pick$ ! notes up 9 a        
pocketbook on ! pi] z he left ! /eam]4  
,i laugh$4  ,b :5 he 0 arraign$ 9 c\rt  
he told ! magi/rate ! same /ory & t he  
_h adv]tis$ 8 f9d at ! "t4  ,sure en\gh1
 9 ! files ( ! pap]s we discov]$ 9 !    
lo/-&-f\nd column ! ad1 j z he claim$4  
,we c\ldn't ev5 prove t he _h pass$ !   
bills4  ,s ! magi/rate refus$ to hold   
!m1 & !y 7 bo? releas$4  ,b we _h _h !m 
9 our p[] long en\gh to take _!         
f+]-pr9ts & get descriptions &          
measurem5ts ( !m1 p>ticul>ly by ?is new 
'portrait p>le ' sy/em4  ,we felt we    

c\ld s5d out a /range detective & h him 
pick !m out ( a cr[d - y "k ! sy/em1 ,i 
presume8  ,k5n$y nodd$1 & ,i made a     
m5tal note ( f9d+ out m ab\t ! portrait 
p>le lat]4   ,burke paus$1 & ,o',connor 
prompt$1 ,tell !m ab\t ,scotl& ,y>d1    
,tom4  ,oh1 yes1 resum$ ,burke4  ,(     
c\rse ,i s5t copies ( ! f+]-pr9ts to    
,scotl& ,y>d4  ,)9 two weeks !y repli$ t
 "o set belong$ to ,william ,=bes1 a    
not$ c\nt]feit]1 :o1 !y und]/ood1 _h    
sail$ = ,s\? ,africa b _h nev] arriv$   
!re4 ,!y 7 glad to le>n t he 0 9        
,am]ica1 & advis$ me to look aft] him   
%>ply4  ,! woman 0 also a not$ "* -     
,h>riet ,woll/one1 an adv5turess4  ,i   
suppose y h %ad[$ !m ev] s9ce8 ,k5n$y   
ask$4  ,yes1 a few days aft] !y 7 arre/$
 ! man _h an accid5t ) 8 c>4  ,x 0 said 
he 0 crank+ ! eng9e & t x kick$ back &  
spl9t]$ ! bone 9 8 =e>m4  ,anyh[1 he w5t
 ab\t ) 8 h& & arm 9 a sl+4  ,& !n8  ,!y
 gave my man ! slip t night 9 _! fa/    
t\r+-c>4 ,y "k automobiles h ab\t made  
%ad[+ impossible 9 ^! days4  ,! h\se 0  

clos$ up1 & x 0 said by ! neighb\rs t   
,williams & ,mrs4 ,williams - z !y call$
 !mselves - _h gone to visit a speciali/
 9 ,philadelphia4  ,/ill1 z !y _h a     
ye>'s lease on ! h\se1 ,i detail$ a man 
to wat* x m or less all ! "t4  ,!y w5t  
to ,philadelphia all "r2 "s ( ! bills   
turn$ up !re4  ,b we saw no?+ ( !m4  ,a 
%ort "t ago1 ^w came to me t ! h\se 0   
op5 aga94 ,x wasn't two h\rs lat] t !   
telephone rang l mad4  ,a ,fif? ,av5ue  
jewell] _h j sold a rope ( pe>ls to an  
,engli%woman :o paid = x h]self 9 crisp 
new "o-hundr$-doll> bills4  ,! bank _h  
return$ !m to him t v aft]noon  -       
c\nt]feits4  ,i didn't lose any "t mak+ 
a second arre/ up at ! h\se ( my/]y at  
,riv]wood4  ,i _h ! c\nty au?orities    
hold !m - &1 n[1 ,o',connor1 tell ! re/ 
( x4  ,y took ! f+]-pr9ts up !re4       
,o',connor cle>$ 8 ?roat z if some?+    
/uck 9 x1 9 ! tell+4  ,! ,riv]wood      
au?orities refus$ to hold !m1 he said ) 
evid5t *agr94  ,z soon z ,i he>d ( !    
arre/ ,i />t$ up myself ) ! f+]-pr9t    

records to help ,burke4  ,x 0 ! same    
man1 all "r - ,i'll swe> to t on a /ack 
( ,bibles4  ,s w ,burke4  ,i'll nev]    
=get t snub nose - ! concave nose1 !    
nose be+ ! fir/ po9t ( id5tification 9 !
 'portrait p>k4'  ,& ! e>s1 too - oh1 x 
0 ! same man1 all "r4 ,b :5 we produc$ !
 ,london f+]-pr9ts :i* talli$ ) ! ,new  
,york f+]-pr9ts :i* we _h made - believe
 x or n1 b x is a fact1 ! ,riv]wood     
f+]-pr9ts did n tally at all4  ,he laid 
! pr9ts on ! table4  ,k5n$y exam9$ !m   
closely4 ,8 face cl\d$4  ,x 0 q evid5t t
 he 0 /ump$1 & he said s4  ,!re are "s  
po9ts ( agreem5t1 he rem>k$1 b m po9ts (
 diff]5ce4  ,any po9ts ( diff]5ce are   
usually consid]$ fatal to ! f+]-pr9t    
!ory4  ,we _h to let ! man g1 conclud$  
,burke4  ,we c\ld h held ! woman1 b we  
let h] g1 too1 because %e 0 n ! pr9cipal
 9 ! case4  ,my m5 are %ad[+ ! h\se n[ &
 h be5 ev] s9ce !n4  ,b ! next day aft] 
! la/ arre/1 a man f ,new ,york1 :o     
look$ l a doctor1 made a visit4  ,!     
secret-s]vice man on ! job didn't d>e   

leave ! h\se to foll[ him1 b z he nev]  
came aga9 p]haps x doesn't matt]4  ,s9ce
 !n ! h\se has be5 clos$4  ,! telephone 
rang4  ,x 0 ,burke's (fice call+ him4   
,z he talk$ we c\ld ga!r t some?+ tragic
 mu/ h happ5$ at ,riv]wood1 & we c\ld   
h>dly wait until he _h f9i%$4  ,!re has 
be5 an accid5t up !re1 he rem>k$ z he   
hung up ! receiv] r petulantly4  ,!y    
return$ 9 ! c> ?is aft]noon ) a l>ge    
package 9 ! back ( ! tonneau4  ,b !y    
didn't /ay long4  ,aft] d>k !y />t$ out 
aga9 9 ! c>4  ,! accid5t 0 at ! bad     
railroad cross+ j above ,riv]wood4  ,x  
seems ,williams's c> got /all$ on !     
track j z ! ,buffalo express 0 due4  ,no
 "o saw x1 b a man 9 a buggy ar\nd ! b5d
 9 ! road he>d a woman scream4  ,he     
hurri$ d[n4 ,! tra9 _h sma%$ ! c> to    
bits4  ,h[ ! woman escap$ 0 a miracle1 b
 !y f\nd ! man's body up ! tracks1      
horribly mangl$4  ,x 0 ,williams1 !y    
say4  ,!y id5tifi$ him by ! clo!s & by  
lett]s 9 8 pockets4  ,b my man tells me 
he f\nd a wat* on him ) ',w4 ,f4'       

engrav$ on x4  ,8 h&s & arms & head mu/ 
h be5 "r "u ! locomotive :5 x /ruck him1
 ,i judge4  ,i guess t w9ds ! case up1  
eh8 exclaim$ ,o',connor ) evid5t *agr94 
,:]e's ! woman8  ,!y said %e 0 9 !      
little local hospital1 b n mu* hurt4 ,j 
! %ock & a few bruises4  ,o',connor's "q
 seem$ to sugge/ an idea to ,burke1 & he
 rea*$ = ! telephone aga94  ,riv]wood   
#big1 he ord]$2 !n to u z he wait$ he   
said3 ,we mu/ hold ! woman4  ,hello1    
#big8 ,! hospital8  ,?is is ,burke ( !  
secret s]vice4  ,w y tell my man1 :o mu/
 be some:]e ab\t1 t ,i w\ld l to h him  
hold t woman :o 0 9 ! auto sma% until ,i
 c - :at8  ,gone8 ,! deuce6  ,he hung up
 ! receiv] angrily4  ,%e left ) a man :o
 call$ = h] ab\t half an h\r ago1 he    
said4  ,!re mu/ be a gang ( !m4  ,=bes  
is dead1 b we mu/ get ! re/4  ,mr4      
,k5n$y1 ,i'm sorry to h bo!r$ y1 b ,i   
guess we c h&le ?is alone1 aft] all4  ,x
 0 ! f+]-pr9ts t fool$ u1 b n[ t ,=bes  
is out ( ! way x's j a /raight case (   
detective "w ( ! old /yle :i* won't     

int]e/ y4  ,on ! contr>y1 answ]$ ,k5n$y1
 ,i'm j beg9n+ to be int]e/$4  ,does x  
occur to y t1 aft] all1 ,=bes may n be  
dead8  ,n dead8 e*o$ ,burke & ,o',connor
 toge!r4  ,exactly2 t's j :at ,i said - 
n dead4  ,n[ /op & ?9k a mom5t4  ,w\ld !
 great ,=bes be s fooli% z to g ab\t ) a
 wat* m>k$ ',w4 ,f4' if he knew1 z he   
mu/ h kn[n1 t y w\ld communicate )      
,london & by means ( ! pr9ts f9d out all
 ab\t him8  ,yes1 agre$ ,burke1 all we h
 to g by is 8 wat* f\nd on ,williams4   
,i suppose !re is "s possibility t ,=bes
 may /ill be alive4  ,:o is ?is ?ird man
 :o comes 9 & ) :om ,h>riet ,woll/one   
goes away s will+ly8 put 9 ,o',connor4  
,y said ! h\se _h be5 clos$ - absolutely
 clos$8  ,burke nodd$4  ,be5 clos$ ev]  
s9ce ! la/ arre/4  ,!re's a s]vant :o   
goes 9 n[ & !n1 b ! c> hasn't be5 !re   
be=e to-night1 :]ev] x has be54  ,i %\ld
 l to wat* t h\se myself = a :ile1 mus$ 
,k5n$y4  ,i suppose y h no objections to
 my do+ s8  ,( c\rse n4  ,g ahead1 said 
,burke4  ,i w g along ) y if y wi%1 or  

my man c g ) y4  ,no1 said ,k5n$y1 too  
_m ( u might spoil ! bro?4  ,i'll wat*  
alone to-night & w see y 9 ! morn+4  ,y 
ne$n't ev5 say any?+ to y\r man !re ab\t
 u4  ,walt]1 :at's on = to-night8he ask$
 :5 !y _h gone4  ,h[ are y fix$ = a     
little trip out to ,riv]wood8  ,to tell 
! tru?1 ,i _h an engagem5t at ! ,college
 ,club ) "s ( ! fell[s4  ,oh1 cut x4    
,t's :at ,i int5d to d1 ,i repli$4  ,x 0
 a raw night1 & we bundl$ ourselves up 9
 old football sweat]s "u our ov]coats4  
,half an h\r lat] we 7 on our way up to 
,riv]wood4  ,by ! way1 ,craig1 ,i ask$1 
,i didn't l to say any?+ be=e ^? fell[s4
  ,!y'd ?9k ,i 0 a dub4  ,b ,i don't m9d
 ask+ y4  ,:at is ?is 'portrait p>le' !y
 talk ab\t1 anyway8  ,:y1 x's a         
^w-picture - a 'spok5 picture1' to be   
lit]al4  ,i took "s lessons 9 x at      
,b]tillon's s*ool :5 ,i 0 9 ,p>is4 ,x's 
a me?od ( sci5tific appreh5sion (       
crim9als1 a sort ( necess>y addition &  
completion to ! me?ods ( sci5tific      
id5tification ( !m aft] !y are arre/$4  

,= in/ance1 9 try+ to pick out a giv5   
crim9al f 8 m]e description y beg9 ) !  
nose4  ,n[1 noses are all concave1      
/raight1 or convex4  ,?is ,=bes _h a    
nose t 0 concave1 ,burke says4 ,suppose 
y 7 s5t out to f9d him4  ,( all ! p y   
met1 we'll say1 r\ghly1 two-?irds       
w\ldn't int]e/ y4  ,y'd pass up all )   
/raight or convex noses4  ,n[ ! next    
po9t to obs]ve is ! e>4  ,!re are f\r   
g5]al k9ds ( e>s-triangul>1 squ>e1 oval1
 & r\nd1 besides a numb] ( o!r diff]5ces
 :i* are cle> en\gh aft] y /udy e>s4    
,?is fell[ is a pale man ) squ>e e>s & a
 peculi> lobe to 8 e>4  ,s y w\ldn't    
give a second glance to1 say1 ?ree-f\r?s
 ( ! squ>e-e>$ p4 ,s by a process (     
elim9ation ( v>i\s features1 ! eyes1 !  
m\?1 ! hair1 wr9kles1 & s =?1 y w\ld be 
able to pick y\r man out ( a ?\s& - t   
is1 if y 7 tra9$4  ,& x works8 ,i ask$ r
 d\btfully4  ,oh1 yes4  ,t's :y ,i'm    
tak+ up ?is case4  ,i believe sci5ce c  
really be us$ to detect crime1 any      
crime1 & 9 ! pres5t in/ance ,i've j     

pride en\gh to /ick to ?is ?+ until -   
until !y beg9 to cut ice on ! ,/yx4     
,:ew1 b x w be cold out 9 ! c\ntry      
to-night1 ,walt] - speak+ ab\t ice4  ,x 
0 q late :5 we rea*$ ,riv]wood1 & ,k5n$y
 hurri$ along ! dimly light$ /reets1    
avoid+ ! ma9 /reet le/ "s "o might be   
wat*+ or foll[+ u4  ,he pu%$ on1 foll[+ 
! directions ,burke _h giv5 him4  ,!    
h\se 9 "q 0 a l>ge1 newly built affair (
 concrete1 surr\nd$ by trees & a h$ge1  
directly ov]look+ ! riv]4  ,a bitt] w9d 
swept 9 f ! we/1 b 9 ! %ad[ ( an ev]gre5
 tree & ( ! h$ge ,k5n$y e/abli%$ our    
wat*4  ,( all fruitless err&s ?is seem$ 
to me to be ! acme4  ,! h\se 0 des]t$2 t
 0 app>5t1 ,i ?\ght1 & ,i said s4 ,h>dly
 _h ,i said x :5 ,i he>d ! bay+ ( a dog4
  ,x did n come f ! h\se1 h[ev]1 & ,i   
conclud$ t x mu/ h come f ! next e/ate4 
,x's 9 ! g>age1 :isp]$ ,k5n$y4  ,i c    
h>dly ?9k !y w\ld g away & leave a dog  
lock$ up 9 x4  ,!y w\ld at lea/ turn him
 loose4  ,h\r aft] h\r we wait$4        
,midnight pass$1 & /ill no?+ happ5$4    

,at la/ :5 ! moon _h disappe>$ "u !     
cl\ds1 ,k5n$y pull$ me along4  ,we _h   
se5 n a sign ( life 9 ! h\se1 yet he    
obs]v$ all ! caution he w\ld h if x _h  
be5 well gu>d$4  ,quickly we advanc$ ov]
 ! op5 space to ! h\se1 approa*+ 9 !    
%ad[ z mu* z possible1 on ! side f>!/ f 
! riv]4  ,tiptoe+ ov] ! por*1 ,k5n$y    
tri$ a w9d[4  ,x 0 fa/5$4 ,)\t          
hesitation he pull$ out "s in/rum5ts4   
,"o ( !m 0 a rubb] suction-cup1 :i* he  
fa/5$ to ! w9d[pane4  ,!n ) a v f9e     
diamond-cutt] he proce$$ to cut out a   
l>ge section4  ,x soon fell & 0 prev5t$ 
f sma%+ on ! floor by ! /r+ & !         
suction-cup4  ,k5n$y put 8 h& 9 &       
unlat*$ ! w9d[1 & we /epp$ 94  ,all 0   
sil5t4  ,app>5tly ! h\se 0 des]t$4      
,cauti\sly ,k5n$y press$ ! button ( 8   
pocket /orage-batt]y lamp & fla%$ x     
sl[ly ab\t ! room4  ,x 0 a sort (       
libr>y1 h&somely furni%$4  ,at la/ !    
beam ( light re/$ on a huge desk at !   
opposite end4  ,x seem$ to int]e/       
,k5n$y1 & we tipto$ ov] to x4  ,"o aft] 

ano!r he op5$ ! draw]s4  ,"o 0 lock$1 & 
he sav$ t until ! la/4  ,quietly z he   
c\ld1 he jimmi$ x op51 muffl+ ! jimmy 9 
a felt clo? t 0 on a table4  ,mo/ p d n 
realise ! disruptive =ce t !re is 9 a   
simple jimmy4  ,i didn't until ,i saw ! 
solid draw] ) its heavy lock yield ) j !
 trace ( a noise4  ,k5n$y wait$ an      
in/ant & li/5$4  ,no?+ happ5$4  ,inside 
! draw] 0 a mo/ nondescript collection (
 useless articles4  ,!re 7 a numb] (    
pieces ( f9e sponge1 "s ( !m v ?9 & cut 
9 a flat oval %ape1 smell+ ( lysol      
/rongly2 sev]al bottles1 a set ( %>p    
little knives1 "s p>aff91 b&ages1       
antiseptic gauze1 cotton - 9 fact1 x    
look$ l a fir/-aid kit4  ,z soon z he   
saw x ,k5n$y seem$ a/oni%$ b n at a loss
 to acc\nt = x4  ,i ?\ght he left t sort
 ( ?+ to ! doctors1 b ,i guess he took a
 h& 9 x himself1 he mutt]$1 cont9u+ to  
fumble ) ! knives 9 ! draw]4  ,x 0 no "t
 to ask que/ions1 & ,i did n4  ,k5n$y   
rapidly /[$ away ! ?+s 9 8 pockets4 ,"o 
bottle he op5$ & held to 8 nose4  ,i    

c\ld di/+ui% imm$iately ! volatile smell
 ( e!r4  ,he clos$ x quickly1 & x1 too1 
w5t into 8 pocket ) ! rem>k1 ,somebody  
mu/ h kn[n h[ to adm9i/] an anae/hetic -
 probably ! ,woll/one woman4  ,a        
suppress$ exclamation f ,k5n$y caus$ me 
to look4  ,! draw] _h a false back4     
,safely tuck$ away 9 x repos$ a t9 box1 
"o ( ^? s-call$ /rong-boxes :i* are s   
h&y 9 t !y save a burgl> mu* "t & tr\ble
 9 hunt+ all ov] = ! valuables he has   
come aft]4  ,k5n$y drew x =? & laid x on
 ! desk4 ,x 0 lock$4  ,ev5 t did n seem 
to satisfy ,k5n$y1 :o cont9u$ to        
scrut9ise ! walls & corn]s ( ! room z if
 look+ = a safe or some?+ ( t sort4     
,let's look 9 ! room across ! hall1 he  
:isp]$4  ,sudd5ly a pi]c+ scream ( a    
woman rang out up/airs4  ,help6 ,help6  
,!re's "s "o 9 ! h\se6  ,billy1 help6   
,i felt an arm grasp me tightly1 & = a  
mom5t a *ill ran ov] me at be+ caught 9 
! nef>i\s "w ( break+ & ent]+ a         
dwell+-h\se at night4  ,b x 0 only      
,k5n$y1 :o _h already tuck$ ! preci\s   

little t9 box "u 8 arm4  ,) a leap he   
dragg$ me to ! op5 w9d[1 cle>$ x1 vault$
 ov] ! por*1 & we 7 runn+ = ! clump (   
woods t adjo9$ ! e/ate on "o side4      
,lights fla%$ 9 all ! w9d[s ( ! h\se at 
once4  ,!re mu/ h be5 "s sort (         
electric-light sy/em t c\ld be light$   
in/antly z a burgl>-expell]4  ,anyh[1 we
 _h made good our escape4  ,z we lo/    
ourselves 9 ! woods ,i gave a la/ glance
 back & saw a lant]n c>ri$ f ! h\se to !
 g>age4  ,z ! door 0 unlock$ ,i c\ld    
see1 9 ! moonlight1 a huge dog leap out 
& lick ! h&s & face ( a man4  ,quickly  
we n[ cra%$ ?r\gh ! froz5 und]bru%4     
,evid5tly ,k5n$y 0 mak+ = ! /ation by a 
direct r\te across c\ntry in/ead ( !    
circuit\s way by ! road & t[n4  ,beh9d u
 we c\ld he> a deep bay+4  ,by ! ,"l1   
,walt]1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 = once 9 8 life    
?or\ghly al>m$1 x's a bloodh\nd1 & our  
trail is fre%4  ,clos] x came4  ,press  
=w>d z we might1 we c\ld nev] expect to 
beat t dog4  ,oh1 = a /ream1 groan$     
,k5n$y1 b !y are all froz5 - ev5 ! riv]4

  ,he /opp$ %ort1 fumbl$ 9 8 pocket1 &  
drew out ! bottle ( e!r4  ,raise y\r    
foot1 ,walt]1 he ord]$4  ,i did s & he  
sme>$ fir/ m9e & !n 8 ) ! e!r4 ,!n we   
d\bl$ on our trail once or twice & ran  
aga94  ,! dog w nev] be able to pick up 
! e!r z our trail1 pant$ ,k5n$y2 t is1  
if he is any good & tra9$ n to g (f on  
wild-goose *ases4  ,on we hurri$ f !    
woods to ! n[ d>k & sil5t t[n4  ,x 0    
inde$ =tunate t ! dog _h be5 ?r[n (f our
 sc5t1 = ! /ation 0 clos$1 &1 inde$1 if 
x _h be5 op5 ,i am sure ! /ation ag5t   
w\ld h felt m l lock+ ! door aga9/ two  
su* tramps z we 71 c>ry+ a t9 box &     
pursu$ by a dog1 ?an op5+ x = u4  ,! be/
 we c\ld d 0 to huddle into a corn]     
until we succe$$ 9 jump+ a milk-tra9 t  
luckily sl[$ d[n z x pass$ ,riv]wood    
/ation4  ,nei!r ( u c\ld wait to op5 !  
t9 box 9 our ap>tm5t1 & in/ead ( go+    
upt[n ,k5n$y decid$ x w\ld be be/ to g  
to a hotel ne> ! /ation4  ,someh[ we    
succe$$ 9 gett+ a room )\t excit+       
suspicion4  ,h>dly _h ! bellboy's       

foot/eps ceas$ e*o+ 9 ! corridor ?an    
,k5n$y 0 at "w wr5*+ (f ! lid ( ! box ) 
su* lev]age z ! scanty furni%+s ( ! room
 af=d$4  ,at la/ x yield$1 & we look$ 9 
curi\sly1 expect+ to f9d fabul\s weal? 9
 "s =m4  ,a few hundr$ doll>s & a rope (
 pe>ls lay 9 x4  ,x 0 a good haul1 b :]e
 0 ! va/ spoil ! c\nt]feit]s _h         
accumulat$8  ,we _h miss$ x4  ,s f> we 7
 completely baffl$4  ,p]haps we _h bett]
 snat* a c\ple ( h\rs' sleep1 0 all t   
,craig said1 /ifl+ 8 *agr94  ,ov] & ov] 
9 my m9d ,i 0 turn+ ! problem ( :]e !y  
_h hidd5 ! spoil4  ,i doz$ (f1 /ill ?9k+
 ab\t x & ?9k+ t1 ev5 %\ld !y be        
captur$1 !y might h /[$ away p]haps a   
million doll>s to :i* !y c\ld g back    
aft] _! s5t5ces 7 s]v$4  ,x 0 /ill e>ly 
= ,new ,york :5 ,k5n$y r\s$ me by talk+ 
ov] ! telephone 9 ! room4  ,9 fact1 ,i  
d\bt if he _h slept at all4  ,burke 0 at
 ! o!r end ( ! wire4  ,8 man _h j       
report$ t some?+ _h happ5$ dur+ ! night 
at ,riv]wood1 b he c\ldn't give a v cle>
 acc\nt4  ,craig seem$ to enjoy ! joke  

imm5sely z he told 8 /ory to ,burke4  ,!
 la/ words ,i he>d 73 ,all "r4  ,s5d a  
man up "h to ! /ation - "o :o kn[s all !
 descriptions ( ^! p4  ,i'm sure !y w h 
to come into t[n to-day1 & !y w h to    
come by tra91 = _! c> is wreck$4  ,bett]
 wat* at ! upt[n /ations1 also4  ,aft] a
 ha/y breakfa/ we met ,burke's man &    
took our places at ! exit f ! tra9      
plat=ms4  ,evid5tly ,k5n$y _h figur$ out
 t ! c\nt]feit]s w\ld h to come into t[n
 = "s reason or o!r4  ,! incom+ pass5g]s
 7 pass+ u 9 a /eady /ream1 = a new     
/ation 0 !n be+ built1 & !re 0 only a   
tempor>y /ructure ) "o l>ge exit4  ,"h  
is :]e ! 'portrait p>le' ought to come  
91 if ev]1 comm5t$ ,k5n$y z he wat*$    
eag]ly4  ,& yet nei!r man nor woman     
pass$ u :o fitt$ ! description4 ,tra9   
aft] tra9 empti$ its human freight1 yet 
! pale man ) ! concave nose & ! peculi> 
e>1 accompani$ p]haps by a lady1 did n  
pass u4  ,at la/ ! incom+ /ream began to
 dw9dle d[n4  ,x 0 long pa/ ! "t :5 !   
c\nt]feit]s %\ld h arriv$ if !y _h />t$ 

on any reasonable tra94  ,p]haps !y h   
gone up to ,montreal1 in/ead1 ,i v5tur$4
  ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4  ,no1 he answ]$4  
,i h an idea t ,i 0 mi/ak5 ab\t ! money 
be+ kept at ,riv]wood4  ,x w\ld h be5   
too risky4  ,i ?\ght x out on ! way back
 ?is morn+4 ,!y probably kept x 9 a safe
 deposit vault "h4  ,i _h figur$ t !y   
w\ld come d[n & get x & leave ,new ,york
 aft] la/ night's ev5ts4  ,we h fail$ - 
!y h got by u4  ,nei!r ! 'portrait p>le'
 nor ! ord9>y photography nor any o!r   
sy/em w suffice alone aga9/ !           
ar*-crim9al back ( ?is1 ,i'm afraid4    
,walt]1 ,i am sore & disgu/$4  ,:at ,i  
%\ld h done 0 to accept ,burke's (f] -  
surr\nd ! h\se ) a posse if necess>y1   
la/ night1 & cat* ! c\nt]feit]s by %e]  
=ce4  ,i 0 too confid5t4  ,i ?\ght ,i   
c\ld d x ) f9esse1 & ,i h fail$4  ,i'd  
give any?+ to "k :at safe deposit vault 
!y kept ! fake money 94  ,i said no?+ z 
we /roll$ away1 leav+ ,burke's man /ill 
to wat*1 hop+ aga9/ hope4  ,k5n$y walk$ 
disconsolately ?r\gh ! /ation1 & ,i     

foll[$4  ,9 a seclud$ "p ( ! wait+-room 
he sat d[n1 8 face drawn up 9 a sc[l su*
 z ,i _h nev] se54 ,pla9ly he 0 disgu/$ 
) himself - ) only himself4  ,?is 0 no  
bungl+ ( ,burke or any "o else4  ,aga9 !
 c\nt]feit]s _h escap$ f ! h& ( ! law4  
,z he mov$ 8 f+]s re/lessly 9 ! pockets 
( 8 coat1 he abs5tly pull$ out ! little 
pieces ( sponge & ! e!r bottle4 ,he     
reg>d$ !m )\t mu* int]e/4  ,i "k :at !y 
7 =1 he said1 div+ back into 8 pocket = 
! o!r ?+s & br++ out ! %>p little knives
 9 _! case4  ,i said no?+1 = ,k5n$y 0 9 
a deep /udy4  ,at la/ he put ! ?+s back 
into 8 pocket4  ,z he did s 8 h&        
enc\nt]$ some?+ :i* he drew =? ) a      
puzzl$ air4  ,x 0 ! piece ( p>aff94     
,n[1 :at d y suppose t 0 =8 he ask$1    
half to himself4 ,i _h =gott5 t4  ,:at 0
 ! use ( a piece ( p>aff98 ,phew1 smell 
! antiseptic work$ into x4  ,i don't "k1
 ,i repli$1 r te/ily4  ,if y w\ld tell  
me :at ! o!r ?+s 7 = ,i might enlight5  
y1 b -   ,by ,george1 ,walt]1 :at a *ump
 ,i am6 cri$ ,k5n$y1 leap+ to 8 feet1   

all en]gy aga94  ,:y did ,i =get t lump 
( p>aff98 ,:y1 ( c\rse - ,i ?9k ,i c    
guess :at !y h be5 do+ - ( c\rse4  ,:y1 
man alive1 he walk$ "r pa/ u1 & we nev] 
knew x4  ,boy1 boy1 he %\t$ to a newsboy
 :o pass$1 :at's ! late/ sport+ edition 
y h8  ,eag]ly he almo/ tore a pap] op5 &
 scann$ ! sport+ pages4 ,rac+ at        
,lex+ton beg9s to-morr[1 he read4  ,yes1
 ,i'll bet t's x4  ,we don't h to "k !  
safe deposit vault1 aft] all4 ,x w\ld be
 too late1 anyh[4  ,quick1 let u look up
 ! tra9 to ,lex+ton4  ,z we hurri$ ov]  
to ! in=mation boo?1 ,i gasp$1 9 a :irl3
 ,n[1 look "h1 ,k5n$y1 :at's all ?is    
lightn+ calculation8 ,:at possible      
connection is !re betwe5 a lump ( p>aff9
 & "o ( ! few places 9 ! c\ntry :]e !y  
/ill race horses8  ,none1 he repli$1 n  
/opp+ an in/ant4  ,none4  ,! p>aff9     
sugge/$ to me ! possible way 9 :i* our  
man manag$ to elude u "u our v eyes4  ,t
 set my m9d at "w aga94  ,l a fla% x    
occurr$ to me3 ,:]e w\ld !y be mo/      
likely to g next to "w (f "s ( ! bills8 

,! banks are on1 ! jewell]y-h\ses are   
on1 ! gambl+-jo9ts are on4  ,:y1 to !   
racetracks1 ( c\rse4  ,t's x4           
,c\nt]feit]s all use ! bookmak]s1 only  
s9ce rac+ has be5 kill$ 9 ,new ,york !y 
h _h to resort to o!r means "h4  ,if    
,new ,york has sudd5ly become too hot1  
:at m natural ?an to leave x8  ,"h1 let 
me see - !re's a tra9 t gets !re e>ly   
to-morr[1 ! be/ tra91 too4  ,say1 is    
,no4 #add made up yet8 he inquir$ at !  
desk4  ,no4 #add w be ready 9 fifte5    
m9utes4  ,track #h4  ,k5n$y ?ank$ ! man1
 turn$ abruptly1 & />t$ = ! /ill clos$  
gate at ,track #h4  ,beg p>don - :y1    
hulloa - x's ,burke1 he exclaim$ z we   
ran plump into a man />+ vacantly ab\t4 
,x 0 n ! g5tleman f>m] ( ! night be=e1  
nor yet ! suppos$ college graduate4     
,?is man 0 a ,we/]n ran*]2 8            
broad-brimm$ hat1 long m\/a*e1 frock    
coat1 & fl[+ tie proclaim$ x4  ,yet !re 
0 some?+ indef9ably famili> ab\t him1   
too4  ,x 0 ,burke 9 ano!r disguise4     
,pretty good "w1 ,k5n$y1 nodd$ ,burke1  

%ift+ 8 tobacco f "o side ( 8 jaws to ! 
o!r4  ,n[1 tell me h[ y\r man escap$ y  
?is morn+1 :5 y c recognise me in/antly 
9 ?is rig4  ,y hav5't alt]$ y\r         
features1 expla9$ ,k5n$y simply4 ,our   
pale-fac$1 snub-nos$1 peculi>-e>$ fri5d 
has4  ,:at d y ?9k ( ! possibility ( 8  
go+ to ! ,lex+ton track1 n[ t he f9ds x 
too dang]\s to rema9 9 ,new ,york8      
,burke look$ at ,k5n$y r %>ply4  ,say1 d
 y add telepa?y to y\r o!r              
accompli%m5ts8  ,no1 laugh$ ,craig1 b   
,i'm glad to see t two ( u work+        
indep5d5tly h arriv$ at ! same          
conclusion4  ,come1 let u saunt] ov] to 
,track #h - ,i guess ! tra9 is made up4 
,! gate 0 j op5$1 & ! cr[d fil$ ?r\gh4  
,no "o :o seem$ to satisfy ei!r ,burke  
or ,k5n$y appe>$4  ,! tra9 ann\nc] made 
8 la/ call4  ,j !n a taxicab pull$ up at
 ! /reet-end ( ! plat=m1 n f> f ,track  
#h4  ,a man jump$ out & assi/$ a heavily
 veil$ lady1 paid ! driv]1 pick$ up !   
grips1 & turn$ t[>d u4  ,we wait$       
expectantly4  ,z he turn$ ,i saw a      

d>k-sk9n$1 hook-nos$ man1 & ,i exclaim$ 
disgu/$ly to ,burke3 ,well1 if !y are   
go+ to ,lex+ton !y c't make ?is tra94   
,^? are ! la/ p :o h a *ance4  ,k5n$y1  
h[ev]1 cont9u$ to reg>d ! c\ple /eadily4
  ,! man saw t he 0 be+ wat*$ & fac$ u  
defiantly1 ,su* imp]t95ce6  ,!n to 8    
wife1 ,come1 my de>1 we'll j make x4    
,i'm afraid ,i'll h to tr\ble y to %[ u 
:at's 9 t grip1 said ,k5n$y1 calmly lay+
 8 h& on ! man's arm4  ,well1 n[1 did y 
ev] he> ( su* bla/$ impud5ce8  ,get out 
( my way1 sir1 ?is in/ant1 or ,i'll h y 
arre/$4  ,come1 come1 ,k5n$y1 int]rupt$ 
,burke4  ,surely y are gett+ 9 wrong "h4
  ,?is c't be ! man4  ,craig %ook 8 head
 decid$ly4  ,y c make ! arre/ or n1     
,burke1 z y *oose4  ,if n1 ,i am ?r\gh4 
,if s - ,i'll take all ! responsibility4
  ,reluctantly ,burke yield$4  ,! man   
prote/$2 ! woman cri$2 a cr[d collect$4 
,! tra9-gate %ut ) a bang4  ,z x did s !
 man's demean\r *ang$ in/antly4   ,!re1 
he %\t$ angrily1 'y h made u miss our   
tra94  ,i'll h y 9 jail = ?is4  ,come on

 n[ to ! ne>e/ magi/rate's c\rt4  ,i'll 
h my rights z an ,am]ican citiz54  ,y h 
c>ri$ y\r little joke too f>4  ,knight  
is my "n - ,john ,knight1 ( ,omaha1     
pork-pack]4  ,come on n[4  ,i'll see t  
somebody suff]s = ?is if ,i h to /ay 9  
,new ,york a ye>4 ,x's an outrage - an  
outrage4  ,burke 0 n[ app>5tly al>m$ - m
 at ! possibility ( ! humor\s publicity 
t w\ld foll[ su* a mi/ake by ! secret   
s]vice ?an at any?+ else4  ,h[ev]1      
,k5n$y did n weak51 & on g5]al pr9ciples
 ,i /uck to ,k5n$y4  ,n[1 said ! man    
surlily :ile he plac$ ,mrs4 ,knight 9 z 
easy a *air z he c\ld f9d 9 ! judge's   
*amb]s1 :at is ! occasion ( all ?is r[8 
,tell ! judge :at a bad man f ,bloody   
,gul* ,i am4  ,o',connor _h arriv$1 hav+
 brok5 all spe$ laws & p]haps "s records
 on ! way up f headqu>t]s4  ,k5n$y laid 
! ,scotl& ,y>d f+]-pr9ts on ! table4    
,beside !m he plac$ ^? tak5 by          
,o',connor & ,burke 9 ,new ,york4  ,"h1 
he began1 we h ! f+]-pr9ts ( a man :o 0 
"o ( ! mo/ not$ c\nt]feit]s 9 ,great    

,brita94  ,beside !m are ^? ( a man :o  
succe$$ 9 pass+ c\nt]feits ( sev]al k9ds
 rec5tly 9 ,new ,york4  ,"s weeks lat]  
?is ?ird set ( pr9ts 0 tak5 f a man :o 0
 believ$ to be ! same p]son4  ,!        
magi/rate 0 exam9+ ! ?ree sets ( pr9ts4 
,z he came to ! ?ird1 he rais$ 8 head z 
if ab\t to make a rem>k1 :5 ,k5n$y      
quickly int]rupt$4  ,"o mom5t1 sir4  ,y 
7 ab\t to say t f+]-pr9ts nev] *ange1   
nev] %[ su* v>iations z ^!4  ,t is true4
  ,!re are f+]pr9ts ( p tak5 fifty ye>s 
ago t are exactly ! same z _! f+]-pr9ts 
( to-day4  ,!y don't *ange - !y are     
p]man5t4  ,! f+]pr9ts ( mummies c be    
deciph]$ ev5 aft] ?\s&s ( ye>s4  ,b1 he 
add$ sl[ly1 y c *ange f+]s4  ,! idea 0 s
 />tl+ t ,i c\ld sc>cely realise :at he 
meant at fir/4  ,i _h read ( ! wond]ful 
"w ( ! surgeons ( ! ,rockefell]         
,in/itute 9 transplant+ tissues & ev5   
:ole organs1 9 graft+ sk9 & 9 keep+     
muscles artificially alive = days "u    
prop] conditions4  ,c\ld x be t a man _h
 delib]ately amputat$ 8 f+]s & graft$ on

 new ones8  ,0 ! /ake suffici5t = su* a 
game8  ,surely !re mu/ be "s sc>s left  
aft] su* graft+4  ,i pick$ up ! v>i\s   
sets ( pr9ts4 ,x 0 true t ! ?ird set 0 n
 v cle>1 b !re c]ta9ly 7 no sc>s !re4   
,?\gh !re is no natural *angeability (  
f+]-pr9ts1 pursu$ ,k5n$y1 su* *anges c  
be induc$1 z ,dr4 ,paul ,prag] ( ,vi5na 
has %[n1 by acids & o!r reag5ts1 by     
graft+ & by injuries4 ,n[1 is !re any   
me?od by :i* lo/ f+]-tips c be re/or$8  
,i "k ( "o case :]e ! end ( a f+] 0 tak5
 (f & only "o-sixte5? in* ( ! nail 0    
left4  ,! doctor incis$ ! edges ( !     
granulat+ surface & !n l$ ! granulations
 on by :at is kn[n 9 ! m$ical pr(ession 
z ! 'sponge graft4' ,he grew a new      
f+]-tip4  ,! sponge graft consi/s 9 us+ 
portions ( a f9e ,turki% surgical       
sponge1 su* ,i h "h4  ,i f\nd ^! pieces 
9 a desk at ,riv]wood4  ,! pati5t is    
anae/hetis$4  ,an incision is made f    
side to side 9 ! /ump ( ! f+] & flaps ( 
sk9 are slic$ (f & turn$ up = ! new end 
( ! f+] to develop 9 - a sort ( %ell (  

liv+ sk94  ,inside ?is1 ! sponge is     
plac$1 n a l>ge piece1 b a v ?9 piece   
slic$ (f & cut to ! %ape ( ! f+]-/ump4  
,x is p]fectly /]ilis$ 9 wat] & wa%$ 9  
gre5 soap aft] all ! /ony p>ticles are  
remov$ by hydro*loric acid4  ,!n ! f+]  
is b\nd up & kept moi/ ) normal salt    
solution4  ,! result is t ! end ( ! f+]1
 in/ead ( heal+ ov]1 gr[s into ! f9e    
me%es ( ! pieces ( sponge1 by capill>y  
attraction4  ,( c\rse ev5 ?is w\ld heal 
9 a few days1 b ! doctor does n let x   
heal4  ,9 ?ree days he pulls ! sponge (f
 g5tly4  ,! end ( ! f+] has gr[n up j a 
fraction ( an in*4  ,!n a new ?9 lay] ( 
sponge is add$4  ,day aft] day ?is      
process is repeat$1 ea* "t ! f+] gr[+ a 
little m4  ,a new nail develops if any (
 ! matrix is left1 & ,i suppose a clev] 
surgeon by graft+ up pieces ( epid]mis  
c\ld produce on su* a /ump v passable   
f+]-pr9ts4  ,no "o ( u said any?+1 b    
,k5n$y seem$ to realise ! ?\ght 9 our   
m9ds & proce$$ to elaborate ! me?od4  ,x
 is kn[n z ! 'education sponge me?od1' &

 0 fir/ describ$ by ,dr4 ,d4 ,j4        
,hamilton1 ( ,ed9burgh1 9 #ahha4  ,x has
 frequ5tly be5 us$ 9 ,am]ica s9ce !n4   
,! sponge really acts 9 a me*anical     
mann] to support ! new f+]-tissue t is  
develop$4  ,! me%es are fill$ 9 by gr[+ 
tissue1 & z x gr[s ! tissue absorbs "p (
 ! sponge1 :i* is itself an animal      
tissue & acts l catgut4  ,"p ( x is also
 ?r[n (f4  ,9 fact1 ! sponge imitates   
:at happ5s naturally 9 ! por\s network (
 a regul> blood-clot4  ,x educates !    
tissue to gr[1 /imulates x - new        
blood-vessels & n]ves z well z fle%4  ,9
 ano!r case ,i "k (1 almo/ ! :ole ( !   
fir/ jo9t ( a f+] 0 cru%$ (f1 & ! doctor
 0 ask$ to amputate ! /ump ( bone t     
protrud$4  ,in/ead1 he decid$ to educate
 ! tissue to gr[ out to cov] x & appe> l
 a normal f+]4  ,9 ^! cases ! doctors   
succe$$ admirably 9 giv+ ! pati5ts      
entire new f+]tips1 )\t sc>s1 &1 except 
= ! initial injury & op]ation1 )        
comp>atively little inconv5i5ce except t
 absolute re/ ( ! h&s 0 requir$44  ,t is

 :at happ5$1 g5tlem51 conclud$ ,k5n$y4  
,t is :y ,mr4 ,=bes1 alias ,williams1   
made a trip to ,philadelphia to be      
treat$-= cru%$ f+]-tips1 n = ! kick ( an
 automobile eng9e4  ,he may h paid !    
doctors 9 c\nt]feits4  ,9 reality ?is   
man 0 play+ a game 9 :i* !re 0 inde$ a  
heavy /ake at issue4  ,he 0 a c\nt]feit]
 s\ght by two gov]nm5ts ) ! net clos+   
ab\t him4  ,:at are ! tips ( a few f+]s 
comp>$ ) life1 lib]ty1 weal?1 & a       
beautiful woman8  ,! fir/ two sets (    
pr9ts are diff]5t f ! ?ird because !y   
are made by diff]5t f+]-tips-on ! same  
man4  ,! v core ( ! pr9ts 0 *ang$4  ,b !
 f+]-pr9t sy/em is v9dicat$ by ! v      
+5uity ( ! man :o s clev]ly has         
contrivr$ to beat x4  ,v int]e/+ - to "o
 :o is int]e/$1 rem>k$ ! /rang]1 b :at  
has t to d ) deta9+ my wife & myself1   
mak+ u miss our tra91 & insult+ u8  ,j  
?is1 repli$ ,craig4  ,if y w k9dly      
oblige u by lay+ y\r f+]s on ?is        
ink+-pad & !n lightly on ?is %eet (     
pap]1 ,i ?9k ,i c %[ y an answ]4        

,knight demurr$1 & 8 wife grew hy/]ical 
at ! idea1 b !re 0 no?+ to d b comply4  
,k5n$y glanc$ at ! f\r? set ( pr9ts1 !n 
at ! ?ird set tak5 a week ago1 & smil$4 
,no "o said a ^w4  ,knight or ,williams1
 :i* 0 x8  ,he non*alantly lit a        
cig>ette4  ,s y say ,i am ?is ,williams1
 ! c\nt]feit]8 he ask$ sup]cili\sly4  ,i
 d1 reit]at$ ,k5n$y4  ,y are also ,=bes4
  ,i don't suppose ,scotl& ,y>d has     
neglect$ to furni% y ) photographs & a  
description ( ?is ,=bes8  ,burke        
reluctantly pull$ out a ,b]tillon c>d f 
8 pocket & laid x on ! table4  ,x bore !
 front face & pr(ile ( ! fam\s          
c\nt]feit]1 z well z 8 measurem5ts4  ,! 
man pick$ x up z if inde$ x 0 a curi\s  
?+4  ,8 coolness ne>ly conv9c$ me4      
,surely he %\ld h hesitat$ 9 actually   
dem&+ ?is la/ piece ( evid5ce4  ,i _h   
he>d1 h[ev]1 t ! ,b]tillon sy/em (      
measurem5ts (t5 dep5d$ on ! p]sonal     
equation ( ! measur] z well z on !      
measur$4 ,0 he rely+ on t1 or on 8      
diff]5ce 9 features8  ,i look$ ov]      

,k5n$y's %\ld] at ! c>d on ! table4     
,!re 0 ! concave nose ( ! portrait p>le 
( ,=bes1 z x _h fir/ be5 describ$ to u4 
,)\t look+ fur!r ,i involunt>ily glanc$ 
at ! man1 al?\gh ,i _h no ne$ to d s4   
,i knew t 8 nose 0 ! exact opposite ( t 
( ,=bes4  ,+5i\s at argum5t z y are1 he 
rem>k$ quietly1 y w h>dly d5y t ,knight1
 ( ,omaha1 is ! exact opposite ( ,=bes1 
( ,london4  ,my nose is almo/ ,jewi% -  
my complexion is d>k z an ,arab's4      
,/ill1 ,i suppose ,i am ! sall[1        
snub-nos$ ,=bes describ$ "h1 inasmu* z  
,i h /ol5 ,=bes's f+]s & lo/ !m aga9 by 
a mo/ prepo/]\s me?od4  ,! col\r ( !    
face is easily alt]$1 said ,k5n$y4  ,a  
little picric acid w d t4  ,! +5i\s     
rogue ,s>cey 9 ,p>is elud$ ! police v   
successfully until ,dr4 ,*>cot expos$   
him & %[$ h[ he *ang$ ! ar* ( 8 eyebr[s 
& ! wr9kles ( 8 face4  ,mu* is possible 
to-day t w\ld make ,frank5/e9 & ,dr4    
,moreau look clumsy & antiquat$4  ,a %>p
 fem99e voice int]rupt$4  ,x 0 ! woman1 
:o _h kept sil5t up to ?is "t4  ,b ,i h 

read 9 "o ( ! pap]s ?is morn+ t a ,mr4  
,williams 0 f\nd dead 9 an automobile   
accid5t up ! ,hudson ye/]day4  ,i       
rememb] read+ x1 because ,i am afraid ( 
accid5ts myself4  ,all eyes 7 n[ fix$ on
 ,k5n$y4  ,t body1 he answ]$ quickly1 0 
a body pur*as$ by y at a m$ical s*ool1  
br\ght 9 y\r c> to ,riv]wood1 dress$ 9  
,williams's clo!s ) a wat* t w\ld %[ he 
0 ,=bes1 plac$ on ! track 9 front ( !   
auto1 :ile y two wat*$ ! ,buffalo       
express run x d[n1 & scream$4 ,x 0 a    
clev] s*eme t y concoct$1 b ^! facts d n
 agree4  ,he laid ! measurem5ts ( !     
corpse obta9$ by ,burke & ^? f ! ,london
 police c>d side by side4  ,only 9 !    
r\ghe/ way did !y approximate ea* o!r4  
,y\r hon\r1 ,i appeal to y\r s5se (     
ju/ice1 cri$ our prison] impati5tly4    
,hasn't ?is f>ce be5 all[$ to g f>      
en\gh8  ,is !re any reason :y ?is fake  
detective %\ld make fools out ( u all & 
keep my wife long] 9 ?is c\rt8  ,i'm n  
dispos$ to let ! matt] drop4  ,i wi% to 
ent] a *>ge aga9/ him ( false arre/ &   

malici\s prosecution4  ,i %all turn !   
:ole ?+ ov] to my attorney ?is aft]noon4
  ,! deuce ) ! races - ,i'll h ju/ice4  
,! man _h by ?is "t rais$ himself to a  
high pit* ( app>5tly righte\s wra?4  ,he
 advanc$ m5ac+ly t[>d ,k5n$y1 :o /ood ) 
8 %\ld]s ?r[n back1 & 8 h&s deep 9 8    
pockets1 & a half amus$ look on 8 face4 
,z = y1 ,mr4 ,detective1 add$ ! man1 =  
elev5 c5ts ,i'd lick y to )9 an in* (   
y\r life4  ',portrait p>le1' inde$6 ,x's
 a f9e sci5tific sy/em t has to d5y its 
own ma9 pr9ciples 9 ord] to v9dicate    
itself4  ,bah6  ,take t1 y sc\ndrel6    
,h>riet ,woll/one ?rew h] arms ab\t him1
 b he broke away4  ,8 fi/ %ot out       
/raight4  ,k5n$y 0 too quick = him1     
h[ev]4  ,i _h se5 ,craig d x doz5s (    
times ) ! be/ box]s 9 ! gym4  ,he simply
 j]k$ 8 head to "o side1 & ! bl[ pass$ j
 a fraction ( an in* f 8 jaw1 b pass$ x 
z cleanly z if x _h be5 a y>d away4  ,! 
man lo/ 8 balance1 & z he fell =w>d &   
caught himself1 ,k5n$y calmly &         
delib]ately slapp$ him on ! nose4  ,x 0 

an int5sely s]i\s in/ant1 yet ,i        
actually laugh$4  ,! man's nose 0 q out 
( jo9t1 ev5 f su* a slight bl[4  ,x 0   
twi/$ ov] on 8 face 9 ! mo/ ludicr\s    
position imag9able4  ,! next "t y try t1
 ,=bes1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z he pull$ !     
piece ( p>aff9 f 8 pocket & laid x on ! 
table ) ! o!r exhibits1 don't =get t a  
concave nose built out to hook-nose     
convexity by injections ( p>aff91 su* z 
! beauty-doctors ev]y:]e adv]tise1 is a 
poor ?+ = a ,:ite ,hope4  ,bo? ,burke & 
,o',connor _h seiz$ ,=bes1 b ,k5n$y _h  
turn$ 8 att5tion to ! l>g] ( ,=bes's    
grips1 :i* ! ,woll/one woman vocif]\sly 
claim$ z h] own4  ,quickly he wr5*$ x   
op54  ,z he turn$ x up on ! table my    
eyes fairly bulg$ at ! sight4 ,=bes'    
suit-case might h be5 t ( a travell+    
salesman = ! ,kimb]ley1 ! ,klondike1 & !
 ,bureau ( ,engrav+1 all 9 "o4  ,craig  
dump$ ! weal? out on ! table - /acks (  
g5u9e bills1 gold co9s ( two realms1    
diamonds1 pe>ls1 ev]y?+ portable &      
tangible all heap$ up & topp$ (f ) piles

 ( c\nt]feits await+ ! magic t\* ( ?is  
,midas to turn !m into real gold4       
,=bes1 y h fail$ 9 y\r get-away1 said   
,craig triumphantly4 ,g5tlem51 y h "h a 
ma/] c\nt]feit]1 surely - a ma/]        
c\nt]feit] ( features & f+]s z well z ( 
curr5cy4    ,,vi  ,,! ,,s&-,,hog        
,int]e/+ /ory1 ?is fight betwe5 !       
,five-,bor\gh & ! ,int]-,riv] ,transit1 
,i rem>k$ to ,k5n$y z ,i sket*$ out !   
draft ( an expose ( high f9ance = !     
,sunday ,/>4  ,!n t w int]e/ y1 also1   
said he1 ?r[+ a lett] d[n on my desk4   
,he _h j come 9 & 0 look+ ov] 8 mail4   
,! lett]head bore ! "n ( ! ,five-,bor\gh
 ,company4  ,x 0 f ,jack ,orton1 "o (   
our intimates at college1 :o 0 9 *>ge ( 
! con/ruction ( a new tunnel "u ! riv]4 
,x 0 brief1 z ,jack's lett]s always 74  
,i h a case "h at ! tunnel t ,i am sure 
w appeal to y1 my own case1 too1 x read4
  ,y c g z f> z y l ) x1 b get to !     
bottom ( ! ?+1 no matt] :om x hits4     
,!re is "s deviltry afoot1 & app>5tly no
 "o is safe4  ,don't say a ^w to anybody

 ab\t x1 b drop ov] to see me z soon z y
 possibly c4  ,yes1 ,i agre$1 t does    
int]e/ me4  ,:5 are y go+ ov]8  ,n[1    
repli$ ,k5n$y1 :o _h n tak5 (f 8 hat4   
,c y come along8  ,z we sp$ across !    
city 9 a taxicab1 ,craig rem>k$3 ,i     
wond] :at is ! tr\ble8  ,did y see 9 !  
society news ?is morn+ ! ann\ncem5t (   
,jack's engagem5t to ,vivian ,taylor1 ! 
daught] ( ! presid5t ( ! ,five-,bor\gh8 
,i _h se5 x1 b c\ld n connect x ) !     
tr\ble1 :atev] x 01 at ! tunnel1 ?\gh ,i
 did try to connect ! tunnel my/]y ) my 
expose4  ,we pull$ up at ! con/ruction  
works1 & a /rapp+ ,iri%man met u4  ,is  
?is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y8 he ask$ ( ,craig4 
,x is4  ,:]e is ,mr4 ,orton's (fice8    
,i'm afraid1 sir1 x w be a long "t be=e 
,mr4 ,orton is 9 8 (fice aga91 sir4  ,! 
doctor h j took him out ( ! m$ical lock1
 an' he said if y 0 to come be=e !y took
 him to ! 'orspital ,i 0 to br+ y "r up 
to ! lock4  ,good heav5s1 man1 :at has  
happ5$8 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4  ,take u up to 
him quick4  ,)\t wait+ to answ]1 !      

,iri%man l$ ! way up & across a r\gh    
bo>d plat=m until at la/ we came to :at 
look$ l a huge /eel cyl9d]1 ly+         
horizontally1 9 :i* 0 a floor ) a cot & 
"s /range p>aph]nalia4  ,on ! cot lay   
,jack ,orton1 drawn & contort$1 s *ang$ 
t ev5 8 own "m w\ld sc>cely h recognis$ 
him4  ,a doctor 0 b5d+ ov] him1 massag+ 
! jo9ts ( 8 legs & 8 side4  ,?ank y1    
,doctor1 ,i feel a little bett]1 he     
groan$4  ,no1 ,i don't want to g back   
into ! lock aga91 n unless ! pa9 gets   
worse4  ,8 eyes 7 clos$1 b he>+ u he    
op5$ !m & nodd$4  ,yes1 ,craig1 he      
murmur$ ) difficulty1 ?is is ,jack      
,orton4 ,:at d y ?9k ( me8  ,i'm a      
pretty sight4  ,h[ are y8  ,& h[ are y1 
,walt]8  ,n too vigor\s ) ! h&-%akes1   
fell[s4 ,sorry y c\ldn't get ov] be=e   
?is happ5$4  ,:at's ! matt]8 we ask$1   
glanc+ blankly f ,orton to ! doctor4    
,orton =c$ a half smile4  ,j a t\* ( !  
'b5ds' f work+ 9 compress$ air1 he      
expla9$4  ,we look$ at him1 b c\ld say  
no?+4  ,i1 at lea/1 0 ?9k+ ( 8          

engagem5t4  ,yes1 he add$ bitt]ly1 ,i "k
 :at y are ?9k+ ab\t1 fell[s4  ,look at 
me6  ,d y ?9k su* a wreck z ,i am n[ has
 any "r to be engag$ to ! de>e/ girl 9 !
 _w8  ,mr4 ,orton1 int]pos$ ! doctor1 ,i
 ?9k y'll feel bett] if y'll keep quiet4
  ,y c see y\r fri5ds 9 ! hospital      
to-night1 b = a few h\rs ,i ?9k y _h    
bett] re/4 ,g5tlem51 if y w be s good z 
to po/pone y\r conv]sation ) ,mr4 ,orton
 until lat] x w\ld be mu* bett]4  ,!n   
,i'll see y to-night1 said ,orton to u  
feebly4  ,turn+ to a tall1 sp>e1 wiry   
*ap1 ( j ! build = tunnel "w1 :]e fat is
 fatal1 he add$3 ,?is is ,mr4 ,capps1 my
 fir/ assi/ant4  ,he w %[ y ! way d[n to
 ! /reet aga94  ,conf\nd x6 exclaim$    
,craig1 aft] we _h left ,capps4  ,:at d 
y ?9k ( ?is8  ,ev5 be=e we c get to him 
some?+ has happ5$4  ,! plot ?ick5s be=e 
we are well into x4  ,i ?9k ,i'll n take
 a cab1 or a c> ei!r4  ,h[ are y = a    
walk until we c see ,orton aga98  ,i    
c\ld see t ,craig 0 v mu* affect$ by !  
sudd5 accid5t t _h happ5$ to our fri5d1 

s ,i fell into 8 mood1 & we walk$ block 
aft] block sc>cely ex*ang+ a ^w4  ,8    
only rem>k1 ,i recall1 01 ,walt]1 ,i c't
 ?9k x 0 an accid5t1 com+ s close aft] t
 lett]4  ,z = me1 ,i sc>cely knew :at to
 ?9k4  ,at la/ our walk br\ght u ar\nd  
to ! private hospital :]e ,orton 04  ,z 
we 7 ab\t to ent]1 a v h&some girl 0    
leav+4  ,evid5tly %e _h be5 visit+ "s "o
 ( :om %e ?\ght a great deal4  ,h] long 
fur coat 0 fly+ c>elessly1 unfa/5$ 9 !  
cold night air2 h] features 7 pale1 & h]
 eyes _h ! fix$ look ( "o :o saw no?+ b 
grief4  ,x's t]rible1 ,miss ,taylor1 ,i 
he>d ! man ) h] say soo?+ly1 & y mu/ "k 
t ,i sympa?ise ) y a great deal4  ,look+
 up quickly1 ,i caught sight ( ,capps & 
b[$4  ,he return$ our b[s & h&$ h] g5tly
 into an automobile t 0 wait+4  ,he     
might at lea/ h introduc$ u1 mutt]$     
,k5n$y1 z we w5t on into ! hospital4    
,orton 0 ly+ 9 b$1 :ite & worn1 propp$  
up by pill[s :i* ! nurse kept arrang+ & 
re>rang+ to ease 8 pa94  ,! ,iri%man :om
 we _h se5 at ! tunnel 0 /&+ def]5tially

 ne> ! foot ( ! b$4  ,q a numb] (       
visitors1 nurse1 = a new pati5t1 said   
,orton1 z he welcom$ u4  ,fir/ ,capps & 
,paddy f ! tunnel1 !n ,vivian - he 0    
f+]+ "s beautiful roses 9 a vase on a   
table ne> him - & n[1 y fell[s4  ,i s5t 
h] home ) ,capps4  ,%e oughtn't to be   
out alone at ?is h\r1 & ,capps is a good
 fell[4 ,%e's kn[n him a long "t4  ,no1 
,paddy1 put d[n y\r hat4  ,i want y to  
/ay4  ,paddy1 by ! way1 fell[s1 is my   
"r-h& man 9 manag+ ! 's&hogs' z we call 
! tunnel-work]s4  ,he has be5 a s&-hog  
on e tunnel job ab\t ! city s9ce ! fir/ 
successful tunnel 0 complet$4  ,8 real  
"n is ,flanagan1 b we all "k him be/ z  
,paddy4  ,paddy nodd$4  ,if ,i ev] get  
ov] ?is & back to ! tunnel1 ,orton w5t  
on1 ,paddy w /ick to me1 & we w %[      
,taylor1 my prospective fa!r-9-law & !  
presid5t ( ! railroad company f :i* ,i  
took ?is contract1 t ,i am n to blame = 
all ! tr\bles we are hav+ on ! tunnel4  
,heav5 kn[s t -   ,oh1 ,mr4 ,orton1 y   
a9't s bad1 put 9 ,paddy )\t ! fa9te/   

t\* ( undue famili>ity4  ,look :at ,i 0 
:5 ye come to see me :5 ,i _h ! b5ds1   
sir4  ,y old rascal1 return$ ,orton1    
bright5+ up4  ,craig1 d y "k h[ ,i f\nd 
him8  ,crawl+ ov] ! floor to ! s9k to   
p\r ! doctor's m$ic9e d[n4  ,?9k ,i'd   
take t m$ic9e1 expla9$ ,paddy1 ha/ily4  
,n mu*4 ,don't ,i "k t ! only cure = !  
b5ds is be9' put back 9 ! 'air' 9 !     
m$ical lock1 same z !y did ) y1 & be9'  
br\ght out sl[ly8  ,t's ! cure1 t1 an'  
grit1 an' pati5ce1 an' "t4  ,m>k me     
wurds1 g9tlem51 he'll f9i% t tunnel an' 
begg9' y] p>don1 ,mr4 ,orton1 m>ry t    
gurl1 too4  ,didn't ,i see h] ) te>s 9  
h] eyes "r 9 ?is room :5 he wasn't      
look9'1 & a smile :5 he 08  ,sure1 ye'll
 be all "r1 cont9u$ ,paddy1 slapp+ 8    
side & ?igh4  ,we all get ! b5ds m or   
less  - all u s&-hogs4  ,i 0 t d\bl$ up 
meself t ,i felt l a big jack-knife4    
,_h x 9 ! arm1 ! side1 & ! leg all at   
once1 t "t he 0 j speak9' (4  ,he'll be 
all "r 9 a c\ple m weeks1 sure1 an' d[n 
9 ! air aga91 too1 ) ! re/ ( 8 m54  ,x's

 some?9' else he has on 8 mo9d4  ,!n !  
case has no?+ to d ) y\r tr\ble1 no?+ to
 d ) ! b5ds8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 ke5ly %[+ 8   
anxiety to help our old fri5d4  ,well1 x
 may & x may n1 repli$ ,orton           
?\ghtfully4  ,i beg9 to ?9k x has4  ,we 
h _h a great _m cases ( ! b5ds among !  
m51 & lots ( ! poor fell[s h di$1 too4  
,y "k1 ( c\rse1 h[ ! newspap]s are roa/+
 u4  ,we are be+ call$ inhuman2 !y are  
go+ to inve/igate u2 p]haps indict me4  
,oh1 x's an awful mess2 & n[ "s "o is   
try+ to make ,taylor believe x is my    
fault4  ,( c\rse1 he cont9u$1 we are    
work+ "u a high air-pressure j n[1 "s   
days z high z =ty p\nds4  ,y see1 we h  
/ruck ! v wor/ "p ( ! job1 a /ret* (    
quicks& 9 ! riv]-b$1 & if we c get ?r\gh
 ?is we'll /rike pebbles & rock pretty  
soon1 & !n we'll be all "r aga94  ,he   
paus$4  ,paddy quietly put 93 ,begg9' y]
 p>don aga91 ,mr4 ,orton1 b we _h       
entirely too _m cases ( ! b5ds ev5 :5 we
 7 wurk9' at l[ pressure1 9 ! rock1 be=e
 we /hruck ?is s&4  ,!re's some?9'      

wrong1 sir1 or ye w\ldn't be "h y]self l
 ?is4  ,! b5ds don't /hrike ! +9e]s1 !m 
z don't d ! h>d "w1 sir1 & is c>eful1 z 
ye "k - n (t54  ,x's ?is way1 ,craig1   
resum$ ,orton4  ,:5 ,i took ?is contract
 = ! ,five-,bor\gh ,transit ,company1 !y
 agre$ to pay me lib]ally = x1 ) a big  
bonus if ,i f9i%$ ahead ( "t1 & a big   
p5alty if ,i exce$$ ! "t4  ,y may or may
 n "k x1 b !re is "s d\bt ab\t !        
validity ( _! fran*ise aft] a c]ta9     
date1 provid$ ! tunnel is n ready =     
op]ation4  ,well1 to make a long /ory   
%ort1 y "k !re are rival companies t    
w\ld l to see ! "w fail & ! fran*ise    
rev]t to ! city1 or at lea/ get ti$ up 9
 ! c\rts4  ,i took x ) ! und]/&+ t x 0 e
 man = himself & ! devil take ! h9dmo/4 
,h y y\rself se5 any evid5ces ( rival   
influ5ces h9d]+ ! "w8 ask$ ,k5n$y4      
,orton c>efully weigh$ 8 reply4  ,to    
beg9 )1 he answ]$ at l5g?1 :ile ,i 0    
pu%+ ! con/ruction end1 ! ,five-,bor\gh 
0 work+ ) ! /ate legislature to get a   
bill ext5d+ ! "t-limit ( ! fran*ise     

ano!r ye>4  ,( c\rse1 if x _h gone ?r\gh
 x w\ld h be5 f9e = u4  ,b "s unse5     
influ5ce block$ ! company at e turn4  ,x
 0 subtle2 x nev] came into ! op54  ,!y 
play$ on public op9ion z only demagogues
 ( high f9ance c1 v plausibly ( c\rse1 b
 f ! mo/ selfi% & ult]ior motives4  ,!  
bill 0 defeat$4  ,i nodd$4  ,i knew all 
ab\t t "p ( x1 = x 0 9 ! article :i* ,i 
_h be5 writ+ = ! ,/>4  ,b ,i _h n c\nt$ 
on ! extra ye>1 anyh[1 cont9u$ ,orton1 s
 ,i wasn't disappo9t$4  ,my plans 7 laid
 = ! %ort] "t f ! />t4  ,i built an isl&
 9 ! riv] s t we c\ld "w f ea* %ore to  
x1 z well z f ! isl& to ea* %ore1 really
 f f\r po9ts at once4  ,& !n1 :5 ev]y?+ 
0 go+ ahead f9e1 & we 7 actually d\bl+ !
 spe$ 9 ?is way1 ^! conf\nd$ accid5ts - 
he 0 lean+ excit$ly =w>d -  & lawsuits &
 delays & dea?s began to happ54  ,orton 
sank back z a p>oxysm ( ! b5ds seiz$    
him1 foll[+ 8 excitem5t4  ,i %\ld l v   
mu* to g d[n into ! tunnel1 said ,k5n$y 
simply4  ,no soon] said ?an done1 repli$
 ,orton1 almo/ *e]fully1 at see+ ,k5n$y 

s int]e/$4  ,we c arrange t easily4     
,paddy w be glad to d ! hon\rs ( ! place
 9 my abs5ce4  ,indade ,i w d t same1   
sor1 respond$ ! fai?ful ,paddy1 an' x's 
a %mall return = all ye've done = me4   
,v well1 !n1 agre$ ,k5n$y4  ,to-morr[   
morn+ we %all be on h&4  ,jack1 dep5d on
 u4  ,we w d our level be/ to get y out 
( ?is scrape4  ,i knew y w\ld1 ,craig1  
he repli$4  ,i've read ( "s ( y\r &     
,walt]'s exploits4  ,y're a pair (      
bricks1 y are4  ,good-bye1 fell[s1 & 8  
h&s me*anically s\ght ! vase ( fl[]s :i*
 rem9d$ him ( _! giv]4  ,at home we sat 
= a long "t 9 sil5ce4  ,by ,george1     
,craig1 ,i exclaim$ at l5g?1 my m9d     
rev]t+ ?r\gh ! :irl ( ev5ts to ! glimpse
 ( pa9 ,i _h caught on ! delicate face (
 ! girl hav+ ! hospital1 ,vivian ,taylor
 is a beauty1 ?\gh1 isn't %e8  ,& ,capps
 ?9ks s1 too1 he return$1 s9k+ aga9 into
 8 %ell ( sil5ce4  ,!n he sudd5ly rose &
 put on 8 hat & coat4  ,i c\ld see ! old
 re/less fev] = "w :i* came into 8 eyes 
:5ev] he _h a case :i* int]e/$ him m ?an

 usual4 ,i knew !re w\ld be no re/ =    
,k5n$y until he _h f9i%$ x4 ,moreov]1 ,i
 knew x 0 useless = me to remon/rate )  
him1 s ,i kept sil5t4  ,don't wait up = 
me1 he said4  ,i don't "k :5 ,i'll be   
back4 ,i'm go+ to ! laboratory & !      
univ]sity libr>y4  ,be ready e>ly 9 !   
morn+ to help me delve into ?is tunnel  
my/]y4  ,i awoke to f9d ,k5n$y doz+ 9 a 
*air1 p>tly dress$1 b j z fre% z ,i 0   
aft] my sleep4  ,i ?9k he _h be5 dream+ 
out 8 c\rse ( action4  ,at any rate1    
breakfa/ 0 a m]e incid5t 9 8 s*eme1 & we
 7 ov] at ! tunnel works :5 ! night %ift
 7 go+ (f4  ,k5n$y c>ri$ ) him a        
mod]ate-siz$ box ( ! cont5ts ( :i* he   
seem$ v c>eful4  ,paddy 0 wait+ = u1 &  
aft] a ha/y :isp]$ conv]sation1 ,craig  
/[$ ! box away beh9d ! swit*bo>d ( !    
telephone c5tral1 aft] atta*+ x to !    
v>i\s wires4  ,paddy /ood gu>d :ile ?is 
0 go+ on s t no "o w\ld "k ab\t x1 n ev5
 ! telephone girl1 :om he s5t (f on an  
err&4  ,our fir/ inspection 0 ( t "p ( !
 works :i* 0 above gr\nd4  ,paddy1 :o   

conduct$ u1 introduc$ u fir/ to ! eng9e]
 9 *>ge ( ?is "p ( ! "w1 a man nam$     
,%elton1 :o _h knock$ ab\t ! _w a great 
deal1 b _h acquir$ a taciturnity t 0    
,sph9xlike4  ,if x _h n be5 = ,paddy1 ,i
 fe> we %\ld h se5 v little1 = ,%elton 0
 n only secretive1 b 8 explanations 7   
su* t ev5 ! editor ( a te*nical j\rnal  
w\ld h _h to blue p5cil !m consid]ably4 
,h[ev]1 we ga9$ a pretty good idea ( !  
tunnel works above gr\nd - at lea/      
,k5n$y did4  ,he seem$ v mu* int]e/$ 9  
h[ ! air 0 convey$ bel[ gr\nd1 ! tank = 
/or+ compress$ air = em]g5cies1 & o!r   
features4  ,x q won ,paddy1 al?\gh      
,%elton seem$ to res5t 8 int]e/ ev5 m   
?an he despis$ my ignorance4  ,next     
,paddy conduct$ u to ! dress+-rooms4    
,!re we put on old clo!s & oilsk9s1 & ! 
tunnel doctor exam9$ u & extract$ a     
writt5 /atem5t t we w5t d[n at our own  
risk & releas$ ! company f all liability
 - mu* to ! disgu/ ( ,paddy4  ,we're    
ready n[1 ,mr4 ,capps1 call$ ,paddy1    
op5+ an (fice door on ! way out4  ,v    

well1 ,flanagan1 answ]$ ,capps1 b>ely   
nodd+ to u4  ,we he>d him telephone "s  
"o1 b c\ld n cat* ! message1 & 9 a m9ute
 he jo9$ u4  ,by ?is "t ,i _h =m$ !     
op9ion1 :i* ,i h s9ce f\nd to be        
correct1 t tunnel m5 are n z a rule     
loquaci\s4  ,x 0 a new k9d ( ?rill to me
 to g "u ! air1 z ! m5 call$ x4  ,) an  
in/9ctive la/ look at ! skyl9e ( ,new   
,york & ! waves play+ 9 ! glad sunlight1
 we ent]$ a rude con/ruction elevator & 
dropp$ f ! surface to ! bottom ( a deep 
%aft4  ,x 0 l go+ d[n into a m9e4  ,!re 
0 ! air-lock1 /udd$ ) bolts1 & look+ j l
 a huge boil]1 turn$ horizontally4  ,!  
heavy iron door swung %ut ) a bang z    
,paddy & ,capps1 foll[$ by ,k5n$y &     
myself1 crept into ! air-lock4  ,paddy  
turn$ on a valve1 & compress$ air f !   
tunnel began to ru% 9 ) a hiss z (      
escap+ /eam4  ,p\nd aft] p\nd to ! squ>e
 in* ! pressure sl[ly rose until ,i felt
 sure ! drums ( my e>s w\ld bur/4  ,!n !
 hiss+ noise began to dw9dle d[n to a   
:eeze1 & !n x /opp$ all ( a sudd54  ,t  

meant t ! air-pressure 9 ! lock 0 ! same
 z t 9 ! tunnel4  ,paddy pu%$ op5 ! door
 9 ! o!r end ( ! lock f t by :i* we _h  
ent]$4  ,along ! bottom ( ! complet$    
tube we foll[$ ,paddy & ,capps4 ,on we  
trudg$1 fann$ by ! moi/ brea? ( !       
tunnel4  ,e few feet an inc&esc5t light 
gleam$ 9 ! mi/y d>kness4 ,aft] p]haps a 
hundr$ paces we _h to duck d[n "u a     
semicircul> p>tition cov]+ ! upp] half (
 ! tube4  ,:at is t8 ,i %\t$ at ,paddy1 
! nasal r+ ( my own voice />tl+ me4     
,em]g5cy curta91 he %\t$ back4  ,words 7
 economis$4  ,lat]1 ,i le>n$ t %\ld !   
tunnel />t to flood1 ! o!r half ( !     
em]g5cy curta9 c\ld be dropp$ s z to cut
 (f ! inru%+ wat]4  ,m5 pass$1 pu%+     
little c>s full ( muck or s& tak5 out f 
be=e ! %ield - :i* is ! head by :i* ?is 
me*anical mole advances "u ! riv]-b$4   
,^! m5 & o!rs :o d ! %ovell+ are !      
muck]s4  ,pipes laid along ! side ( !   
tunnel conduct$ compress$ air & fre%    
wat]1 :ile electric light & telephone   
wires 7 /rung all ab\t4  ,^! & ! tools &

 o!r ?+s /rewn along ! tunnel ob/ruct$ !
 n>r[ passage to su* an ext5t t we _h to
 be c>eful 9 pick+ our way4  ,at la/ we 
rea*$ ! %ield1 & on h&s & knees we      
crawl$ out into "o ( its comp>tm5ts4    
,"h we exp]i5c$ = ! fir/ "t ! weird     
realisation t only ! air /ood betwe5 u &
 de/ruction f ! tons & tons ( s& & wat] 
ov]head4 ,at "s po9ts 9 ! s& we c\ld    
feel ! air escap+1 :i* appe>$ at !      
surface ( ! riv] ov]head 9 bubbles1     
indicat+ to ^? pass+ 9 ! riv] boats j h[
 f> ea* tunnel head+ bel[ _h proce$$4   
,:5 ! loss ( air became too great1 ,i   
le>n$1 sc[s w\ld dump hundr$s ( tons (  
clay ov]head to make an artificial riv] 
b$ = ! %ield to /ick its nose safely    
?r\gh1 = if ! riv] b$ became too ?9     
ov]head ! air w\ld bl[ a hole 9 x4      
,capps1 x seem$ to me1 0 unusually      
anxi\s to h ! visit ov]4  ,at any rate1 
:ile ,k5n$y & ,paddy 7 /ill crawl+ ab\t 
! %ield1 he /ood aside1 n[ & !n giv+ !  
m5 an ord] & app>5tly =getful ( u4  ,my 
own curiosity 0 quickly satisfi$1 & ,i  

sat d[n on a pile ( ! segm5ts out ( :i* 
! successive r+s ( ! tunnel 7 made4  ,z 
,i sat !re wait+ = ,k5n$y1 ,i abs5tly   
rea*$ into my pocket & pull$ out a      
cig>ette & light$ x4  ,x burn$ amaz+ly  
fa/1 z if x 7 made ( t9d]1 ! reason be+ 
! excess ( oxyg5 9 ! compress$ air4  ,i 
0 look+ at x 9 a/oni%m5t1 :5 sudd5ly ,i 
felt a bl[ on my h&4  ,x 0 ,capps4  ,y  
*ump6 he %\t$ z he gr\nd ! cig>ette "u 8
 boot4 ,don't y "k x is dang]\s to smoke
 9 compress$ air8  ,:y1 no1 ,i repli$1  
smo!r+ my ang] at 8 mann]4  ,no "o said 
any?+ ab\t x4  ,well1 x is dang]\s1 &   
,orton's a fool to let gre5horns come 9 
"h4  ,& to :om may x be dang]\s8 ,i he>d
 a voice inquire ov] my %\ld]4  ,x 0    
,k5n$y4  ,to ,mr4 ,jameson or ! re/ ( u8
  ,well1 answ]$ ,capps1 ,i suppos$      
ev]ybody knew x 0 reckless1 & t he w\ld 
hurt himself m by "o smoke 9 ! air ?an  
by a hundr$ up above4  ,t's all4  ,he   
turn$ on ,k5n$y sull5ly1 & />t$ to walk 
back up ! tunnel4  ,b ,i c\ld n help    
?9k+ t 8 mann] 0 any?+ b solicitude = my

 own heal?4  ,i c\ld j b>ely cat* 8     
words ov] ! tunnel telephone "s feet    
away4  ,i ?\ght he said t ev]y?+ 0 go+  
along all "r & t he 0 ab\t to />t back  
aga94  ,!n he disappe>$ 9 ! mi/ ( ! tube
 )\t ev5 nodd+ a f>ewell4  ,k5n$y & ,i  
rema9$ /&+1 n f> f ! outlet ( ! pipe by 
:i* ! compress$ air 0 be+ suppli$ 9 !   
tunnel f ! compressors above1 9 ord] to 
keep ! pressure up to ! con/ant level   
necess>y4  ,i saw ,k5n$y give a hurri$  
glance ab\t1 z if to note :e!r any "o 7 
look+ at u4  ,no "o 04  ,) a quick      
motion he rea*$ d[n4  ,9 8 h& 0 a /\t   
little glass flask ) a tight-fitt+ metal
 top4  ,= a second he held x ne> !      
outlet ( ! pipe2 !n he snapp$ ! top %ut 
& slipp$ x back into 8 pocket z quickly 
z he _h produc$ x4  ,sl[ly we comm5c$ to
 retrace our /eps to ! air-lock1 our    
curiosity satisfi$ by ?is glimpse ( "o (
 ! mo/ rem>kable developm5ts ( mod]n    
eng9e]+4  ,:]e's ,paddy8 ask$ ,k5n$y1   
/opp+ sudd5ly4  ,we've =gott5 him4      
,back !re at ! %ield1 ,i suppose1 said  

,i4  ,let's :i/le & attract 8 att5tion4 
,i purs$ up my lips1 b if ,i _h be5     
:i/l+ = a million doll>s ,i c\ldn't h   
done x4  ,craig laugh$4  ,walt]1 y are  
inde$ le>n+ _m /range ?+s4 ,y c't :i/le 
9 compress$ air4  ,i 0 too *agr9$ to    
answ]4  ,fir/ x 0 ,capps2 n[ x 0 my own 
fri5d ,k5n$y *aff+ me = my ignorance4   
,i 0 glad to see ,paddy's huge =m loom+ 
9 ! semi-d>kness4  ,he _h se5 t we 7    
gone & hurri$ aft] u4  ,won't ye /ay d[n
 an' see "s m1 g9tlem58 he ask$4  ,or h 
ye _h en\gh ( ! air8  ,x seems v smelly 
to me ?is morn9' - ,i don't blame ye4   
,i guess !m z doesn't h to /ay "h is    
satisfi$ ) a few m9utes ( x4  ,no1      
?anks1 ,i guess we ne$n't /ay d[n any   
long]1 repli$ ,craig4  ,i ?9k ,i h se5  
all t is necess>y - at lea/ = ! pres5t4 
,capps has gone out ahead ( u4  ,i ?9k y
 c take u out n[1 ,paddy4  ,i w\ld mu* r
 h y d x ?an to g ) anybody else4  ,com+
 out1 ,i f\nd1 0 really m dang]\s ?an   
go+ 91 = x is :ile com+ out ( ! t m5 are
 liable to get ! b5ds4 ,r\ghly1 half a  

m9ute %\ld be consum$ 9 com+ out f ea*  
p\nd ( pressure1 ?\gh = su* high        
pressures z we _h be5 "u1 consid]ably m 
"t 0 requir$ 9 ord] to d x safely4 ,we  
sp5t ab\t half an h\r 9 ! air-lock1 ,i  
%\ld judge4  ,paddy let ! air out ( !   
lock by turn+ on a valve lead+ to !     
outside1 normal atmosph]e4  ,?us he let 
! air out rapidly at fir/ until we _h   
got d[n to half ! pressure ( ! tunnel4  
,! second half he did sl[ly1 & x 0 inde$
 t$i\s1 b x 0 safe4  ,!re 0 at#bj;fir/ a
 hiss+ s\nd :5 he op5$ ! valve1 & x grew
 cold] 9 ! lock1 s9ce air absorbs heat f
 surr\nd+ objects :5 x exp&s4  ,we 7    
glad to draw sweat]s on ov] our heads4  
,x also grew z mi/y z a ,london fog z ! 
wat]-vap\r 9 ! air 0 cond5s$4  ,at la/ !
 hiss ( escap+ air ceas$4  ,! door to ! 
mod]n dungeon ( sci5ce grat$ op54  ,we  
walk$ out ( ! lock to ! elevator %aft & 
7 hoi/$ up to ,god's air aga94  ,we gaz$
 out across ! riv] ) its waves danc+ 9 !
 sunlight4  ,!re1 out 9 ! middle1 0 a   
wrea? ( bubbles on ! wat]4  ,t m>k$ !   

end ( ! tunnel1 ov] ! %ield4  ,d[n b5ea?
 ^? bubbles ! s&-hogs 7 root+4  ,b :at 0
 ! my/]y t ! tunnel held 9 its d>k1 dank
 bosom8  ,_h ,k5n$y a clue8  ,i ?9k we  
_h bett] wait ar\nd a bit1 rem>k$       
,k5n$y1 z we sipp$ our hot c(fee 9 !    
dress+-room & w>m$ ourselves f ! *ill ( 
com+ out ( ! lock4  ,9 case any?+ %\ld  
happ5 to u & we %\ld get ! b5ds ?is is !
 place = u1 ne> ! m$ical lock1 z x is   
call$ - t big /eel cyl9d] ov] !re1 :]e  
we f\nd ,orton4  ,! be/ cure = ! b5ds is
 to g back "u ! air-recompression !y    
call x4  ,! r5ew$ pressure causes ! gas 
9 ! blood to contract aga91 & ?us x is  
elim9at$ - sometimes4  ,at any rate1 x  
is ! be/-kn[n cure & consid]ably r$uces 
! pa9 9 ! wor/ cases4  ,:5 y h a bad    
case l ,orton's x means t ! damage is   
done2 ! gas has ruptur$ "s ve9s4  ,paddy
 0 "r4  ,only "t w cure t4  ,no?+ happ5$
 to u1 h[ev]1 & 9 a c\ple ( h\rs we     
dropp$ 9 on ,orton at ! hospital :]e he 
0 sl[ly convalesc+4  ,:at d y ?9k ( !   
case8 he ask$ anxi\sly4  ,no?+ z yet1   

repli$ ,craig1 b ,i h set c]ta9 ?+s 9   
motion :i* w give u a pretty good l9e on
 :at is tak+ place 9 a day or s4        
,orton's face fell1 b he said no?+4  ,he
 bit 8 lip n]v\sly & look$ out ( !      
sun-p>l\r at ! ro(s ( ,new ,york ar\nd  
him4  ,:at has happ5$ s9ce la/ night to 
increase y\r anxiety1 ,jack8 ask$ ,craig
 sympa!tically4  ,orton :eel$ 8 *air    
ab\t sl[ly1 fac$ u1 & drew a lett] f 8  
pocket4  ,lay+ x flat on ! table he     
cov]$ ! l[] "p ) ! envelope4  ,read t1  
he said4  ,de> ,jack1 x began4  ,i saw  
at once t x 0 f ,miss ,taylor4 ,j a l9e1
 %e wrote1 to let y "k t ,i am ?9k+ ab\t
 y always & hop+ t y are bett] ?an :5 ,i
 saw y ?is ev5+4  ,papa _h ! *airman ( !
 bo>d ( directors ( ! ,five-,bor\gh "h  
late to-night1 & !y 7 9 ! libr>y = ov]  
an h\r4  ,= y\r sake1 ,jack1 ,i play$ ! 
eavesdropp]1 b !y talk$ s l[ t ,i c\ld  
he> no?+1 ?\gh ,i "k !y 7 talk+ ab\t y &
 ! tunnel4  ,:5 !y came out1 ,i _h no "t
 to escape1 s ,i slipp$ beh9d a porti]e4
  ,i he>d fa!r say3 ',yes1 ,i guess y   

are "r1 ,morris4  ,! ?+ has gone on long
 en\gh4  ,if !re is "o m big accid5t we 
%all h to compromise ) ! ,int]-,riv] &  
c>ry on ! "w jo9tly4  ,we h giv5 ,orton 
8 *ance1 & if !y dem& t ?is o!r fell[   
%all be put 91 ,i suppose we %all h to  
conc$e x4' ,mr4 ,morris seem$ pleas$ t  
fa!r agre$ ) him & said s4 ,oh1 ,jack1  
c't y d some?+ to %[ !m !y are wrong1 & 
d x quickly8  ,i nev] miss an           
opportunity ( tell+ papa x is n y\r     
fault t all ^! delays take place4  ,!   
re/ ( ! lett] 0 cov]$ by ! envelope1 &  
,orton w\ld n h %[n x = worlds4  ,orton1
 said ,k5n$y1 aft] a few mom5ts'        
reflection1 ,i w take a *ance = y\r sake
 - a long *ance1 b ,i ?9k a good "o4 ,if
 y c pull y\rself toge!r by ?is         
aft]noon1 be ov] at y\r (fice at f\r4   
,be sure to h ,%elton & ,capps !re1 & y 
c tell ,mr4 ,taylor t y h some?+ v      
important to set be=e him4  ,n[1 ,i mu/ 
hurry if ,i am to fulfil my "p ( !      
contract4  ,good-bye1 ,jack4  ,keep a   
/iff upp] lip1 old man4  ,i'll h some?+ 

t w surprise y ?is aft]noon4  ,outside1 
z he hurri$ upt[n1 ,craig 0 sil5t1 b ,i 
c\ld see 8 features work+ n]v\sly1 & z  
we p>t$ he m]ely said3 ,( c\rse1 y'll be
 !re1 ,walt]4  ,i'll put ! f9i%+ t\*es  
on y\r /ory ( high f9ance4  ,sl[ly en\gh
 ! few h\rs pass$ be=e ,i f\nd myself   
aga9 9 ,orton's (fice4  ,he 0 !re       
already1 despite ! ord]s ( 8 physician1 
:o 0 disgu/$ at ?is excursion f !       
hospital4 ,k5n$y 0 !re1 too1 grim &     
sil5t4  ,we sat wat*+ ! two indicators  
beside ,orton's desk1 :i* %[$ ! air     
pressure 9 ! two tubes4  ,! ne$les 7    
vibrat+ ev] s little & trac+ a r$-ink   
l9e on ! rul$ pap] t unw\nd f ! drum4   
,f ! mom5t ! tunnels 7 />t$1 "h 0       
pres]v$ a fai?ful record ( e slighte/   
v>iation ( air pressure4  ,telephone d[n
 into ! tube & h ,capps come up1 said   
,craig at l5g?1 glanc+ at ,orton's desk 
clock4  ,taylor w be "h pretty soon1 &  
,i want ,capps to be out ( ! tunnel by !
 "t he comes4  ,!n get ,%elton1 too4  ,9
 response to ,orton's summons ,capps &  

,%elton came into ! (fice1 j z a l>ge   
t[n c> pull$ up outside ! tunnel works4 
,a tall1 di/+ui%$-look+ man /epp$ out & 
turn$ aga9 t[>d ! door ( ! c>4  ,!re's  
,taylor1 ,i rem>k$1 = ,i _h se5 him (t5 
at inve/igations be=e ! ,public ,s]vice 
,commission4  ,& ,vivian1 too1 exclaim$ 
,orton excit$ly4  ,say1 fell[s1 cle> (f 
^! desks4  ,quick1 be=e %e gets up "h4  
,9 ! closet ) ^! bluepr9ts1 ,walt]4     
,!re1 t's a little bett]4  ,if ,i _h    
kn[n %e 0 com+ ,i w\ld at lea/ h _h !   
place swept out4  ,puff6  look at ! du/ 
on ?is desk ( m9e4  ,well1 !re's no help
 = x4  ,!re !y are at ! door n[4  ,:y1  
,vivian1 :at a surprise4  ,jack6 %e     
exclaim$1 almo/ ignor+ ! re/ ( u &      
quickly cross+ to 8 *air to lay a       
re/ra9+ h& on 8 %\ld] z he va9ly tri$ to
 /& up to welcome h]4  ,:y didn't y tell
 me y 7 com+8 he ask$ eag]ly4  ,i w\ld h
 _h ! place fix$ up a bit4  ,i pref] x  
?is way1 %e said1 look+ curi\sly ar\nd  
at ! samples ( tunnel p>aph]nalia & !   
*>ts & diagrams on ! walls4  ,yes1      

,orton1 said ,presid5t ,taylor1 %e w\ld 
come - dropp$ 9 at ! (fice & :5 ,i tri$ 
to excuse myself = a bus9ess appo9tm5t1 
dem&$ :i* way ,i 0 go+4  ,:5 ,i said ,i 
0 com+ "h1 %e insi/$ on com+1 too4      
,orton smil$4  ,he knew t %e _h tak5 ?is
 simple & direct means ( be+ !re1 b he  
said no?+1 & m]ely introduc$ u to !     
presid5t & ,miss ,taylor4  ,an awkw>d   
sil5ce foll[$4  ,orton cle>$ 8 ?roat4   
,i ?9k y all "k :y we are "h1 he began4 
,we h be5 & are hav+ altoge!r too _m    
accid5ts 9 ! tunnel1 too _m cases ( !   
b5ds1 too _m dea?s1 too _m delays to !  
"w4  ,well  - er - ,i - er - ,mr4 ,k5n$y
 has some?+ to say ab\t !m1 ,i believe4 
,no s\nd 0 he>d save ! vibration ( !    
air-compressors & an occasional %\t ( a 
workman at ! %aft lead+ d[n to !        
air-locks4  ,!re is no ne$ = me to say  
any?+ ab\t caisson disease to y1        
g5tlem51 or to y1 ,miss ,taylor1 began  
,k5n$y4  ,i ?9k y all "k h[ x is caus$ &
 a good deal ab\t x already4 ,b1 to be  
p]fectly cle>1 ,i w say t !re are live  

?+s t mu/1 above all o!rs1 be look$ aft]
 9 tunnel "w3 ! air pressure1 ! am\nt ( 
c>bon dioxide 9 ! air1 ! l5g? ( ! %ifts 
:i* ! m5 "w1 ! /ate ( heal? ( ! m5 z ne>
 z physical exam9ation c det]m9e x1 & ! 
rapidity ) :i* ! m5 come out ( ! air1 s 
z to prev5t c>elessness :i* may cause ! 
b5ds4  ,i f9d1 he cont9u$1 t ! air      
pressure is n too high = safety4  ,prop]
 exam9ations = c>bon dioxide are made1 &
 ! am\nt 9 ! air is n excessive4  ,!    
%ifts are n ev5 z long z ^? prescrib$ by
 ! law4  ,! m$ical inspection is q      
adequate & z = ! "t tak5 9 com+ out     
?r\gh ! locks ! rules are /r+5t4  ,a    
look ( relief cross$ ! face ( ,orton at 
?is comm5dation ( 8 "w1 foll[$ by a     
puzzl$ expression t pla9ly indicat$ t he
 w\ld l to "k :at 0 ! matt]1 if all !   
crucial ?+s 7 all "r4  ,b1 resum$       
,k5n$y1 ! b5ds are /ill hitt+ ! m51 &   
!re is no tell+ :5 a fire or a bl[-out  
may occur 9 any ( ! eight head+s t are  
n[ be+ pu%$ "u ! riv]4  ,q (t5 ! "w has 
be5 delay$ & ! tunnel p>tly or :olly    

flood$4  ,n[1 y "k ! !ory ( ! b5ds4  ,x 
is t air  - mo/ly ! nitrog5 9 ! air - is
 absorb$ by ! blood "u ! pressure4  ,9  
com+ out ( ! 'air' if ! nitrog5 is n all
 elim9at$1 x /ays 9 ! blood &1 z !      
pressure is r$uc$1 x exp&s4  ,x is j z  
if y take a bottle ( *>g$ wat] & pull ! 
cork sudd5ly4  ,! gas rises 9 big       
bubbles4 ,cork x aga9 & ! gas bubbles   
cease to rise & f9ally disappe>4  ,if y 
make a p9-hole 9 ! cork ! gas w escape  
sl[ly1 )\t a bubble4  ,y mu/ decompress 
! human body sl[ly1 by /ages1 to let !  
sup]-saturat$ blood give up its nitrog5 
to ! lungs1 :i* c elim9ate x4  ,o!rwise 
^! bubbles cat* 9 ! ve9s1 & ! result is 
sev]e pa9s1 p>alysis1 & ev5 dea?4       
,g5tlem51 ,i see t ,i am j wa/+ "t tell+
 y ?is1 = y "k x all well4  ,b consid]4 
,k5n$y plac$ an empty cork$ flask on !  
table4  ,! o!rs reg>d$ x curi\sly1 b ,i 
recall$ hav+ se5 x 9 ! tunnel4  ,9 ?is  
bottle1 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 ,i collect$ "s (
 ! air f ! tunnel :5 ,i 0 d[n !re ?is   
morn+4  ,i h s9ce analys$ x4  ,!        

quantity ( c>bon dioxide is             
approximately :at x %\ld be - n high    
en\gh ( itself to cause tr\ble4  ,b1 he 
spoke sl[ly to emphasise 8 words1  ,i   
f\nd some?+ else 9 t air beside c>bon   
dioxide4  ,nitrog58 broke 9 ,orton      
quickly1 lean+ =w>d4  ,( c\rse2 x is a  
con/itu5t ( air4  ,b t is n :at ,i mean4
  ,!n1 = ,heav5's sake1 :at did y f9d8  
ask$ ,orton4  ,i f\nd 9 ?is air1 repli$ 
,k5n$y1 a v peculi> mixture - an        
explosive mixture4  ,an explosive       
mixture8 e*o$ ,orton4  ,yes1 ,jack1 !   
bl[-outs t y h _h at ! end ( ! tunnel 7 
n bl[-outs at all1 prop]ly speak+4  ,!y 
7 explosions4  ,we sat agha/ at ?is     
revelation4  ,&1 fur!rmore1 add$ ,k5n$y1
 ,i %\ld1 if ,i 7 y1 call back all ! m5 
f ! tunnel until ! cause = ! pres5ce (  
?is explosive mixture is discov]$ &     
rem$i$4  ,orton rea*$ me*anically = !   
telephone to give ! ord]1 b ,taylor laid
 8 h& on 8 arm4  ,"o mom5t1 ,orton1 he  
said4 ,let's he> ,pr(essor ,k5n$y out4  
,he may be mi/ak51 & !re is no use      

fright5+ ! m51 until we are c]ta94      
,%elton1 ask$ ,k5n$y1 :at sort ( fla%   
oil is us$ to lubricate ! ma*9]y8  ,x is
 ?ree-hundr$-&-sixty-degree ,fahr5heit  
fla% te/1 he answ]$ t]sely4  ,& are !   
pipes lead+ air d[n into ! tunnel       
p]fectly /raight8  ,/raight8  ,yes1     
/raight - no jo9ts1 no pockets :]e oil1 
moi/ure1 & gases c collect4  ,/raight z 
l9es1 ,k5n$y1 he said ) a sort (        
contemptu\s defiance4  ,!y 7 fac+ ea*   
o!r coldly1 siz+ ea* o!r up4  ,l a      
skilful lawy]1 ,k5n$y dropp$ t po9t = a 
mom5t1 to take up a new l9e ( attack4   
,capps1 he dem&$1 turn+ sudd5ly1 :y d y 
always call up on ! telephone & let "s  
"o "k :5 y are go+ d[n 9 ! tunnel & :5 y
 are com+ out8  ,i don't1 repli$ ,capps1
 quickly recov]+ 8 composure4  ,walt]1  
said ,craig to me quietly1 g out 9 !    
out] (fice4 ,beh9d ! telephone swit*bo>d
 y w f9d a small box :i* y saw me c>ry 9
 !re ?is morn+ & connect ) ! swit*bo>d4 
,deta* ! wires1 z y saw me atta* !m1 &  
br+ x "h4  ,no "o mov$1 z ,i plac$ ! box

 on a draft+-table be=e !m4 ,craig op5$ 
x4  ,inside he disclos$ a l>ge disc ( ?9
 /eel1 l ^? us$ by "s me*anical         
music-boxes1 only )\t any p]=ations4    
,he connect$ ! wires f ! box to a sort (
 megaphone4  ,!n he />t$ ! disc revolv+4
  ,out ( ! little megaphone horn1 /ick+ 
up l a m9iature talk+-ma*9e1 came a     
voice3 ,numb] please4  ,f\r f\r ?ree o1 
,yorkville4  ,busy1 ,i'll call y4  ,try 
!m aga91 ,c5tral4  ,hello1 hello1       
,c5tral -   ,k5n$y /opp$ ! ma*9e4  ,x   
mu/ be fur!r along on ! disc1 he rem>k$4
  ,?is1 by ! way1 is an in/rum5t kn[n z 
! telegraphone1 inv5t$ by a ,dane nam$  
,p\ls54  ,x records conv]sations ov] a  
telephone on ?is pla9 metal disc by     
means ( localis$1 m9ute electric *>ges4 
,hav+ adju/$ ! ne$le to ano!r place on !
 disc he tri$ aga94  ,we h "h a record (
 ! entire day's conv]sations ov] !      
telephone1 pres]v$ on ?is disc4  ,i c\ld
 wipe out ! :ole ?+ by pull+ a magnet   
across x1 b1 ne$less to say1 ,i w\ldn't 
d t - yet4  ,li/54  ,?is "t x 0 ,capps  

speak+4  ,give me ,mr4 ,%elton4  ,oh1   
,%elton1 ,i'm go+ d[n 9 ! s\? tube ) ^? 
m5 ,orton has s5t nos+ ar\nd "h4  ,i'll 
let y "k :5 ,i />t up aga94  ,mean:ile  
- y "k - don't let any?+ happ5 :ile ,i  
am !re4  ,good-bye4  ,capps sat look+   
defiantly at ,k5n$y1 z he /opp$ !       
telegraphone4  ,n[1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y      
suavely1 :at c\ld happ58  ,i'll answ] my
 own "q by tell+ :at actually did happ54
  ,oil t 0 smoky at a l[] po9t ?an its  
fla% 0 be+ us$ 9 ! ma*9]y - n really    
?ree-hundr$-&-sixty-degree oil4  ,!     
wat]-jacket _h be5 tamp]$ )1 too4  ,m   
?an t1 !re is a jo9t 9 ! pipe lead+ d[n 
into ! tunnel1 :]e explosive gases c    
collect4  ,x is a well-kn[n fact 9 ! use
 ( compress$ air t su* a condition is ! 
be/ possible way to secure an explosion4
  ,x w\ld all seem s natural1 ev5 if    
discov]$1 expla9$ ,k5n$y rapidly4  ,!   
smok+ oil - smok+ j z an automobile (t5 
does  - is pass$ into ! compress$-air   
pipe4  ,cond5s$ oil1 moi/ure1 & gases   
collect 9 ! jo9t1 & p]haps !y l9e ! :ole

 di/ance ( ! pipe4  ,a sp>k f ! l[-grade
 oil-& !y are ignit$4  ,:at takes place 
is ! same ?+ t occurs 9 ! cyl9d] ( an   
automobile :]e ! air is compress$ )     
gasol9e vap\r4  ,only "h we h compress$ 
air *>g$ ) vap\r ( oil4 ,! flame proce$s
 d[n ! pipe - explod+ ?r\gh ! pipe1 if x
 happ5s to be n /rong en\gh4  ,?is pipe1
 h[ev]1 is /rong4 ,!re=e1 ! flame 9 ?is 
case %oots out at ! op5 end ( ! pipe1   
d[n ne> ! %ield1 & if ! air 9 ! tunnel  
happ5s also to be sur*>g$ ) oil-vap\r1  
an explosion takes place 9 ! tunnel - ! 
riv] bottom is bl[n out - !n ,god help !
 s&-hogs6  ,t's h[ y\r accid5ts took    
place1 ,orton1 conclud$ ,k5n$y 9        
triumph1 & t impure air - n impure f    
c>bon dioxide1 b f ?is oil-vap\r mixture
 - increas$ ! liability ( ! m5 = ! b5ds4
  ,capps knew ab\t x4  ,he 0 c>eful :ile
 he 0 !re to see t ! air 0 made z pure z
 possible "u ! circum/ances4  ,he 0 s   
c>eful t he w\ldn't ev5 let ,mr4        
,jameson smoke 9 ! tunnel4  ,b z soon z 
he w5t to ! surface1 ! same deadly      

mixture 0 pump$ d[n aga9 - ,i caught "s 
( x 9 ?is flask1 & -   ,my ,god1        
,paddy's d[n !re n[1 cri$ ,orton1       
sudd5ly seiz+ 8 telephone4  ,op]ator1   
give me ! s\? tube - quick - :at - !y   
don't answ]8  ,out 9 ! riv] above ! end 
( ! head+1 :]e a %ort "t be=e !re _h be5
 only a few bubbles on ! surface ( !    
wat]1 ,i c\ld see :at look$ l a huge    
geys] ( wat] sp\t+ up4  ,i pull$ ,craig 
ov] to me & po9t$4  ,a bl[-out1 cri$    
,k5n$y1 z he ru%$ to ! door1 only to be 
met by a gr\p ( blan*$-fac$ work]s :o _h
 come brea?less to ! (fice to deliv] !  
news4  ,craig act$ quickly4  ,hold ^!   
m51 he ord]$1 po9t+ to ,capps & ,%elton1
 until we come back4  ,orton1 :ile we   
are gone1 g ov] ! entire day's record on
 ! telegraphone4  ,i suspect y & ,miss  
,taylor w f9d some?+ !re t w int]e/ y4  
,he sprang d[n ! ladd] to ! tunnel      
air-lock1 n wait+ = ! elevator4  ,9     
front ( ! clos$ door ( ! lock1 an excit$
 gr\p ( m5 0 ga!r$4  ,"o ( !m 0 pe]+    
?r\gh ! dim1 ?ick1 glass por?ole 9 !    

door4  ,!re he is1 /&9' by ! door ) a   
club1 an' ! m5's cr[d9' s fa/ t !y're   
all w$g$ s's none c get 9 at all4  ,he's
 beat9' 'em back ) ! /ick4  ,n[1 he's   
got ! door cle> & has dragg$ "o poor    
fell[ 94  ,x's ,jimmy ,r\rke1 him ) !   
eight *ild]4  ,n[ he's dragg$ 9 a       
,polack4  ,n[ he's fight9' back a big   
,jamaica nigg] :o's try9' to %ove ahead 
( a little ,italian4  ,x's ,paddy1 cri$ 
,craig4  ,if he c br+ !m all out safely 
)\t ! loss ( a life he'll save ! day yet
 = ,orton4  ,& he'll d x1 too1 ,walt]4  
,in/antly ,i recon/ruct$ 9 my m9d ! sc5e
 9 ! tunnel - ! explosion ( ! oil-vap\r1
 ! mad race up ! tube1 p]haps ! failure 
( ! em]g5cy curta9 to "w1 ! frantic     
ef=ts ( ! m51 9 panic1 all to cr[d ?r\gh
 ! n>r[ little door at once2 ! rapidly  
ris+ wat] - & above all ! h]oic ,paddy1 
cool to ! la/1 /&+ at ! door & s+le-h&$ 
beat+ ! m5 back ) a club1 s t !y c\ld g 
?r\gh "o at a "t4  ,only :5 ! wat] _h   
rea*$ ! level ( ! door ( ! lock1 did    
,paddy bang x %ut z he dragg$ ! la/ man 

94  ,!n foll[$ an int]m9able wait = !   
air 9 ! lock to be exhau/$4  ,:51 at    
la/1 ! door at our end ( ! lock swung   
op51 ! m5 ) a *e] seiz$ ,paddy &1 9     
spite ( 8 /ruggles1 hoi/$ him on to _!  
%\ld]s1 & c>ri$ him (f1 /ill /ruggl+1 9 
triumph up ! con/ruction elevator to !  
op5 air above4  ,! sc5e 9 ,orton's (fice
 0 dramatic z ! m5 ent]$ ) ,paddy4      
,vivian ,taylor 0 /&+ defiantly1 ) burn+
 eyes1 fac+ ,capps1 :o />$ sull5ly at ! 
floor be=e him4  ,%elton 0 pla9ly aba%$4
  ,k5n$y1 cri$ ,orton1 va9ly try+ to    
rise1 li/54  ,h y /ill t place on !     
telegraphone record1 ,vivian8  ,miss    
,taylor />t$ ! telegraphone1 :ile we all
 cr[d$ ar\nd lean+ =w>d eag]ly4  ,hello4
  ,int]-,riv]8  ,is ?is ! presid5t's    
(fice8  ,oh1 hello4 ,?is is ,capps      
talk+4  ,h[ are y8  ,oh1 y've he>d ab\t 
,orton1 h y8  ,n s bad1 eh8  ,well1 ,i'm
 arrang+ ) my man ,%elton "h = ! f9al   
act ?is aft]noon4  ,aft] t y c          
compromise ) ! ,five-,bor\gh on y\r own 
t]ms4  ,i ?9k ,i h argu$ ,taylor &      

,morris into ! "r frame ( m9d = x1 if we
 h "o m big accid5t4  ,:at's t8  ,h[ is 
my love affair8  ,well1 ,orton's 9 ! way
 yet1 b y "k :y ,i w5t into ?is deal4   
,:5 y put me into 8 place aft] !        
compromise1 ,i ?9k ,i w pull /rong ) h]4
  ,saw h] la/ night4  ,%e feels pretty  
bad ab\t ,orton1 b %e'll get ov] x4     
,besides1 ! pat] w nev] let h] m>ry a   
man :o's d[n & out4  ,by ! way1 y've got
 to d some?+ h&some = ,%elton4  ,all "r4
  ,i'll see y to-night & tell y "s m4   
,wat* ! pap]s 9 ! meantime = ! gr&      
f9ale4  ,good-bye4  ,an angry gr[l rose 
f "o or two ( ! m quick-witt$ m54 ,k5n$y
 rea*$ ov] & pull$ me ) him quickly     
?r\gh ! cr[d4  ,hurry1 ,walt]1 he :isp]$
 ho>sely1 hu/le ,%elton & ,capps out    
quick be=e ! re/ ( ! m5 wake up to :at  
x's all ab\t1 or we %all h a lyn*+      
in/ead ( an arre/4  ,z we %ov$ & pu%$ !m
 out1 ,i saw ! r\gh & grimy s&-hogs 9 ! 
re> move quickly aside1 & (f came _!    
muddy1 fray$ hats4  ,a da9ty figure     
flitt$ among !m t[>d ,orton4  ,x 0      

,vivian ,taylor4  ,papa1 %e cri$1 grasp+
 ,jack by bo? h&s & turn+ to ,taylor1 :o
 foll[$ h] closely1 ,papa1 ,i told y n  
to be too ha/y ) ,jack4    ,,vii  ,,!   
,,:ite ,,slave   ,k5n$y & ,i _h j toss$ 
a co9 to decide :e!r x %\ld be a comic  
op]a or a good walk 9 ! mell[ spr+ night
 air & ! op]a _h won1 b we _h sc>cely   
begun to argue ! vital po9t z to :]e to 
g1 :5 ! door buzz] s\nd$ - a sure sign t
 "s box-(fice _h lo/ f\r doll>s4  ,x 0 a
 mu* agitat$ middle-ag$ c\ple :o ent]$ z
 ,craig ?rew op5 ! door4  ,( our two    
visitors1 ! woman attract$ my att5tion  
fir/1 = on h] pale face ! l9es ( sorr[ 7
 almo/ visibly deep5+4  ,h] n]v\s mann] 
int]e/$ me greatly1 ?\gh ,i took pa9s to
 conceal ! fact t ,i notic$ x4  ,x 0    
quickly acc\nt$ =1 h[ev]1 by ! c>d :i* !
 man pres5t$1 be>+ ! "n ,mr4 ,george    
,gilb]t & a %ort scribble f ,fir/       
,deputy ,o',connor3    ,mr4 & ,mrs4     
,gilb]t desire to consult y ) reg>d to !
   my/]i\s disappe>ance ( _! daught]1   
,georgette4  ,i am sure   ,i ne$ say    

no?+ fur!r to int]e/ y ?an t ! ,m4,p4   
,squad is completely baffl$4            
,o',,connor4   ,h-m1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y2 n   
/range = ! ,miss+ ,p]sons ,squad to be  
baffl$ - at lea/1 at ?is case4  ,!n y "k
 ( our daught]'s /range - er - dep>ture8
 ask$ ,mr4 ,gilb]t1 eag]ly scann+       
,k5n$y's face & us+ a euphemism t w\ld  
fall less h>%ly on 8 wife's e>s ?an !   
tru?4  ,inde$1 yes1 nodd$ ,craig ) m>k$ 
sympa?y3 t is1 ,i h read mo/ ( :at !    
pap]s h said4  ,let me introduce my     
fri5d1 ,mr4 ,jameson4  ,y recall we 7   
discuss+ ! ,georgette ,gilb]t case ?is  
morn+1 ,walt]8  ,i did1 & p]haps be=e ,i
 proce$ fur!r ) ! /ory ,i %\ld quote at 
lea/ ! important p>ts ( ! article 9 !   
morn+ ,/> :i* _h occasion$ ! discussion4
  ,! article _h be5 head$1 ,:5          
,p]sonalities ,are ,lo/1 & ) ! ,gilb]t  
case z a text _m in/ances _h be5 cit$   
:i* _h lat] be5 solv$ by ! return ( !   
memory ( ! suff]]4  ,9 "p ! article _h  
said3    ,my/]i\s disappe>ances1 su* z t
 ( ,georgette ,gilb]t1   h al>m$ !      

public & baffl$ ! police be=e ?is1      
disappe>ances t 9 _! sudd5ness1 app>5t  
lack (   purpose1 & inexplicability1 h  
_h mu* 9 common )   ! case ( ,miss      
,gilb]t4    ,leav+ out ( acc\nt ! class 
( disappe>ances su* z   embezzl]s1      
blackmail]s1 & o!r crim9als1 !re is /ill
   a l>ge numb] ( record$ cases :]e !   
subjects h   dropp$ out ( sight )\t     
app>5t cause or reason &   h left beh9d 
!m unt>ni%$ reputations4  ,( ^! a       
small p]c5tage are f\nd to h met )      
viol5ce2   o!rs h be5 victims ( a       
suicidal mania 2 & soon] or   lat] a    
clue has come to light1 = ! dead are (t5
 easi]   to f9d ?an ! liv+1 ,( ! rema9+ 
small proportion   !re are on record a  
numb] ( c>efully au!nticat$ cases   :]e 
! subjects h be5 ! victims ( a sudd5 &  
complete loss ( memory4    ,?is         
dislocation ( memory is a v>iety (      
aphasia kn[n   z amnesia1 & :5 ! memory 
is recurr5tly lo/ &   re/or$ x is an    
alt]nat+ p]sonality4  ,! psy*ical       
rese>*]s & psy*ologi/s h report$ _m     

cases (   alt]nat+ p]sonality4  ,/udi\s 
ef=ts are be+ made   to und]/& & to     
expla9 ! /range type ( m5tal   ph5om5a  
exhibit$ 9 ^! cases1 b no "o has z yet  
giv5 a f9al1 cle>1 & compreh5sive       
explanation ( !m4   ,su* cases are by no
 means always connect$ ) disappe>ances1 
b ! v>iety kn[n z ! ambulatory type1 :]e
 !   pati5t sudd5ly loses all k ( 8 own 
id5tity   & ( 8 pa/ & takes himself (f1 
leav+ no trace or   clue1 is ! v>iety   
:i* ! pres5t case calls to popul>       
att5tion4  ,!n foll[$ a li/ ( a doz5 or 
s int]e/+ cases ( p]sons :o _h vani%$   
completely & _h1 "s sev]al days & "s ev5
 ye>s lat]1 sudd5ly awak5$ to _! fir/   
p]sonality1 return$1 & tak5 up ! ?read (
 t p]sonality :]e x _h be5 brok54  ,to  
,k5n$y's inquiry ,i 0 ab\t to reply t ,i
 recall$ ! conv]sation di/9ctly1 :5 ,mr4
 ,gilb]t %ot an inquir+ glance f b5ea? 8
 bu%y eyebr[s1 quickly %ift+ f my face  
to ,k5n$y's1 & ask$1 ,& :at 0 y\r       
conclusion - :at d y ?9k ( ! case8  ,is 
x aphasia or amnesia1 or :atev] !       

doctors call x1 & d y ?9k %e is w&]+    
ab\t some:]e unable to recov] h] real   
p]sonality8  ,i %\ld l to h all ! facts 
at fir/ h& be=e v5tur+ an op9ion1 ,craig
 repli$ ) precisely t %ade ( hesitancy t
 might reassure ! anxi\s fa!r & "m1 )\t 
rais+ a false hope4  ,mr4 & ,mrs4       
,gilb]t ex*ang$ glances1 ! purport ( :i*
 0 t %e desir$ him to tell ! /ory4  ,x 0
 day be=e ye/]day1 began ,mr4 ,gilb]t1  
g5tly t\*+ 8 wife's trembl+ h& t s\ght 8
 arm z he began rehe>s+ ! trag$y t _h   
ca/ its %ad[ across _! lives1 ,?ursday1 
t ,georgette - er - s9ce we h he>d (    
,georgette4  ,8 voice falt]$ a bit1 b he
 proce$$3 ,z y "k1 %e 0 la/ se5 walk+ on
 ,fif? ,av5ue4  ,! police h trac$ h]    
s9ce %e left home t morn+4  ,x is kn[n t
 %e w5t fir/ to ! public libr>y1 !n t %e
 /opp$ at a dep>tm5t /ore on ! av5ue1   
:]e %e made a small pur*ase :i* %e _h   
*>g$ to our family acc\nt1 & f9ally t %e
 w5t to a l>ge book-/ore4  ,!n  - t is !
 la/4  ,mrs4 ,gilb]t sigh$1 & buri$ h]  
face 9 a lace h&k]*ief z h] %\ld]s %ook 

convulsively4  ,yes1 ,i h read t1       
repeat$ ,k5n$y g5tly1 ?\gh ) manife/    
eag]ness to get d[n to facts t might    
prove m illum9at+4  ,i ?9k ,i ne$ h>dly 
impress ^u y ! advantage ( complete     
frankness1 ! fact t any?+ y may tell me 
is ( a mu* m confid5tial nature ?an if x
 7 told to ! police4 ,er-r1 _h ,miss    
,gilb]t any - love affair1 any tr\ble ( 
su* a nature t x might h prey$ on h]    
m9d8  ,k5n$y's tactful mann] seem$ to   
reassure bo? ! fa!r & ! "m1 :o ex*ang$  
ano!r glance4  ,al?\gh we h said no to !
 report]s1 ,mrs4 ,gilb]t repli$ bravely 
9 answ] to ! nod ( approval f h] husb&1 
& mu* z if %e h]self 7 mak+ a confession
 = !m bo?1 ,i fe> t ,georgette _h _h a  
love affair4  ,no d\bt y h he>d h9ts (  
,dudley ,lawton's "n 9 connection ) !   
case8  ,i c't imag9e h[ !y c\ld h leak$ 
out1 = ,i %\ld h said t t old affair _h 
long s9ce be5 =gott5 ev5 by ! society   
gossips4 ,! fact is t %ortly aft]       
,georgette 'came out1' ,dudley ,lawton1 
:o is q on ! road to becom+ "o ( ! r    

notori\s memb]s ( ! y\ng] set1 began to 
pay h] m>k$ att5tions4  ,he is a        
fasc9at+1 romantic sort ( fell[1 "o t1  
,i imag9e1 possesses mu* attraction = a 
girl :o has be5 br\ght up z simply z    
,georgette 01 & :o has absorb$ a        
surreptiti\s diet ( mod]n lit]ature su* 
z we n[ "k ,georgette did4  ,i suppose y
 h se5 portraits ( ,georgette 9 !       
newspap]s & "k :at a dreamy & arti/ic   
nature h] face indicates8  ,k5n$y nodd$4
  ,x is1 ( c\rse1 "o ( ! c>d9al t5ets ( 
j\rnalism t all wom5 are beautiful1 b   
ev5 ! co>se scre5 ( ! ord9>y newspap]   
half-tone _h n be5 able to conceal ! r  
exceptional beauty ( ,miss ,georgette   
,gilb]t4 ,if x _h1 all ! %ortcom+s ( !  
newspap] photographic art w\ld h be5    
quickly gloss$ ov] by ! almo/ ard5t     
descriptions by ^? ladies ( ! press :o  
come along ab\t ! second day aft] an    
ev5t ( ?is k9d ) sign$ articles analys+ 
! "* & motives1 ! life & g[ns ( ! late/ 
actors 9 ! front-page /ories4           
,naturally bo? my husb& & myself oppos$ 

8 att5tions f ! fir/4  ,x 0 a h>d       
/ruggle1 = ,georgette1 ( c\rse1 assum$ !
 mu*-injur$ air ( "s ( ! h]o9es ( h]    
fav\rite novels4  ,b ,i1 at lea/1       
believ$ t we _h won & t ,georgette      
f9ally 0 br\ght to respect &1 ,i hop$1  
und]/& our wi%es 9 ! matt]4  ,i believe 
s yet4  ,mr4 ,gilb]t 9 a r\ndab\t way   
came to an und]/&+ ) old ,mr4 ,dudley   
,lawton1 :o possesses a great influ5ce  
ov] 8 son1 & - well1 ,dudley ,lawton    
seem$ to h pass$ out ( ,georgette's     
life4  ,i believ$ s !n1 at lea/1 & ,i   
see no reason = n believ+ s yet4  ,i    
feel t y ought to "k ?is1 b really ,i   
don't ?9k x is "r to say t ,georgette _h
 a love affair4  ,i %\ld r say t %e _h  
_h a love affair1 b t x _h be5 =gott51  
p]haps a ye> ago4  ,mrs4 ,gilb]t paus$  
aga91 & x 0 evid5t t ?\gh %e 0 conceal+ 
no?+ %e 0 measur+ h] words c>efully 9   
ord] n to give a false impression4  ,:at
 does ,dudley ,lawton say ab\t !        
newspap]s br++ 8 "n into ! case8 ask$   
,k5n$y1 address+ ,mr4 ,gilb]t4  ,no?+1  

repli$ he4  ,he d5ies t he has ev5 spok5
 to h] = ne>ly a ye>4  ,app>5tly he has 
no int]e/ 9 ! case4  ,& yet ,i _c q     
believe t ,lawton is z un9t]e/$ z he    
seems4  ,i "k t he has (t5 spok5 ab\t h]
 to memb]s ( ! ,cosmos ,club :]e he     
lives1 & t he reads practically ev]y?+ t
 ! newspap]s pr9t ab\t ! case4  ,b y h  
no reason to ?9k t !re has ev] be5 any  
secret communication betwe5 !m8  ,miss  
,georgette left no lett]s or any?+ t    
w\ld indicate t h] =m] infatuation      
surviv$8  ,none :atev]1 repeat$ ,mr4    
,gilb]t emphatically4  ,we h gone ov] h]
 p]sonal effects v c>efully1 & ,i c't   
say !y furni% a clue4  ,9 fact1 !re 7 v 
few lett]s4  ,%e r>ely kept a lett]4    
,:e!r x 0 m]ely f habit or = "s purpose1
 ,i c't say4  ,besides h] lik+ = ,dudley
 ,lawton & h] r romantic nature1 !re are
 no o!r ?+s 9 h] life t w\ld cause a    
desire = fre$om8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 mu* z a   
doctor might te/ ! n]ves ( a pati5t4    
,%e _h no hobbies8  ,beyond ! read+ ( "s
 books :i* h] "m & ,i did n altoge!r    

approve (1 ,i %\ld say no - no hobbies4 
,s f>1 ,i suppose1 x is true t nei!r y  
nor ! police h receiv$ ev5 a h9t z to   
:]e %e w5t aft] leav+ ! book-/ore8  ,n a
 h9t4  ,%e dropp$ out z completely z if 
! e>? _h swall[$ h]4  ,mrs4 ,gilb]t1    
said ,k5n$y1 z our visitors rose to g1 y
 may re/ assur$ t if x is humanly       
possible to f9d y\r daught] ,i %all     
leave no /one unturn$ until ,i h prob$  
to ! bottom ( ?is my/]y4  ,i h seldom _h
 a case t hung on m sl5d] ?reads1 yet if
 ,i c weave o!r ?reads to support x ,i  
feel t we %all soon f9d t ! my/]y is n s
 baffl+ z ! ,miss+ ,p]sons ,squad has   
f\nd x s f>4  ,sc>cely _h ! ,gilb]ts    
left :5 ,k5n$y put on 8 hat1 rem>k+3    
,we'll at lea/ get our walk1 if n ! %[4 
,let's /roll ar\nd to ! ,cosmos ,club4  
,p]haps we may cat* ,lawton 94  ,luckily
 we *anc$ to f9d him !re 9 ! read+-room4
  ,lawton 01 z ,mrs4 ,gilb]t _h said1 a 
type t is common en\gh 9 ,new ,york & is
 v fasc9at+ to _m girls4  ,9 fact1 he 0 
"o ( ^? fell[s ^: s9s are readily =giv5 

because !y are always int]e/+4  ,n a few
 m5 secretly admire ?\gh publicly       
execrate ! ,lawton type4  ,i say we     
*anc$ to f9d him 94  ,t 0 ab\t all we   
f\nd4  ,our int]view 0 mo/              
unsatisfactory4  ,= my "p1 ,i c\ld n    
det]m9e :e!r he 0 m]ely anxi\s to avoid 
any notoriety 9 connection ) ! case or  
:e!r he 0 conceal+ some?+ t might       
compromise himself4  ,really1 g5tlem51  
he drawl$1 puff+ languidly on a cig>ette
 & turn+ sl[ly t[>d ! w9d[ to wat* !    
pass+ ?rong "u ! lights ( ! av5ue1      
really ,i don't see h[ ,i c be ( any    
assi/ance4  ,y see1 except = a m]e pass+
 acqua9tance ,miss ,gilb]t & ,i _h      
drift$ entirely ap>t - entirely ap>t  - 
ow+ to circum/ances ov] :i* ,i1 at lea/1
 _h no control4  ,i ?\ght p]haps y might
 h he>d f h] or ab\t h]1 ?r\gh "s mutual
 fri5d1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 c>efully conceal+
 "u 8 non*alance :at ,i knew 0 work+ 9 8
 m9d - a belief t1 aft] all1 ! old      
atta*m5t _h n be5 s dead z ! ,gilb]ts _h
 fanci$4  ,no1 n a brea?1 ei!r be=e ?is 

sad occurr5ce or1 ( c\rse1 aft]4        
,believe me1 if ,i c\ld add "o fact t   
w\ld simplify ! se>* = ,georgette - ah1 
,miss ,gilb]t - ah - ,i w\ld d s 9 a    
mom5t1 repli$ ,lawton quickly1 z if     
desir\s ( gett+ rid ( u z soon z        
possible4  ,!n p]haps z if regrett+ !   
brusqu5ess ) :i* he _h tri$ to end !    
int]view1 he add$1 ,don't misund]/& me4 
,! mom5t y h discov]$ any?+ t po9ts to  
h] :]eab\ts1 let me "k imm$iately4  ,y c
 c\nt on me - provid$ y don't get me    
into ! pap]s4  ,good-night1 g5tlem54  ,i
 wi% y ! be/ ( success4  ,d y ?9k he    
c\ld h kept up ! acqua9tance secretly8  
,i ask$ ,craig z we walk$ up ! av5ue    
aft] ?is baffl+ int]view4 ,c\ld he h ca/
 h] (f :5 he f\nd t 9 spite ( h] p>5ts' 
prote/s %e 0 /ill 9 8 p[]8  ,x's        
impossible to say :at a man ( ,dudley   
,lawton's type c\ld d1 mus$ ,k5n$y1 = ! 
simple reason t he himself doesn't "k   
until he has to d x4  ,until we h m     
facts1 any?+ is bo? possible & probable4
  ,!re 0 no?+ m t c\ld be done t night1 

?\gh aft] our walk we sat up = an h\r or
 two discuss+ probabilities4  ,x did n  
take me long to rea* ! end ( my         
imag9ation & give up ! case1 b ,k5n$y   
cont9u$ to revolve ! matt] 9 8 m9d1     
look+ at x f e angle & call+ ^u all !   
va/ /ore ( in=mation t he _h treasur$ up
 9 t m>vell\s bra9 ( 81 ready to be     
call$ on almo/ z if 8 m9d 7 c>d-index$4 
,murd]s1 suicides1 robb]ies1 & burgl>ies
 are1 aft] all1 pretty easily expla9$1  
he rem>k$1 aft] a long p]iod ( sil5ce on
 my "p1 b ! sudd5 disappe>ance ( p out (
 ! cr[d$ city into n[h]e is some?+ t is 
mu* h>d] to expla94  ,& x isn't s       
difficult to disappe> z "s p imag9e1    
ei!r4 ,y rememb] ! case ( ! celebrat$   
,arctic explor] ^: picture _h be5       
publi%$ scores ( times 9 e illu/rat$    
pap]4  ,he _h no tr\ble 9 disappe>+ & !n
 reappe>+ lat]1 :5 he got ready4  ,yet  
exp]i5ce has taught me t !re is always a
 reason = disappe>ances4  ,x is our next
 duty to discov] t reason4 ,/ill1 x     
won't d to say t disappe>ances are n    

my/]i\s4 ,disappe>ances except = money  
tr\bles are all my/]i\s4  ,! fir/ ?+ 9  
su* a case is to discov] :e!r ! p]son   
has any hobbies or habits or fads4  ,t  
is :at ,i tri$ to f9d out f ! ,gilb]ts4 
,i c't tell yet :e!r ,i succe$$4  ,k5n$y
 took a p5cil & ha/ily jott$ d[n some?+ 
on a piece ( pap] :i* he toss$ ov] to   
me4  ,x read3 #a4,love1 family tr\ble4  
#b4;,a romantic disposition4            
#c4,tempor>y insanity1 self-de/ruction4 
#d4;,crim9al assault4 #e4;,aphasia4     
#f4,kidnapp+4  ,^? are ! reasons :y p   
disappe>1 elim9at+ crim9als & ^? :o h   
f9ancial difficulties4  ,dream on t &   
see if y c "w out ! answ] 9 y\r         
sublim9al consci\sness4 ,good-night4    
,ne$less to say1 ,i 0 no fur!r advanc$ 9
 ! morn+ ?an at midnight1 b ,k5n$y seem$
 to h evolv$ at lea/ a t5tative         
programme4  ,x />t$ ) a visit to !      
public libr>y1 :]e he c>efully w5t ov] !
 gr\nd already gone ov] by ! police4    
,f9d+ no?+1 he conclud$ t ,miss ,gilb]t 
_h n f\nd :at %e want$ at ! libr>y & _h 

cont9u$ ! que/1 ev5 z he 0 cont9u+ !    
que/ ( h]self4  ,8 next /ep 0 to visit !
 dep>tm5t-/ore4  ,! pur*ase _h be5 an   
inconsequ5tial affair ( half a doz5     
h&k]*iefs1 to be s5t home4  ,?is c]ta9ly
 did n look l a prem$itat$ disappe>ance2
 b ,craig 0 proce$+ on ! assumption t   
?is pur*ase indicat$ no?+ except t !re  
_h be5 a sale ( h&k]*iefs :i* _h caught 
h] eye4  ,hav+ /opp$ at ! libr>y fir/ & 
a book-%op aft]w>d1 he assum$ t %e _h   
also visit$ ! book-dep>tm5t ( ! /ore4   
,b "h aga9 nobody seem$ to recall h] or 
t %e _h ask$ = any?+ 9 p>ticul>4  ,our  
la/ hope 0 ! book-%op4  ,we paus$ = a   
mom5t to look at ! display 9 ! w9d[1 b  
only = a mom5t1 = ,craig quickly pull$  
me along inside4  ,9 ! w9d[ 0 a display 
( books be>+ ! sign3   ,,books ,,on     
,,new ,,?\ght1 ,,occultism1             
,,clairvoyance1 ,,mesm]ism   ,in/ead (  
attempt+ to g ov] ! gr\nd already       
trav]s$ by ! police1 :o _h int]rogat$ ! 
num]\s cl]ks )\t discov]+ :i* "o1 if    
any1 _h wait$ on ,miss ,gilb]t1 ,k5n$y  

ask$ at once to see ! record ( sales ( !
 morn+ on :i* %e _h disappe>$4  ,runn+ 8
 eye quickly d[n ! record1 he pick$ out 
a "w on clairvoyance & ask$ to see ! "y 
woman :o _h made ! sale4  ,! cl]k 01    
h[ev]1 unable to recall to :om %e _h    
sold ! book1 ?\gh %e f9ally admitt$ t %e
 ?\ght x might h be5 a "y woman :o _h "s
 difficulty 9 mak+ up h] m9d j :i* "o ( 
! num]\s volumes %e want$4  ,%e c\ld n  
say :e!r ! picture ,k5n$y %[$ h] ( ,miss
 ,gilb]t 0 t ( h] cu/om]1 nor 0 %e sure 
t ! cu/om] 0 n escort$ by "s "o4        
,altoge!r x 0 ne>ly z hazy z our        
int]view ) ,lawton4  ,/ill1 rem>k$      
,k5n$y *e]fully1 x may furni% a clue1   
aft] all4  ,! cl]k at lea/ 0 n positive 
t x 0 n ,miss ,gilb]t to :om %e sold !  
book4  ,s9ce we are d[n 9 ?is           
neighb\rhood1 let u drop 9 & see ,mr4   
,gilb]t aga94  ,p]haps some?+ may h     
happ5$ s9ce la/ night4  ,mr4 ,gilb]t 0 9
 ! dry-goods bus9ess 9 a l(t build+ 9 ! 
new dry-goods section on ,f\r? ,av5ue4  
,"o c\ld almo/ feel t a trag$y _h invad$

 ev5 8 place ( bus9ess4  ,z we ent]$1 we
 c\ld see gr\ps ( cl]ks1 evid5tly       
discuss+ ! case4  ,x 0 no wond]1 ,i     
felt1 = ! head ( ! firm 0 almo/ frantic1
 & beside ! loss ( 8 only daught] ! loss
 ( 8 bus9ess w\ld c\nt z no?+1 at lea/  
until ! ke5 edge ( 8 grief 0 worn (f4   
,mr4 ,gilb]t is out1 repli$ 8 secret>y1 
9 answ] to our inquiry4  ,hav5't y he>d8
  ,!y h j discov]$ ! body ( 8 daught] 9 
a lonely spot 9 ! ,croton ,aqu$uct4  ,! 
report came 9 f ! police j a few m9utes 
ago4  ,x is ?\ght t %e 0 murd]$ 9 ! city
 & c>ri$ !re 9 an automobile4  ,! news  
came ) a /++ %ock4  ,i felt t1 aft] all1
 we 7 too late4  ,9 ano!r h\r ! extras  
w\ld be out1 & ! news w\ld be spread    
broadca/4  ,! affair w\ld be 9 ! h&s ( !
 amateur detectives1 & !re 0 no tell+ h[
 _m promis+ clues might be lo/4  ,dead6 
exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 z he jamm$ 8 hat on 8  
head & bolt$ = ! door4  ,hurry1 ,walt]4 
,we mu/ get !re be=e ! coron] makes 8   
exam9ation4  ,i don't "k h[ we manag$ to
 d x1 b by d9t ( subway1 elevat$1 &     

taxicab we arriv$ on ! sc5e ( ! trag$y n
 v long aft] ! coron]4  ,mr4 ,gilb]t 0  
!re1 sil5t1 & look+ z if he _h ag$ _m   
ye>s s9ce ! night be=e2 8 h& %ook & he  
c\ld m]ely nod recognition to u4        
,already ! body _h be5 c>ri$ to a r\gh  
%anty 9 ! neighb\rhood1 & ! coron] 0    
que/ion+ ^? :o _h made ! discov]y1 a    
p>ty ( ,italian lab\r]s on ! wat]       
improvem5t ne> by4  ,!y 7 a vici\s look+
 crew1 b !y c\ld tell no?+ beyond ! fact
 t "o ( !m _h discov]$ ! body 9 a ?icket
 :]e x c\ld n possibly h la9 long] ?an  
ov]night4  ,!re 0 no reason1 z yet1 to  
suspect any ( !m1 & inde$1 z a mu*      
travell$ automobile road ran )9 a few   
feet ( ! ?icket1 !re 0 e reason to      
believe t ! murd]1 if murd] x 01 _h be5 
committ$ else:]e & t ! p]petrator _h    
tak5 ?is means ( gett+ rid ( 8 un=tunate
 victim4  ,drawn & contort$ 7 ! features
 ( ! poor girl1 z if %e _h di$ 9 great  
physical agony or aft] a t]rific        
/ruggle4 ,inde$1 m>ks ( viol5ce on h]   
delicate ?roat & neck %[$ only too      

pla9ly t %e _h be5 *ok$4  ,z ,k5n$y b5t 
ov] ! =m ( ! once lovely ,georgette1 he 
not$ ! cl5*$ h&s4  ,!n he look$ at !m m 
closely4 ,i 0 /&+ a little beh9d him1 = 
?\gh ,craig & ,i _h be5 ?r\gh _m ?rill+ 
adv5tures1 ! dea? ( a human be+1        
especially ( a girl l ,miss ,gilb]t1    
fill$ me ) horror & revulsion4  ,i c\ld 
see1 h[ev]1 t he _h not$ some?+ unusual4
  ,he pull$ out a little pocket magnify+
 glass & made an ev5 m m9ute exam9ation 
( ! h&s4  ,at la/ he rose & fac$ u1     
almo/ z if 9 triumph4  ,i c\ld n see :at
 he _h discov]$ - at lea/ x did n seem  
to be any?+ tangible1 l a weapon4       
,quickly he op5$ ! pocketbook :i* %e _h 
c>ri$4  ,x seem$ to be empty1 & he 0    
ab\t to %ut x :5 some?+ :ite1 /ick+ 9 "o
 corn]1 caught 8 eye4  ,craig pull$ out 
a clipp+ f a newspap]1 & we cr[d$ ab\t  
him to look at x4  ,x 0 a l>ge clipp+ f 
! section ( "o ( ! metropolitan j\rnals 
:i* c>ries a ho/ ( su* adv]tisem5ts z _s
 m$ium1 psy*ic palmi/1 yogi m$iator1    
magnetic influ5ces1 cry/al gaz]1        

a/rolog]1 trance m$ium1 & ! l4  ,at once
 ,i ?\ght ( ! sall[1 some:at my/ic      
c\nt5ance ( ,dudley1 & ! idea fla%$1    
half-=m$1 9 my m9d t someh[ ?is clue1   
toge!r ) ! pur*ase ( ! book on          
clairvoyance1 might prove ! f9al l9k    
necess>y4  ,b ! fir/ problem 9 ,k5n$y's 
m9d 0 to keep 9 t\* ) :at ! au?orities 7
 do+4  ,t kept u busy = sev]al h\rs1    
dur+ :i* ,craig 0 9 close consultation )
 ! coron]'s physician4  ,! physician 0 (
 ! op9ion t ,miss ,gilb]t _h be5 drugg$ 
z well z /rangl$1 & = _m h\rs1 d[n 9 8  
laboratory1 8 *emi/s 7 engag$ 9 try+ to 
discov] f te/s ( h] blood :e!r ! !ory 0 
true4  ,"o aft] ano!r ! ord9>y poisons 7
 elim9at$1 until x began to look        
hopeless4  ,s f> ,k5n$y _h be5 only an  
int]e/$ spectator1 b z ! diff]5t te/s   
fail$1 he _h become m & m ke5ly alive4  
,at la/ x seem$ z if he c\ld wait no    
long]4  ,might ,i try "o or two         
reactions ) t sample8 he ask$ ( !       
physician :o h&$ him ! te/ tube 9       
sil5ce4  ,= a mom5t or two ,craig       

?\ghtfully reg>d$ x1 :ile ) "o h& he    
f+]$ ! bottles ( e!r1 alcohol1 di/ill$  
wat]1 & ! _m reag5ts /&+ be=e him4  ,he 
pick$ up "o & p\r$ a little liquid into 
! te/ tube4  ,!n1 remov+ ! precipitate t
 0 =m$1 he tri$ to dissolve x 9 wat]4   
,n succe$+1 he tri$ ! e!r & !n !        
alcohol4  ,bo? 7 successful4  ,:at is x8
 we ask$ z he held ! tube up critically 
to ! light4  ,i c't be sure yet1 he     
answ]$ sl[ly4  ,i ?\ght at fir/ t x 0 "s
 alkaloid4  ,i'll h to make fur!r te/s  
be=e ,i c be positive j :at x is4  ,if  
,i may reta9 ?is sample ,i ?9k t ) o!r  
clues t ,i h discov]$ ,i may be able to 
tell y some?+ def9ite soon4  ,! coron]'s
 physician will+ly ass5t$1 & ,craig     
quickly dispat*$ ! tube1 c>efully seal$1
 to 8 laboratory4  ,t "p ( our          
inve/igation w keep1 he rem>k$ z we left
 ! coron]'s (fice4  ,to-night ,i ?9k we 
_h bett] resume ! se>* :i* 0 s          
unexpect$ly int]rupt$ ?is morn+4  ,i    
suppose y h conclud$1 ,walt]1 t we c be 
reasonably sure t ! trail leads back    

?r\gh ! =tune-tell]s & soo?say]s ( ,new 
,york1 - :i* "o1 x w\ld be difficult to 
say4 ,! obvi\s ?+1 !re=e1 is to consult 
!m all4  ,i ?9k y w enjoy t "p ( x1 )   
y\r newspap]man's lik+ = ! biz>re4  ,!  
fact 0 t x did appeal to me1 ?\gh at !  
mom5t ,i 0 endeav\r+ to =mulate a !ory 9
 :i* ,dudley ,lawton & an accomplice    
w\ld acc\nt = ! facts4  ,x 0 e>ly 9 !   
ev5+ z we />t$ out on our t\r ( !       
clairvoyants ( ,new ,york4  ,! fir/ :om 
,k5n$y select$ f ! adv]tisem5ts 9 !     
clipp+ describ$ himself z ,hata1 !      
,veil$ ,prophet1 born ) a d\ble veil1   
educat$ 9 occult my/]ies & ,h9du        
philosophy 9 ,egypt & ,india4  ,l all ( 
!m 8 adv]tisem5t dwelt mu* on love &    
money3  ,! great que/ions ( life are    
quickly solv$1 failure turn$ to success1
 sorr[ to joy1 ! sep>at$ are br\ght     
toge!r1 foes made fri5ds4  ,tru?s are   
laid b>e to 8 my/]i\s m9d4  ,he gives y 
p[] to attract & control ^? :om y may   
desire1 tells y ( liv+ or dead1 y\r     
secret tr\bles1 ! cause & rem$y4        

,advice on all affairs ( life1 love1    
c\rt%ip1 m>riage1 bus9ess1 speculations1
 inve/m5ts4  ,ov]comes rivals1 enemies1 
& all evil influ5ces4  ,w tell y h[ to  
attract1 control1 & *ange ! ?\ght1      
int5tions1 actions1 or "* ( any "o y    
desire4  ,hata 0 a mode/ adept :o       
pr(ess$ to be able to expla9 ! :ole t5  
/ages ( ,yoga4  ,he _h e/abli%$ himself 
on a /reet ne> ,times ,squ>e1 j (f      
,broadway1 & !re we f\nd sev]al         
automobiles & taxicabs /&+ at ! curb1 a 
mute te/imony to ! weal? ( at lea/ "s ( 
8 cli5tele4  ,a solemn-fac$ col\r$ man  
u%]$ u into a front p>l\r & ask$ if we  
_h come to see ! pr(essor4  ,k5n$y      
answ]$ t we _h4  ,w y please write y\r  
names & addresses on ! outside %eet (   
?is pad1 !n te> x (f & keep x8 ask$ !   
att5dant4  ,we ask all visitors to d t  
simply z a gu>antee ( good fai?4  ,!n if
 y w write "u x :at y wi% to f9d out f !
 pr(essor ,i ?9k x w help y conc5trate4 
,b don't write :ile ,i am 9 ! room1 &   
don't let me see ! writ+4  ,a pretty    

*eap trick1 exclaim$ ,craig :5 !        
att5dant _h gone4 ,t's h[ he tells !    
gullible _! names be=e !y tell him4     
,i've a good notion to te> (f two %eets4
  ,! second is *emically prep>$1 )      
p>aff91 ,i ?9k4  ,by du/+ x ov] ) p[d]$ 
*>coal y c br+ out :at 0 writt5 on !    
fir/ %eet ov] x4  ,oh1 well1 let's let  
him get some?+ across1 anyway4  ,"h     
goes1 our names & addresses1 & und]nea? 
,i'll write1 ',:at has become (         
,georgette ,gilb]t8'  ,p]haps five      
m9utes lat] ! negro took ! pad1 ! top   
%eet hav+ be5 torn (f & plac$ 9 ,k5n$y's
 pocket4  ,he also took a small fee (   
two doll>s4  ,a few m9utes lat] we 7    
u%]$ into ! awful pres5ce ( ! ,veil$    
,prophet1 a tall1 f]ret-ey$ man 9 a robe
 t look$ suspici\sly l a brocad$        
dress+-g[n mu* too l>ge = him4  ,sure   
en\gh1 he address$ u solemnly by "n &   
proce$$ directly to tell u :y we _h     
come4  ,let u look into ! cry/al ( !    
pa/1 pres5t1 & future & read :at x has  
to reveal1 he add$ solemnly1 d>k5+ !    

room1 :i* 0 already only dimly light$4  
,!n ,hata1 ! cry/al-gaz]1 solemnly seat$
 himself 9 a *air4  ,be=e him1 9 8 h&s1 
repos+ on a bag ( sat91 lay a huge oval 
piece ( glass4  ,he ?rew =w>d 8 head &  
rivet$ 8 eyes on ! milky dep?s ( !      
cry/al4  ,9 a mom5t he began to talk1   
fir/ rambl+ly1 !n coh]5tly4  ,i see a   
man1 a d>k man1 he began4  ,he is talk+ 
e>ne/ly to a "y girl4  ,%e is try+ to   
avoid him4  ,ah - he seizes h] by bo?   
arms4  ,!y /ruggle4  ,he has 8 h& at h] 
?roat4  ,he is *ok+ h]4  ,i 0 ?9k+ ( !  
newspap] descriptions ( ,lawton1 :i* !  
fakir _h und\bt$ly read1 b ,k5n$y 0     
lean+ =w>d ov] ! cry/al-gaz]1 n wat*+ ! 
cry/al at all1 nor ) 8 eyes on !        
clairvoyant's face4  ,h] tongue is      
protrud+ f h] m\?1 h] eyes are bulg+ -  
,yes1 yes1 urg$ ,k5n$y4  ,g on4  ,%e    
falls4  ,he /rikes h]4  ,he flees4  ,he 
goes to -   ,k5n$y laid 8 h& ev] s      
lightly on ! arm ( ! clairvoyant1 !n    
quickly )drew x4  ,i _c see :]e he goes4
  ,x is d>k1 d>k4  ,y w h to come back  

to-morr[ :5 ! vision is /rong]4  ,! ?+  
/ung me by its crudity4  ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 
seem$ elat$ by our exp]i5ce z we ga9$ ! 
/reet4  ,craig1 ,i remon/rat$1 y don't  
mean to say y atta* any importance to   
vap\r+s l t8  ,:y1 !re wasn't a ?+ !    
fell[ c\ldn't h imag9$ f ! newspap]s1   
ev5 ! clumsy description ( ,dudley      
,lawton4  ,we'll see1 he repli$         
*e]fully1 z we /opp$ "u a light to read 
! address ( ! next se]1 :o happ5$ to be 
9 ! same block4  ,x prov$ to be ! psy*ic
 palmi/ :o call$ himself ! ,p&it4 ,he   
also 0 born ) a /range & rem>kable p[] -
 n meant to gratify ! idle curi\s1 b to 
direct1 advise1 & help m5 & wom5 - at ! 
usual l[ fee4  ,he said 9 pr9t t he gave
 in/ant relief to ^? :o _h tr\ble 9     
love1 & also positively gu>ante$ to tell
 y\r "n & ! object ( y\r visit4  ,he    
add$3    ,love1 c\rt%ip1 m>riage4  ,:at 
is m beautiful ?an ! true   unblemi%$   
love ( "o p]son = ano!r8  ,:at is       
sweet]1 bett]1   or m to be desir$ ?an  
p]fect h>mony & happ9ess8  ,if y   want 

to w9 ! e/eem1 love1 & ev]la/+ affection
 ( ano!r1   see ! ,p&it1 ! greate/ liv+ 
ma/] ( ! occult sci5ce4  ,inasmu* z ?is 
se] fell into a passion at ! o!r        
incompet5t soo?say]s 9 ! next column 7& 
almo/ next door7 x seem$ z if we mu/    
surely get some?+ = our money f ! ,p&it4
  ,l ,hata1 ! ,p&it liv$ 9 a l>ge       
br[n/one h\se4  ,! man :o admitt$ u l$ u
 into a p>l\r :]e sev]al p 7 seat$ ab\t 
z if wait+ = "s "o4  ,! pad & writ+     
process 0 repeat$ ) little v>iation4    
,s9ce we 7 ! late/ com]s we _h to wait  
"s "t be=e we 7 u%]$ into ! pres5ce ( ! 
,p&it1 :o 0 clad 9 a gre5 silk robe4  ,!
 room 0 l>ge & _h v small w9d[s ( /a9$  
glass4  ,at "o end ( ! room 0 an alt> on
 :i* burn$ sev]al c&les :i* gave out an 
inc5se4  ,! atmosph]e ( ! room 0 heavy )
 a fragrance t seem$ to comb9e cologne )
 *lor(orm4  ,! ,p&it wav$ a w&1 mutt]+  
/range s\nds z he did s1 = 9 addition to
 8 palmi/ry1 :i* he seem$ n dispos$ to  
exhibit t night1 he dealt 9 my/]ies     
beyond human k54  ,a voice1 q evid5tly f

 a phonograph buri$ 9 ! dep?s ( ! alt>1 
answ]$ 9 an unkn[n language :i* s\nd$   
mu* l ,al-ya wa-aa haal-ya waa-ha4      
,across ! dim room fla%$ a pale blue    
light ) a crackl+ noise1 ! visible rays 
f a ,crookes tube1 ,i v]ily believe4  ,!
 ,p&it1 h[ev]1 said x 0 ! s\l ( a sa9t  
pass+ ?r\gh4  ,!n he produc$ two silk5  
robes1 "o r$1 :i* he plac$ on ,k5n$y's  
%\ld]s1 & "o violet1 :i* he ?rew ov] me4
  ,f ! air proce$$ /range s\nds ( weird 
music & words4 ,! ,p&it seem$ to fall   
asleep1 mutt]+4  ,app>5tly1 h[ev]1      
,k5n$y & ,i 7 bad subjects1 = aft] "s   
m9utes ( ?is he gave x up1 say+ t !     
spirits _h no revelation to make        
to-night 9 ! matt] 9 :i* we _h call$4   
,inasmu* z we _h n writt5 on ! pad j :at
 t matt] 01 ,i 0 n surpris$4  ,nor 0 ,i 
surpris$ :5 ! ,p&it laid (f 8 robe &    
said unctu\sly1 ,b if y w call to-morr[ 
& conc5trate1 ,i am sure t ,i c secure a
 message t w be helpful ab\t y\r little 
matt]4  ,k5n$y promis$ to call1 b /ill  
he l+]$4  ,! ,p&it1 anxi\s to get rid ( 

u1 mov$ t[>d ! door4  ,k5n$y sidl$ ov]  
t[>d ! gre5 robe :i* ! ,p&it _h laid on 
a *air4  ,might ,i h "s ( y\r writ+s to 
look ov] 9 ! meantime8 ask$ ,craig z if 
to ga9 "t4  ,yes1 b !y w co/ y ?ree     
doll>s a copy - ! price ,i *>ge all my  
/ud5ts1 answ]$ ! ,p&it ) j a trace ( a  
gleam ( satisfaction at hav+ at la/ made
 an impression4  ,he turn$ & ent]$ a    
cab9et to secure ! my/ic lit]ature4 ,!  
mom5t he _h disappe>$ ,k5n$y seiz$ !    
opportunity he _h be5 wait+ =4  ,he     
pick$ up ! gre5 robe & exam9$ ! coll> & 
neck v c>efully "u ! lea/ dim ( ! lights
 9 ! room4  ,he seem$ to f9d :at he     
wi%$1 yet he cont9u$ to exam9e ! robe   
until ! s\nd ( return+ foot/eps w>n$ him
 to lay x d[n aga94  ,he _h n be5 q     
quick en\gh4  ,! ,p&it ey$ u            
suspici\sly1 !n he rang a bell4  ,!     
att5dant appe>$ in/antly1 noiselessly4  
,%[ ^! m5 into ! libr>y1 he comm&$ ) j !
 fa9te/ %ade ( trepidation4  ,my s]vant 
w give y ! book1 he said to ,craig4     
,pay him4  ,x seem$ t we _h sudd5ly be5 

look$ ^u ) disfav\r1 & ,i half suspect$ 
he ?\ght we 7 spies ( ! police1 :o _h   
rec5tly receiv$ num]\s compla9ts ( !    
f9ancial activities ( ! =tune tell]s1 :o
 work$ 9 close h>mony ) c]ta9 bucket-%op
 op]ators 9 fleec+ ! cr$ul\s ( _! money 
by inspir$ inve/m5t advice4  ,at any    
rate1 ! att5dant quickly op5$ a door    
into ! d>kness4  ,tread+ cauti\sly ,i   
foll[$ ,craig4  ,! door clos$ beh9d u4  
,i cl5*$ my fi/s1 n kn[+ :at to expect4 
,! deuce6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4  ,he pass$ u 
out into an alley4 ,!re is ! /reet n    
tw5ty feet away4  ,! ,p&it is a clev]   
"o1 all "r4  ,x 0 n[ too late to see any
 ( ! o!r clairvoyants on our li/1 s t ) 
?is unc]emoni\s dismissal we decid$ to  
conclude our inve/igations = ! night4   
,! next morn+ we w5d$ our way up into ! 
,bronx1 :]e "o ( ! my/ics _h ensconc$   
himself r out ( ! beat5 track ( police  
protection1 or p]secution1 "o c\ld n say
 :i*4  ,i 0 wond]+ :at sort ( vag>y w\ld
 come next4  ,x prov$ to be ,swami1 !   
greate/ clairvoyant1 psy*ic palmi/1 &   

,yogi m$iator ( !m all4  ,he also /ood  
alone 9 8 p[]1 = he ass]t$3    ,names   
fri5ds1 enemies1 rivals1 tells :om & :5 
y w   m>ry1 advises y ^u love1 c\rt%ip1 
m>riage1 bus9ess1   speculation1        
transactions ( e nature4  ,if y are     
worri$1   p]plex$1 or 9 tr\ble come to  
?is wond]ful man4  ,he reads   y\r life 
l an op5 book2 he ov]comes evil         
influ5ces1   reunites ! sep>at$1 causes 
spe$y & happy m>riage )   ! "o ( y\r    
*oice1 tells h[ to influ5ce any "o y    
desire1 tells :e!r wife or swee!>t is   
true or false4   ,love1 fri5d%ip1 &     
influ5ce ( o!rs obta9$ & a   great] %>e 
( happ9ess 9 life secur$4  ,! key to    
success   is t m>vell\s1 subtle1 unse5  
p[] t op5s to y\r   vision ! greate/    
secrets ( life4  ,x gives y p[] :i*     
enables y to control ! m9ds ( m5 & wom54
  ,! ,swami engag$ to expla9 ! wond]ful 
,k>mic law1 & by 8 me?od "o c\ld develop
 a wond]ful magnetic p]sonality by :i*  
he c\ld w9 any?+ ! human he>t desir$4   
,x 0 !re=e ) great anticipation t we    

s\ght out ! wond]ful ,swami &1 fall+    
into ! _s ( 8 adv]tisem5t1 pos$ z       
come-ons & plead$ to obta9 ?is wond]ful 
magnetism & a k ( ! ,k>mic law - at a   
ridicul\sly l[ figure1 consid]+ its     
ine/imable advantages to "o engag$ 9 !  
pursuit ( crim9al sci5ce4  ,naturally ! 
,swami 0 pleas$ at two su* e>ly call]s1 
& 8 n>r[1 half-bald head1 long slim     
nose1 %>p grey eyes1 & sall[1 un:olesome
 complexion %[$ 8 pleasure 9 e l9e &    
feature4  ,rubb+ 8 h&s toge!r z he      
motion$ u into ! next room1 ! ,swami    
seat$ u on a circul> divan ) piles (    
cu%ions ^u x4  ,!re 7 clu/]s ( fl[]s 9  
vases ab\t ! room1 :i* gave x ! od\r ( !
 r5ew$ vitality ( ! ye>4  ,a lackey     
ent]$ ) a silv] tray ( cups ( c(fee & a 
silv] j> 9 ! c5tre4  ,talk+ sl[ly &     
e>ne/ly ab\t ! great ,k>mic law1 !      
,swami bade u dr9k ! c(fee1 :i* 0 ( a   
vile1 muddy1 ,turki% v>iety4  ,!n f ! j>
 he took a box ( rock cry/al conta9+ a  
sort ( gre5i% comp\nd :i* he knead$ into
 a little gum - gum tragacan?1 ,i       

aft]w>d le>n$1 - & bade u ta/e4  ,x 0 n 
at all unpleasant to ! ta/e1 & z no?+   
happ5$1 except ! suave dron+ ( ! my/ic  
be=e u1 we ate sev]al ( ! gum pellets4  
,i am at a loss to describe adequately j
 ! s5sations t ,i soon exp]i5c$4  ,x 0 z
 if puffs ( hot & cold air 7 alt]nately 
bl[n on my sp9e1 & ,i felt a twit*+ ( my
 neck1 legs1 & arms4  ,!n came a subtle 
w>m?4  ,! :ole ?+ seem$ droll2 ! noise (
 ! ,swami's voice 0 mo/ h>moni\s4  ,8 & 
,k5n$y's faces seem$ trans=m$4  ,!y 7   
human faces1 b ea* _h a sort ( animal   
lik5ess back ( x1 z ,lavat] has said4   
,! ,swami seem$ to me to be ! fox1      
,k5n$y ! owl4  ,i look$ 9 ! glass1 & ,i 
0 ! eagle4  ,i laugh$ outright4  ,x 0   
s5su\s 9 ! extreme4  ,! beautiful pa9t+s
 on ! walls at once became clo!d 9 fle% 
& blood4  ,a picture ( a lady hang+ ne> 
me caught my eye4  ,! c\nt5ance really  
smil$ & laugh$ & v>i$ f mom5t to mom5t4 
,h] figure became r\nd$ & liv+ & seem$  
to /ir 9 ! frame4  ,! face 0 beautiful b
 gha/ly4  ,i seem$ to be borne along on 

a sea ( pleasure by curr5ts ( voluptu\s 
happ9ess4  ,! ,swami 0 affect$ by a     
pr(\nd polit5ess4  ,z he rose & walk$   
ab\t ! room1 /ill talk+1 he salaam$ &   
b[$4  ,:5#bj ,i spoke x s\nd$ l a gun1 )
 an e*o long aft]w>d rumbl+ 9 my bra94  
,?\ghts came to me l fury1 bewild]+1    
sometimes z po9ts ( light 9 ! mo/       
exquisite fireworks4 ,objects 7 clo!d 9 
mo/ fanta/ic g>bs4  ,i look$ at my two  
animal companions4  ,i seem$ to read _! 
?\ghts4  ,i felt /range aff9ities ) !m1 
ev5 ) ! ,swami4  ,yet x 0 all by !      
psy*ological law ( ! association (      
ideas1 ?\gh ,i 0 no long] ma/] b !      
s]vant ( ^? ideas4  ,z = ,k5n$y1 ! /uff 
seem$ to affect him mu* diff]5tly ?an x 
did myself4  ,inde$1 x seem$ to r\se 9  
him some?+ vici\s4  ,! m ,i smil$ & ! m 
! ,swami salaam$1 ! m viol5t ,i c\ld see
 ,craig gett+1 :]eas ,i 0 lo/ 9 a maze (
 dreams t ,i w\ld n h /opp$ if ,i c\ld4 
,seconds seem$ to be ye>s2 m9utes ages4 
,?+s at only a %ort di/ance look$ mu* z 
!y d :5 look$ at ?r\gh ! inv]t$ end ( a 

telescope4  ,yet x all c>ri$ ) x an     
agreeable exhil>ation :i* ,i c only     
describe z ! height5$ s5se "o feels on !
 fir/ spr+ day ( ! ye>4  ,at la/ !      
cont9u$ ply+ ( ! drug seem$ to be too   
mu* = ,k5n$y4  ,! ,swami _h made a      
pr(\nd salaam4  ,9 an in/ant ,k5n$y _h  
seiz$ ) bo? h&s ! long fl[+ hair at !   
back ( ! ,swami's bald =ehead1 & he     
tugg$ until ! my/ic yell$ ) pa9 & ! te>s
 /ood 9 8 eyes4  ,) a leap ,i r\s$      
myself f ! tra9 ( dreams & flung myself 
betwe5 !m4  ,at ! s\nd ( my voice & !   
pressure ( my grasp1 ,craig sull5ly &   
sl[ly relax$ 8 grip4  ,a vacant look    
seem$ to /eal into 8 face1 & seiz+ 8    
hat1 :i* lay on a ne>-by /ool1 he /alk$ 
out 9 sil5ce1 & ,i foll[$4  ,nei!r ( u  
spoke = a mom5t aft] we _h rea*$ !      
/reet1 b out ( ! corn] ( my eye ,i c\ld 
see t ,k5n$y's body 0 convuls$ z if )   
suppress$ emotion4  ,d y feel bett] 9 ! 
air8 ,i ask$ anxi\sly1 yet some:at vex$ 
& feel+ a sort ( lassitude & half regret
 at ! reality ( life & n ( ! dreams4  ,x

 seem$ z if he c\ld re/ra9 himself no   
long]4  ,he bur/ out into a he>ty laugh4
  ,i 0 j wat*+ ! look ( disgu/ on y\r   
face1 he said z he op5$ 8 h& & %[$ me   
?ree or f\r ( ! gum loz5ges t he _h     
palm$ in/ead ( swall[+4 ,ha1 ha6  ,i    
wond] :at ! ,swami ?9ks ( 8 e>ne/ ef=t  
to exp\nd ! ,k>mic law4  ,x 0 beyond me4
  ,) ! ,swami's concoction /ill %oot+   
?\ghts l sky rockets ?r\gh my bra9 ,i   
gave x up & all[$ ,k5n$y to eng9e] our  
next excursion into ! occult4  ,"o m se]
 rema9$ to be visit$4  ,?is "o pr(ess$  
to hold y\r life mirror & by 8 magnetic 
mono*rome1 :atev] t might be1 he w\ld   
imp>t to y an attractive p]sonality1    
ma/]y ( be+1 = creation & control ( life
 conditions4  ,he describ$ himself z !  
,guru1 &1 among o!r ?+s1 he pr(ess$ to  
be a sun-wor%ipp]4  ,at any rate1 ! room
 into :i* we 7 admitt$ 0 decorat$ ) !   
f\r-spok$ :eel1 or :eel & cross1 ! w+$  
circle1 & ! w+$ orb4  ,! ,guru himself 0
 a sw>?y individual ) a purple turban   
w\nd ar\nd 8 head4 ,9 8 inn] room 7 _m  

/atuettes1 photographs ( o!r ,gurus ( ! 
fai?1 & on ea* ( ! f\r walls 7 my/]i\s  
symbols 9 pla/] repres5t+ a snake curv$ 
9 a circle1 swall[+ 8 tail1 a five-po9t$
 />1 & 9 ! c5tre ano!r w+$ sph]e4       
,craig ask$ ! ,guru to expla9 ! symbols1
 to :i* he repli$ ) a smile3 ,! snake   
repres5ts et]nity1 ! /> involution &    
evolution ( ! s\l1 :ile ! w+$ sph]e -   
eh1 well1 t repres5ts some?+ else4  ,d y
 come to le>n ( ! fai?8  ,at ?is g5tle  
h9t ,craig repli$ t he did1 & ! utmo/   
amicability 0 re/or$ by ! pur*ase ( !   
,gre5 ,book ( ! ,guru1 :i* seem$ to deal
 ) ev]y?+ "u ! sun1 & p>ticul>ly !      
revival ( anci5t ,asiatic fire-wor%ip ) 
_m =ms & c]emonies1 toge!r ) po/ur+ &   
brea?+ t rivall$ ! turkey trot1 ! bunny 
hug1 & ! grizzly be>4 ,! book1 z we     
turn$1 ov] its pages1 gave directions = 
prep>+ ev]y?+ f food to love-philtres & 
! elixir ( life4  ,"o v int]e/+ *apt] 0 
devot$ to  electric m>riage1 :i* seem$  
to come to ^? only :o1 aft] se>*+       
pati5tly1 at la/ f\nd p]fect mates4     

,ano!r ( ! ,guru's t5ets seem$ to be    
purification by elim9at+ all false      
mode/y1 ba?+ 9 ! sun1 & :ile ba?+ engag+
 9 any occupation :i* kept ! m9d        
agreeably occupi$4  ,on ! fir/ page 0 ! 
satisfy+ leg5d1 ,!re is no?+ 9 ! _w t a 
disciple c give to pay ! debt to ! ,guru
 :o has taught him "o tru?4  ,z we      
talk$1 x seem$ q possible to me t !     
,guru might ex]t a v p[]ful hypnotic    
influ5ce ov] 8 disciples or ^? :o came  
to seek 8 advice4  ,besides ?is         
indef9able hypnotic influ5ce1 ,i also   
not$ ! m mat]ial lock on ! door to !    
inn] sanctu>y4  ,yes1 ! ,guru 0 say+ to 
,k5n$y1 ,i c secure y "o ( ! love-pills 
f ,india1 b x w co/ y - er - t5 doll>s4 
,i ?9k he hesitat$1 to see h[ mu* !     
traffic w\ld be>1 f "o to "o hundr$1 &  
compromis$ ) only "o z]o aft] ! unit4   
,k5n$y appe>$ satisfi$1 & ! ,guru dep>t$
 ) alacrity to secure ! specially       
import$ pellet4  ,9 a corn] 0 a sort (  
dress+-table on :i* lay a comb & bru%4  
,k5n$y seem$ mu* int]e/$ 9 ! table & 0  

exam9+ x :5 ! ,guru return$4  ,j z !    
door op5$ he manag$ to slip ! bru% into 
8 pocket & appe> int]e/$ 9 ! my/ic      
symbols on ! wall opposite4  ,if t      
doesn't "w1 rem>k$ ! ,guru 9 rem>kably  
good ,engli%1 let me "k1 & y mu/ try "o 
( my *>m bottles4  ,b ! love-pills are  
f9e4  ,good-day4  ,outside ,craig look$ 
at me quizzically ,y w\ldn't believe x1 
,walt]1 w\ld y8 he said4  ,"h 9 ?is     
tw5tie? c5tury 9 ,new ,york1 & 9 fact 9 
e l>ge city ( ! _w - love-philtres1     
love-pills1 & all ! re/ ( x4  ,& x is n 
among ! ignorant t ^! ?+s are f\nd1     
ei!r4  ,y rememb] we saw automobiles    
wait+ be=e "s ( ! places4  ,i suspect t 
all :o visit ! fakirs are n s gullible1 
aft] all1 ,i repli$ s5t5ti\sly4  ,p]haps
 n4  ,i ?9k ,i %all h some?+ int]e/+ to 
say to-night z a result ( our visits1 at
 lea/4  ,dur+ ! rema9d] ( ! day ,k5n$y 0
 closely conf9$ 9 8 laboratory ) 8      
microscopes1 slides1 *emicals1          
te/-tubes1 & o!r app>atus4  ,z = myself1
 ,i put 9 ! "t speculat+ :i* ( ! fakirs 

_h be5 9 "s my/]i\s way connect$ ) !    
case & 9 :at mann]4  ,_m 7 ! !ories :i* 
,i _h =m$ & ! situations ,i conjur$ up1 
& 9 ne>ly all ,i _h "o c5tral figure1 ! 
"y man ^: escapades _h be5 ! talk ( ev5 
! fa/ set ( a fa/ society4  ,t night    
,k5n$y1 ) ! assi/ance ( ,fir/ ,deputy   
,o',connor1 :o 0 n av]se to tak+ any    
action )9 ! law t[>d ! soo?say]s1       
assembl$ a curi\sly cosmopolitan cr[d 9 
8 laboratory4  ,besides ! ,gilb]ts 7    
,dudley ,lawton & 8 fa!r1 ,hata1 !      
,p&it1 ! ,swami1 & ! ,guru - ! latt] f\r
 p]sons 9 high dudgeon at be+ depriv$ ( 
! lucrative pr(its ( a ,sunday night4   
,k5n$y began sl[ly7 lead+ gradually up  
to 8 po9t3 ,a new means ( br++ crim9als 
to ju/ice has be5 lately /udi$ by "o ( !
 greate/ sci5tific detectives ( crime 9 
! _w1 ! man to :om we are indebt$ = our 
mo/ complete sy/ems ( id5tification &   
appreh5sion4  ,craig paus$ & f+]$ !     
microscope be=e him ?\ghtfully4  ,human 
hair1 he resum$1 has rec5tly be5 ! /udy 
( t untir+ crim9al sci5ti/1 ,m4         

,b]tillon4  ,he has drawn up a full1    
classifi$1 & graduat$ table ( all ! kn[n
 col\rs ( ! human hair1 a complete      
palette1 s to speak1 ( samples ga!r$ 9 e
 qu>t] ( ! globe4  ,h5ce=? burgl>s1 :o  
already we> gloves or pa9t _! f+]s ) a  
rubb] composition = fe> ( leav+         
f+]-pr9ts1 w h to we> close-fitt+ caps  
or keep _! heads %av$4  ,?us he has hit 
^u a new me?od ( id5tification ( ^?     
s\ght by ! police4  ,= in/ance1 f "t to 
"t ! "q arises :e!r hair is human or    
animal4  ,9 su* cases ! microscope tells
 ! answ] tru?fully4  ,= a long "t ,i h  
be5 /udy+ hair1 tak+ advantage ( ^?     
excell5t rese>*es by ,m4 ,b]tillon4     
,human hair is fairly uni=m1 tap]+      
gradually4  ,"u ! microscope x is       
practically always possible to di/+ui%  
human hair f animal4  ,i %all n g into !
 di/9ctions1 b ,i may add t x is also   
possible to det]m9e v quickly ! diff]5ce
 betwe5 all hair1 human or animal1 &    
cotton ) its corkscrew-l twi/s1 l95 )   
its jo9t$ /ructure1 & silk1 :i* is long1

 smoo?1 & cyl9drical4  ,aga9 ,k5n$y     
paus$ z if to emphasise ?is preface4  ,i
 h "h1 he cont9u$1 a sample ( hair4  ,he
 _h pick$ up a microscope slide t 0 ly+ 
on ! table4  ,x c]ta9ly did n look v    
?rill+ - a m]e piece ( glass1 t 0 all4  
,b on ! glass 0 :at appe>$ to be m]ely a
 fa9t l9e4  ,?is slide1 he said1 hold+ x
 up1 has :at mu/ prove an unescapable   
clue to ! id5tity ( ! man responsible = 
! disappe>ance ( ,miss ,gilb]t4  ,i %all
 n tell y yet :o he is1 = ! simple      
reason t1 ?\gh ,i c\ld make a %rewd     
guess1 ,i d n yet "k :at ! v]dict (     
sci5ce is1 & 9 sci5ce we d n guess :]e  
we c prove4  ,y w und\bt$ly rememb] t :5
 ,miss ,gilb]t's body 0 discov]$1 x bore
 no evid5ce ( suicide1 b on ! contr>y ! 
m>ks ( viol5ce4  ,h] fi/s 7 cl5*$1 z if 
%e _h /ruggl$ ) all h] p[] aga9/ a =ce t
 _h be5 too mu* = h]4 ,i exam9$ h] h&s1 
expect+ to f9d "s evid5ce ( a weapon %e 
_h us$ to def5d h]self4  ,in/ead1 ,i    
f\nd :at 0 m valuable4  ,"h on ?is slide
 are sev]al hairs t ,i f\nd tightly     

grasp$ 9 h] rigid h&s4  ,i c\ld n help  
recall+ ,k5n$y's rem>k e>li] 9 ! case  -
 t#bj;x hung on sl5d] ?reads4  ,yet h[  
/rong might n ^? ?reads prove6  ,!re 0  
also 9 h] pocketbook a newspap] clipp+  
be>+ ! adv]tisem5ts ( sev]al            
clairvoyants1 he w5t on4  ,mr4 ,jameson 
& myself _h already discov]$ :at !      
police _h fail$ to f9d1 t on ! morn+ ( !
 day on :i* %e disappe>$ ,miss ,gilb]t  
_h made ?ree di/9ct ef=ts1 probably1 to 
secure books on clairvoyance4           
,accord+ly1 ,mr4 ,jameson & myself h    
visit$ sev]al ( ! =tune-tell]s &        
practition]s ( ! occult sci5ces 9 :i* we
 _h reason to believe ,miss ,gilb]t 0   
int]e/$4  ,!y all1 by ! way1 make a     
specialty ( giv+ advice 9 money matt]s &
 solv+ ! problems ( lov]s4  ,i suspect t
 at times ,mr4 ,jameson has ?\ght t ,i 0
 dem5t$1 b ,i _h to resort to _m & v>i\s
 exp$i5ts to collect ! specim5s ( hair  
:i* ,i want$4  ,f ! police1 :o us$ ,mr4 
,lawton's valet1 ,i receiv$ "s hair f 8 
head4  ,"h is ano!r specim5 f ea* ( !   

adv]tis]s1 ,hata1 ! ,swami1 ! ,p&it1 & !
 ,guru4 ,!re is j "o ( ^! specim5s :i*  
corresponds 9 e p>ticul> ( col\r1       
?ickness1 & texture ) ! hair f\nd s     
tightly grasp$ 9 ,miss ,gilb]t's h&4  ,z
 ,craig said ?is ,i c\ld feel a sort (  
gasp ( a/oni%m5t f our little audi5ce4  
,/ill he 0 n q ready to make 8          
disclosure4  ,le/ ,i %\ld be prejudic$1 
he pursu$ ev5ly1 by my own r /rong      
convictions1 & 9 ord] t ,i might exam9e 
! samples )\t fe> or fav\r1 ,i _h "o (  
my /ud5ts at ! laboratory take ! m>k$   
hairs1 m\nt !m1 numb] !m1 & put 9 numb]$
 envelopes ! names ( ! p]sons :o furni%$
 !m4  ,b be=e ,i op5 ! envelope numb]$ !
 same z ! slide :i* conta9s ! hair :i*  
corresponds precisely ) t hair f\nd 9   
,miss ,gilb]t's h& - & x is slide ,no4  
#b -  said ,k5n$y1 pick+ out ! slide ) 8
 f+] & mov+ x on ! table ) z mu*        
coolness z if he 7 mov+ a *essman on a  
bo>d in/ead ( play+ 9 ! t]rible game (  
human life1 be=e ,i read ! "n ,i h /ill 
"o m damn+ fact to disclose4  ,craig n[ 

_h u on edge ) excitem5t1 a situation   
:i* ,i sometimes ?\ght he enjoy$ m ke5ly
 ?an any o!r 9 8 rel5tless trac+ d[n ( a
 crim9al4  ,:at 0 x t caus$ ,miss       
,gilb]t's dea?8 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,!        
coron]'s physician did n seem to be     
?or\ghly satisfi$ ) ! !ory ( physical   
viol5ce alone4  ,nor did ,i4  ,"s "o1 ,i
 believe1 ex]t$ a peculi> =ce 9 ord] to 
get h] into 8 p[]4  ,:at 0 t =ce8  ,at  
fir/ ,i ?\ght x might h be5 ! hackney$  
knock-out drops1 b te/s by ! coron]'s   
physician elim9at$ t4  ,!n ,i ?\ght x   
might be "o ( ! alkaloids1 su* z        
morph9e1 coca9e1 & o!rs4  ,b x 0 n any (
 ! usual ?+s t 0 us$ to entice h] away f
 h] family & fri5ds4 ,f te/s t ,i h1    
made ,i h discov]$ ! "o fact necess>y to
 complete my case1 ! drug us$ to lure h]
 & aga9/ :i* %e f\ght 9 deadly /ruggle4 
,he plac$ a te/ tube 9 a rack be=e u4   
,?is tube1 he cont9u$1 conta9s "o ( !   
mo/ s+ul> &1 among u1 lea/ kn[n ( ! five
 common n>cotics ( ! _w - tobacco1      
opium1 coca1 betel nut1 & hemp4  ,x c be

 smok$1 *ew$1 us$ z a dr9k1 or tak5 z a 
confection4  ,9 ! =m ( a p[d] x is us$  
by ! n>ghile smok]4  ,z a liquid x c be 
tak5 z an oily fluid or 9 alcohol4      
,tak5 9 any ( ^! =ms1 x lit]ally makes !
 n]ves walk1 dance1 & run4  ,x height5s 
! feel+s & s5sibilities to di/raction1  
produc+ :at is really hy/]ia4 ,if !     
wea!r is cle>1 ?is drug w make life     
gorge\s2 if x ra9s1 tragic4  ,slight    
vexation becomes deadly rev5ge2 c\rage  
becomes ra%ness2 fe>1 abject t]ror2 &   
g5tle affection or ev5 a pass+ lik+ is  
trans=m$ into passionate love4  ,x is ! 
drug d]iv$ f ! ,indian hemp1            
sci5tifically nam$ ,cannabis ,indica1   
bett] kn[n z ha%i%1 or bhang1 or a doz5 
o!r names 9 ! ,ea/4  ,its *ief          
*>act]i/ic is t x has a pr(\nd effect on
 ! passions4  ,?us1 "u its influ5ce1    
natives ( ! ,ea/ become greatly         
exhil>at$1 !n debas$1 & f9ally viol5t1  
ru%+ =? on ! /reets ) ! cry1 ',amok1    
amok1' - ' ,kill1 kill ' - z we say1    
'runn+ amuck4'  ,an ov]dose ( ?is drug  

(t5 causes insanity1 :ile 9 small       
quantities our doctors use x z a m$ic9e4
  ,any "o :o has read ! brilliant       
,!ophile ,gauti]'s ',club des ,ha*i*5s' 
or ,bay>d ,taylor's exp]i5ce at         
,damascus kn[s some?+ ( ! effect (      
ha%i%1 h[ev]4  ,9 recon/ruct+ ! /ory (  
,georgette ,gilb]t1 z be/ ,i c1 ,i      
believe t %e 0 lur$ to ! d5 ( "o ( !    
num]\s cults practis$ 9 ,new ,york1 lur$
 by adv]tisem5ts (f]+ advice 9 hidd5    
love affairs4  ,l$ on by h] love = a man
 :om %e c\ld n & w\ld n put out ( h]    
life1 & by h] affection = h] p>5ts1 %e 0
 frantic4  ,?is place (f]$ hope1 & to x 
%e w5t 9 all innoc5ce1 n kn[+ t x 0 only
 ! op5 door to a life su* z ! mo/ lurid 
disord]ly resorts ( ! metropolis c\ld   
sc>cely mat*4  ,!re h] cr$ulity 0 prey$ 
^u1 & %e 0 trick$ into tak+ ?is drug1   
:i* itself has su* m>k$ & p]v]t+ effect4
  ,b1 ?\gh %e mu/ h be5 giv5 a great    
deal ( ! drug1 %e did n yield1 z _m ( ! 
sophi/icat$ d4  ,%e /ruggl$ frantically1
 futilely4  ,w & reason 7 n conqu]$1    

?\gh !y sat un/eadily on _! ?rones4  ,! 
wisp ( hair s tightly clasp$ 9 h] dead  
h& %[s t %e f\ght bitt]ly to ! end4     
,k5n$y 0 lean+ =w>d e>ne/ly1 gl>+ at ea*
 ( u 9 turn4 ,lawton 0 twi/+ uneasily 9 
8 *air1 & ,i c\ld see t 8 fi/s 7 d\bl$  
up & t he 0 hold+ himself 9 lea% z if   
wait+ = some?+1 eye+ u all ke5ly4  ,!   
,swami 0 seiz$ ) a viol5t fit ( trembl+1
 & ! o!r fakirs 7 />+ 9 amazem5t4       
,quickly ,i /epp$ betwe5 ,dudley ,lawton
 & ,k5n$y1 b z ,i did s1 he leap$ beh9d 
me1 & be=e ,i c\ld turn he 0 grappl+    
wildly ) "s "o on ! floor4  ,x's all "r1
 ,walt]1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 te>+ op5 !        
envelope on ! table4  ,lawton has guess$
 "r4  ,! hair 0 ! ,swami's4 ,georgette  
,gilb]t 0 "o victim :o f\ght & rescu$   
h]self f a slav]y worse ?an dea?4  ,&   
!re is "o my/ic :o c\ld n =esee arre/ & 
! dea? h\se at ,s+ ,s+ 9 8 horoscope4   
,,viii  ,,! ,,=g]   ,we 7 lun*+ )       
,/ev5son ,williams1 a fri5d ( ,k5n$y's1 
at ! ,insurance ,club1 "o ( ! _m new    
d[nt[n lun*eon clubs1 :]e ! noon h\r is 

s conv5i5tly comb9$ ) bus9ess4  ,!re    
isn't mu* t y c't insure aga9/ n[adays1 
rem>k$ ,williams :5 ! lun*eon _h        
progress$ f> en\gh to w>rant a t5tative 
ref]5ce to ! obvi\s fact t he _h _h a   
purpose 9 invit+ u to ! club4  ,take my 
own company1 = example1 ! ,cont95tal    
,surety4  ,we h lately und]tak5 to write
 =g]y insurance4  ,=g]y insurance8      
repeat$ ,k5n$y4  ,well1 ,i %\ld ?9k y'd 
be do+ a ripp+ bus9ess - putt+ up !     
premium rate ab\t e day 9 ?is epidemic (
 =g]y t seems to be sweep+ ov] ! c\ntry4
  ,williams1 :o 0 "o ( ! (fic]s ( !     
company1 smil$ some:at we>ily1 ,i ?\ght4
  ,we are1 he repli$ drily4  ,t 0       
precisely :at ,i want$ to see y ab\t4   
,:at8  ,! premiums or ! epidemic8  ,well
 - er - bo?1 p]haps4  ,i ne$n't say mu* 
ab\t ! epidemic1 z y call x4  ,to y ,i c
 admit x2 to ! newspap]s1 nev]4 ,/ill1  
,i suppose y "k t x is v>i\sly e/imat$ t
 ! =g]s ( ! c\ntry are gett+ away ) f t5
 to fifte5 million doll>s a ye>4  ,x is 
j "o case t ,i 0 ?9k+ ab\t - "o on :i* !

 regul> detective ag5cies we employ seem
 to h fail$ utt]ly s f>4  ,x involves   
pretty ne>ly "o ( ^? fifte5 millions4   
,:at8  ,"o case8  ,a million doll>s8    
gasp$ ,k5n$y1 gaz+ fix$ly at ,williams z
 if he f\nd x difficult to believe4     
,exactly1 repli$ ,williams imp]turbably1
 ?\gh x 0 n done all at "o fell swoop1 (
 c\rse1 b gradually1 cov]+ a p]iod ( "s 
mon?s4  ,y h d\btless he>d ( !          
,by-,products ,company ( ,*icago8       
,craig nodd$4  ,well1 x is _! case1     
pursu$ ,williams1 los+ 8 quiet mann] &  
n[ hurry+ ahead almo/ brea?lessly4  ,y  
"k !y own a bank out !re also1 call$ !  
,by-,products ,bank4  ,t's h[ we come to
 figure 9 ! case1 by hav+ insur$ _! bank
 aga9/ =g]y4  ,( c\rse our liability    
runs up only to #ej1jjj4  ,b ! loss to !
 company z well z to its bank ?r\gh ?is 
affair w rea* ! figure ,i h nam$4  ,!y w
 h to /& ! balance beyond our liability 
&1 well1 fifty ?\s& is n a small sum = u
 to lose1 ei!r4  ,we c't af=d to lose x 
)\t a fight4  ,( c\rse n4  ,b y mu/ h "s

 suspicions1 "s clues4  ,y mu/ h tak5 "s
 action 9 trac+ ! ?+ out1 :atev] is back
 ( x4  ,surely4  ,= in/ance1 only ! o!r 
day we _h ! ca%i] ( ! bank1 ,bolton     
,br[n1 arre/$1 ?\gh he is out on bail   
n[4  ,we hav5't any?+ directly aga9/    
him1 b he is suspect$ ( complicity on ! 
inside1 & ,i may say t ! ?+ is s        
gigantic t !re mu/ h be5 "s "o on !     
inside conc]n$ ) x4 ,among o!r ?+s we h 
f\nd t ,bolton ,br[n has be5 lead+ a r  
fa/ life1 q unkn[n to 8 fell[-(ficials4 
,we "k t he has be5 speculat+ secretly 9
 ! :eat corn] t w5t to pieces1 b ! mo/  
significant ?+ is t he has be5 altoge!r 
too intimate ) an adv5turess1 ,adele    
,de,mott1 :o has _h "s success z a woman
 ( high f9ance 9 v>i\s cities "h & 9    
,europe & ev5 9 ,s\? ,am]ica4  ,x looks 
bad = him f ! commons5se /&po9t1 ?\gh ( 
c\rse ,i'm n compet5t to speak ( ! legal
 side ( ! matt]4  ,b1 at any rate1 we "k
 t ! insid] mu/ h be5 "s "o pretty close
 to ! head ( ! ,by-,products ,company or
 ! ,by-,products ,bank4  ,:at 0 ! "* ( !

 =g]ies8 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,!y seem to h be5
 ( two k9ds4  ,z f> z we are conc]n$ x  
is ! *eck =g]ies only t int]e/ ! ,surety
 ,company4 ,= "s "t1 app>5tly1 *ecks h  
be5 com+ into ! bank = sums all ! way f 
a hundr$ doll>s to five ?\s&4 ,!y h be5 
s well execut$ t "s ( !m h be5 c]tifi$  
by ! bank1 all ( !m h be5 accept$ :5 !y 
came back f o!r banks1 & ev5 ! (fic]s ( 
! company don't seem to be able to pick 
any flaws 9 !m except z to ! payee & !  
am\nts = :i* !y 7 drawn4  ,!y h !       
correct safety t9t on ! pap] & are /amp$
 ) rubb] /amps t are almo/ precisely l  
^? us$ by ! ,by-,products ,company4  ,y 
"k t bank+ cu/oms (t5 make "s k9ds (    
fraud comp>atively easy4  ,= in/ance no 
bank w pay out a hundr$ doll>s or (t5   
ev5 a doll> )\t id5tification1 b !y w   
c]tify a *eck = almo/ any (fice boy :o  
comes 9 ) x4 ,! common me?od ( =g]s     
lately has be5 to take su* a c]tifi$ =g$
 *eck1 deposit x 9 ano!r bank1 !n       
gradually )draw x 9 a few days be=e !re 
is "t to discov] ! =g]y4  ,9 ?is case !y

 mu/ h _h ! additional advantage t !    
insid] 9 ! company or bank c\ld give    
in=mation & tip ! =g] (f if ! =g]y      
happ5$ to be discov]$4  ,:o is !        
treasur] ( ! company8 ask$ ,craig       
quickly4  ,john ,c>roll - m]ely a       
figurehead1 ,i und]/&4  ,he's 9 ,new    
,york n[1 work+ ) u1 z ,i %all tell y   
pres5tly4  ,if !re is any "o else       
besides ,br[n 9 x1 x might be ,mi*ael   
,dawson1 ! nom9al assi/ant b really !   
active treasur]4  ,!re y h ano!r man :om
 we suspect1 &1 /rangely en\gh1 c't f9d4
  ,dawson 0 ! assi/ant treasur] ( !     
company1 y und]/&1 n ( ! bank4  ,y c't  
f9d him8  ,:y8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 consid]ably 
puzzl$4  ,no1 we c't f9d him4  ,he 0    
m>ri$ a few days ago1 m>ri$ a pretty    
prom95t society girl 9 ! city1 ,miss    
,sibyl ,s&]son4  ,x seems !y kept !     
it9]>y ( _! honeymoon secret1 m z a joke
 on _! fri5ds ?an any?+ else1 !y said1 =
 ,miss ,s&]son 0 a well-kn[n beauty & ! 
newspap]s bo!r$ ! c\ple a good deal )   
publicity t 0 di/a/eful4  ,at lea/ t 0 8

 /ory4  ,no "o kn[s :]e !y are or :e!r  
!y'll ev] turn up aga94  ,y see1 ?is    
gett+ m>ri$ _h some?+ to d ) ! exposure 
9 ! fir/ place4  ,= ! major "p ( !      
=g]ies consi/s n s mu* 9 ! *ecks1 :i*   
int]e/ my company1 b 9 fraudul5tly issu$
 /ock c]tificates ( ! ,by-,products     
,company4 ,ab\t a million ( ! common    
/ock 0 held z treasury /ock - 0 nev]    
issu$4  ,"s "o has issu$ a l>ge am\nt ( 
x1 all prop]ly sign$ & seal$4  ,:oev] x 
0 _h a little (fice 9 ,*icago f :i* !   
/ock 0 sold quietly by a conf$]ate1     
probably a woman1 = wom5 seem to rope 9 
! suck]s be/ 9 ^! get-ri*-quick s*emes4 
,&1 well1 if x 0 ,dawson ! honeymoon has
 giv5 him a spl5did *ance to make 8     
get-away1 ?\gh x also result$ 9 !       
exposure ( ! =g]ies4  ,c>roll _h to take
 up m or less active duty1 ) ! result t 
a new man une>!d ! - b1 say1 are y      
really int]e/$ 9 ?is case8  ,williams 0 
lean+ =w>d1 look+ anxi\sly at ,k5n$y & x
 w\ld n h tak5 a clairvoyant to guess   
:at answ] he want$ to 8 abrupt "q4      

,inde$ ,i am1 repli$ ,craig1 especially 
z !re seems to be a d\bt ab\t ! guilty  
p]son on ! inside4  ,!re is d\bt en\gh1 
all "r1 rejo9$ ,williams1 at lea/ ,i ?9k
 s1 ?\gh our detectives 9 ,*icago :o h  
gone ov] ! ?+ pretty ?or\ghly h be5 sure
 ( fix+ some?+ on ,bolton ,br[n1 !      
ca%i]4  ,y see ! blank /ock c]tificates 
7 kept 9 ! company's vault 9 ! bank to  
:i*1 ( c\rse1 ,br[n _h access4  ,b !n1 z
 ,c>roll argues1 ,dawson _h access to   
!m1 too1 :i* is v true - m s = ,dawson  
?an = ,br[n1 :o 0 9 ! bank & n 9 !      
company4  ,i'm all at sea4  ,p]haps if  
y're int]e/$ y'd bett] see ,c>roll4     
,he's "h 9 ! city & ,i'm sure ,i c\ld   
get y a good fee out ( ! case if y c>$  
to take x up4  ,%all ,i see if ,i c get 
him on ! wire8  ,we _h f9i%$ lun*eon &1 
z ,craig nodd$1 ,williams div$ into a   
telephone boo? outside ! d9+-room & 9 a 
few mom5ts em]g$1 p]spir+ f ! clos5ess4 
,he ann\nc$ t ,c>roll reque/$ t we call 
on him at an (fice 9 ,wall ,/reet1 a few
 blocks away1 :]e he made 8 headqu>t]s  

:5 he 0 9 ,new ,york4 ,! :ole ?+ 0 done 
) su* despat* t ,i c\ld n help feel+ t  
,c>roll _h be5 wait+ to he> f 8 fri5d 9 
! insurance company4  ,! look ( relief  
on ,williams's face :5 ,k5n$y said he   
w\ld g imm$iately %[$ pla9ly t !        
insurance man consid]$ ! co/ ( !        
lun*eon1 :i* _h be5 no slight affair1 9 
! light ( a good inve/m5t 9 ! int]e/ ( 8
 company1 :i* 0 9 bad = ! l>ge/ =g]y    
insurance loss s9ce !y _h begun to write
 t sort ( bus9ess4  ,z we hurri$ d[n to 
,wall ,/reet1 ,k5n$y took occasion to   
rem>k1 ,sci5ce seems to h safe-gu>d$    
banks & o!r in/itutions pretty well     
aga9/ outside robb]y4  ,b protection    
aga9/ employees :o c manipulate books & 
records does n seem to h advanc$ z      
rapidly4  ,sometimes ,i ?9k x may h     
less5$4 ,great] temptations assail !    
ca%i] or cl]k ) great] opportunity =    
speculation1 & ! banks1 z _m au?orities 
w agree1 h n made en\gh use ( ! ma*9]y  
available to put a /op to embezzlem5t4  
,?is case is evid5tly "o ( ! results4 ,!

 c>eless fell[s at ! top1 l ?is man     
,c>roll :om we are go+ to see1 g5]ally  
put =w>d z excuse ! /atem5t t ! sci5ce (
 bank+ & ( bus9ess is s complex t a     
rascal ) +5uity en\gh to falsify ! books
 is almo/ impossible ( detection4  ,yet 
:5 ! cat is out ( ! bag z 9 sev]al rec5t
 cases ! me?ods us$ are (t5 ( ! balde/ &
 mo/ transp>5t sort1 fictiti\s names1   
dummies1 & all sorts ( juggl+ & kit+ (  
*ecks4  ,b ,i h>dly ?9k ?is is go+ to   
prove "o ( ^? simple cases4  ,john      
,c>roll ,0 a hagg>d & unkempt sort (    
man4  ,he look$ to me z if !            
defalcations _h prey$ on 8 m9d until !y 
_h become a v]itable obsession4  ,x 0   
lit]ally true t !y 7 all t he c\ld talk 
ab\t1 all t he 0 ?9k+ ab\t4  ,he 0 pay+ 
n[ a heavy p5alty = hav+ be5 a dummy &  
honor>y (fic]4  ,?is ?+ has become a    
matt] ( life & dea? ) me1 he began      
eag]ly1 sc>cely wait+ = u to introduce  
ourselves1 z he fix$ 8 unnaturally      
bright eyes on u anxi\sly4  ,i've simply
 got to f9d ! man :o has s ne>ly wreck$ 

! ,by-,products ,bank & ,company4  ,f9d 
him or n1 ,i suppose ,i am a ru9$ man1  
myself1 b ,i hope ,i may /ill prove     
myself hone/4  ,he sigh$ & 8 eyes w&]$  
vacantly out ( ! w9d[ z if he 7 seek+   
re/ & c\ld n f9d x4  ,i und]/& t !      
ca%i]1 ,bolton ,br[n1 has be5 arre/$1   
prompt$ ,k5n$y4  ,yes1 ,bolton ,br[n1   
arre/$1 he repeat$ sl[ly1 & s9ce he has 
be5 out on bail he1 too1 seems to h     
disappe>$4  ,n[ let me tell y ab\t :at  
,i ?9k ( t1 ,k5n$y4  ,i "k x looks bad =
 ,br[n4  ,p]haps he's ! man4  ,! ,surety
 ,company says s1 anyway4  ,b we mu/    
look at ?is ?+ calmly4  ,he 0 himself q 
excit$1 z he w5t on1 ,y und]/&1 ,i      
suppose1 j h[ mu* ,br[n mu/ h be5       
reasonably responsible = pass+ ! *ecks  
?r\gh ! bank8  ,he saw p]sonally ab\t z 
_m ( !m z - z ,i did1 :i* 0 none until !
 exposure came4  ,!y 7 deposit$ 9 o!r   
banks by p :om we c't id5tify b :o mu/ h
 op5$ acc\nts = ! purpose ( f9ally putt+
 ?r\gh a few bad *ecks4  ,!n !y came    
back to our bank 9 ! regul> *annels & 7 

accept$4  ,by v>i\s k9ds ( juggl+ !y 7  
cov]$ up4  ,:y1 "s ( !m look$ s good t  
!y 7 ev5 c]tifi$ by our bank be=e !y 7  
deposit$ 9 ! o!r banks4  ,n[1 z ,br[n   
claims1 he nev] saw *ecks unless !re 0  
some?+ special ab\t !m & !re seem$ at ! 
"t to be no?+ wrong ab\t ^!4  ,b 9 !    
public m9d ,i "k !re is prejudice aga9/ 
any bank (ficial :o speculates or leads 
a fa/ life1 & ( c\rse x is w>rant$4     
,/ill1 if ,br[n %\ld cle> himself f9ally
 ! ?+ w come back to ,dawson & ev5 if he
 is guilty1 x w make me ! - er - !      
ultimate goat4  ,! up%ot ( x all w be t 
,i %all h to /& ! blame1 if n ! guilt1 &
 ! only way ,i c atone = my laxity 9 !  
pa/ is by activity 9 cat*+ ! real (f5d] 
& p]haps by re/or+ to ! company & ! bank
 :atev] c yet be recov]$4  ,b1 ask$     
,k5n$y sympa!tically1 :at makes y ?9k t 
y w f9d y\r man1 :oev] he proves to be1 
9 ,new ,york8  ,i admit t x is only a v 
slight clue t ,i h1 he repli$           
confid5tially4  ,x is j a h9t ,dawson   
dropp$ once to "o ( ! m5 ) :om he 0     

confid5tial 9 ! company4  ,?is cl]k told
 me t a long#bj"t ago ,dawson said he _h
 always want$ to g to ,s\? ,am]ica & t  
p]haps on 8 honeymoon he might get a    
*ance4  ,?is is ! way ,i figur$ x out4  
,y see1 he is clev] & "s ( ^! ,s\?      
,am]ican c\ntries h no extradition      
treaties ) u by :i* we c\ld rea* him1   
once he got !re4  ,p]haps he has already
 arriv$ 9 "o ( !m ) 8 wife4  ,:at makes 
y ?9k he hasn't sail$ yet8  ,no1 ,i     
don't ?9k he has4  ,y see1 %e want$ to  
sp5d a "p ( ! honeymoon at ,atlantic    
,city4  ,i le>n$ t indirectly f h]      
folks1 :o pr(ess to "k no bett] ?an we d
 :]e ! c\ple are4 ,t 0 an additional    
reason :y ,i want$ to see if by com+ to 
,new ,york ,i might n pick up "s trace (
 !m1 ei!r "h or 9 ,atlantic ,city4  ,& h
 y8  ,yes1 ,i ?9k ,i h4 ,he h&$ u a     
lett]gram :i* he _h j receiv$ f ,*icago4
  ,x read3 ,two m *ecks h come 9 to-day 
f ,atlantic ,city & ,new ,york4  ,!y    
seem to be 9 paym5t ( bills1 z !y are = 
odd am\nts4  ,"o is f ! ,lorra9e at     

,atlantic ,city & ! o!r f ! ,hotel      
,am/]dam ( ,new ,york4 ,!y 7 dat$ ! #ai?
 & #bj?4  ,y see1 he resum$ z we f9i%$  
read+1 x is n[ ! #bcrd1 s t !re is a    
diff]5ce ( ?ree days4  ,he 0 "h on !    
#bj?4 ,n[ ! next %ip t he c\ld take aft]
 ! #bj? sails f ,brooklyn on ! #be?4    
,if he's clev] he won't bo>d t %ip      
except 9 a disguise1 = he w "k t by t "t
 "s "o mu/ be wat*+4  ,n[ ,i want y to  
help me p5etrate t disguise4  ,( c\rse  
we c't arre/ ! :ole %ipload ( pass5g]s1 
b if y1 ) y\r sci5tific k1 c\ld pick him
 out1 !n we c\ld hold him & h brea?+    
space to f9d out :e!r he is guilty alone
 or has be5 work+ ) ,bolton ,br[n4      
,c>roll 0 n[ pac+ ! (fice ) excitem5t z 
he unfold$ 8 s*eme :i* meant s mu* =    
himself4  ,h-m1 mus$ ,k5n$y4  ,i suppose
 ,dawson 0 a man ( exempl>y habits8  ,!y
 almo/ always are4  ,no speculat+ or fa/
 liv+ ) him z ) ,br[n8  ,c>roll paus$ 9 
8 n]v\s tread4  ,t's ano!r ?+ ,i've     
discov]$4  ,on ! contr>y1 ,i ?9k ,dawson
 0 a secret drug fi5d4  ,i f\nd t out   

aft] he left4  ,9 8 desk at !           
,by-,products (fice we discov]$         
hypod]mic ne$les & a :ole outfit -      
morph9e1 ,i ?9k x 04  ,y "k h[ cunn+ly a
 real morph9e fi5d c cov] up 8 tracks4  
,k5n$y 0 n[ all att5tion4  ,z ! case    
unroll$ x 0 assum+ "o new & surpris+    
aspect aft] ano!r4  ,! lett]gram w\ld   
indicate t he _h be5 /opp+ at ! ,lorra9e
 9 ,atlantic ,city1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4  ,s  
,i w\ld inf]1 & at ! ,am/]dam 9 ,new    
,york4  ,b y c dep5d on x t he has n be5
 go+ "u 8 own "n nor1 ,i believe z f> z 
,i c f9d out1 ev5 "u 8 own face4  ,i ?9k
 ! fell[ has already assum$ a disguise1 
= n[h]e c ,i f9d any description t ev5  
,i c\ld recognise4  ,/range1 murmur$    
,k5n$y4  ,i'll h to look into x4  ,&    
only two days 9 :i* to d x1 too4  ,y w  
p>don me if ,i excuse myself n[8  ,!re  
are c]ta9 aspects ( ! case t ,i hope ,i 
%all be able to %$ "s light on by go+ at
 !m at once4  ,y'll f9d ,dawson clev]1  
clev] z he c be1 said ,c>roll1 n anxi\s 
to h ,k5n$y g z long z he w\ld li/5 to !

 /ory :i* 0 bur/+ f 8 ov]wr\ght m9d4    
,he 0 able to cov] up ! *ecks by juggl+ 
! acc\nts4  ,b t didn't satisfy him4    
,he 0 aft] some?+ big4  ,s he />t$ 9 to 
issue ! treasury /ock1 =g+ ! signatures 
( ! presid5t & ! treasur]1 t is1 my     
signature4  ,( c\rse t sort ( game      
c\ldn't la/ =ev]4  ,"s "o 0 go+ to dem& 
divid5ds on 8 /ock1 or transf] x1 or ask
 to h x record$ on ! books1 or some?+ t 
w\ld give ! :ole s*eme away4  ,f ea*    
p]son to :om he sold /ock ,i believe he 
dem&$ "s k9d ( promise n to sell x )9 a 
c]ta9 p]iod1 & 9 t way we figure t he   
gave himself pl5ty ( "t to realise      
sev]al hundr$ ?\s& doll>s quietly4  ,x  
may be t "s ( ! =g$ *ecks repres5t$ fake
 int]e/ paym5ts4  ,anyh[1 he's at ! end 
( 8 rope n[4  ,we've _h an excit+ *ase4 
,i _h foll[$ d[n sev]al false clues be=e
 ! real significance ( ! h9t ab\t ,s\?  
,am]ica dawn$ on me4  ,n[ ,i h gone z f>
 z ,i d>e ) x )\t call+ 9 outside       
assi/ance4  ,i ?9k n[ we are up ) him at
 la/ - ) y\r help4  ,k5n$y 0 anxi\s to  

g1 b he paus$ long en\gh to ask ano!r   
"q4  ,& ! girl8 he broke 94  ,%e mu/ be 
9 ! game or h] lett]s to "s ( h] fri5ds 
w\ld h betray$ _! :]eab\ts4  ,:at 0 %e  
l8  ,miss ,s&]son 0 v popul> 9 a c]ta9 r
 fla%y set 9 ,*icago4  ,b h] folks 7    
b\nd]s4  ,!y liv$ "r up to ! limit1 j z 
,dawson did1 9 my op9ion4  ,oh1 y c be  
sure t if a proposition l ?is 7 put up  
to h] %e'd take a *ance to get away ) x4
  ,%e runs no risks4  ,%e didn't d x    
anyh[1 & z = h] "p1 aft] ! fact1 :y1 a  
woman is always pretty safe - m s9n$    
aga9/ ?an s9n+1 & all t4  ,x's a que]   
sort ( honeymoon1 hey8  ,h y any copies 
( ! =g$ c]tificates8 ask$ ,craig4  ,yes1
 pl5ty ( !m4  ,s9ce ! /ory has be5 told 
9 pr9t !y h be5 p\r+ 94  ,"h are sev]al4
  ,he pull$ sev]al f9ely engrav$        
c]tificates f 8 pocket & ,k5n$y         
scrut9is$ !m m9utely4  ,i may keep ^! to
 /udy at my leisure8 he ask$4  ,c]ta9ly1
 repli$ ,c>roll1 & if y want any m ,i c 
wire to ,*icago = !m4  ,no1 ^! w be     
suffici5t = ! pres5t1 ?ank y1 said      

,craig4  ,i %all keep 9 t\* ) y & let y 
"k ! mom5t any?+ develops4  ,our ride   
upt[n to ! laboratory 0 complet$ 9      
sil5ce :i* ,i did n int]rupt1 = ,i c\ld 
see t ,k5n$y 0 ?9k+ out a c\rse (       
action4  ,! quick pace at :i* he cross$ 
! campus to ! ,*emi/ry ,build+ told me t
 he _h decid$ on some?+4  ,9 !          
laboratory ,craig ha/ily wrote a note1  
op5$ a draw] ( 8 desk1 & select$ "o f a 
bun* ( special envelopes :i* he seem$ to
 be sav+ = "s purpose4  ,he seal$ x ) "s
 c>e1 & gave x to me to po/ imm$iately4 
,x 0 address$ to ,dawson at ! ,hotel    
,am/]dam4  ,on my return ,i f\nd him    
deeply engross$ 9 ! exam9ation ( ! =g$  
%>es ( /ock4  ,hav+ talk$ ) him m or    
less 9 ! pa/ ab\t h&writ+ ,i did n h to 
be told t he 0 us+ a microscope to      
discov] any erasures & t photography bo?
 direct & by transmitt$ light might %[  
some?+4  ,i c't see any?+ wrong ) ^!    
docum5ts1 he rem>k$ at l5g?4  ,!y %[ no 
erasures or alt]ations4  ,on _! face !y 
look z good z ! real article4  ,ev5 if  

!y are trac+s !y are rem>kably l9e "w4  
,x c]ta9ly is a fact1 h[ev]1 t !y       
sup]impose4  ,!y might all h be5 made f 
! same pair ( signatures ( ! presid5t & 
treasur]4  ,i ne$ h>dly to say to y1    
,walt]1 t ! microscope 9 its v>i\s =ms &
 ) its v>i\s atta*m5ts is ( great       
assi/ance to ! docum5t exam9]4  ,ev5 a  
l[ magnification frequ5tly reveals a    
draw+1 hesitat+ me?od ( production1 or  
pat*$ & re9=c$ /rokes z well z erasures 
by *emicals or by abrasion4 ,!          
/]eoscopic microscope1 :i* is ( value 9 
/udy+ abrasions & alt]ations s9ce x     
gives dep?1 9 ?is case tells me t !re   
has be5 no?+ ( t sort practis$4  ,my    
col\r comp>ison microscope1 :i* p]mits !
 comp>ison ( ! ink on two diff]5t       
docum5ts or two places on "o docum5t at 
! same "t1 tells me some?+4  ,?is       
in/rum5t ) new & accurately col\r$      
glasses enables me to measure ! t9ts ( !
 ink ( ^! signatures ) ! greate/        
accuracy & ,i c d :at 0 hi!rto          
impossible -#bj det]m9e h[ long ! writ+ 

has be5 on ! pap]4  ,i %\ld say x 0 all 
v rec5t1 approximately )9 ! la/ two     
mon?s or six weeks1 & ,i believe t :5ev]
 ! /ock may h be5 issu$ x at lea/ 0 all 
=g$ at ! same "t4  ,!re isn't "t n[ to g
 into ! ?+ m deeply1 b if x becomes     
necess>y ,i c g back to x ) ! aid ( !   
cam]a lucida & ! microscopic enl>g]1 z  
well z ?is specially con/ruct$ docum5t  
cam]a ) l5ses c]tifi$ by ! gov]nm5t4 ,if
 x comes to a %[-d[n ,i suppose ,i %all 
h to prove my po9t ) ! micromet]        
measurem5ts d[n to ! fifty-?\s&? "p ( an
 in*4  ,!re is c]ta9ly some?+ v curi\s  
ab\t ^! signatures1 he conclud$4  ,i    
don't "k :at measurem5ts w\ld %[1 b !y  
are really too good4  ,y "k a =g$       
signature may be ( two k9ds  - too bad  
or too good4  ,^! are1 ,i believe1      
trac+s4  ,if !y 7 y\r signature & m9e1  
,walt]1 ,i %\ldn't hesitate to pron\nce 
!m trac+s4  ,b !re is always "s slight  
room = d\bt 9 ^! special cases :]e a man
 sits d[n & is 9 ! habit ( writ+ 8      
signature ov] & ov] aga9 on "o /ock or  

bond aft] ano!r4  ,he may get s us$ to x
 t he does x automatically & 8          
signatures may come pretty close to     
sup]impos+4  ,if ,i _h "t1 ?\gh1 ,i ?9k 
,i c\ld demon/rate t !re are altoge!r   
too _m po9ts ( simil>ity = ^! to be     
g5u9e signatures4  ,b we've got to act  
quickly 9 ?is case or n at all1 & ,i see
 t if ,i am to get to ,atlantic ,city   
to-night ,i c't wa/e mu* m "t "h4  ,i   
wi% y w\ld keep an eye on ! ,hotel      
,am/]dam :ile ,i am gone1 ,walt]1 & meet
 me "h1 to-morr[4  ,i'll wire :5 ,i'll  
be back4  ,good-bye4  ,x 0 well along 9 
! aft]noon :5 ,k5n$y took a tra9 = !    
fam\s seaside resort1 leav+ me 9 ,new   
,york ) a rov+ commission to d no?+4    
,all t ,i 0 able to le>n at ! ,hotel    
,am/]dam 0 t a man ) a ,van ,dyke be>d  
_h /ung ! (fice ) a bogus *eck1 al?\gh  
he _h seem$ to come well recomm5d$4  ,! 
description ( ! woman ) him :o seem$ to 
be 8 wife might h fitt$ ei!r ,mrs4      
,dawson or ,adele ,de,mott4 ,! only     
p]son :o _h call$ _h be5 a man :o said  

he repres5t$ ! ,by-,products ,company & 
0 ! treasur]4  ,he _h que/ion$ ! hotel p
 r closely ab\t ! :]eab\ts ( ! c\ple :o 
_h paid _! exp5ses ) ! wor?less slip (  
pap]4  ,x 0 n difficult to inf] t ?is   
man 0 ,c>roll :o _h be5 hot on ! trail1 
especially z he said t he p]sonally w\ld
 see ! *eck paid if ! hotel p w\ld keep 
a %>p wat* = ! return ( ! man :o _h     
sw9dl$ !m4  ,k5n$y wir$ z he promis$ &  
return$ by an e>ly tra9 ! next day4  ,he
 seem$ bur/+ ) news4  ,i ?9k ,i'm on !  
trail1 he cri$1 ?r[+ 8 grip into a corn]
 & n wait+ = me to ask him :at success  
he _h _h4  ,i w5t directly to ! ,lorra9e
 & began frankly by tell+ !m t ,i       
repres5t$ ! ,by-,products ,company 9    
,new ,york & 0 au?oris$ to inve/igate ! 
bad *eck :i* !y _h receiv$4  ,!y c\ldn't
 describe ,dawson v well  - at lea/ _!  
description w\ld h fitt$ almo/ any "o4  
,"o ?+ ,i ?9k ,i did le>n & t 0 t 8     
disguise mu/ include a ,van ,dyke be>d4 
,he w\ld sc>cely h _h "t to gr[ "o ( 8  
own & ,i believe :5 he 0 la/ se5 9      

,*icago he 0 clean-%av54  ,b1 ,i        
object$1 m5 ) ,van ,dyke be>ds are      
common en\gh4 ,!n ,i relat$ my exp]i5ce 
at ! ,am/]dam4  ,! same fell[1 ejaculat$
 ,k5n$y4  ,! be>d seems to h cov]$ a    
multitude ( s9s1 = :ile e "o c\ld recall
 t1 no "o _h a ^w to say ab\t 8         
features4  ,h[ev]1 ,walt]1 !re's j "o   
*ance ( mak+ 8 id5tification sure1 & a  
peculi> co9cid5ce x is1 too4  ,x seems t
 "o night ?is man & a lady :o may h be5 
! =m] ,miss ,s&]son1 ?\gh ! description 
( h] l mo/ amateur descriptions wasn't v
 accurate1 7 d9+ at ! ,lorra9e4  ,!     
,lorra9e is gett+ up a new booklet ab\t 
its accommodations & a photograph] _h   
be5 engag$ to take a fla%light ( !      
d9+-room = ! booklet4  ,no soon] _h !   
fla% be5 light$ & ! picture tak5 ?an a  
man ) a ,van ,dyke be>d - y\r fri5d ( ! 
,am/]dam1 no d\bt1 ,walt]1 - ru%$ up to 
! photograph] & (f]$ him fifty doll>s = 
! plate4  ,! photograph] ?\ght at fir/ x
 0 "s sport :o _h reasons = n wi%+ to   
appe> 9 pr9t 9 ,atlantic ,city1 z _m h4 

,! man seem$ to notice t ! photograph] 0
 a little suspici\s & he ha/5$ to make  
"s k9d ( excuse ab\t want+ ! home folks 
to see h[ swell he & 8 wife 7 d9+ 9 ev5+
 dress4  ,x 0 a r lame excuse1 b ! fifty
 doll>s look$ good to ! photograph] & he
 agre$ to develop ! plate & turn x ov] )
 "s pr9ts all ready = mail+ ! next day4 
,! man seem$ satisfi$ & ! photograph]   
took ano!r fla%light1 ?is "t ) "o ( !   
tables vacant4  ,sure en\gh1 ! next day 
! man ) a be>d turn$ up = ! plate4  ,!  
photograph] tells me t he _h x all      
wrapp$ up ready to mail1 j to call !    
fell['s bluff4  ,! man 0 equal to !     
occasion1 paid ! money1 wrote an address
 on ! package :i* ! photograph] did n   
see1 & z !re 0 a box = mail+ packages "r
 at ! door on ! bo>dwalk !re 0 no excuse
 = n mail+ x directly4  ,n[ if ,i c\ld  
get hold ( t plate or a pr9t f x ,i c\ld
 id5tify ,dawson 9 8 disguise 9 a mom5t4
  ,i've />t$ ! po/-(fice try+ to trace t
 package bo? at ,atlantic ,city & 9     
,*icago1 :]e ,i ?9k x mu/ h be5 mail$4  

,i may he> f !m at any mom5t - at lea/1 
,i hope4  ,! re/ ( ! aft]noon we sp5t 9 
canvass+ ! drug /ores 9 ! vic9ity ( !   
,am/]dam1 ,k5n$y's idea be+ t if ,dawson
 0 a habitual morph9e fi5d he mu/ h     
repl5i%$ 8 supply ( ! drug 9 ,new ,york1
 p>ticul>ly if he 0 contemplat+ a long  
j\rney :]e x might be difficult to      
obta94  ,aft] _m disappo9tm5ts we f9ally
 succe$$ 9 f9d+ a %op :]e a man pos+ z a
 doctor _h made a r l>ge pur*ase4 ,! "n 
he gave 0 ( c\rse ( no importance4  ,:at
 did int]e/ u 0 t aga9 we cross$ ! trail
 ( a man ) a ,van ,dyke be>d4  ,he _h   
be5 accompani$ by a woman :om ! druggi/ 
describ$ z r fla%ily dress$1 ?\gh h]    
face 0 hidd5 "u a huge hat & a veil4    
,look$ v attractive1 z ! druggi/ put x1 
b %e might h be5 a negress = all ,i c\ld
 tell y ( h] face4  ,humph1 grunt$      
,k5n$y1 z we 7 leav+ ! /ore4  ,y w\ldn't
 believe x1 b x is ! h>de/ ?+ 9 ! _w to 
get an accurate description ( any "o4   
,! psy*ologi/s h said en\gh ab\t x1 b y 
don't realise x until y are up aga9/ x4 

,:y1 t might h be5 ! ,de,mott woman j z 
well z ! =m] ,miss ,s&]son1 & ! man     
might h be5 ,bolton ,br[n z well z      
,dawson1 = all we "k4  ,!y've bo?       
disappe>$ n[4  ,i wi% we c\ld get "s ^w 
ab\t t photograph4  ,t w\ld settle x4   
,9 ! la/ mail t night ,k5n$y receiv$    
back ! lett] :i* he _h address$ to      
,mi*ael ,dawson4  ,on x 0 /amp$ ,return$
 to s5d]4  ,own] n f\nd4  ,k5n$y turn$ !
 lett] ov] sl[ly & look$ at ! back ( x  
c>efully4  ,on ! contr>y1 he rem>k$1    
half to himself1 ! own] 0 f\nd4  ,only  
he return$ ! lett] back to ! po/man aft]
 he _h op5$ x & f\nd t x 0 j a note ( no
 importance :i* ,i scribbl$ j to see if 
he 0 keep+ 9 t\* ) ?+s f 8 hid+-place1  
:]ev] x is4  ,h[ d y "k he op5$ x8 ,i   
ask$4  ,d y see ^? blots on ! back8  ,i 
_h sev]al ( ^! envelopes prep>$ ready = 
use :5 ,i ne$$ !m4  ,i _h "s tann9 plac$
 on ! flap & !n cov]$ ?ickly ) gum4  ,on
 ! envelope itself 0 "s iron sulphate "u
 m gum4  ,i c>efully seal$ ! lett]1 us+ 
v little moi/ure4  ,! gum !n sep>at$ !  

two prep>$ p>ts4  ,n[ if t lett] 7 /eam$
 op5 ! tann9 & ! sulphate w\ld come     
toge!r1 run1 & leave a smudge4  ,y see !
 blots8  ,! inf]5ce is obvi\s4  ,cle>ly1
 !n1 our *ase 0 gett+ w>m]4  ,dawson _h 
be5 9 ,atlantic ,city at lea/ )9 a few  
days4  ,! fruit company /eam] to ,s\?   
,am]ica on :i* ,c>roll believ$ he 0     
book$ to sail "u an assum$ "n & ) an    
assum$ face 0 to sail ! foll[+ noon4  ,&
 /ill we _h no ^w f ,*icago z to !      
de/9ation ( ! photograph1 or ! id5tity (
 ! man 9 ! ,van ,dyke be>d :o _h be5 s  
p>ticul> to dis>m suspicion 9 ! pur*ase 
( ! plate f ! photograph] a few days    
be=e4  ,! mail also conta9$ a message f 
,williams ( ! ,surety ,company ) !      
int]e/+ in=mation t ,bolton ,br[n's     
attorney _h refus$ to say :]e 8 cli5t _h
 gone s9ce he _h be5 releas$ on bail1 b 
t he w\ld be produc$ :5 want$4 ,adele   
,de,mott _h n be5 se5 = sev]al days 9   
,*icago & ! police !re 7 ( ! op9ion t %e
 _h gone to ,new ,york1 :]e x w\ld be   
pretty easy = h] to pass unnotic$4  ,^! 

facts fur!r complicat$ ! case & made !  
f9d+ ( ! photograph ev5 m imp]ative4    
,if we 7 go+ to d any?+ x mu/ be done   
quickly4  ,!re 0 no "t to lose4  ,! la/ 
( ! fa/ tra9s = ! day _h left & !       
photograph1 ev5 ?\gh x 7 f\nd1 c\ld n   
possibly rea* u 9 "t to be ( use be=e ! 
/eam] sail$ f ,brooklyn4  ,x 0 an       
em]g5cy su* z ,k5n$y _h nev] yet fac$1  
app>5tly physically insup]able4  ,b1 z  
usual1 ,craig 0 n )\t "s res\rce1 ?\gh x
 look$ impossible to me to d any?+ b    
make a hit or miss arre/ at ! boat4  ,x 
0 late 9 ! ev5+ :5 he return$ f a       
conf]5ce ) an (fic] ( ! ,telegraph &    
,telephone ,company to :om ,williams _h 
giv5 him a c>d ( introduction4  ,! up%ot
 _h be5 t he _h call$ up ,*icago & talk$
 = a long "t ) ,pr(essor ,cl>k1 a =m]   
classmate ( ours :o 0 n[ 9 ! te*nology  
s*ool ( ! univ]sity out !re4  ,k5n$y &  
,cl>k _h be5 9 correspond5ce = "s "t1 ,i
 knew1 ab\t "s te*nical matt]s1 ?\gh ,i 
_h no idea :at x 0 !y conc]n$4  ,!re's  
"o ?+ we c always d1 ,i rem>k$ z we     

walk$ sl[ly ov] to ! laboratory f our   
ap>tm5t4  ,:at's t8 he ask$             
abs5t-m9d$ly1 m f polit5ess ?an any?+   
else4  ,arre/ e "o ) a ,van ,dyke be>d  
:o goes on ! boat to-morr[1 ,i repli$4  
,k5n$y smil$4  ,i don't feel prep>$ to  
/& a suit = false arre/1 he said simply1
  especially z ! victim w\ld feel pretty
 hot if we caus$ him to miss 8 boat4    
,m5 ) be>ds are n s uncommon1 aft] all4 
,we _h rea*$ ! laboratory4  ,l9em5 7    
/r++ wires "u ! electric lights ( !     
campus f ! /reet to ! ,*emi/ry ,build+ &
 into ,k5n$y's sanctum4  ,t night & f>  
into ! morn+ ,k5n$y 0 work+ 9 !         
laboratory on a peculi>ly complicat$    
piece ( me*anism consi/+ (              
electro-magnets1 rolls1 & a /ylus &     
num]\s o!r contrivances :i* did n sugge/
 to my m9d any?+ he _h ev] us$ be=e 9   
our adv5tures4  ,i kill$ "t z be/ ,i    
c\ld wat*+ him adju/ ! ?+ ) ! mo/ m9ute 
c>e & precision4 ,f9ally ,i came to !   
conclusion t z ,i 0 n likely to be ( !  
lea/ assi/ance1 ev5 if ,i _h be5        

initiat$ into :at 0 afoot1 ,i _h z well 
retire4  ,!re is "o ?+ y c d = me 9 !   
morn+1 ,walt]1 said ,k5n$y1 cont9u+ to  
"w ov] a delicate piece ( clockwork :i* 
=m$ a "p ( ! app>atus4  ,9 case ,i d n  
see y !n1 get 9 t\* ) ,williams &       
,c>roll & h !m come "h ab\t t5 o'clock )
 an automobile4  ,if ,i am n ready = !m 
!n ,i'm afraid ,i nev] %all be1 & we    
%all h to f9i% ! job ) ! lack ( f9esse y
 sugge/$ by arre/+ all ! be>d$ m54      
,k5n$y c\ld n h slept mu* dur+ ! night1 
= ?\gh 8 b$ _h be5 slept 9 he 0 up &    
away be=e ,i c\ld see him aga94  ,i made
 a hurri$ trip d[nt[n to cat* ,c>roll & 
,williams & !n return$ to ! laboratory1 
:]e ,craig _h evid5tly j f9i%$ a        
satisfactory prelim9>y te/ ( 8 ma*9e4   
,/ill no message1 he began 9 reply to my
 unspok5 "q4  ,he 0 pla9ly gr[+ re/less 
) ! inaction1 ?\gh frequ5t talks ov]    
long-di/ance ) ,*icago seem$ to reassure
 him4  ,?anks to ! influ5ce ( ,williams 
he _h at lea/ a direct wire f 8         
laboratory to ! city :i* 0 n[ ! sc5e (  

action4  ,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld ga!r f !    
"o-sid$ conv]sations ,i he>d & ! rem>ks 
:i* ,k5n$y dropp$1 ! ,*icago po/-(fice  
inspectors 7 /ill se>*+ = a trace ( !   
package f ,atlantic ,city :i* 0 to      
reveal ! id5tity ( ! man :o _h pass$ !  
bogus *ecks & sold ! =g$ c]tificates (  
/ock4 ,some:]e 9 t great city 0 a       
photograph ( ! promot] & ( ! woman :o 0 
aid+ him to escape1 tak5 9 ,atlantic    
,city & s5t by mail to ,*icago4  ,:o _h 
receiv$ x8  ,w\ld x be f\nd 9 "t to be (
 use8  ,:at w\ld x reveal8  ,x 0 l hunt+
 = a ne$le 9 a hay/ack1 & yet ! late/   
reports seem$ to enc\rage ,k5n$y ) !    
hope t ! au?orities 7 at la/ on ! trail 
( ! secret (fice f :i* ! /ock _h be5    
sold4  ,he 0 fum+ & wi%+ t he c\ld be at
 bo? ends ( ! l9e at once4  ,any ^w f   
,*icago yet8 appeal$ an anxi\s voice f !
 doorway4  ,we turn$4  ,!re 7 ,c>roll & 
,williams :o _h come = u ) an automobile
 to g ov] to wat* at ! :>f 9 ,brooklyn =
 our man4  ,x 0 ,c>roll :o spoke4  ,!   
/ra9 ( ! susp5se 0 tell+ on him & ,i    

c\ld readily imag9e t he1 l s _m o!rs :o
 _h nev] se5 ,k5n$y 9 action1 _h n !    
fai? 9 ,craig's ability :i* ,i _h se5   
te/$ s _m times4  ,n yet1 repli$ ,k5n$y1
 /ill busy ab\t 8 app>atus on ! table4  
,i suppose y h he>d no?+8  ,no?+ s9ce my
 note ( la/ night1 return$ ,williams    
impati5tly4 ,our detectives /ill insi/ t
 ,bolton ,br[n is ! man to wat*1 & !    
disappe>ance ( ,adele ,de,mott at ?is "t
 c]ta9ly looks bad = him4  ,x does1 ,i  
admit1 said ,c>roll reluctantly4  ,:at's
 all ?is /uff on ! table8 he ask$1      
indicat+ ! magnets1 rolls1 & clockwork4 
,k5n$y did n h "t to reply1 = !         
telephone bell 0 t9kl+ insi/5tly4  ,i've
 got ,*icago on ! wire1 ,craig in=m$ u1 
plac+ 8 h& ov] ! transmitt] z he wait$ =
 long-di/ance to make ! f9al connection4
  ,i'll try to repeat z mu* ( !         
conv]sation z ,i c s t y c foll[ x4     
,hello - yes - ?is is ,k5n$y4 ,is t y1  
,cl>k8  ,x's all arrang$ at ?is end4    
,h['s y\r end ( ! l9e8  ,h y a good     
connection8  ,yes8  ,my syn*ronis] is   

work+ f9e "h1 too4  ,all "r4  ,suppose  
we try x4  ,g ahead4  ,z ,k5n$y gave a  
few f9al t\*es to ! peculi> app>atus on 
! table1 ! cyl9drical drum be=e u began 
sl[ly to revolve & ! /ylus or ne$le     
press$ d[n on ! s5sitis$ pap] ) :i* !   
drum 0 cov]$1 app>5tly ) v>y+ int5sity z
 x turn$4  ,r\nd & r\nd ! cyl9d] revolv$
 l a graphophone4  ,?is1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y
 pr\dly1 is ! 'electric eye1' !         
telelectrograph inv5t$ by ,?orne ,bak] 9
 ,engl&4  ,cl>k & ,i h be5 int5d+ to try
 x out = a long "t4  ,x at la/ makes    
possible ! electric transmission (      
photographs1 us+ ! telephone wires      
because !y are mu* bett] = su* a purpose
 ?an ! telegraph wires4  ,sl[ly ! ne$le 
0 trac+ out a picture on ! pap]4  ,x 0  
only a ?9 b& yet1 b gradually x 0 wid5+1
 ?\gh we c\ld n guess :at x 0 ab\t to   
reveal z ! ceaseless revolutions wid5$ !
 photographic pr9t4  ,i may say1 expla9$
 ,k5n$y z we wait$ brea?lessly1 t ano!r 
sy/em kn[n z ! ,korn sy/em ( telegraph+ 
pictures has also be5 9 use 9 ,london1  

,p>is1 ,b]l91 & o!r cities at v>i\s     
times = "s ye>s4  ,korn's app>atus      
dep5ds on ! ability ( ! elem5t sel5ium  
to v>y ! /r5g? ( an electric curr5t     
pass+ ?r\gh x 9 proportion to !         
brightness ) :i* ! sel5ium is illum9at$4
  ,a new field has be5 op5$ by ^!       
inv5tions :i* are n[ becom+ m & m       
num]\s1 s9ce ! ,korn sy/em did !        
pione]+4  ,! v>i\s /eps 9 s5d+ a        
photograph by ! ,bak] telelectrograph   
are n s difficult to und]/&1 aft] all4  
,fir/ an ord9>y photograph is tak5 & a  
negative made4  ,!n a pr9t is made & a  
wet plate negative is pr9t$ on a %eet ( 
s5sitis$ t9foil :i* has be5 treat$ ) a  
s+le-l9e scre54  ,y "k a halftone       
consi/s ( a photograph ?r\gh a scre5    
compos$ ( l9es runn+ p]p5dicul> to ea*  
o!r - a co>se scre5 = newspap] "w1 & a  
f9e scre5 = bett] "w1 su* z 9 magaz9es4 
,well1 9 ?is case ! scre5 is compos$ (  
l9es runn+ p>allel 9 "o direction only1 
n cross+ at "r angles4  ,a halftone is  
compos$ ( m9ute po9ts1 "s light1 "s d>k4

  ,?is pr9t is compos$ ( long %ad$ l9es1
 "s p>ts light1 o!rs d>k1 giv+ ! effect 
( a picture1 y und]/&8  ,yes1 yes1 ,i   
exclaim$1 ?or\ghly excit$4  ,well1 he   
resum$ z ! pr9t wid5$ visibly1 ?is      
t9foil negative is wrapp$ ar\nd a cyl9d]
 at ! o!r end ( ! l9e & a /ylus ) a v   
delicate1 s5sitive po9t beg9s pass+ ov] 
x1 cross+ ! p>allel l9es at "r angles1 l
 ! o!r l9es ( a regul> halftone4  ,:5ev]
 ! po9t ( ! /ylus passes ov] "o ( !     
light] spots on ! photographic pr9t x   
s5ds on a long] electrical vibration1   
ov] ! d>k] spots a %ort] vibration4  ,! 
ev] *ang+ electrical curr5t passes up   
?r\gh ! /ylus1 vibrates ) ev] v>y+      
degrees ( int5sity ov] ! ?\s& miles (   
telephone wire betwe5 ,*icago & ?is     
in/rum5t "h at ! o!r end ( ! l9e4  ,9   
?is receiv+ app>atus ! curr5t causes    
ano!r /ylus to pass ov] a %eet (        
s5sitis$ *emical pap] su* z we h "h4 ,! 
receiv+ /ylus passes ov] ! pap] "h      
syn*ron\sly ) ! transmitt+ /ylus 9      
,*icago4  ,! impression :i* ea* /roke ( 

! receiv+ /ylus makes on ! pap] is black
 or light1 accord+ to ! l5g? ( ! v      
quickly *ang+ vibrations ( ! electric   
curr5t4  ,:ite spots on ! photographic  
pr9t come out z black spots "h on !     
s5sitis$ pap] ov] :i* ?is /ylus is      
pass+1 & vice v]sa4  ,9 t way y c see ! 
positive pr9t gr[+ "h be=e y\r v eyes z 
! picture is transmitt$ f ! negative :i*
 ,cl>k has prep>$ & is s5d+ f ,*icago4  
,z we b5t ov] eag]ly we c\ld inde$ n[   
see :at ! ?+ 0 do+4  ,x 0 reproduc+     
fai?fully 9 ,new ,york :at c\ld be se5  
by ! mortal eye only 9 ,*icago4  ,:at is
 x8 ask$ ,williams1 /ill half incr$ul\s 
9 spite ( ! te/imony ( 8 eyes4  ,x is a 
photograph :i* ,i ?9k may aid u 9 decid+
 :e!r x is ,dawson or ,br[n :o is       
responsible = ! =g]ies1 answ]$ ,k5n$y1 &
 x may help u to p5etrate ! man's       
disguise yet1 be=e he escapes to ,s\?   
,am]ica or :]ev] he plans to g4  ,y'll h
 to hurry1 int]pos$ ,c>roll1 n]v\sly    
look+ at 8 wat*4  ,%e sails 9 an h\r & a
 half & x is a long ride ov] to ! pi]   

ev5 ) a fa/ c>4  ,! pr9t is almo/ ready1
 repeat$ ,k5n$y calmly4  ,by ! way1 x is
 a photograph :i* 0 tak5 at ,atlantic   
,city a few days ago = a booklet :i* !  
,lorra9e 0 gett+ out4  ,! ,by-,products 
=g] happ5$ to get 9 x & he brib$ !      
photograph] to give him ! plate & take  
ano!r picture = ! booklet :i* w\ld leave
 him out4  ,! plate 0 s5t to a little   
(fice 9 ,*icago1 discov]$ by ! po/-(fice
 inspectors1 :]e ! =g$ /ock c]tificates 
7 sold4  ,i und]/ood f :at ,cl>k told me
 ov] ! telephone be=e he />t$ to        
transmit ! picture t ! woman 9 x look$ v
 mu* l ,adel ,de,mott4 ,let u see4#bj   
,! ma*9e _h ceas$ to revolve4  ,craig   
/ripp$ a /ill wet photograph (f !       
telelectrograph in/rum5t & /ood reg>d+ x
 ) int5se satisfaction4  ,outside1 ! c> 
:i* _h be5 engag$ to hurry u ov] to     
,brooklyn wait$4  ,morph9e fi5ds1 said  
,k5n$y z he fann$ ! pr9t to dry x1  are 
! mo/ unreliable sort ( p4  ,!y cov] _! 
tracks ) almo/ diabolical cunn+4  ,9    
fact !y seem to enjoy x4  ,= in/ance1 ! 

crimes committ$ by morph9i/s are usually
 aga9/ prop]ty & "* & bas$ ^u           
selfi%ness1 n brutal crimes su* z       
alcohol & o!r drugs induce4             
,kleptomania1 =g]y1 sw9dl+1 are among ! 
mo/ common4  ,!n1 too1 "o ( ! mo/ m>k$  
phases ( morph9ism is ! pleasure its    
victims take 9 conceal+ _! motives &    
conduct4 ,!y h a mania = lead+ a d\ble  
life1 & enjoy ! deception & mask :i* !y 
draw ab\t !mselves4  ,p]sons "u !       
influ5ce ( ! drug h less p[] to resi/   
physical & m5tal impressions & !y easily
 succumb to temptations & sugge/ions f  
o!rs4  ,morph9e /&s unequall$ z a p]v]t]
 ( ! moral s5se4  ,x creates a p]son :om
 ! fa!r ( lies mu/ recognise z k9dr$ to 
himself4  ,i "k ( a case :]e a judge    
*>g$ a jury t ! prison]1 a morph9e      
addict1 0 m5tally irresponsible = t     
reason4  ,! judge knew :at he 0 talk+   
ab\t4  ,x subsequ5tly develop$ t he _h  
be5 a secret morph9e fi5d himself =     
ye>s4  ,come1 come1 broke 9 ,c>roll     
impati5tly1 we're wa/+ "t4  ,! %ip sails

 9 an h\r & unless y want to g d[n ! bay
 on a tug y've got to cat* ,dawson n[ or
 nev]4  ,! morph9e bus9ess expla9s1 b x 
does n excuse4  ,come on1 ! c> is wait+4
  ,h[ long d y ?9k x w take u to get ov]
 to -   ,police headqu>t]s8 int]rupt$   
,craig4  ,ab\t fifte5 m9utes4 ,?is      
photograph %[s1 z ,i _h hop$1 ! real    
=g]4  ,john ,c>roll1 ?is is a peculi>   
case4  ,y h =g$ ! "n ( ! presid5t ( y\r 
company1 b y h also trac$ y\r own "n v  
clev]ly to look l a =g]y4  ,x is :at is 
te*nically kn[n z auto-=g]y1 =g+ "o's   
own h&writ+4  ,at y\r conv5i5ce we'll   
ride d[n to ,c5tre ,/reet directly4     
,c>roll 0 sputt]+ & almo/ fro?+ at ! m\?
 ) rage :i* he made no ef=t to suppress4
  ,williams 0 hesitat+1 nonpluss$1 until
 ,k5n$y rea*$ ov] unexpect$ly & grasp$  
,c>roll by ! arm4  ,z he %ov$ up        
,c>roll's sleeve he disclos$ ! =e>m     
lit]ally cov]$ ) little punctures made  
by ! hypod]mic ne$le4  ,x may int]e/ y1 
rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 /ill hold+ ,c>roll 9 8   
vise-l grip1 :ile ! drug fi5d's %att]$  

n]ves caus$ him to c[] & tremble1 to "k 
t a special detective work+ = me has    
locat$ ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,dawson at ,b>      
,h>bor1 :]e !y are enjoy+ a quiet       
honeymoon4  ,br[n is safely 9 ! cu/ody (
 8 c\nsel1 ready to appe> & cle> himself
 z soon z ! public op9ion :i* has be5   
falsely inflam$ aga9/ him subsides4     
,y\r plan to give u ! slip at ! la/     
mom5t at ! :>f & bo>d ! /eam] = ,s\?    
,am]ica has misc>ri$4  ,x is n[ too late
 to cat* x1 b ,i %all s5d a wireless t w
 cause ! arre/ ( ,miss ,de,mott ! mom5t 
! %ip t\*es an ,am]ican port at ,colon1 
ev5 if %e succe$s 9 elud+ ! ,briti%     
au?orities at ,k+/on4  ,! fact is1 ,i   
don't mu* c>e ab\t h]1 anyway4  ,?anks  
to ! telelectrograph "h we h ! real     
crim9al4  ,k5n$y slapp$ d[n ! n[ dry    
pr9t t _h come 9 ov] 8 see+ ov] a wire  
ma*9e4  ,b>r+ ! false ,van ,dyke be>d1 x
 0 ! face ( ,john ,c>roll1 =g] & morph9e
 fi5d4  ,next to him 9 ! picture 9 !    
brilliant & fa%ionable d9+-room ( !     
,lorra9e 0 sitt+ ,adele ,de,mott :o _h  

us$ h] victim1 ,bolton ,br[n1 to %ield  
h] employ]1 ,c>roll4    ,,ix  ,,!       
,,un(ficial ,,spy   ,craig1 d y see t   
fell[ ov] by ! desk1 talk+ to ! night   
cl]k8 ,i ask$ ,k5n$y z we l\ng$ into !  
lobby ( ! new ,hotel ,v&]ve] "o ev5+    
aft] reclaim+ our hats f ! plutocrat :o 
_h acquir$ ! *eck+ privilege4  ,we _h   
d9$ on ! ro( g>d5 ( ! ,v&]ve] apropos ( 
no?+ at all except our desire to become 
acqua9t$ ) a new hotel4  ,yes1 repli$   
,k5n$y1 :at ( him8  ,he's ! h\se        
detective1 ,mc,bride4  ,w\ld y l to meet
 him8 ,he's full ( good /ories1 an      
int]e/+ *ap4  ,i met him at a d9n] giv5 
to ! ,presid5t n long ago & he told me a
 great y>n ab\t h[ ! secret s]vice1 !   
police1 & ! hotel comb9$ to gu>d !      
,presid5t dur+ ! d9n]4  ,y "k1 a big    
hotel is ! /amp+ gr\nd = all sorts (    
cranks & crooks4  ,! h\se detective _h  
turn$ & _h caught my eye4  ,mu* to my   
surprise1 he advanc$ to meet me4  ,say1 
- er - er - ,jameson1 he began1 at la/  
recall+ my "n1 ?\gh he _h se5 me only   

once & !n = only a %ort "t4 ,y're on !  
,/>1 ,i believe8  ,yes1 ,i repli$1      
wond]+ :at he c\ld want4  ,well - er - d
 y suppose y c\ld d ! h\se a little - er
 -#bj fav\r8 he ask$1 hesitat+ & dropp+ 
8 voice4  ,:at is x8 ,i qu]i$1 n feel+  
c]ta9 b t x 0 a veil$ attempt to secure 
a little free adv]tis+ = ! ,v&]ve]4  ,by
 ! way1 let me introduce y to my fri5d  
,k5n$y1 ,mc,bride4  ,craig ,k5n$y8 he   
:isp]$ aside1 turn+ quickly to me4  ,i  
nodd$4  ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 exclaim$ ! h\se man
 def]5tially1 are y v busy j n[8  ,n    
especially s1 repli$ ,craig4  ,my fri5d 
,jameson 0 tell+ me t y knew "s int]e/+ 
y>ns ab\t hotel detective life4 ,i %\ld 
l to he> y tell "s ( !m1 if y are n     
y\rself too -   ,p]haps y'd r see "o    
in/ead8 int]rupt$ ! h\se detective1     
eag]ly scann+ ,craig's face4  ,inde$1   
no?+ c\ld please me m4  ,:at is x - a   
'con' man or a hotel 'beat'8  ,mc,bride 
look$ ab\t to make sure t no "o 0 li/5+4
 ,nei!r1 he :isp]$4  ,x's ei!r a suicide
 or a murd]4  ,come up/airs ) me4  ,!re 

isn't a man 9 ! _w ,i w\ld r h met at   
?is v in/ant1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ?an y\rself4 
,we foll[$ ,mc,bride into an elevator   
:i* he /opp$ at ! fifte5? floor4  ,) a  
nod to ! "y woman :o 0 ! floor cl]k1 !  
h\se detective l$ ! way d[n ! ?ickly    
c>pet$ hall1 /opp+ at a room :i*1 we    
c\ld see ?r\gh ! transom1 0 light$4  ,he
 drew a bun* ( keys f 8 pocket & ins]t$ 
a pass key into ! lock4  ,! door swung  
op5 into a sumptu\sly fitt$ sitt+-room4 
,i look$ 91 half fe>fully1 b1 al?\gh all
 ! lights 7 turn$ on1 ! room 0 empty4   
,mc,bride cross$ ! room quickly1 op5$ a 
door to a b$room1 & j]k$ 8 head back ) a
 quick motion1 signify+ 8 desire = u to 
foll[4  ,/ret*$ lifeless on ! :ite l95 (
 ! immaculate b$ lay ! =m ( a woman1 a  
beautiful woman %e _h be51 too1 ?\gh n )
 ! fre%ness :i* makes ,am]ican wom5 s   
attractive4  ,!re 0 some?+ artificial   
ab\t h] beauty1 ! artificiality :i* h9t$
 at a hidd5 /ory ( a woman ) a pa/4  ,%e
 0 a =eign]1 app>5tly ( "o ( ! ,lat9    
races1 al?\gh at ! mom5t 9 ! horror ( ! 

trag$y be=e u ,i c\ld n guess h]        
nationality4  ,x 0 en\gh = me t "h lay  
?is cold1 /ony1 rigid beauty1 rob$ 9 !  
late/ creations ( ,p>is1 alone 9 an     
elegantly furni%$ room ( an exclusive   
hotel :]e hundr$s ( gay gue/s 7 d9+ &   
*att+ & laugh+ )\t a suspicion ( !      
t]rible secret only a few feet di/ant f 
!m4  ,we /ood awe/ruck = ! mom5t4  ,!   
coron] ought to be "h any mom5t1 rem>k$ 
,mc,bride & ev5 ! call\sness ( ! regul> 
detective 0 n suffici5t to hide ! real  
feel+s ( ! man4  ,8 practical s5se soon 
return$1 h[ev]1 & he cont9u$1 ,n[1      
,jameson1 don't y ?9k y c\ld use a      
little influ5ce ) ! newspap] m5 to keep 
?is ?+ (f ! front pages8  ,( c\rse      
some?+ has to be pr9t$ ab\t x4 ,b we    
don't want to hoodoo ! hotel "r at !    
/>t4  ,we _h a suicide ! o!r day :o left
 an apologetic note t 0 play$ up by "s (
 ! pap]s4  ,n[ comes ?is affair4  ,!    
managem5t are j z anxi\s to h ! crime   
cle>$ up z any "o - if x is a crime4  ,b
 c't x be done ) ! s(t p$al8  ,we w /op 

at no?+ 9 ! way ( exp5se - j s long z ! 
"n ( ! ,v&]ve] is kept 9 ! backgr\nd4   
,only1 ,i'm afraid ! coron] w try to rub
 x 9 & make ! ?+ s5sational4  ,:at 0 h] 
"n8 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,at lea/1 "u :at "n 0 
%e regi/]$8  ,%e 0 regi/]$ z ,madame de 
,nev]s4  ,x is n q a week n[ s9ce %e    
came "h1 came directly f ! /eam]        
,tripolitania4 ,see1 !re are h] trunks &
 ?+s1 all pa/$ ov] ) =eign labels1 n an 
,am]ican label among !m4  ,i hav5't !   
slighte/ d\bt t h] "n 0 fictiti\s1 = z  
f> z ,i c see all ! ord9>y m>ks (       
id5tification h be5 oblit]at$4  ,x w    
take "t to id5tify h] at ! be/1 & 9 !   
meantime1 if a crime has be5 committ$1 !
 guilty p]son may escape4  ,:at ,i want 
n[1 "r away1 is action4  ,has no?+ 9 h] 
actions ab\t ! hotel (f]$ any clue1 no  
matt] h[ slight8 ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,pl5ty ( 
?+s1 repli$ ,mc,bride quickly4  ,= "o   
?+1 %e didn't speak v mu* ,engli% & h]  
maid seem$ to d all ! talk+ = h]1 ev5 to
 ord]+ h] meals1 :i* 7 always s]v$ "h4  
,i did notice ,madame a few times ab\t !

 hotel1 ?\gh %e sp5t mo/ ( h] "t 9 h]   
rooms4  ,%e 0 attractive z ! deuce1 & ! 
m5 all look$ at h] :5ev] %e /irr$ out4  
,%e nev] ev5 notic$ !m4  ,b %e 0        
evid5tly expect+ "s "o1 = h] maid _h    
left ^w at ! desk t if a ,mr4 ,gonzales 
call$1 %e 0 at home2 if any "o else1 %e 
0 out4  ,= ! fir/ day or two %e kept    
h]self closely conf9$1 except t at ! end
 ( ! second day %e took a %ort sp9 ?r\gh
 ! p>k 9 a taxicab - clos$1 ev5 9 ?is   
hot wea!r4  ,:]e %e w5t ,i _c say1 b :5 
!y return$ ! maid seem$ r agitat$4 ,at  
lea/ %e 0 a few m9utes lat] :5 %e came  
all ! way d[n/airs to telephone f a     
boo?1 in/ead ( us+ ! room telephone4    
,at v>i\s times ! maid 0 s5t out to     
execute c]ta9 err&s1 b always return$   
promptly4  ,madame de ,nev]s 0 a g5u9e  
woman ( my/]y1 b z long z %e 0 a quiet  
my/]y1 ,i ?\ght x no bus9ess ( ours to  
pry into ! affairs ( ,madame4  ,did %e h
 any visitors8  ,did ?is ,mr4 ,gonzales 
call8 ask$ ,k5n$y at l5g?4  ,%e _h "o   
visitor1 a woman :o call$ & ask$ if a   

,madame de ,nev]s 0 /opp+ at !#bj;hotel1
 answ]$ ,mc,bride4  ,t 0 :at ! cl]k 0   
tell+ me :5 ,i happ5$ to cat* sight ( y4
  ,he says t1 ob$i5t to ! ord]s f !     
maid1 he told ! visitor t ,madame 0 n at
 home4  ,:o 0 ?is visitor1 d y suppose8 
ask$ ,craig4  ,did %e leave any c>d or  
message8  ,is !re any clue to h]8  ,!   
detective look$ at him e>ne/ly = a "t z 
if he hesitat$ to retail :at might be   
m]ely pure gossip4  ,! cl]k does n "k   
?is absolutely1 b f 8 acqua9tance )     
society news & ! illu/rat$ pap]s he is  
sure t he recognis$ h]4  ,he says t he  
feels positive t x 0 ,miss ,ca?>9e      
,lovelace4  ,! ,s\!rn heiress1 exclaim$ 
,k5n$y4  ,:y1 ! pap]s say t %e is engag$
   ,exactly1 cut 9 ,mc,bride1 ! heiress 
:o is rum\r$ to be engag$ to ! ,duc de  
,*ateaur\ge4  ,k5n$y & ,i ex*ang$1      
glances4  ,yes1 ,i add$1 recollect+ a   
rem>k ,i _h he>d a few days be=e f our  
society report] on ! ,/>1 ,i believe x  
has be5 said t ,*ateaur\ge is 9 ?is     
c\ntry1 incognito4  ,a pretty sl5d]     

?read on :i* to hang an id5tification1  
,mc,bride ha/5$ to rem>k4  ,newspap]    
photographs are n ! be/ means (         
recognis+ anybody4  ,:atev] !re may be 9
 x1 ! fact rema9s t ,madame de ,nev]s1  
suppos+ t to be h] real "n1 has be5 dead
 = at lea/ a day or two4  ,! fir/ ?+ to 
be det]m9$ is :e!r ?is is a dea? f      
natural causes1 a suicide1 or a murd]4  
,aft] we h det]m9$ t we %all be 9 a     
position to run d[n ?is ,lovelace clue4 
,k5n$y said no?+ & ,i c\ld n ga!r :e!r  
he plac$ great] or less value on !      
suspicion ( ! hotel cl]k4  ,he _h be5   
mak+ a casual exam9ation ( ! body on !  
b$1 & f9d+ no?+ he look$ int5tly ab\t ! 
room z if seek+ "s evid5ce ( h[ ! crime 
_h be5 committ$4  ,to me ! ?+ seem$     
incompreh5sible1 t )\t an outcry be+    
ov]he>d by any ( ! gue/s a murd] c\ld h 
be5 done 9 a cr[d$ hotel 9 :i* ! rooms  
on e side _h be5 occupi$ & p _h be5     
pass+ ?r\gh ! halls at all h\rs4 ,_h x  
inde$ be5 a suicide1 9 spite (          
,mc,bride's evid5t conviction to !      

contr>y8  ,a l[ exclamation f ,k5n$y    
attract$ our att5tion4  ,caught 9 !     
filmy lace folds ( ! woman's dress he _h
 f\nd a few small & ?9 pieces ( glass4  
,he 0 reg>d+ !m ) an int]e/ t 0 oblivi\s
 to ev]y?+ else4  ,z he turn$ !m ov] &  
ov] & tri$ to fit !m toge!r !y seem$ to 
=m at lea/ a "p ( :at _h once be5 a     
holl[ globe ( v ?9 glass1 p]haps a qu>t]
 ( an in* or s 9 diamet]4  ,h[ 0 ! body 
discov]$8 ask$ ,craig at l5g?1 look+ up 
at ,mc,bride quickly4  ,day be=e ye/]day
 ,madame's maid w5t to ! ca%i]1 repeat$ 
! detective sl[ly z if rehe>s+ ! case z 
mu* = 8 own in=mation z ours1 & said t  
,madame _h ask$ h] to say to him t %e 0 
go+ away = a few days & t "u no         
circum/ances 0 h] room to be di/urb$ 9  
h] abs5ce4  ,! maid 0 commission$ to pay
 ! bill1 n only = ! "t !y _h be5 "h1 b  
also = ! rema9d] ( ! week1 :5 ,madame   
w\ld mo/ likely return1 if n e>li]4  ,! 
bill 0 made out & paid4  ,s9ce !n only !
 *amb]maid has ent]$ ?is suite4  ,! key 
to t closet ov] 9 ! corn] 0 gone1 & x   

might h hidd5 its secret until ! end ( !
 week or p]haps a day or two long]1 if !
 *amb]maid hadn't be5 a bit curi\s4  ,%e
 hunt$ till %e f\nd ano!r key t fitt$1 &
 op5$ ! closet door1 app>5tly to see :at
 ,madame _h be5 s p>ticul> to lock up 9 
h] abs5ce4 ,!re lay ! body ( ,madame1   
fully dress$1 w$g$ into ! n>r[ space &  
huddl$ up 9 a corn]4  ,! *amb]maid      
scream$ & ! secret 0 out4  ,& ,madame de
 ,nev]s's maid8  ,:at has become ( h]8  
ask$ ,k5n$y eag]ly4  ,%e has disappe>$1 
repli$ ,mc,bride4  ,f ! mom5t :5 ! bill 
0 paid no "o ab\t ! hotel has se5 h]4   
,b y h a pretty good description ( h]1  
"o t y c\ld s5d out 9 ord] to f9d h] if 
necess>y8  ,yes1 ,i ?9k ,i c\ld give a  
pretty good description4  ,k5n$y's eye  
enc\nt]$ ! curi\s gaze ( ,mc,bride4     
,?is may prove to be a mo/ unusual case1
 he rem>k$ 9 answ] to ! impli$ inquiry (
 ! detective4  ,i suppose y h he>d ( !  
'endormeurs' ( ,p>is8  ,mc,bride %ook 8 
head 9 ! negative4  ,x is a ,fr5* ^w    
signify+ a p]son :o puts ano!r to sleep1

 ! sleep mak]s1 expla9$ ,k5n$y4  ,!y are
 ! late/ sci5tific s*ool ( crim9als :o  
use ! mo/ pot5t1 quicke/-act+ /upefy+   
drugs4  ,"s ( _! exploits surpass any?+ 
hi!rto ev5 imag9$ by ! ,european police4
  ,! ,am]ican police h be5 (ficially    
w>n$ ( ! exi/5ce ( ! endormeurs & full  
descriptions ( _! me?ods & photographs (
 _! p>aph]nalia h be5 s5t ov] "h4  ,!re 
is no?+ 9 _! rep]toire s crude z *loral 
or knock-out drops4  ,all ! d]ivatives (
 opium su* z morph9e1 code9e1 h]o9e1    
dion9e1 n>ce9e1 & n>cot9e1 to say no?+ (
 bromure d'etyle1 brom(orm1 nitrite     
d'amyle1 & amyl9e are kn[n to be utilis$
 by ! endormeurs to put _! victims to   
sleep1 & ! skill :i* !y h acquir$ 9 !   
use ( ^! p[]ful drugs e/abli%es !m z "o 
( ! mo/ dang]\s gr\ps ( crim9als 9      
exi/5ce4  ,! m5 are all ( sup]ior       
intellig5ce & d>+2 ! *ief requisite ( ! 
wom5 is extreme beauty z well z         
unscrupul\sness4  ,!y w take a little ?9
 glass ball ( "o ( ^! liquids1 =        
in/ance1 hold x 9 a pocket h&k]*ief1    

cru% x1 %ove x "u ! nose ( _! victim1 & 
- :iff 6  - ! victim is unconsci\s4  ,b 
ord9>ily ! endormeur does n kill4  ,he  
is usually satisfi$ to /upefy1 rob1 & !n
 leave 8 victim4  ,!re is some?+ m to   
?is case ?an a m]e suicide or murd]1    
,mc,bride4  ,( c\rse %e may h committ$  
suicide ) ! drugs ( ! endormeurs2 !n    
aga9 %e may m]ely h be5 r5d]$ unconsci\s
 by ^? drugs & "s o!r poison may h be5  
adm9i/]$4  ,dep5d on x1 !re is some?+ m 
back ( ?is affair ?an appe>s on !       
surface4  ,ev5 z f> z ,i h gone ,i d n  
hesitate to say t we h run across ! "w (
 "o or p]haps a b& ( ! mo/ up-to-date & 
sci5tific crim9als4  ,k5n$y _h sc>cely  
f9i%$ :5 ,mc,bride br\ght 8 "r fi/ d[n )
 a res\nd+ smack into ! palm ( 8 left   
h&4   ,say1 he cri$ 9 great excitem5t1  
"h's ano!r ?+ :i* may or may n h "s     
connection ) ! case4  ,! ev5+ aft]      
,madame arriv$1 ,i happ5$ to be walk+   
?r\gh ! caf#hb1 :]e ,i saw a face t     
look$ famili> to me4  ,x 0 t ( a        
d>k-hair$1 olive-sk9n$ man1 a fasc9at+  

face1 b a face to be afraid (4  ,i      
rememb]$ him1 ,i ?\ght1 f my police     
exp]i5ce1 z a notori\s crook :o _h n be5
 se5 9 ,new ,york = ye>s1 a man :o 9 !  
old days us$ to gamble ) dea? 9 ,s\?    
,am]ican revolutions1 a soldi] ( =tune4 
,well1 ,i gave ! wait]1 ,*>ley1 ! w9k & 
he met me 9 ! re> ( ! caf#hb1 ar\nd a   
corn]4  ,y "k we h a regul> sy/em 9 !   
hotel by :i* ,i c turn all ! help into  
amateur sleu?s4 ,i told him to be v     
c>eful ab\t ! d>k-fac$ man & ! y\ng] man
 :o 0 ) him1 to be p>ticul> to wait on  
!m well1 & to pick up any scraps (      
conv]sation he c\ld4  ,*>ley kn[s 8     
bus9ess1 & ! b>e/ p]ceptible sign f me  
makes him an obsequi\s wait]4  ,( c\rse 
! d>k man didn't notice x at ! "t1 b if 
he _h be5 m obs]vant he w\ld h se5 t    
?ree times dur+ 8 *at ) 8 companion     
,*>ley _h wip$ (f 8 table ) l+]+ h&4    
,twice he _h put fre% seltz] 9 8 dr9k4  
,l a good wait] always work+ = a big tip
 he _h hov]$ ne>1 8 face blank & 8 eyes 
unobs]vant4  ,b t wait] 0 an important  

l9k 9 my *a9 ( protection ( ! hotel     
aga9/ crooks4  ,he 0 !re to li/5 & to   
tip me (f1 :i* he did betwe5 ord]s4     
,!re wasn't mu* t he ov]he>d1 b :at !re 
0 ( x 0 s suspici\s t ,i did n hesitate 
to conclude t ! fell[ 0 an undesirable  
gue/4  ,x 0 some?+ ab\t ! ,panama       
,canal1 & a coal+ /ation ( a /eam%ip &  
fruit conc]n on ! %ore ( "o ( ! ,lat9   
,am]ican c\ntries4  ,x 01 he said1 9    
reality to be ! coal+ /ation ( a c]ta9  
,european p[] :i* he did n "n b :i* !   
y\ng] man seem$ to und]/&4  ,!y talk$ ( 
:>ves & tracts ( l&1 ( sov]eignty & blue
 pr9ts1 ! ,monroe ,doctr9e1 value 9 case
 ( w>1 & a lot ( o!r ?+s4 ,!n !y talk$ (
 money1 & ?\gh ,*>ley 0 mo/ assidu\s at 
! "t all he ov]he>d 0 some?+ ab\t 't5   
?\s& francs' & 'buy+ h] (f1' & f9ally a 
:isp]$ confid5ce ( :i* he caught !      
words1 'j a bl9d to get h] ov] "h1 away 
f ,p>is4'  ,f9ally ! d>k man 9 an app>5t
 bur/ ( confid5ce said some?+ ab\t '!   
o!r plans be+ ! real ?+ aft] all1' & t !
 :ole affair w\ld br+ him 9 fifty ?\s&  

francs1 ) :i* he c\ld af=d to be lib]al4
  ,*>ley c\ld get no inkl+ ab\t :at t   
o!r ?+ 04  ,b ,i felt sure t he _h he>d 
en\gh to w>rant ! belief t "s k9d (     
confid5ce game 0 be+ discuss$4  ,to tell
 ! tru? ,i didn't c>e mu* :at x 01 at ! 
"t4  ,x might h be5 an attempt ( !      
d>k-visag$ fell[ to sell ! ,canal to a  
come-on4  ,:at ,i want$ 0 to h x kn[n t 
! ,v&]ve] 0 n to be a resort ( su* g5try
 z ?is4  ,b ,i'm afraid x 0 mu* m s]i\s 
?an ,i ?\ght at ! "t4  ,well1 ! d>k man 
f9ally excus$ himself & saunt]$ into !  
lobby & up to ! desk1 ) me aft] him     
ar\nd ! opposite way4  ,he 0 look+ ov] !
 day's arrivals on ! regi/] :5 ,i       
conclud$ t x 0 ab\t "t to d some?+4  ,i 
0 /&+ directly beside him light+ a cig>4
  ,i turn$ quickly on him & delib]ately 
trod on ! man's pat5t lea!r %oe4  ,he   
fac$ me furi\sly at n gett+ any apology4
  ',sacre1' he exclaim$1 ':at ! - '  ,b 
be=e he c\ld f9i% ,i mov$ /ill clos] &  
p9*$ 8 elb[4  ,a dull r$ gl[ ( suppress$
 ang] spread ov] 8 face1 b he cut 8     

words %ort4  ,he knew & ,i knew he knew4
  ,t is ! sign 9 ! cont95tal hotels :5  
!y f9d a crook & quietly ask him to move
 on4  ,! man turn$ on 8 heel & /alk$ out
 ( ! hotel4  ,by & by ! "y man 9 !      
caf#hb1 consid]ably annoy$ at ! sudd5   
inatt5tion ( ! wait] :o act$ z if he    
wasn't satisfi$ ) 8 tip1 /roll$ ?r\gh ! 
lobby & n see+ 8 d>k-sk9n$ fri5d1 also  
disappe>$4  ,i wi% to heav5 ,i _h _h !m 
%ad[$4  ,! "y fell[ wasn't a come-on at 
all4 ,!re 0 some?+ afoot betwe5 ^! two1 
m>k my words4  ,b :y d y connect t      
incid5t ) ?is case ( ,madame de ,nev]s8 
ask$ ,k5n$y1 a little puzzl$4  ,because 
! next day1 & ! day t ,madame's maid    
disappe>$1 ,i happ5$ to see a man bidd+ 
good-bye to a woman at ! re> c>riage    
entrance ( ! hotel4  ,! woman 0         
,madame's maid & ! man 0 ! d>k man :o _h
 be5 seat$ 9 ! caf#hb4  ,y said a mom5t 
ago t y _h a good description ( ! maid  
or c\ld write "o4  ,d y ?9k y c\ld      
locate h]8  ,! hotel detective ?\ght a  
m9ute or two4  ,if %e has gone to any ( 

! o!r hotels 9 ?is city1 ,i c\ld1 he    
answ]$ sl[ly4 ,y "k we h rec5tly =m$ a  
sort ( cle>+ h\se1 we hotel detectives1 
& we are work+ toge!r n[ v well1 ?\gh   
secretly4  ,x is b>ely possible t %e has
 gone to ano!r hotel4 ,! v braz5ness ( t
 w\ld be its safegu>d1 %e might ?9k4    
,!n ,i c leave t "p ( x to y1 ,mc,bride8
 ask$ ,k5n$y ?\ghtfully z if lay+ out a 
programme ( action 9 8 m9d4 ,y w set !  
hotel detectives on ! trail z well z !  
police ( ! city1 & ( o!r cities1 w make 
! inquiries at ! /eam%ips & railroads1 &
 all t sort ( ?+8  ,try to f9d "s trace 
( ! two m5 :om y saw 9 ! caf#hb at !    
same "t4  ,b = ! pres5t ,i %\ld say sp>e
 no ef=t to locate t girl4  ,tru/ x to  
me1 agre$ ,mc,bride confid5tly4  ,a     
heavy tap s\nd$ at ! door & ,mc,bride   
op5$ x4  ,x 0 ! coron]4  ,i %all n g    
into ! l5g?y inve/igation :i* ! coron]  
conduct$1 que/ion+ "o s]vant & employee 
aft] ano!r )\t elicit+ any m real       
in=mation ?an we _h already obta9$ s    
concisely f ! h\se man4  ,! coron] 01 ( 

c\rse1 angry at ! removal ( ! body f !  
closet to ! b$ because he want$ to view 
x 9 ! position 9 :i* x _h be5 f\nd1 b z 
t _h be5 done by ! s]vants be=e         
,mc,bride c\ld /op !m1 !re 0 no?+ to d  
ab\t x b accept ! facts4  ,a v peculi>  
case1 rem>k$ ! coron] at ! conclusion ( 
8 exam9ation1 ) ! air ( a man :o c\ld %$
 mu* light on x f 8 wide exp]i5ce if he 
*ose4  ,!re is j "o po9t t we %all h to 
cle> up1 h[ev]4  ,:at 0 ! cause ( ! dea?
 ( ! deceas$8  ,!re is no gas 9 ! room4 
,x c\ldn't h be5 illum9at+ gas1 !n4     
,no1 x mu/ h be5 a poison ( "s k9d4  ,!n
 z to ! motive1 he add$1 try+ to look   
confid5t b really %oot+ a t5tative rem>k
 at ,craig & ! h\se detective1 :o said  
no?+4  ,x looks a good deal l t o!r     
suicide - at lea/ a suicide :i* "s "o   
has endeav\r$ to conceal1 he add$1      
ha/ily recollect+ ! mann] 9 :i* ! body  
_h be5 f\nd & 8 criticisms ( ! removal f
 ! closet4  ,didn't ,i tell y8 rejo9$   
,mc,bride dolefully aft] we _h left !   
coron] d[n/airs a few m9utes lat]4  ,i  

knew he w\ld ?9k ! hotel 0 hid+ some?+ f
 him4  ,we c't help :at he ?9ks - yet1  
rem>k$ ,craig4  ,all we c d is to run   
d[n ! clues :i* we h4  ,i w leave ! maid
 to be f\nd by y\r organisation1        
,mc,bride4  ,let me see1 ! !atres & ro( 
g>d5s mu/ be lett+ out by ?is "t4  ,i w 
see if ,i c get any in=mation f ,miss   
,lovelace4  ,f9d h] address1 ,walt]1 &  
call a cab4  ,! ,s\!rn heiress1 :o _h   
attract$ m att5tion by h] beauty ?an by 
h] =tune :i* 0 only mod]ate z ,am]ican  
=tunes g n[adays1 liv$ 9 an ap>tm5t fac+
 ! p>k1 ) h] "m1 a woman ^: social      
ambitions x 0 commonly kn[n _h no b\nds 
& 7 (t5 sadly impos$ ^u4  ,=tunately we 
arriv$ at ! ap>tm5t n v _m m9utes aft] !
 "m & daught]1 & al?\gh x 0 late1 ,k5n$y
 s5t up 8 c>d ) an urg5t message to see 
!m4  ,!y receiv$ u 9 a l>ge draw+-room &
 7 pla9ly annoy$ by our visit1 ?\gh t ( 
c\rse 0 susceptible ( a natural         
int]pretation4  ,:at is x t y wi%$ to   
see me ab\t8 began ,mrs4 ,lovelace 9 a  
tone :i* 0 int5d$ to close ! int]view   

almo/ be=e x 0 begun4  ,k5n$y _h n wi%$ 
to see h] ab\t any?+1 b ( c\rse he did n
 ev5 h9t z mu* 9 8 reply :i* 0 made to  
h] b direct$ at ,miss ,lovelace4  ,c\ld 
y tell me any?+ ab\t a ,madame de ,nev]s
 :o 0 /ay+ at ! ,v&]ve]8 ask$ ,craig1   
turn+ quickly to ! daught] s z to cat* !
 full effect ( 8 "q1 & !n wait+ z if    
expect+ ! answ] f h]4  ,! "y lady's face
 blan*$ slightly & %e seem$ to cat* h]  
brea? = an in/ant1 b %e kept h]         
composure admirably 9 spite ( ! evid5t  
%ock ( ,craig's purposely abrupt "q4  ,i
 h he>d ( h]1 ,miss ,lovelace repli$ )  
=c$ calmness z he cont9u$ to look to h] 
= an answ]4  ,:y d y ask8  ,because a   
woman :o is suppos$ to be ,madame de    
,nev]s has committ$ suicide at ! ,v&]ve]
 & x 0 ?\ght t p]haps y c\ld id5tify h]4
  ,by ?is "t %e _h become p]fect mi/ress
 ( h]self aga91 f :i* ,i argu$ t :atev] 
k %e _h ( ,madame 0 limit$ to ! "t be=e 
! trag$y4  ,i1 id5tify h]8  ,:y1 ,i nev]
 saw h]4  ,i simply "k t su* a creature 
exi/s4  ,%e said x defiantly & ) an     

ic9ess :i* %[$ m pla9ly ?an 9 m]e words 
t %e scorn$ ev5 an acqua9tance ) a      
demi-monda9e4  ,d y suppose ! ,duc de   
,*ateaur\ge w\ld be able to id5tify h]8 
ask$ ,k5n$y m]cilessly4  ,"o mom5t1     
please1 he add$1 anticipat+ ! blank look
 ( amazem5t on h] face4  ,i h reason to 
believe t ! duke is 9 ?is c\ntry        
incognito - is he n8  ,in/ead ( speak+  
%e m]ely rais$ h] %\ld]s a fraction ( an
 in*4  ,ei!r 9 ,new ,york or 9 ,wa%+ton1
 pursu$ ,k5n$y4  ,:y d y ask me8 %e said
 at l5g?4  ,isn't x en\gh t "s ( !      
newspap]s h said s8  ,if y see x 9 !    
newspap]s1 x's s - p]haps - isn't x8    
,we 7 gett+ n[h]e 9 ?is int]view1 at    
lea/ s ,i ?\ght4 ,k5n$y cut x %ort1     
especially z he not$ ! evid5t           
re/lessness ( ,mrs4 ,lovelace4  ,h[ev]1 
he _h ga9$ 8 po9t4  ,:e!r or n ! duke 0 
9 ,new ,york or ,wa%+ton or ,spitzb]g51 
he n[ felt sure t ,miss ,lovelace knew  
(1 & p]haps some?+ ab\t1 ,madame de     
,nev]s4  ,9 "s way ! dead woman _h      
communicat$ ) h] & ,miss ,lovelace _h   

be5 ! woman :om ! hotel cl]k _h se5 at !
 ,v&]ve]4  ,we )drew z gracefully z our 
awkw>d position p]mitt$4  ,z !re 0 no?+ 
else to be done at t late h\r1 ,craig   
decid$ to sleep s\ndly ov] ! case1 8    
infallible me?od ( tak+ a fre% />t aft] 
he _h run up a cul-de-sac4  ,imag9e our 
surprise 9 ! morn+ at be+ wait$ on by ! 
coron] himself1 :o 9 a few words expla9$
 t he 0 f> f satisfi$ ) ! progress 8 own
 (fice 0 mak+ ) ! case4  ,y und]/&1 he  
conclud$ aft] a l5g?y /atem5t (         
confession & avoidance1 we h no v good  
laboratory facilities ( our own to c>ry 
out ! necess>y *emical1 pa?ological1 &  
bact]iological inve/igations 9 cases (  
homicide & suicide4  ,we are (t5 =c$ to 
resort to private laboratories1 z y "k 9
 ! pa/ :5 ,i h _h to appeal to y4  ,n[1 
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 if we might turn ov] t
 rese>* "p ( ! case to y1 sir1 ,i w     
engage to see t a reasonable bill = y\r 
pr(essional s]vices goes ?r\gh ! (fice (
 my fri5d ! city comptroll] promptly4   
,craig snapp$ at ! opportunity1 ?\gh he 

did n all[ ! coron] to ga9 t impression4
  ,v well1 agre$ t (ficial1  ,i %all see
 t all ! necess>y organs = a ?or\gh te/ 
z to ! cause ( ! dea? ( ?is woman are   
s5t up to ! ,*emi/ry ,build+ "r away4   
,! coron] 0 z good z 8 ^w1 & we _h      
sc>cely breakfa/$ & arriv$ at ,craig's  
sci5tific work%op be=e t (ficial appe>$1
 accompani$ by a man :o c>ri$ 9 uncanny 
j>s ! necess>y mat]ials = an            
inve/igation foll[+ an autopsy4  ,k5n$y 
0 n[ 9 8 elem5t4  ,! case _h tak5 an    
unexpect$ turn :i* made him a lead+     
factor 9 its solution4  ,:atev]         
suspicions he may h ent]ta9$ un(ficially
 ! night be=e he c\ld n[ op5ly & quickly
 v]ify4  ,he took a little piece ( lung 
tissue & ) %>p /]ilis$ knife cut x up4  
,!n he made x slightly alkal9e ) a      
little sodium c>bonate1 talk+ half to u 
& half to himself z he work$4  ,! next  
/ep 0 to place ! matt] 9 a glass flask 9
 a wat] ba? :]e x 0 heat$4  ,f ! flask a
 ,bohemian glass tube l$ into a cool j> 
& on a "p ( ! tube a flame 0 play+ :i*  

heat$ x to r$ness = two or ?ree in*es4  
,sev]al m9utes we wait$ 9 sil5ce4       
,f9ally :5 ! process _h gone f> en\gh1  
,k5n$y took a piece ( pap] :i* _h be5   
treat$ ) iodis$ />*1 z he lat] expla9$4 
,he plung$ ! pap] into ! cool j>4       
,sl[ly x turn$ a /rong blue t9t4  ,craig
 said no?+1 b x 0 evid5t t he 0 m ?an   
gratifi$ by :at _h happ5$4  ,he quickly 
rea*$ = a bottle on ! %elves be=e him1 &
 ,i c\ld see f ! label on ! br[n glass t
 x 0 nitrate ( silv]4  ,z he plung$ a   
little 9 a te/-tube into ! j> a /rong   
precipitate 0 gradually =m$4  ,x is !   
decid$ reaction = *lor(orm1 he exclaim$ 
simply 9 reply to our unspok5 que/ions4 
,*lor(orm1 repeat$ ! coron]1 r          
d\btfully1 & x 0 evid5t t he _h expect$ 
a poison & _h n anticipat$ any result   
:atev] f an exam9ation ( ! lungs in/ead 
( ! /oma* to :i* he _h conf9$ 8 own "w s
 f>4  ,c\ld *lor(orm be discov]$ 9 !    
lungs or visc]a aft] s _m days8  ,!re 0 
"o fam\s *lor(orm case = :i* a man is n[
 s]v+ a life t]m 9 ,s+ ,s+ :i* ,i h     

und]/ood !re 0 grave d\bt 9 ! m9ds ( !  
exp]ts4  ,m9d1 ,i am n try+ to "q !     
results ( y\r "w except z !y might      
naturally be que/ion$ 9 c\rt4  ,x seems 
to me t ! volatility ( *lor(orm might v 
possibly preclude its discov]y aft] a   
%ort "t4  ,!n aga91 might n o!r         
sub/ances be g5]at$ 9 a dead body :i*   
w\ld give a reaction v mu* l *lor(orm8  
,we mu/ consid] all ^! que/ions be=e we 
ab&on ! poison !ory1 sir4  ,rememb]1 ?is
 is ! summ] "t too1 & *lor(orm w\ld     
evaporate v mu* m rapidly n[ ?an 9 w9t]4
  ,k5n$y smil$1 b 8 confid5ce rema9$    
un%ak54  ,i am 9 a position to meet all 
( y\r objections1 he expla9$ simply4  ,i
 ?9k ,i c\ld lay x d[n z a rule t by    
prop] me?ods *lor(orm may be discov]$ 9 
! visc]a mu* long] aft] dea? ?an is     
commonly suppos$ - 9 summ] f six days to
 ?ree weeks1 ) a practical work+ range (
 say twelve days1 :ile 9 w9t] x may be  
f\nd ev5 aft] sev]al mon?s - by ! "r    
me?od4  ,c]ta9ly ?is case comes )9 !    
av]age l5g? ( "t4  ,m ?an t1 no sub/ance

 is g5]at$ by ! process ( decomposition 
:i* w vitiate ! te/ = *lor(orm :i* ,i h 
j made4  ,*lor(orm has an aff9ity = wat]
 & is also a pres]vative1 & h5ce f all  
^! facts ,i ?9k x safe to conclude t    
sometimes traces ( x may be f\nd = two  
weeks aft] its adm9i/ration1 c]ta9ly = a
 few days4  ,& ,madame de ,nev]s8  qu]i$
 ! coron]1 z if ! turn ( ev5ts 0        
necessitat+ a complete recon/ruction ( 8
 !ory ( ! case4  ,0 murd]$1 complet$    
,k5n$y 9 a tone t left no?+ m to be said
 on ! subject4  ,b1 p]si/$ ! coron]1 if 
%e 0 murd]$ by ! use ( *lor(orm1 h[ d y 
acc\nt = ! fact t x 0 done )\t a        
/ruggle8  ,!re 7 no m>ks ( viol5ce & ,i1
 = "o1 d n believe t "u ord9>y          
circum/ances any "o w passively submit  
to su* an adm9i/ration )\t a h>d fight4 
,f 8 pocket ,k5n$y drew a small pa/ebo>d
 box fill$ ) t9y globes1 "s bonbons &   
loz5ges1 a small hypod]mic syr+e1 & a   
few cig>s & cig>ettes4  ,he held x out 9
 ! palm ( 8 h& s t we c\ld see x4  ,?is1
 he rem>k$1 is ! /&>d equipm5t ( !      

endormeur4 ,:oev] obta9$ admittance to  
,madame's rooms1 ei!r z a matt] ( c\rse 
or secretly1 mu/ h engag$ h] 9          
conv]sation1 dis>m$ suspicion1 & !n     
sudd5ly %e mu/ h f\nd a pocket h&k]*ief 
"u h] nose4  ,! crim9al cru%$ a globe ( 
liquid 9 ! h&k]*ief1 ! victim lo/       
consci\sness1 ! *lor(orm 0 adm9i/]$ )\t 
a /ruggle1 all m>ks ( id5tification 7   
oblit]at$1 ! body 0 plac$ 9 ! closet1 & 
! maid - ei!r z pr9cipal or accessory - 
took ! mo/ likely means ( po/pon+       
discov]y by pay+ ! bill 9 advance at !  
(fice1 & !n disappe>$4  ,k5n$y slipp$ ! 
box back into 8 pocket4  ,! coron] _h1  
,i ?9k1 be5 expect+ ,craig's v]dict1    
al?\gh he 0 loa? to ab&on 8 own suicide 
!ory & _h held x to ! la/ possible      
mom5t4  ,at any rate1 s f> he _h said   
little1 app>5tly pref]r+ to keep 8 own  
c\nsel z to 8 c\rse ( action & to set 8 
own ma*9]y 9 motion4  ,he drew a note f 
8 pocket1 h[ev]4  ,i suppose1 he began  
t5tatively1 %ak+ ! note z he glanc$     
d\btfully f x to u1 t y h he>d t among !

 call]s on ?is un=tunate woman 0 a lady 
( high social position 9 ?is city8  ,i h
 he>d a rum\r to t effect1 repli$ ,k5n$y
 z he busi$ himself clean+ up ! app>atus
 he _h j us$4  ,!re 0 no?+ 9 8 mann] ev5
 to h9t at ! fact t we _h gone fur!r &  
int]view$ ! "y lady 9 "q4  ,well1 resum$
 ! coron]1 9 view ( :at y h j discov]$  
,i don't m9d tell+ y t ,i believe x 0 m 
?an a rum\r4  ,i h _h a man wat*+ !     
woman & ?is is a report ,i receiv$ j    
be=e ,i came up "h4  ,we read ! note :i*
 he n[ h&$ to u4  ,x 0 j a ha/y l9e3    
,miss ,lovelace left hurri$ly = ,wa%+ton
 ?is morn+4  ,:at 0 ! mean+ ( x8        
,cle>ly1 z we prob$ deep] into ! case1  
its ramifications grew wid] ?an any?+ we
 _h yet expect$4 ,:y _h ,miss ,lovelace 
gone to ,wa%+ton1 ( all places1 at ?is  
torrid season ( ! ye>8  ,! coron] _h    
sc>cely left u1 m my/ifi$ ?an ev]1 :5 a 
telephone message came f ,mc,bride say+ 
t he _h "s important news = u if we w\ld
 meet him at ! ,/4 ,c5is ,hotel )9 an   
h\r4  ,he w\ld say no?+ ab\t x ov] !    

wire4  ,z ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv] he   
quietly took a pi/ol f a draw] ( 8 desk1
 broke x quickly1 & look$ ?\ghtfully at 
! c>tridges 9 ! cyl9d]4  ,!n he snapp$ x
 %ut & /uck x into 8 pocket4  ,!re's no 
tell+ :at we may run up aga9/ be=e we   
get back to ! laboratory1 he rem>k$ & we
 rode d[n to meet ,mc,bride4  ,!        
description :i* ! h\se man _h s5t out to
 ! o!r hotel detectives ! night be=e _h 
already produc$ a result4  ,)9 ! pa/ two
 days a man answ]+ ! description ( !    
y\ng] man :om ,mc,bride _h se5 9 !      
caf#hb & a woman :o might v possibly h  
be5 ,madame's maid _h come to ! ,/4     
,c5is z ,m4 & ,mme4 ,duval4  ,_! baggage
 0 light1 b !y _h be5 at pa9s to impress
 ^u ! hotel t !y 7 p]sons ( "s position 
& t x 0 go+ direct f ! railroad to !    
/eam]1 aft] _! t\r ( ,am]ica4  ,!y _h1 z
 a matt] ( fact1 done no?+ to excite    
suspicion until ! g5]al reque/ =        
in=mation _h be5 receiv$4  ,! h\se man (
 ! ,/4 ,c5is welcom$ u cordially ^u     
,mc,bride's introduction & agre$ to take

 u up to ! rooms ( ! /range c\ple if !y 
7 n 94  ,z x happ5$ x 0 ! lun* h\r & !y 
7 n 9 ! room4  ,/ill1 ,k5n$y d>$ n be   
too p>ticul> 9 8 se>* ( _! effects1 = he
 did n wi% to ar\se suspicion ^u _!     
return1 at lea/ n yet4  ,x seems to me1 
,craig1 ,i sugge/$ aft] we _h nos$ ab\t 
= a few m9utes1 f9d+ no?+1 t ?is is     
pre-em95tly a case 9 :i* to use !       
dictograph z y did 9 t ,black ,h& case4 
,he %ook 8 head d\btfully1 al?\gh ,i    
c\ld see t ! idea appeal$ to him4  ,!   
dictograph has be5 gett+ too mu*        
publicity lately1 he said4  ,i'm afraid 
!y w\ld discov] x1 t is1 if !y are at   
all ! clev] p ,i ?9k !m4  ,besides1 ,i  
w\ld h to s5d up to ! laboratory to get 
"o & by ! "t ! mess5g] return$ !y might 
be back f lun*4  ,no1 we've got to d    
some?+ else1 & d x quickly4  ,he 0 look+
 ab\t ! room 9 an app>5tly aimless      
mann]4  ,on ! side wall hung a *eap et*+
 ( a woodl& sc5e4  ,k5n$y seem$ engross$
 9 x :ile ! re/ ( u fidget$ at ! delay4 
,c y get me a c\ple ( old telephone     

in/rum5ts8 he ask$ at l5g?1 turn+ to u &
 address+ ! ,/4 ,c5is detective4  ,!    
detective nodd$ & disappe>$ d[n ! hall4 
,a few m9utes lat] he deposit$ !        
in/rum5ts on a table4  ,:]e he got !m ,i
 d n "k1 b ,i suspect he simply lift$ !m
 f vacant rooms4  ,n[ "s ,numb] #cj     
copp] wire & a c\ple ( dry cells1 ord]$ 
,k5n$y1 fall+ to "w imm$iately on !     
telephones4  ,! detective despat*$ a    
bellboy d[n to ! basem5t to get ! wire f
 ! h\se electrician4  ,k5n$y remov$ !   
transmitt]s ( ! telephones1 & tak+ !    
c>bon capsules f !m plac$ ! capsules on 
! table c>efully4 ,!n he lift$ d[n !    
et*+ f ! wall & laid x flat on its face 
be=e u4  ,quickly he remov$ ! back ( !  
picture4  ,press+ ! transmitt] fronts ) 
! c>bon capsules aga9/ ! pap] & ! glass 
on ! picture he m\nt$ !m s t ! pap] &   
glass act$ z a l>ge diaphragm to collect
 all ! s\nds 9 ! room4  ,! size ( ?is   
glass diaphragm1 he expla9$ z we ga!r$  
ar\nd 9 int5se int]e/ at :at he 0 do+1 w
 produce a /rik+ly s5sitive microphone  

action & ! m]e/ :isp] w be reproduc$ )  
/>tl+ di/9ctness4  ,! boy br\ght ! wire 
up & also ! news t ! c\ple 9 ^: room we 
7 _h v ne>ly f9i%$ lun*eon & might be   
expect$ back 9 a few m9utes4  ,k5n$y    
took ! t9y wires1 & aft] connect+ !m    
hung up ! picture aga9 & ran !m up      
alongside ! picture wires lead+ f ! huge
 transmitt] up to ! picture m\ld+4      
,along ! top ( ! m\ld+ & out ?r\gh !    
transom x 0 easy en\gh to run ! wires & 
s d[n ! hall to a vacant room1 :]e      
,craig atta*$ !m quickly to "o ( ! old  
telephone receiv]s4  ,!n we sat d[n 9   
?is room to await developm5ts f our     
ha/ily improvis$ picture frame          
microphone detective4  ,at la/ we c\ld  
he> ! elevator door close on our floor4 
,a mom5t lat] x 0 evid5t f ! expression 
( ,k5n$y's face t "s "o _h ent]$ ! room 
:i* we _h j left4  ,he _h f9i%$ n a     
mom5t too soon4  ,x's a good ?+ t ,i    
didn't wait to put a dictograph !re1 he 
rem>k$ to u4  ,i ?\ght ,i wasn't reckon+
 )\t reason4 ,! c\ple1 :oev] !y are1 are

 talk+ 9 und]tones & look+ ab\t ! room  
to see if any?+ has be5 di/urb$ 9 _!    
abs5ce4  ,k5n$y alone1 ( c\rse1 c\ld    
foll[ ov] 8 end ( ! telephone :at !y    
said4  ,! re/ ( u c\ld d no?+ b wait1 b 
f notes :i* ,craig jott$ d[n z he li/5$ 
to ! conv]sation ,i %all reproduce x z  
if we _h all he>d x4  ,!re 7 "s anxi\s  
mom5ts until at la/ !y _h satisfi$      
!mselves t no "o 0 li/5+ & t no         
dictograph or o!r me*anical eavesdropp]1
 su* z !y _h he>d (1 0 conceal$ 9 !     
furniture or back ( x4  ,:y are y s     
p>ticul>1 ,h5ri8 a woman's voice 0 say+4
  ,l\ise1 ,i've be5 ?9k+ = a long "t t  
we are surr\nd$ by spies 9 ^! hotels4   
,y rememb] ,i told y :at happ5$ at !    
,v&]ve] ! night y & ,madame arriv$8     
,i'm sure t wait] ov]he>d :at ,gonzales 
& ,i 7 talk+ ab\t4  ,well1 we are safe  
n[ anyh[4  ,:at 0 x t y w\ld n tell me j
 n[ at lun*eon8 ask$ ! woman1 :om ,k5n$y
 recognis$ z ,madame de ,nev]s's maid4  
,i h a ciph] f ,wa%+ton4  ,wait until ,i
 translate x4  ,!re 0 a pause4  ,:at    

does x say8 ask$ ! woman impati5tly4  ,x
 says1 repeat$ ! man sl[ly1 t ,miss     
,lovelace has gone to ,wa%+ton4  ,%e    
insi/s on kn[+ :e!r ! dea? ( ,m>ie 0 a  
suicide or n4  ,worse ?an t ! ,secret   
,s]vice mu/ h w9d ( "s "p ( our s*eme1 =
 !y are act+ suspici\sly4  ,i mu/ g d[n 
!re or ! :ole affair may be expos$ &    
fall ?r\gh4  ,?+s c\ld h>dly be worse1  
especially ?is sudd5 move on h] "p4  ,:o
 0 t detective :o =c$ 8 way to see h] ! 
night !y discov]$ ,m>ie's body8 ask$ !  
woman4  ,i hope t t wasn't ! ,secret    
,s]vice also4  ,d y ?9k !y c\ld h       
suspect$ any?+8  ,i h>dly ?9k s1 ! man  
repli$4  ,beyond ! dea? ( ,madame !y    
suspect no?+ "h 9 ,new ,york1 ,i am     
conv9c$4  ,y are sure t all h] lett]s 7 
secur$1 t all clues to connect h] ) !   
bus9ess 9 h& 7 de/roy$1 & p>ticul>ly t !
 package %e 0 to deliv] is safe8  ,!    
package8  ,y mean ! plans = ! coal+     
/ation on ! ,pacific ne> ! ,canal8  ,y  
see1 ,h5ri1 ,i "k4  ,ha1 ha1 - yes1     
repli$ ! man4  ,l\ise1 %all ,i tell y a 

secret8  ,c y keep x8  ,y "k ,i c1      
,h5ri4  ,well1 ,l\ise1 ! s*eme is deep] 
?an ev5 y ?9k4  ,we are play+ "o c\ntry 
aga9/ ano!r1 ,am]ica aga9/ - y "k !     
gov]nm5t our fri5d ,s*midt works = 9    
,p>is4  ,n[1 li/54 ,^? plans ( ! coal+  
/ation are a fake - a fake4  ,x is j a  
comm]cial v5ture4  ,no nation w\ld be   
fooli% en\gh to attempt su* a ?+1 yet4  
,we "k t !y are a fake4  ,b we are go+  
to sell !m ?r\gh t fri5d ( ours 9 !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,w> ,dep>tm5t4  ,b t is   
only "p ( ! c\p1 ! "p t w give u ! money
 to turn ! mu* l>g] c\ps we h 9 !       
future4  ,y c und]/& :y x has all to be 
done s secretly & h[ vexati\s x is t z  
soon z "o ob/acle is ov]come a doz5 new 
ones appe>4  ,l\ise1 "h is ! big secret4
  ,by us+ ^? fake plans z a bait we are 
go+ to obta9 some?+ :i* :5 we all return
 to ,p>is we c conv]t into ?\s&s (      
francs4 ,!re1 ,i c say no m4  ,b ,i h   
told y s mu* to impress ^u y ! extreme  
ne$ ( caution4  ,& h[ mu* does ,miss    
,lovelace "k8  ,v little - ,i hope4  ,t 

is :y ,i mu/ g to ,wa%+ton myself4 ,%e  
mu/ "k no?+ ( ?is c\p nor ( ! real de   
,nev]s1 or ! :ole s*eme may fall ?r\gh4 
,x w\ld h fall5 ?r\gh be=e1 ,l\ise1 if y
 _h fail$ u & _h let any ( de ,nev]s's  
lett]s slip ?r\gh to ,miss ,lovelace4   
,%e ri*ly des]v$ h] fate = t act (      
trea*]y4  ,! affair w\ld h be5 s simple1
 o!rwise4  ,luck 0 ) u until h] insane  
jeal\sy l$ h] to visit ,miss ,lovelace4 
,x 0 =tunate ! "y lady 0 out :5 ,madame 
call$ on h] or all w\ld h be5 lo/4  ,ah1
 we owe y a great deal1 ,l\ise1 & we    
%all n =get x1 nev]4  ,y w be v c>eful  
:ile ,i am gone8  ,absolutely4  ,:5 w y 
return to me1 ,h5ri8  ,to-morr[ morn+ at
 ! late/4  ,?is aft]noon ! false coal+  
/ation plans are to be turn$ ov] to our 
accomplice 9 ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t & 9 ex*ange
 he is to give u some?+ else - ! secret 
( :i* ,i spoke4  ,y see ! trail leads up
 into high circles4  ,x is v mu* m      
important ?an y suppose & discov]y might
 lead to a dang]\s int]national         
complication j n[4  ,!n y are to meet   

y\r fri5d 9 ,wa%+ton to-night8  ,:5 d y 
/>t1 ,h5ri8  ,don't let ! "t slip by4   
,!re mu/ be no mi/ake ?is "t z !re 0 :5 
we 7 work+ = ,japan & almo/ _h ! blue   
pr9ts ( ,corregidor at ,manila only to  
lose !m on ! /reets ( ,calcutta4  ,tru/ 
me4  ,we are to meet ab\t n9e o'clock & 
!re=e ,i leave on ! limit$ at           
?ree-?irty1 9 ab\t an h\r4  ,f ! /ation 
,i am go+ /raight to ! h\se on ,z ,/reet
 - let me see1 ! ciph] says ! numb] is  
#aja - & ask = a man nam$ ,gonzales4 ,i 
%all use ! "n ,montez4  ,he is to appe>1
 h& ov] ! package  - t ?+ ,i h told y   
ab\t - !n ,i am to return "h by "o ( !  
midnight tra9s4  ,at any co/ we mu/ all[
 no?+ to happ5 :i* w rea* ! e>s ( ,miss 
,lovelace4  ,i'll see y e>ly to-morr[   
morn+1 ma *]ie1 & rememb]1 be ready1 = !
 ,aquitania sails at t54  ,! division ( 
! money is to be made 9 ,p>is4  ,!n we  
%all all g our sep>ate ways4  ,k5n$y 0  
telephon+ frantically ?r\gh ! regul>    
hotel s]vice to f9d out h[ ! tra9s ran =
 ,wa%+ton4  ,! only "o t w\ld get !re   

be=e n9e 0 ! ?ree-?irty2 ! next1 leav+  
an h\r lat]1 did n arrive until ne>ly   
elev54  ,he _h evid5tly _h "s idea (    
caus+ "s delay t w\ld result 9 our fri5d
 d[n ! hall miss+ ! limit$1 b ab&on$ x4 
,any su* s*eme w\ld simply result 9 a   
message to ! gang 9 ,wa%+ton putt+ !m on
 _! gu>d & defeat+ 8 purpose4  ,at all  
co/s we mu/ beat ?is fell[ to x1        
exclaim$ ,craig1 wait+ to he> no m ov] 8
 improvis$ dictograph4  ,come1 ,walt]1  
we mu/ cat* ! limit$ = ,wa%+ton         
imm$iately4 ,mc,bride1 ,i leave y & !   
regul> h\se man to %ad[ ?is woman4      
,don't let h] get out ( y\r sight = a   
mom5t4  ,z we rode across ! city to !   
new railroad t]m9us ,craig ha/ily in=m$ 
me ( :at he _h ov]he>d4  ,we took up our
 po/ s t we c\ld see ! outgo+ travell]s1
 & a few m9utes lat] ,craig spott$ our  
man f ,mc,bride's description1 & succe$$
 9 secur+ *airs 9 ! same c> 9 :i* he 0  
to ride4  ,tak5 altoge!r x 0 an         
unev5tful j\rney4  ,= five mortal h\rs  
we sat 9 ! ,pullman or toy$ ) food 9 !  

d9+-c>1 nev] lett+ ! man escape our     
sight1 yet nev] lett+ him "k t we 7     
wat*+ him4  ,nev]!less ,i c\ld n help   
ask+ myself :at good x did4  ,:y did n  
,k5n$y hire a special if ! affair 0 s   
important z x appe>$8  ,h[ 7 we to get  
ahead ( him 9 ,wa%+ton bett] ?an 9 ,new 
,york8  ,i knew t "s plan lurk$ beh9d ! 
calm & inscrutable face ( ,k5n$y z ,i   
tri$ to read & c\ld n4  ,! tra9 _h come 
to a /op 9 ! ,union ,/ation4  ,our man 0
 walk+ rapidly up ! plat=m 9 ! direction
 ( ! cab /&4 ,sudd5ly ,k5n$y d>t$ ahead 
& = a mom5t we 7 walk+ abrea/ ( him4  ,i
 beg y\r p>don1 began ,craig z we came  
to a turn 9 ! %ad[ ( ! arc lights1 b h y
 a mat*8  ,! man halt$ & fumbl$ = 8     
mat*-box4  ,in/antly ,k5n$y's pocket    
h&k]*ief 0 at 8 nose4  ,"s ( ! m$ic9e ( 
y\r own gang ( endormeurs1 gr\nd out    
,k5n$y1 cru%+ sev]al ( ! little glass   
globes "u 8 h&k]*ief to make d\bly sure 
( _! effect4  ,! man reel$ & w\ld h     
fall5 if we _h n caught him betwe5 u4   
,up ! plat=m we l$ him 9 a daze4  ,"h1  

%\t$ ,craig to a cabman1 my fri5d is    
ill4  ,drive u ar\nd a bit4  ,x w sob]  
him up4  ,come on1 ,walt]1 jump 91 ! air
 w d u all good4  ,^? :o 7 9 ,wa%+ton   
dur+ t summ] w rememb] ! suppress$      
activity 9 ! ,/ate1 ,w>1 & ,navy        
,dep>tm5ts on a c]ta9 v humid night4    
,no?+ leak$ out at ! "t z to ! cause1 b 
x 0 und]/ood lat] t a crisis 0 n>r[ly   
av]t$ at a v inopportune season1 = !    
heads ( ! dep>tm5ts 7 all away1 !       
,presid5t 0 at 8 summ] home 9 ! ,nor?1 &
 ev5 "s ( ! "u-secret>ies 7 out ( t[n4  
,ha/y messages _h be5 sizzl+ ov] ! wires
 9 ciph] & code = h\rs4  ,i recall t z  
we rode a little out ( our way pa/ !    
,army ,build+1 m]ely to see if !re 0 any
 excitem5t1 we f\nd x a blaze ( lights4 
,some?+ 0 pla9ly afoot ev5 at ?is       
usually dull p]iod ( ! ye>4  ,!re#bj0   
trea*]y ( "s k9d & "s tru/$ employee 0  
involv$1 ,i felt in/9ctively4 ,z =      
,craig he m]ely glanc$ at ! ins5sible   
figure betwe5 u & rem>k$ s5t5ti\sly t to
 8 k !re 0 only "o nation t made a      

practice ( c>ry+ out its diplomatic &   
o!r c\ps 9 ! hot wea!r1 a rem>k :i* ,i  
und]/ood to mean t our mission 0 m ?an  
commonly important4  ,! man _h n recov]$
 :5 we arriv$ )9 sev]al blocks ( our    
de/9ation1 nor did he %[ signs ( recov]y
 f 8 pr(\nd /upor4  ,k5n$y /opp$ ! cab 9
 a side /reet1 press$ a bill into !     
cabman's h&1 & bade him wait until we   
return$4  ,we _h turn$ ! corn] ( ,z     
,/reet & 7 approa*+ ! h\se :5 a man     
walk+ 9 ! opposite direction ey$ u      
suspici\sly1 turn$1 & foll[$ u a /ep or 
two4  ,k5n$y6 he exclaim$4  ,if a       
f\rte5-in* gun _h explod$ beh9d u ,i    
c\ld n h be5 m />tl$4  ,"h1 9 spite (   
all our ha/e & secrecy we 7 foll[$1     
wat*$1 & beat54  ,craig :eel$ ab\t      
sudd5ly4  ,!n he took ! man by ! arm4   
,come1 he said quickly1 & we ?ree dove  
into ! %ad[ ( an alley4  ,z we paus$1   
,k5n$y 0 ! fir/ to speak4  ,by ,jove1   
,walt]1 x's ,burke ( ! ,secret ,s]vice1 
he exclaim$4  ,good1 repeat$ ! man ) "s 
satisfaction4  ,i see t y /ill h t      

memory = faces4  ,he 0 evid5tly ref]r+  
to our exp]i5ces toge!r "s mon?s be=e ) 
! portrait p>le & id5tification 9 !     
c\nt]feit+ case :i* ,craig cle>$ up =   
him4  ,= a mom5t or two ,burke & ,k5n$y 
spoke 9 :isp]s4  ,"u ! dim light f !    
/reet ,i c\ld see ,k5n$y's face int5t & 
work+ ) excitem5t4  ,no wond] ! ,w>     
,dep>tm5t is a blaze ( lights1 he       
exclaim$ z we mov$ out ( ! %ad[ aga91   
leav+ ! ,secret ,s]vice man4 ,burke1 ,i 
_h no idea :5 ,i took up ?is case t ,i  
%\ld be do+ my c\ntry a s]vice also4    
,we mu/ succe$ at any haz>d4 ,! mom5t y 
he> a pi/ol %ot1 ,burke1 we %all ne$ y4 
,=ce ! door if x is n already op54  ,y 7
 "r z to ! /reet b n ! numb]4  ,x is t  
h\se ov] !re4  ,come on1 ,walt]4  ,we   
m\nt$ ! l[ /eps ( ! h\se & a negress    
answ]$ ! bell4  ,is ,mr4 ,gonzales 98   
ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,! hallway into :i* we 7  
admitt$ 0 d>k b x op5$ into a           
sitt+-room1 :]e a dim light 0 burn+     
beh9d ! ?ick porti]es4  ,)\t a ^w !     
negress u%]$ u into ?is room1 :i* 0     

o!rwise empty4  ,tell him ,mr4 ,montez  
is "h1 add$ ,craig z we sat d[n4  ,!    
negress disappe>$ up/airs1 & 9 a few    
m9utes return$ ) ! message t he w\ld be 
d[n directly4  ,no soon] _h ! %uffle (  
h] foot/eps di$ away ?an ,k5n$y 0 on 8  
feet1 li/5+ int5tly at ! door4  ,!re 0  
no s\nd4  ,he took a *air & tipto$ out  
into ! d>k hall ) x4 ,turn+ x upside d[n
 he plac$ x at ! foot ( ! /airs ) ! f\r 
legs po9t+ obliquely up4  ,!n he drew me
 into a corn] ) him4  ,h[ long we wait$ 
,i _c say4  ,! next ,i knew 0 a muffl$  
/ep on ! l&+ above1 !n ! tread on !     
/airs4  ,a cra% & a deep volley ( oa?s 9
 ,fr5* foll[$ z ! man pit*$ headlong ov]
 ! *air on ! d>k /eps4  ,k5n$y :ipp$ out
 8 revolv] & fir$ po9t-blank at !       
pro/rate figure4  ,i d n "k :at ! e?ics 
are ( fir+ on a man :5 he is d[n1 nor   
did ,i h "t to /op to ?9k4  ,craig      
grasp$ my arm & pull$ me t[>d ! door4   
,a sick5+ od\r seem$ to p]vade ! air4   
,up/airs !re 0 %\t+ & bang+ ( doors4    
,clos]1 ,walt]1 he mutt]$1 clos] to !   

door1 & op5 x a little1 or we %all bo?  
be suffocat$4  ,x 0 ! ,secret ,s]vice   
gun ,i %ot (f - ! pi/ol t %oots /upefy+ 
gas f its vap\r-fill$ c>tridges &       
enables y to put a crim9al out (        
commission )\t kill+ him4  ,a pull ( !  
trigg]1 ! cap explodes1 ! gunp[d] & !   
=ce ( ! explosion unite "s capsicum &   
lycopodium1 produc+ ! bl9d+1 suffocat+  
vap\r ^: t]rible effect y see4  ,"h1 y  
up/airs1 he %\t$1 advance an in* or s   
mu* z %[ y\r heads ov] ! rail & ,i pump 
a %ot at y1 too4  ,walt]1 take ! gun    
y\rself4 ,fire at a move f !m4  ,i ?9k !
 gases h cle>$ away en\gh n[4  ,i mu/   
get him be=e he recov]s consci\sness4   
,a tap at ! door came1 & )\t tak+ my    
eyes (f ! /airs ,i op5$ x4  ,burke slid 
9 & gulp$ at ! nause\s atmosph]e4       
,:at's up8 he gasp$4  ,i he>d a %ot4    
,:]e's ,k5n$y8  ,i motion$ 9 ! d>kness4 
,k5n$y's electric bull's-eye fla%$ up at
 t in/ant & we saw him deftly slip a    
bright pair ( manacles on ! wri/s ( !   
man on ! floor1 :o 0 brea?+ heavily1    

:ile blood fl[$ f a few slight cuts due 
to 8 fall4  ,dext]\sly z a pickpocket   
,craig rea*$ into ! man's coat1 pull$   
out a packet ( pap]s1 & gaz$ eag]ly at  
"o aft] ano!r4  ,f among !m he unfold$  
"o writt5 9 ,fr5* to ,madame ,m>ie de   
,nev]s "s weeks be=e4  ,i translate3    
,,de> ,,m>ie3 ,h]r ,s*midt in=ms me t 8 
ag5t 9 ! ,w>   ,dep>tm5t at ,wa%+ton1   
,u4,s4,a41 has secur$ "s important      
in=mation :i* w int]e/ ! ,gov]nm5t = :i*
 ,h]r   ,s*midt is ! ag5t - ( c\rse y "k
 :o t is4    ,x is necess>y t y %\ld    
c>ry ! packet :i* w be   h&$ to y 7if y 
agree to my proposal7 to ,new ,york by !
   /eam] ,tripolitania4  ,g to ! ,v&eve]
 ,hotel & 9 a few   days1 z soon z a    
c]ta9 ex*ange c be made1 ei!r our       
fri5d 9 ,wa%+ton or myself w call on y1 
us+ ! "n   ,gonzales4  ,9 return = !    
package :i* y c>ry he w h&   y ano!r4   
,lose no "t 9 br++ ! second package back
   to ,p>is4    ,i h arrang$ t y w      
receive t5 ?\s& francs &   y\r exp5ses =
 y\r s]vices 9 ?is matt]4  ,"u no       

conditions betray y\r connection ) ,h]r 
,s*midt4  ,i 0 to   h c>ri$ ! packet to 
,am]ica myself & make ! ex*ange   b kn[+
 y\r ne$ ( money ,i h secur$ ! "w = y4  
,y _h bett] take y\r maid1 z x is mu*   
bett] to travel   ) di/9ction 9 ?is     
case4  ,if1 h[ev]1 y accept ?is         
commission ,i %all consid] y 9 hon\r    
b\nd to surr5d]   y\r claim ^u my "n =  
:i* ,i agree to pay y fifty   ?\s&      
francs ^u my m>riage ) ! ,am]ican       
heiress (   :om y "k4  ,please let me "k
 imm$iately ?r\gh our   mutual fri5d    
,h5ri ,duval :e!r ?is proposal is       
satisfactory4   ,h5ri w tell y t fifty  
?\s& is my ultimatum4    ,! sc\ndrel1   
gr\nd out ,k5n$y4  ,he lur$ 8 wife f    
,p>is to ,new ,york1 ?9k+ ! ,p>is police
 too acute = him1   ,i suppose4  ,!n by 
means ( ! trea*]y ( ! maid ,l\ise   & 8 
fri5d ,duval1 a crook :o w\ld ev5 desc5d
 to play !   "p ( valet = him & fall 9  
love ) ! maid1 he has   succe$$ 9 remov+
 ! woman :o /ood betwe5 him & an        
,am]ican =tune4  ,m>ie1 rambl$          

,*ateaur\ge z he came bl9k+1 sneez+1 &  
*ok+ out ( 8 /upor1 ,m>ie1 y are clev]1 
b n too clev] = me4  ,?is blackmail+ mu/
 /op4  ,miss ,lovelace kn[s some?+1     
?anks to y1 b %e %all nev] "k all - nev]
 -#bj nev]4  ,y - y - ugh6  - ,/op4  ,d 
y ?9k y c hold me back n[ ) ^? little   
:ite h&s on my wri/s8  ,i wr5* !m loose 
- s - & - ugh6 - ,:at's ?is8  ,:]e am   
,i8  ,! man gaz$ daz$ly at ! manacles t 
held 8 wri/s in/ead ( ! delicate h&s he 
_h be5 dream+ ( z he liv$ ov] ! t]rible 
sc5e ( 8 /ruggle ) ! woman :o 0 8 wife 9
 ! ,v&]ve]4  ,*ateaur\ge1 almo/ hiss$   
,k5n$y 9 8 righte\s wra?1 fake nobleman1
 real sw9dl] ( five cont95ts4  ,m>ie de 
,nev]s alive /ood 9 ! way ( y\r m>riage 
to ! heiress ,miss ,lovelace4 ,dead1 %e 
prev5ts x absolutely4  ,craig cont9u$ to
 turn ov] ! pap]s 9 8 h&1 z he spoke4   
,at la/ he came to a small] packet 9    
oil$ silk4  ,z he broke ! seal he glanc$
 at x 9 surprise1 !n hurri$ly exclaim$1 
,!re1 ,burke4  ,take ^! to ! ,w>        
,dep>tm5t & tell !m !y c turn out _!    

lights & /op _! telegrams4  ,?is seems  
to be a copy ( our gov]nm5t's plans = ! 
=tification ( ! ,panama ,canal1 heights 
( guns1 location ( se>*lights1 fire     
control /ations1 ev]y?+ f pa9/ak+ se>* (
 (ficial & confid5tial records4  ,t is  
:at ?is fell[ obta9$ 9 ex*ange = 8 false
 blue pr9ts ( ! suppos$ coal+ /ation on 
! ,pacific4  ,i leave ! ,secret ,s]vice 
to f9d ! leak 9 ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t4 ,:at ,i
 am int]e/$ 9 is n ! man :o play$ spy = 
two nations & betray$ "o ( !m4  ,to me  
?is adv5tur] :o calls himself           
,*ateaur\ge is m]ely ! murd]] ( ,madame 
de ,nev]s4   ,x  ,! ,,smuggl]   ,x 0 a r
 sultry aft]noon 9 ! late summ] :5 p :o 
_h calculat$ by ! cal5d> r ?an by !     
wea!r 7 return+ to ! city f ! sea%ore1 !
 m\nta9s1 & abroad4  ,except = !        
week-ends1 ,k5n$y & ,i _h be5 pretty    
busy1 ?\gh on ?is p>ticul> day !re 0 a  
lull 9 ! succession ( cases :i* _h dem&$
 our urg5t att5tion dur+ ! summ]4  ,we  
_h met at ! ,public ,libr>y1 :]e ,craig 
0 do+ "s special rese>* at odd mom5ts 9 

crim9ology4  ,fif? ,av5ue 0 /ill half   
des]t$1 ?\gh ! few p$e/rians :o _h      
return$ or rema9$ 9 t[n l ourselves 71 z
 usual1 to be f\nd mo/ly on ! we/ side (
 ! /reet4  ,ne>ly ev]ybody1 ,i h notic$1
 walks on ! "o side ( ,fif? ,av5ue1 w9t]
 or summ]4  ,z we /ood on ! corn] wait+ 
= ! traffic man's :i/le to halt ! cru% (
 automobiles1 a man on ! top ( a 'bus   
wav$ to ,k5n$y4  ,i look$ up & caught a 
glimpse ( ,jack ,h]ndon1 an old college 
mate1 :o _h _h "s political aspirations 
& _h rec5tly be5 appo9t$ to a position 9
 ! cu/oms h\se ( ,new ,york4  ,h]ndon1  
,i may add1 repres5t$ ! y\ng] &         
clean-cut g5]ation :i* is ent]+ (ficial 
life ) great advantage to bo? !mselves &
 politics4  ,! 'bus pull$ up to ! curb1 
& ,jack tore d[n ! breakneck /eps       
hurri$ly4  ,i 0 j ?9k+ ( y1 ,craig1 he  
beam$ z we all %ook h&s1 & wond]+ :e!r y
 & ,walt] 7 9 t[n4  ,i ?9k ,i %\ld h    
come up to see y to-night1 anyh[4  ,:y1 
:at's ! matt] - m1 sug> frauds8 laugh$  
,k5n$y4 ,or p]haps y h caught ano!r art 

deal] r$-h&$8  ,no1 n exactly1 repli$   
,h]ndon1 gr[+ grav] = ! mom5t4 ,we're   
hav+ a big %ake-up d[n at ! (fice1 none 
( y\r 'new broom' bus9ess1 ei!r4  ,real 
re=m x is1 ?is "t4  ,& y - are y go+ or 
com+8 inquir$ ,craig ) an int]e/$       
tw9kle4  ,com+1 ,craig1 com+1 answ]$    
,jack en?usia/ically4  ,!y've put me 9  
*>ge ( a sort ( detective =ce z a       
special deputy surveyor to r\t out "s   
smuggl+ t we "k is go+ on4  ,if ,i make 
good x w g a long way = me - ) all ?is  
talk ( effici5cy & economy d[n 9        
,wa%+ton ^! days4  ,:at's on y\r m9d n[8
 ask$ ,k5n$y obs]vantly4  ,c ,i help y 9
 any way8  ,h]ndon _h tak5 ea* ( u by an
 arm & walk$ u ov] to a /one b5* 9 !    
%ade ( ! libr>y build+4  ,y h read !    
acc\nts 9 ! aft]noon pap]s ( ! peculi>  
dea? ( ,mademoiselle ,violette1 ! little
 ,fr5* modi/e1 up "h on ,=ty-six?       
,/reet8 he inquir$4  ,yes1 answ]$       
,k5n$y4  ,:at has t to d ) cu/oms re=m8 
,a good deal1 ,i fe>1 ,h]ndon cont9u$4  
,x's "p ( a case t has be5 bo!r+ u all  

summ]4  ,x's ! fir/ really big ?+ ,i've 
be5 up aga9/ & x's z tickli% a bit (    
bus9ess z ev5 a vet]an treasury ag5t    
c\ld wi%4  ,h]ndon look$ ?\ghtfully at !
 pass+ cr[d on ! o!r side ( ! balu/rade 
& cont9u$4  ,x />t$1 l _m ( our cases1 )
 ! anonym\s lett] writ]4  ,e>ly 9 !     
summ] ! lett]s began to come 9 to !     
deputy surveyor's (fice1 all unsign$1   
?\gh q evid5tly writt5 9 a woman's h&1  
disguis$ ( c\rse1 & on r da9ty notepap]4
  ,!y w>n$ u ( a big plot to smuggle    
g[ns & jewell]y f ,p>is4 ,smuggl+       
jewell]y is pretty common because jewels
 take up little space & are v valuable4 
,p]haps x doesn't s\nd to y l a big ?+  
to smuggle dresses1 b :5 y realise t "o 
( ^? filmy lacy creations may (t5 be    
wor? sev]al hundr$1 if n ?\s&1 doll>s1 &
 t x ne$s only a few ( !m on ea* %ip t  
comes 9 to run up into ! ?\s&s1 p]haps  
hundr$s ( ?\s&s 9 a season1 y w see h[  
ess5tial x is to break up t sort ( ?+4  
,we've be5 gett+ aft] ! individual      
private smuggl]s pretty %>ply ?is summ] 

& we've _h lots ( criticism4  ,if we    
c\ld l& a big fell[ & make an           
object-lesson ( ! ext5t ( ! ?+ ,i       
believe x w\ld leave our critics ( !    
press )\t a leg to /& on4  ,at lea/ t 0 
:y ,i 0 int]e/$ 9 ! lett]s4  ,b x 0 n   
until a few days ago t we got a tip t   
gave u a real work+ clue1 = ! anonym\s  
lett]s _h be5 v vague z to names1 dates1
 & places1 ?\gh bold en\gh z to g5]al   
*>ges1 z if ! writ] 7 fe>ful (          
incrim9at+ h]self - or himself4 ,/range 
to say1 ?is new clue came f ! wife ( "o 
( ! cu/oms m54  ,%e happ5$ to be 9 a    
,broadway manicure %op "o day :5 %e he>d
 a woman talk+ ) ! manicuri/ ab\t fall  
/yles1 & %e 0 all att5tion :5 %e he>d ! 
cu/om] say1 ',y rememb] ,mademoiselle   
,violette's - t place t _h ! exquisite  
?+s /raight f ,p>is1 & s *eaply1 too8   
,well1 ,violette says %e'll h to raise  
h] prices s t !y w be ne>ly z high z !  
regul> /ores4  ,%e says ! t>iff has gone
 up1 or some?+1 b x hasn't1 has x8  ,!  
manicuri/ laugh$ kn[+ly1 & ! next rem>k 

caught ! woman's att5tion4  ',no1 inde$4
  ,b !n1 ,i guess %e meant t %e _h to   
pay ! duty n[4  ,y "k !y are gett+ mu*  
/rict]4  ,to tell ! tru?1 ,i imag9e mo/ 
( ,violette's goods 7 - well - '        
',smuggl$8' suppli$ ! cu/om] 9 an       
und]tone4  ,! manicuri/ gave a slight   
%rug ( ! %\ld]s & a bright little yes ( 
a laugh4  ,t 0 all4  ,b x 0 en\gh4  ,i  
set a special cu/oms (fic] to wat*      
,mademoiselle1 a clev] fell[4  ,he      
didn't h "t to f9d out mu*1 b on ! o!r  
h& ,i am sure he didn't d any?+ to al>m 
,mademoiselle4  ,t w\ld h be5 a bad     
game4  ,8 case 0 progress+ fav\rably &  
he _h become acqua9t$ ) "o ( ! girls :o 
work$ 9 ! %op4  ,we might h got "s      
evid5ce1 b sudd5ly ?is morn+ he walk$ up
 to my desk & h&$ me an e>ly edition (  
an aft]noon pap]4  ,mademoiselle        
,violette _h be5 discov]$ dead 9 h] %op 
by ! girls :5 !y came to "w ?is morn+4  
,app>5tly %e _h be5 !re all night1 b !  
report 0 q indef9ite & ,i am on my way  
up !re n[ to meet ! coron]1 :o has agre$

 to wait = me4  ,y ?9k !re is "s        
connection betwe5 h] dea? & ! lett]s8   
put 9 ,craig4  ,( c\rse ,i c't say1 yet1
 answ]$ ,h]ndon dubi\sly4  ,! pap]s seem
 to ?9k x 0 a suicide4  ,b !n :y %\ld %e
 commit suicide8  ,my man f\nd out t    
among ! girls x 0 common gossip t %e 0  
to m>ry ,jean ,pi]re1 ! ,fif? ,av5ue    
jewell]1 ( ! firm ( ,lang  ,pi]re d[n on
 ! next block4  ,pi]re is due 9 ,new    
,york on ,la ,montaigne to-night or     
to-morr[ morn+4  ,:y1 if my suspicions  
are correct1 x is ?is ,pi]re :o is !    
bra9s ( ! :ole affair4  ,& "h's ano!r   
?+4  ,y "k we h a sort ( secret s]vice 9
 ,p>is & o!r ,european cities :i* is    
con/antly keep+ an eye on pur*ases (    
goods by ,am]icans abroad4  ,well1 !    
*ief ( our m5 9 ,p>is cables me t ,pi]re
 is kn[n to h made extraord9>ily heavy  
pur*ases ( made-up jewell]y ?is season4 
,= "o ?+1 we believe he has acquir$ f a 
syndicate a r fam\s diamond necklace :i*
 x has tak5 ye>s to assemble & mat* up1 
wor? ab\t ?ree hundr$ ?\s&4  ,y "k !    

duty on made-up jewell]y is sixty p]    
c5t41 & ev5 if he br\ght ! /ones 9 loose
 x w\ld be t5 p] c5t41 :i* on a         
valuation (1 say1 two hundr$ ?\s&1 means
 tw5ty ?\s& doll>s duty alone4  ,!n he  
has a spl5did 'dog coll>' ( pe>ls1 &1   
oh1 a lot ( o!r /uff4  ,i "k because we 
get our tips f all sorts ( s\rces & !y  
are usually pretty /raight4 ,"s come f  
deal]s :o are sore ab\t n mak+ sales    
!mselves4  ,s y see !re is a good deal  
at /ake 9 ?is case & x may be t 9 foll[+
 x out we %all kill m ?an "o bird4  ,i  
wi% y'd come along ) me up to           
,mademoiselle ,violette's & give me an  
op9ion4  ,craig _h already ris5 f ! b5* 
& we 7 walk+ up ! ,av5ue4  ,! e/abli%m5t
 ( ,mademoiselle ,violette consi/$ ( a  
?ree-/ory & basem5t br[n/one h\se 9 :i* 
! basem5t & fir/ floor _h be5 remodell$ 
= bus9ess purposes4  ,mademoiselle's    
place1 :i* 0 on ! fir/ floor1 0 ann\nc$ 
to ! _w by a neat little oval gilt sign 
on ! h& rail+ ( ! /eps4  ,we asc5d$ &   
rang ! bell4  ,z we wait$ ,i notic$ t   

!re 7 sev]al o!r modi/es on ! same      
/reet1 :ile almo/ directly across 0 a   
sign :i* proclaim$ t on ,septemb] #ae   
,mademoiselle ,gabrielle w\ld op5 ) a   
high class exhibition ( import$ g[ns f  
,p>is4  ,we ent]$4  ,! coron] & an      
und]tak] 7 already !re1 & ! =m] 0       
expect+ ,h]ndon4  ,k5n$y & ,i _h already
 met him & he %ook h&s cordially4       
,mademoiselle ,violette1 x seem$1 _h    
r5t$ ! entire h\se & !n _h sublet !     
basem5t to a mill9]1 us+ ! fir/ floor   
h]self1 ! second z a workroom = ! girls 
:om %e employ$1 :ile %e liv$ on ! top   
floor1 :i* _h be5 fitt$ = light         
h\sekeep+ ) a kit*5ette4  ,x 0 9 ! back 
room ( ! %op itself on ! fir/ floor t h]
 body _h be5 discov]$1 ly+ on a         
dav5port4  ,! newspap] reports 7 v      
indef9ite1 began ,h]ndon1 endeav\r+ to  
take 9 ! situation4  ,i suppose !y told 
ne>ly all ! /ory1 b :at caus$ h] dea?8  
,h y f\nd t out yet8  ,0 x poison or    
viol5ce8  ,! coron] said no?+1 b ) a    
significant glance at ,k5n$y he drew a  

peculi> contrivance f 8 pocket4  ,x _h  
f\r r\nd holes 9 x & ?r\gh ea* hole he  
slipp$ a f+]1 !n clos$ 8 h&1 & exhibit$ 
8 cl5*$ fi/4  ,x look$ z if he wore a   
s]ies ( f\r metal r+s on 8 f+]s4  ,brass
 knuckles8 sugge/$ ,h]ndon1 look+ ha/ily
 at ! body1 :i* %[$ n a sign ( viol5ce  
on ! /ony face4  ,! coron] %ook 8 head  
kn[+ly4  ,sudd5ly he rais$ 8 fi/4 ,i saw
 him press h>d ) 8 ?umb on ! upp] end ( 
! metal contrivance4  ,f ! o!r end1 j   
conceal$ "u 8 little l+]1 !re %ot out z 
if releas$ by a magic spr+ a ?9 ke5     
little blade ( ! brighte/ & t\ghe/ /eel4
  ,he 0 hold+1 in/ead ( a mean+less     
contrivance ( f\r r+s1 a mo/ dang]\s k9d
 ( /iletto or dagg] uprais$4  ,he lift$ 
8 ?umb & ! blade sprang back into its   
%ea? l an ext+ui%$ sp>k ( light4  ,an   
,apa*e dagg]1 su* z is us$ 9 ! und]world
 ( ,p>is1 broke out ,k5n$y1 8 eyes      
gleam+ ) int]e/4  ,! coron] nodd$4  ,we 
f\nd x1 he said1 clasp$ loosely 9 h] h&4
  ,b x is only by exp]t m$ical te/imony 
t we c det]m9e :e!r x 0 plac$ on h] f+]s

 be=e or aft] ?is happ5$4  ,we h        
photograph$ x1 & ! pr9ts are be+        
develop$4  ,he _h n[ uncov]$ ! slight   
figure ( ! little ,fr5* modi/e4 ,on !   
dress1 in/ead ( ! pr(use fl[ ( blood :i*
 we _h expect$ to see1 !re 0 a s+le r\nd
 spot4  ,& 9 ! :ite m>ble sk9 ( h] brea/
 0 a little1 ne>ly microscopic puncture1
 directly ov] ! he>t4  ,%e mu/ h di$    
almo/ in/antly1 comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 glanc+ f
 ! ,apa*e weapon to ! dead woman & back 
aga94  ,int]nal hemorrhage4  ,i suppose 
y h se>*$ h] effects4  ,h y f\nd any?+ t
 gives a h9t among !m8  ,no1 repli$ !   
coron] d\btfully1 ,i c't say we h -     
unless x is ! bundle ( lett]s f ,pi]re1 
! jewell]4  ,!y seem to h be5 engag$1 & 
yet ! lett]s /opp$ abruptly1 &1 well1 f 
! tone ( ! la/ "o f him ,i %\ld say !re 
0 a qu>rel brew+4  ,an exclamation f    
,h]ndon foll[$4  ,! same notepap] & !   
same h&writ+ z ! anonym\s lett]s1 he    
cri$4  ,b t 0 all4  ,g ov] ! gr\nd z    
,k5n$y might he c\ld f9d no?+ fur!r ?an 
! coron] & ,h]ndon _h already reveal$4  

,ab\t ^! p1 ,lang  ,pi]re1 ask$ ,craig  
?\ghtfully :5 we _h left ,mademoiselle's
 & 7 rid+ d[nt[n to ! cu/oms h\se )     
,h]ndon4  ,:at d y "k ab\t !m8  ,i      
presume t ,lang is 9 ,am]ica1 if 8 p>tn]
 is abroad4  ,yes1 he is "h 9 ,new      
,york4  ,i believe ! firm has a r       
unsav\ry reputation2 !y h to be wat*$1  
,i am told4  ,!n1 too1 "o or ! o!r ( !  
p>tn]s makes frequ5t trips abroad1 mo/ly
 ,pi]re4  ,pi]re1 z y see1 0 v intimate 
) ,mademoiselle1 & ! lett]s simply      
confirm :at ! girls told my detective4  
,he 0 believ$ to be engag$ to h] & ,i   
see no reason n[ to d\bt t4  ,! fact is1
 ,k5n$y1 x w\ldn't surprise me 9 ! lea/ 
to le>n t x 0 he :o eng9e]$ ! smuggl+ = 
h] z well z himself4  ,:at ab\t ! p>tn]8
  ,:at role does he play 9 y\r          
suspicions8  ,t's ano!r curi\s feature4 
,lang doesn't seem to bo!r mu* ) !      
bus9ess4  ,he is a sort ( sil5t p>tn]1  
al?\gh nom9ally ! head ( ! firm4  ,/ill1
 !y bo? seem always to be pl5tifully    
suppli$ ) money & to h a good trade4    

,lang lives mo/ ( ! "t up on ! we/ %ore 
( ! ,hudson1 & seems to be m int]e/$ 9 8
 position z commodore ( ! ,riv]l$ge     
,ya*t ,club ?an 9 8 bus9ess d[n "h4  ,he
 is q a sport1 a great motor-boat       
en?usia/1 & has lately tak5 to          
hydroplanes4  ,i meant1 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 
:at ab\t ,lang & ,mademoiselle          
,violette4  ,7 !y - ah - fri5dly8  ,oh1 
repli$ ,h]ndon1 seem+ to cat* ! idea4   
,i see4  ,( c\rse  - ,pi]re abroad &    
,lang "h4  ,i see :at y mean4  ,:y1 !   
girl told my man t ,mademoiselle        
,violette us$ to g motor-boat+ ) ,lang1 
b only :5 h] fianc#hb1 ,pi]re1 0 along4 
,no1 ,i don't ?9k %e ev] _h any?+ to d )
 ,lang1 if t's :at y are driv+ at4  ,he 
may h paid att5tions to h]1 b ,pi]re 0  
h] lov]1 & ,i hav5't a d\bt b t if ,lang
 made any advances %e repell$ !m4 ,%e   
seems to h ?\ght ev]y?+ ( ,pi]re4  ,we  
_h rea*$ ,h]ndon's (fice by ?is "t4     
,leav+ ^w ) 8 /5ograph] to get ! v late/
 reports f ,la ,montaigne1 he cont9u$   
talk+ to u ab\t 8 "w4  ,dressmak]s1     

mill9]s1 & jewell]s are our wor/ (f5d]s 
n[1 he rem>k$ z we /ood gaz+ out ( !    
w9d[ at ! panorama ( ! bay (f ! sea-wall
 ( ! ,batt]y4  ,:y1 "t & aga9 we une>?  
:at looks = all ! _w l a 'dressmak]s'   
syndicate1' ?\gh ?is case is ! fir/     
,i've _h t involv$ a dea?4 ,really1     
,i've come to look on smuggl+ z "o ( !  
f9e arts among crimes4  ,once ! smuggl]1
 l ! pirate & ! highwayman1 0 a sort (  
g5tleman-rogue4  ,b n[ x has become a v 
ladylike art4  ,! ext5t ( x is almo/    
beyond belief1 too4  ,x beg9s ) ! /e]age
 & runs "r up to ! absolute unblu%+     
cynicism ( ! fir/ cab94  ,i suppose y "k
 t wom51 p>ticul>ly a c]ta9 br& (       
society wom51 are ! wor/ & mo/ p]si/5t  
(f5d]s4  ,:y1 !y ev5 boa/ ( x4  ,smuggl+
 isn't m]ely popul>1 x's ari/ocratic4   
,b we're go+ to take "s ( ! flav\r out (
 x be=e we f9i%4  ,he tore op5 a cable  
message :i* a boy _h br\ght 94  ,n[1    
take ?is1 = in/ance1 he cont9u$4  ,y    
rememb] ! sign across ! /reet f         
,mademoiselle ,violette's1 ann\nc+ t a  

,mademoiselle ,gabrielle 0 go+ to op5 a 
salon or :atev] !y call x8  ,well1 "h's 
ano!r cable f our ,p>is ,secret ,s]vice 
) a belat$ tip4  ,!y tell u to look out 
= a ,mademoiselle ,gabrielle on ,la     
,montaigne1 too4  ,t's ano!r int]e/+ ?+4
 ,y "k ! v>i\s l9es are all rank$1 at   
lea/ 9 our e/imation1 accord+ to !      
likelihood ( su* (f5ces be+ p]petrat$ by
 _! pass5g]s4  ,we wat* %ips f ,london1 
,liv]pool1 & ,p>is mo/ c>efully4        
,sc&9avian %ips are ! lea/ likely to ne$
 wat*+4  ,well1 ,miss ,rob]ts8  ,we h j 
_h a wireless ab\t ,la ,montaigne1      
report$ 8 /5ograph]1 :o _h ent]$ :ile he
 0 speak+1  & %e is ?ree hundr$ miles   
ea/ ( ,s&y ,hook4  ,%e won't dock until 
tomorr[4  ,?ank y4  ,well1 fell[s1 x is 
gett+ late & t means no?+ m do+         
to-night4  ,c y be "h e>ly 9 ! morn+8   
,we'll g d[n ! bay & 'br+ 9 ! %ip1' z   
our m5 call x :5 ! deputy surveyor & 8  
act+ deputies g d[n to meet x at        
,qu>ant9e4  ,i c't tell y h[ mu* ,i     
appreciate y\r k9dness 9 help+ me4  ,if 

my m5 get any?+ connect+ ,lang )        
,mademoiselle ,violette's case ,i'll let
 y "k imm$iately4  ,x 0 a bright cle>   
snappy morn+1 9 contra/ ) ! heat ( ! day
 be=e1 :5 we bo>d$ ! rev5ue tug at !    
,b>ge ,(fice4 ,! wat]s ( ! h>b\r nev]   
look$ m blue z !y danc$ 9 ! e>ly        
sunlight1 fleck$ "h & !re by a foam+    
:itecap z ! conflict+ tides eddi$ ab\t4 
,! %ores ( ,/at5 ,isl& 7 almo/ z gre5 z 
9 ! spr+1 & ev5 ! haze ov] ! ,brooklyn  
factories _h lift$4  ,x look$ almo/ l a 
/age sc5e1 cle> & %>p1 new & brightly   
col\r$4  ,p]haps ! lea/ kn[n & c]ta9ly  
"o ( ! lea/ recognis$ ( ! gov]nm5t      
s]vices is t :i* includes ! vigilant    
%ips ( ! rev5ue s]vice4  ,x 0 n a rev5ue
 cutt]1 h[ev]1 on :i* we 7 pl\gh+ d[n ! 
bay4  ,! cutt] lay1 :ite & gleam+ 9 !   
morn+ sun1 at an*or (f ,/apleton1 l a   
m9iature w>%ip1 salut+ z we pass$4  ,!  
rev5ue boats :i* /eam d[n to ,qu>ant9e &
 make fa/ to ! incom+ ocean greyh\nds   
are rev5ue tugs4  ,d[n ! bay we puff$ & 
buffet$ = ab\t =ty m9utes be=e we arriv$

 at ! little speck ( an isl& t is       
,qu>ant9e4 ,long be=e we 7 !re we sight$
 ! great ,la ,montaigne ne> ! gr\p (    
build+s on ! isl&1 :]e %e _h be5 wait+  
s9ce e>ly morn+ = ! tide & ! cu/oms     
(ficials4 ,! tug /eam$ alongside1 &     
quickly up ! high ladd]s sw>m$ ! bo>d+  
(fic] & ! deputy collectors4  ,we foll[$
 ,h]ndon /raight to ! ma9 saloon1 :]e ! 
collectors began to receive !           
decl>ations :i* _h be5 made out on      
blanks furni%$ to ! pass5g]s on ! voyage
 ov]4  ,!y _h _h sev]al days to write !m
 out - ! less excuse = omissions4       
,glanc+ at ea* ha/ily ! collector deta*$
 f x ! slip ) ! numb] at ! bottom & h&$ 
! numb] back1 to be pres5t$ at !        
inspector's desk at ! pi]1 :]e cu/oms   
inspectors 7 assign$ 9 turn4  ,numb]    
#adj is ! "o we want to wat*1 ,i he>d   
,h]ndon :isp] to ,k5n$y4  ,t tall d>k   
fell[ ov] !re4  ,i foll[$ 8 direction   
cauti\sly & saw a sp>ely built1 /rik+   
look+ man :o _h j fil$ 8 decl>ation & 0 
*att+ vivaci\sly ) a lady :o 0 j ab\t to

 file h]s4  ,%e 0 a cl++ look+ little ?+
 ) t sort ( doll-l innoc5ce t deceives  
nobody4  ,no1 y don't h to swe> to x1 he
 said4  ,y us$ to d t1 b n[ y simply    
sign y\r "n & take a *ance1 he add$1    
smil+ & %[+ a r[ ( p]fect tee?4  ,numb] 
#aef1 ,h]ndon not$ z ! collector deta*$ 
! /ub & h&$ x to h]4  ,t 0 ,mademoiselle
 ,gabrielle4  ,! c\ple pass$ out to !   
deck1 /ill *att+ gaily4  ,9 ! old days1 
be=e !y got to be s bea/ly p>ticul>1 ,i 
he>d him say1 ,i always us$ to get !    
c\rtesy ( ! port1 an (ficial exp$ite4   
,b t is ov] n[4  ,! %ip 0 n[ "u way1 h] 
flags snapp+ 9 ! brisk cooli% breeze t  
told ( approa*+ autumn4  ,we _h pass$ up
 ! l[] bay & ! ,n>r[s1 & ! pass5g]s 7   
cr[d$ =w>d to cat* ! fir/ glimpse ( !   
skyscrap]s ( ,new ,york4  ,on up ! bay  
we pl\gh$1 ?r[+ ! spray pr\dly z we w5t4
 ,h]ndon employ$ ! "t 9 keep+ a %>p wat*
 on ! tall1 ?9 man4  ,incid5tally he    
s\ght out ! wireless op]ator & f him    
le>n$ t a code wireless message _h be5  
receiv$ = ,pi]re1 app>5tly f 8 p>tn]1   

,lang4  ,!re is no m5tion ( any?+       
dutiable 9 ?is decl>ation by #adj :i*   
corresponds ) any ( ! goods m5tion$ 9 ! 
fir/ cable f ,p>is1 a collector rem>k$  
unobtrusively to ,h]ndon1 nor 9 #aef    
correspond+ to ! second cable4  ,i      
didn't suppose !re w\ld be1 0 8 laconic 
reply4  ,t's our job - to#bj;f9d ! /uff4
  ,at la/ ,la ,montaigne 0 w>p$ into !  
dock4  ,! piles ( fir/-class baggage on 
! %ip 7 rauc\sly deposit$ on ! :>f &    
sl[ly ! pass5g]s fil$ d[n ! plank to    
meet ! l9e ( :ite-capp$ uni=m$          
inspectors & pla9-clo!s apprais]s4  ,!  
com$y & trag$y ( ! cu/oms inspection _h 
begun4  ,we 7 among ! fir/ to l&4       
,h]ndon took up a position f :i* he c\ld
 see )\t be+ se54  ,9 ! semi-light ( !  
little w9d[s 9 ! enclos$ sides ( ! pi]1 
"u ! /eel gird]s ( ! ar*$ ro( l a va/   
hall1 !re 0 a panorama ( a huge mass (  
op5 luggage4  ,at la/ ,numb] #adj came  
d[n1 alone1 to ! rop$-(f dock4  ,he     
walk$ non*alantly ov] to ! little deputy
 surveyor's desk1 & an inspector 0      

quickly assign$ to him4  ,x 0 all done  
neatly 9 ! regul> c\rse ( bus9ess       
app>5tly4  ,he did n "k t 9 ! ord]ly ru%
 ! %>pe/ ( ,h]ndon's m5 _h be5 pick$    
out1 mu* z a trick c>d play] w =ce a c>d
 on 8 victim4  ,already ! cu/oms        
inspection 0 well along4  ,"o inspector 
_h be5 assign$ to ab\t ea* five         
pass5g]s1 & big piles ( f9]y 7 be+      
remorselessly tumbl$ out 9 %apeless     
heaps & expos$ to ! gaze ( t "p ( !     
public :i* 0 n too mu* conc]n$ ov] !    
same ?+ z to its own goods & *attels4   
,reticules & purses 7 be+ inspect$4  ,e 
trunk 0 presum$ to h a false bottom1 &  
?+s wrapp$ up 9 pap] 7 view$ suspici\sly
 & unroll$4  ,clo!s 7 be+ %ak5 & paw$4  
,!re did n seem to be mu* opportunity = 
concealm5t4  ,h]ndon n[ _h donn$ !      
regulation /raw hat ( ! apprais]1 &     
accompani$ by u1 pos+ z visitors1 0     
saunt]+ ab\t4 ,at la/ we came )9 e>%ot (
 ! spot :]e ! inspector 0 go+ ?r\gh !   
effects ( #adj4  ,out ( ! corn] ( my    
eyes ,i c\ld see t a dispute 0 9        

progress ov] "s trifl+ matt]4  ,! man 0 
cool & calm4 ,call ! apprais]1 he said  
at la/1 ) ! air ( a man /&+ on 8 rights4
  ,i object to ?is frisk+ ( pass5g]s4   
,uncle ,sam is little bett] ?an a       
pickpocket4  ,besides1 ,i cans ,i wait  
"h all day4  ,my p>tn] is wait+ = me    
upt[n4  ,h]ndon imm$iately took notice4 
,b x 0 q evid5tly1 aft] all1 only an    
alt]cation = ! b5efit ( ^? :o 7 wat*+4  
,i am sure he knew he 0 be+ wat*$1 b z !
 dispute proce$$ he assum$ ! look ( a   
man ke5ly amus$4  ,! matt]1 involv+ only
 a few doll>s1 0 f9ally adju/$ by 8     
yield+ gracefully & ) an air (          
resignation4  ,/ill ,h]ndon did n g & ,i
 am sure x annoy$ him4  ,sudd5ly he     
turn$ & fac$ ,h]ndon4  ,i c\ld n help   
?9k+1 9 spite ( all t he mu/ be s exp]t1
 t1 if he really 7 a smuggl]1 he _h all 
! poise & skill at evasion t w\ld       
entitle him to be call$ a pa/ ma/] ( !  
art4  ,y see t woman ov] !re8  he       
:isp]$4  ,%e says %e is j com+ home aft]
 /udy+ music 9 ,p>is4  ,we look$4  ,x 0 

! guileless +5ue1 ,mademoiselle         
,gabrielle4  ,%e has dutiable goods1 all
 "r4  ,i saw h] decl>ation4  ,%e is try+
 to br+ 9 z p]sonal effects ( a =eign   
resid5t g[ns :i*1 ,i believe1 %e int5ds 
to we> on ! /age4  ,%e's an actress4    
,!re 0 no?+ = ,h]ndon to d b to act on !
 tip4  ,! man _h got rid ( u tempor>ily1
 b we knew ! inspector w\ld be1 if      
any?+1 m vigilant4  ,i ?9k he took ev5  
long] ?an usual4  ,mademoiselle         
,gabrielle & h] maid p\t$ & fuss$ ov] ! 
r5ew$ exam9ation :i* ,h]ndon ord]$4     
,accord+ to ! inspector ev]y?+ 0 new &  
exp5sive2 accord+ to h]1 old1 %abby1 &  
*eap4  ,%e d5i$ ev]y?+1 rag$ & ?reat5$4 
,b :51 in/ead ( ord]+ ! /amp ,pass$ to  
be plac$ on h] half doz5 trunks & bags  
:i* conta9$ 9 reality only a few        
dutiable articles1 ,h]ndon ?reat5$ to   
ord] !m to ! apprais]'s /ores & h]self  
to g to ! ,law ,division if %e did n    
admit ! po9ts 9 dispute1 !re 0 a real   
sc5e4  ,g5]ally1 madame1 he remon/rat$1 
?\gh ,i c\ld see he 0 baffl$ at f9d+    

no?+ ( ! goods he _h really expect$ to  
f9d1 g5]ally ev5 = a fir/ (f5ce ! goods 
are confiscat$ & ! c\rt or di/rict      
attorney is cont5t to let ! p]son (f ) a
 f9e4  ,if ?is happ5s aga9 we'll be m   
sev]e4  ,s y _h bett] pay ! duty on ^!  
few little matt]s1 )\t t4  ,if he _h be5
 expect+ to ?r[ a sc>e into h]1 x did n 
succe$4  ,well1 ,i suppose if ,i mu/1 ,i
 mu/1 %e said1 & ! only result ( !      
div]sion 0 t %e paid a few doll>s m ?an 
_h be5 expect$ & w5t (f 9 a high /ate ( 
m9d4  ,h]ndon _h disappe>$ = a mom5t1   
aft] a :isp] f ,k5n$y1 to in/ruct two ( 
8 m5 to %ad[ ,mademoiselle ,gabrielle &1
 lat]1 ,pi]re4  ,he soon rejo9$ u & we  
casually return$ to ! vic9ity ( our tall
 fri5d1 ,numb] #adj1 = :om ,i felt ev5  
less respect ?an ev] aft] 8 app>5tly    
ungallant action t[>d ! lady he _h be5  
talk+ )4  ,he seem$ to notice my        
attitude & he rem>k$ def5sively = my    
b5efit1 ,only a patriotic act4  ,8      
inspector by ?is "t _h f9i%$ a mo/ m9ute
 exam9ation4 ,!re 0 no?+ t c\ld be      

discov]$1 n a false book ) a secret spr+
 t might disclose in/ead ( read+ matt] a
 heap ( almo/ priceless jewels1 n a     
suspici\s bulg+ ( any g>m5t or ( ! l9+ (
 a trunk or grip4  ,"s ( ! goods might h
 be5 on 8 p]son1 b n mu*1 & c]ta9ly !re 
0 no excuse = ord]+ a p]sonal           
exam9ation1 = he c\ld n h hidd5 a t5? "p
 ( :at we knew he _h1 ev5 "u ! prov]bial
 por\s pla/]4  ,he 0 impeccable4        
,accord+ly !re 0 no?+ = ! inspector to d
 b to decl>e a polite armi/ice4  ,s y   
didn't f9d ',mona ,lisa' 9 a false      
bottom1 & my trunks 7 n l9$ ) smuggl$   
cig>s aft] all1 he rasp$ savagely z !   
/amp ,pass$ 0 at la/ affix$ & he paid 9 
ca% at ! little w9d[ ) its sign1 ,pay   
,duty ,"h3 ,u4,s4 ,cu/om ,h\se1 "s      
hundr$ doll>s in/ead ( ! ?\s&s ,h]ndon  
_h be5 hop+ to collect1 if n to seize4  
,all ?r\gh ! inspection1 an extra close 
scrut9y _h be5 kept on ! o!r pass5g]s z 
well1 to prev5t any ( !m f be+ 9 league 
) ! smuggl]s1 ?\gh !re 0 no direct or   
indirect evid5ce to %[ t any ( ! o!rs 74

  ,we 7 ab\t to leave ! :>f1 also1 :5   
,craig's att5tion 0 call$ to a /ack (   
trunks /ill rema9+4  ,^: are ^?8 he ask$
 z he lift$ "o4  ,x felt suspici\sly    
light4  ,"s ( !m belong to a ,mr4 ,pi]re
 & ! re/ to a ,miss ,gabrielle1 answ]$  
an inspector4  ,bond$ = ,troy & wait+ to
 be transf]r$ by ! express company4     
,"h1 p]haps1 at la/ 0 an explanation1 & 
,craig took advantage ( x4  ,c\ld x be t
 ! real seat ( tr\ble 0 n "h b at "s o!r
 place1 t "s ex*ange 0 to be made en    
r\te or p]haps an attempt at brib]y8    
,h]ndon1 too1 0 will+ to run a risk4    
,he ord]$ ! trunks op5$ imm$iately4  ,b 
to our disappo9tm5t !y 7 almo/ empty4   
,!re 0 sc>cely a ?+ ( value 9 !m4  ,mo/ 
( ! cont5ts consi/$ ( clo!s t _h pla9ly 
be5 made 9 ,am]ica & 7 be+ br\ght back  
"h4  ,x 0 ano!r false sc5t4  ,we _h be5 
play$ ) & baffl$ at e turn4  ,p]haps ?is
 _h be5 ! me?od orig9ally agre$ on4  ,at
 any rate x _h be5 *ang$4  ,c\ld !y h   
left ! goods 9 ,p>is1 aft] all8 ,i      
qu]i$4  ,) ! fall & w9t] trade j com+   

on8 ,k5n$y repli$1 ) an air ( f9ality t 
set at re/ any d\bts ab\t 8 op9ion on t 
score4  ,i ?\ght p]haps we _h a case (  
:at d y call x1 ,h]ndon1 :5 !y leave    
trunks t are to be secretly remov$ by   
di%one/ expressm5 f ! :>f at night8     
,sleep]s4  ,oh1 we've brok5 t up1 too4  
,no expressman w\ld d>e try x n[4  ,i   
mu/ confess ?is ?+ is beyond me1 ,craig4
  ,k5n$y made no answ]4  ,evid5tly !re 0
 no?+ to d b to await developm5ts & see 
:at ,h]ndon's m5 report$4  ,we _h be5   
beat5 at e turn 9 ! game4  ,h]ndon seem$
 to feel t !re 0 a bitt] /+ 9 ! defeat1 
p>ticul>ly because ! smuggl] or smuggl]s
 _h actually be5 9 our grasp s long to d
 ) z we pleas$1 & _h s clev]ly slipp$   
out aga91 leav+ u hold+ ! bag4  ,k5n$y 0
 especially ?\ghtful z he told ov] !    
facts ( ! case 9 8 m9d4  ,( c\rse1 he   
rem>k$1  ,mademoiselle ,gabrielle wasn't
 an actress4  ,b we c't d5y t %e _h v   
little t w\ld ju/ify ,h]ndon 9 hold+ h]1
 unless he simply wants a newspap] r[4  
,b ,i ?\ght ,pi]re 0 q intimate ) h] at 

fir/1 ,i v5tur$4  ,t 0 a dirty trick (  
84  ,craig laugh$4  ,y mean an old "o4  
,t 0 simply a bl9d1 to div]t att5tion f 
himself4  ,i suspect !y talk$ t ov]     
betwe5 !mselves = days be=e4  ,x 0      
pla9ly m p]plex+ ?an ev]4  ,:at _h      
happ5$8  ,_h ,pi]re be5 a pre/idigitator
 & _h he m]ely said pre/o :5 our backs 7
 turn$ & :isk$ ! goods invisibly into ! 
c\ntry8  ,i c\ld f9d no explanation = ! 
little drama on ! pi]4  ,if ,h]ndon's m5
 _h any g5ius 9 detect+ smuggl+1 _!     
pr(essional oppon5t c]ta9ly _h great]   
g5ius 9 p]petrat+ x4  ,we did n see     
,h]ndon aga9 until aft] a ha/y lun*eon4 
,he 0 9 8 (fice & incl9$ to take a      
pessimi/ic view ( ! :ole affair4  ,he   
bright5$ up :5 a telephone message came 
9 f "o ( 8 %ad[s4  ,! m5 trail+ ,pi]re &
 ,mademoiselle ,gabrielle _h cross$     
trails & run toge!r at a little ,fr5*   
re/aurant on ! l[] ,we/ ,side1 :]e      
,pi]re1 ,lang1 & ,mademoiselle          
,gabrielle _h met & 7 d9+ 9 a mo/       
fri5dly _s4 ,k5n$y 0 "r4  ,%e _h be5    

m]ely a cog 9 ! ma*9]y ( ! plot4  ,! man
 report$ t ev5 :5 a newsboy _h be5 s5t 9
 by him ) ! aft]noon pap]s display+ 9   
big headl9es ! my/]y ( ! dea? (         
,mademoiselle ,violette1 !y _h paid no  
att5tion4 ,x seem$ evid5t t :atev] !    
fate ( ! little modi/e1 ,mademoiselle   
,gabrielle _h q replac$ h] 9 !          
affections ( ,pi]re4  ,!re 0 no?+ = u to
 d b to sep>ate & await developm5ts4  ,x
 0 late 9 ! aft]noon :5 ,craig & ,i     
receiv$ a hurri$ message f ,h]ndon4  ,"o
 ( 8 m5 _h j call$ him up ov] long      
di/ance f ,riv]l$ge4  ,! p>ty _h left ! 
re/aurant hurri$ly1 & ?\gh !y _h tak5 ! 
only taxicab 9 sight he _h be5 able to  
foll[ !m 9 "t to f9d out t !y 7 go+ up  
to ,riv]l$ge4  ,!y 7 n[ prep>+ to g out 
= a sail 9 "o ( ,lang's motor-boats & he
 w\ld be unable1 ( c\rse1 to foll[ !m   
fur!r4  ,= ! rema9d] ( ! aft]noon ,k5n$y
 rema9$ pond]+ ! case4  ,at la/ an idea 
seem$ to dawn on him4  ,he f\nd ,h]ndon 
/ill at 8 (fice & made an appo9tm5t to  
meet on ! wat]front ne> ,la ,montaigne's

 pi]1 aft] d9n]4  ,! *ange 9 ,k5n$y's   
spirits 0 obvi\s1 ?\gh x did n 9 ! lea/ 
enlight5 my curiosity4  ,ev5 aft] a d9n]
 :i* 0 l5g!n$ out consid]ably1 ,i ?\ght1
 ,i did n get appreciably ne>] a        
solution1 = we /roll$ ov] to !          
laboratory1 :]e ,craig load$ me d[n ) a 
huge package :i* 0 wrapp$ up 9 heavy    
pap]4  ,we arriv$ on ! corn] opposite ! 
:>f j z x 0 gr[+ dusk4  ,! neighb\rhood 
did n appeal to me at night1 & ev5 ?\gh 
!re 7 two ( u ,i 0 r glad :5 we met     
,h]ndon1 :o 0 wait+ 9 ! %ad[ ( a fruit  
/all4  ,b in/ead ( proce$+ across to !  
pi] by ! side ( :i* ,la ,montaigne 0    
moor$1 we cut across ! wide /reet &     
turn$ d[n ! next pi]1 :]e a c\ple (     
freight]s 7 ly+4  ,! od\r ( salt wat]1  
sewage1 rott+ wood1 & ! night air 0 n   
inspir+4  ,nev]!less ,i 0 n[ c>ri$ away 
) ! /rang5ess ( our adv5ture4  ,halfway 
d[n ! pi] ,k5n$y paus$ be=e "o ( !      
gangways t 0 %r\d$ 9 d>kness4  ,! door 0
 op5$ & we foll[$ g+]ly across ! dirty  
deck ( ! freight %ip4  ,bel[ we c\ld he>

 ! wat] lapp+ ! piles ( ! pi]4  ,across 
a d>k abyss lay ! grim mon/] ,la        
,montaigne ) "h & !re a light gleam+ on 
"o ( h] decks4  ,! s\nds ( ! city seem$ 
miles away4  ,:at a f9e place = a murd]1
 laugh$ ,k5n$y coolly4  ,he 0 unwrapp+ !
 package :i* he _h tak5 f me4  ,x prov$ 
to be a huge reflector 9 front ( :i* 0  
plac$ a little arrangem5t :i*1 "u !     
light ( a %ad$ lant]n c>ri$ by ,h]ndon1 
look$ l a coil ( wire ( "s k9d4  ,to !  
back ( ! reflector ,craig atta*$ two o!r
 flexible wires :i* l$ to a c\ple ( dry 
cells & a cyl9d] ) a broad5$ end1 made (
 vulcanis$ rubb]4  ,x might h be5 a     
telephone receiv]1 = all ,i c\ld tell 9 
! d>kness4  ,:ile ,i 0 /ill speculat+ on
 ! possible use ( ! enorm\s p>abolic    
reflector1 a slight commotion on !      
opposite side ( ! pi] di/ract$ my       
att5tion4  ,a %ip 0 com+ 9 & 0 be+      
c>efully & quietly b]!d alongside ! o!r 
big iron freight] on t side4  ,h]ndon _h
 left u4  ,! ,mohican is "h1 he rem>k$ z
 he rejo9$ u4  ,to my look ( inquiry he 

add$1 ,! rev5ue cutt]4  ,k5n$y _h n[    
f9i%$ & _h po9t$ ! reflector full at ,la
 ,montaigne4  ,) a :isp]$ ha/y ^w (     
caution & advice to ,h]ndon1 he drew me 
along ) him d[n ! :>f aga94  ,at !      
little door :i* 0 cut 9 ! b>ri] gu>d+ ! 
%ore end ( ,la ,montaigne's :>f ,k5n$y  
/opp$4  ,! cu/oms s]vice night wat*man -
 !re is always a wat*man ( "s k9d abo>d 
e %ip1 pass5g] or freight]1 all ! "t %e 
is 9 port - seem$ to und]/&1 = he       
admitt$ u aft] a ^w ) ,k5n$y4  ,?read+  
our way c>efully among ! boxes1 & bales1
 & crates :i* 7 pil$ high1 we proce$$   
d[n ! :>f4  ,"u ! electric lights !     
long%orem5 7 work+ fev]i%ly1 = ! unload+
 & load+ ( a giant trans,atlantic vessel
 9 ! ru% season is a long & t$i\s       
process at be/1 requir+ night "w &      
ov]time1 = e mom5t1 l e cubic foot (    
space1 c\nts4  ,once )9 ! door1 h[ev]1  
no "o paid mu* att5tion to u4 ,!y seem$ 
to take x = grant$ t we _h "s "r !re4   
,we bo>d$ ! %ip by "o ( ! _m entrances &
 !n proce$$ d[n to a deck :]e app>5tly  

no "o 0 work+4  ,x 0 m l a great h\se   
?an a %ip1 ,i felt1 & ,i wond]$ :e!r    
,k5n$y's se>* 0 n m ( a hunt = a ne$le 9
 a hay/ack ?an any?+ else4  ,yet he     
seem$ to "k :at he 0 aft]4  ,we _h      
desc5d$ to :at ,i imag9$ mu/ be ! qu>t]s
 ( ! /ew>d4  ,ab\t u 7 _m l>ge cases &  
*e/s1 /ack$ up & m>k$ z belong+ to !    
%ip4  ,k5n$y's att5tion 0 attract$ to !m
 imm$iately4  ,all at once x fla%$ on me
 :at 8 purpose 04  ,9 "s ( ^? cases 7 ! 
smuggl$ goods6  ,be=e ,i c\ld say a ^w &
 be=e ,k5n$y _h a *ance ev5 to try to   
v]ify 8 suspicions1 a sudd5 approa* (   
foot/eps />tl$ u4  ,he drew me into a   
cab9 or room full ( %elves ) %ip's      
/ores4  ,:y didn't y br+ ,h]ndon ov] &  
break into ! boxes1 if y ?9k ! /uff is  
hidd5 9 "o ( !m8 ,i :isp]$4  ,& let ^?  
high] up escape :ile _! tools take all !
 blame8 he answ]$4  ,%-h4  ,! m5 :o _h  
come into ! comp>tm5t look$ ab\t z if   
expect+ to see "s "o4  ,two ( !m came   
d[n1 a gruff voice said4  ,:]e are !y8  
,f ! noise ,i inf]r$ t !re mu/ be f\r or

 five m51 & f ! ease ) :i* !y %ift$ !   
cases ab\t "s ( !m mu/ h be5 pretty     
husky /ev$ores4  ,i don't "k1 a m poli%$
 b unfamili> voice answ]$4  ,! door to  
our hid+-place 0 op5$ r\ghly & !n bang$ 
%ut be=e we realis$ x4  ,) a taunt+     
laugh1 "s "o turn$ a key 9 ! lock & be=e
 we c\ld move a quick %ift ( pack+ cases
 aga9/ ! door made escape impossible4   
,"h we 7 m>oon$1 %anghai$1 z x 71 )9    
sight if n call ( ,h]ndon & our fri5ds4 
,we _h run up aga9/ pr(essional         
smuggl]s1 ( :om ,i _h vaguely read1     
disguis$ z /ew>ds1 deckh&s1 /ok]s1 & o!r
 work]s4  ,! only o!r op5+ to ! cab9 0 a
 sort ( por?ole1 m = v5tilation ?an     
any?+ else4  ,k5n$y /uck 8 head ?r\gh x1
 b x 0 impossible = a man to squeeze    
out4  ,!re 0 "o ( ! l[] decks directly  
be=e u :ile a bright arc light gleam$   
tantalis+ly ov] x1 ?r[+ a r\nd circle ( 
light into our prison4  ,i reflect$     
bitt]ly on our %ipwreck )9 sight ( port4
  ,k5n$y rema9$ sil5t1 & ,i did n "k :at
 0 work+ 9 8 m9d4  ,toge!r we made out !

 outl9e ( ! freight] at ! next :>f &    
speculat$ z to ! location :]e we _h left
 ,h]ndon ) ! huge reflector4  ,!re 0 no 
moon & x 0 z black z ink 9 t direction1 
b if we c\ld h got out ,i w\ld h tru/$  
to luck to rea* x by swimm+4  ,bel[ u1 f
 ! re/less wat] lapp+ on ! sides ( !    
hulk ( ,la ,montaigne1 we c\ld n[ he>   
muffl$ s\nds4  ,x 0 a motor-boat :i* _h 
come crawl+ up ! riv] front1 ) lights   
ext+ui%$1 & _h pu%$ a cauti\s nose into 
! slip :]e our %ip lay at ! quay4  ,none
 ( y\r romantic l[-ly+1 raki% craft ( ! 
old smuggl+ y>ns 0 ?is1 ready = de$s (  
desp]ation 9 ! d>k h\rs ( midnight4  ,x 
0 j a mod]n little motor-boat1          
up-to-date1 & swift4  ,p]haps we'll get 
out ( ?is f9ally1 ,i grumbl$ z ,i       
und]/ood n[ :at 0 afoot1 b n 9 "t to be 
( any use4  ,a smo!r$ s\nd z ( some?+   
go+ ov] ! vessel's side foll[$4  ,x 0 "o
 ( ! boxes :i* we _h se5 outside 9 !    
/or]oom4  ,ano!r foll[$1 & a ?ird & a   
f\r?4  ,!n came a subdu$ p>ley4  ,we h  
two cu/oms detectives lock$ 9 a cab9 "h4

  ,we c't /ay n[4  ,y'll h to take u &  
our ?+s (f1 too4  ,c't d x1 call$ up    
ano!r muffl$ voice4  ,make y\r ?+s into 
a little bundle4  ,we'll take t1 b y'll 
h to get pa/ ! night-wat*man y\rselves &
 meet u at ,riv]l$ge4  ,a mom5t lat]    
some?+ else w5t ov] ! side1 & f ! s\nd  
we c\ld inf] t ! eng9e ( ! motor-boat 0 
be+ />t$4  ,a ,voice s\nd$ mock+ly      
outside our door4  ,bon soir1 y fell[s 9
 !re4  ,we're go+ up ! dock4  ,sorry to 
leave y "h till morn+1 b !y'll let y out
 !n4  ,au revoir4  ,bel[ ,i c\ld he> j !
 fa9te/ well-muffl$ *ug-*ug4  ,k5n$y 9 !
 meantime _h be5 coolly cran+ 8 neck out
 ( our por?ole "u ! rays ( ! arc light  
ov]head4  ,he 0 hold+ some?+ 9 8 h&4  ,x
 seem$ l a little silv]-back$ piece ( ?9
 glass ) a fl>+ funnel-l ?+ back ( x1   
:i* he held mo/ p>ticul>ly4  ,?\gh he   
he>d ! p>t+ taunt outside he paid no    
att5tion4  ,y g to ! deuce1 :oev] y are1
 ,i cri$1 beat+ on ! door1 to :i* only a
 co>se laugh e*o$ back d[n ! passageway4
  ,be quiet1 ,walt]1 ord]$ ,k5n$y4  ,we 

h locat$ ! smuggl$ goods 9 ! /or]oom ( !
 /ew>d1 f\r wood5 cases ( !m4 ,i ?9k !  
/uff mu/ h be5 br\ght on ! %ip 9 !      
trunks & !n transf]r$ to ! cases1 p]haps
 aft] ! code wireless message 0 receiv$4
  ,b we h be5 ov]p[]$ & lock$ 9 a cab9 )
 a port too small to crawl ?r\gh4  ,!   
cases h be5 l[]$ ov] ! side ( ! %ip to a
 motor-boat t 0 wait+ bel[4  ,! lights  
on ! boat are out1 b if y hurry y c get 
x4  ,! accomplices :o lock$ u 9 are go+ 
to disappe> up ! :>f4  ,if y c\ld only  
get ! night wat*man quickly en\gh y c\ld
 cat* !m1 too1 be=e !y rea* ! /reet4  ,i
 _h turn$1 half expect+ to see ,k5n$y   
talk+ to a %ip's (fic] :o might h *anc$ 
on ! deck outside4  ,!re 0 no "o4  ,!   
only ?+ ( life 0 ! /ill sputt]+ arc     
light4 ,_h ! man gone crazy8  ,:at ( x8 
,i gr[l$4  ,don't y suppose ,i "k all t8
 ,:at's ! use ( repeat+ x n[8  ,! ?+ to 
d is to get out ( ?is hole4  ,come1 help
 me at ?is door4  ,maybe we c batt] x   
d[n4  ,k5n$y paid no att5tion to me1    
h[ev]1 b kept 8 eyes glu$ on ! ,cimm]ian

 blackness outside ! por?ole4  ,he _h   
done no?+ app>5tly1 yet a long f+] (    
light seem$ to %oot out into ! sky f !  
pi] across f u & beg9 wav+ back & =? z x
 0 l[]$ to ! d>k wat]s ( ! riv]4  ,x 0 a
 se>*light4  ,at once ,i ?\ght ( ! huge 
reflector :i* ,i _h se5 set up4  ,b t _h
 be5 on our side ( ! next pi] & ?is     
light came f ! f> side :]e ! ,mohican   
lay4  ,:at is x8 ,i ask$ eag]ly4  ,:at  
has happ5$8  ,x 0 z if a pray] _h be5   
answ]$ f our dungeon on ,la ,montaigne4 
,i knew we %\ld ne$ "s means to         
communicate ) ,h]ndon1 he expla9$       
simply1 & ! wireless telephone wasn't   
practicable4 ,s ,i h us$ ,dr4 ,alex&]   
,graham ,bell's photophone4  ,any ( !   
lights on ?is side ( ,la ,montaigne1 ,i 
knew1 w\ld s]ve4  ,:at ,i did1 ,walt]1 0
 m]ely to talk into ! m\?piece back (   
?is little silv]$ mirror :i* reflects   
light4  ,! vibrations ( ! voice caus$ a 
diaphragm 9 x to vibrate & ?us ! beam ( 
reflect$ light 0 made to pulsate4  ,9   
o!r words1 ?is little ?+ is j a simple  

app>atus to trans=m ! air vibrations ( !
 voice into light vibrations4  ,!       
p>abolic reflector ov] !re cat*es ^!    
light vibrations & focuses !m on ! cell 
( sel5ium :i* y p]haps notic$ 9 ! c5tre 
( ! reflector4  ,y rememb] d\btless t ! 
elem5t sel5ium v>ies its electrical     
resi/ance "u light8 ,?us !re are        
reproduc$ simil> v>iations 9 ! cell to  
^? vibrations "h 9 ?is transmitt]4  ,!  
cell is connect$ ) a telephone receiv] &
 batt]ies ov] !re & !re y are4 ,x is v  
simple4  ,9 ! ord9>y c>bon telephone    
transmitt] a v>iable electrical         
resi/ance is produc$ by pressure1 s9ce  
c>bon is n s good a conductor "u        
pressure4  ,!n ^! v>iations are         
transmitt$ along two wires4  ,?is       
photophone is wireless4  ,sel5ium ev5   
emits notes "u a vibratory beam ( light1
 ! pit* dep5d+ on ! frequ5cy4  ,*anges 9
 ! int5sity ( ! light focus$ by !       
reflector on ! cell alt] its electrical 
resi/ance & v>y ! curr5t f ! dry        
batt]ies4  ,h5ce ! telephone receiv] ov]

 !re is affect$4 ,bell us$ ! photophone 
or radiophone ov] sev]al hundr$ feet1   
,ruhm] ov] sev]al miles4  ,:5 y ?\ght ,i
 0 talk+ to myself ,i 0 really tell+    
,h]ndon :at _h happ5$ & :at to d - talk+
 to him lit]ally ov] a beam ( light4  ,i
 c\ld sc>cely believe x1 b an           
exclamation f ,k5n$y z he drew 8 head 9 
quickly recall$ my att5tion4  ,look out 
on ! riv]1 ,walt]1 he cri$4  ,! ,mohican
 has h] se>*light sweep+ up & d[n4  ,:at
 d y see8  ,! long f+] ( light _h n[    
come to re/4  ,9 its pa?way ,i saw a    
lightless motor-boat bobb+ up & d[n1    
cr[d+ on all spe$1 yet foll[$           
rel5tlessly by ! accus+ f+]4  ,! riv]   
front 0 n[ alive ) %\t+4  ,sudd5ly !    
,mohican %ot out f beh9d ! pi] :]e %e _h
 be5 hidd54  ,9 spite ( ,lang's         
exp]tness x 0 an unequal race4  ,nor    
w\ld x h made mu* diff]5ce if x _h be5  
o!rwise1 = a %ot rang out f ! ,mohican  
:i* comm&$ in/ant respect4  ,! p[]ful   
rev5ue cutt] rapidly ov]haul$ ! little  
craft4  ,a hurri$ tread d[n ! passageway

 foll[$4  ,cases 7 be+ %ov$ aside & a   
key 9 ! door ( our comp>tm5t turn$      
quickly4  ,i wait$ ) cl5*$ fi/s1 prep>$ 
= an attack4  ,y're all "r8 ,h]ndon's   
voice inquir$ anxi\sly4  ,we've got t   
/ew>d & ! o!r fell[s all "r4  ,yes1 come
 on1 %\t$ ,craig4  ,! cutt] has made a  
capture4  ,we _h rea*$ ! /]n ( ! %ip1 & 
f> out 9 ! riv] ! ,mohican 0 n[ head$   
t[>d u4  ,%e came alongside1 & ,h]ndon  
quickly seiz$ a rope1 fa/5$ x to ! rail1
 & let himself d[n to ! deck ( ! cutt]4 
,k5n$y & ,i foll[$4  ,?is is a high-h&$ 
proce$+1 ,i he>d a voice t mu/ h be5    
,lang's prote/+4  ,by :at "r d y /op me8
  ,y %all suff] = ?is4  ,! ,mohican1    
broke 9 ,h]ndon1 has ! "r to appe>      
any:]e f ,s\?%oal ,light%ip (f          
,nantucket to ! capes ( ! ,delaw>e1 dem&
 an inspection ( any vessel's manife/ & 
pap]s1 bo>d any?+ f ,la ,montaigne to   
y\r little motor-boat1 inspect x1 seize 
x1 if necess>y put a crew on x4  ,he    
slapp$ ! little cannon4  ,t comm&s      
respect4  ,besides1 y 7 violat+ !       

regulations - no lights4  ,on ! deck ( !
 cutt] n[ lay f\r cases4  ,a man broke  
"o ( !m op51 !n ano!r4  ,inside he      
disclos$ ?\s&s ( doll>s' wor? ( f9]y1   
:ile f a tray he drew sev]al l>ge *amois
 bags ( glitt]+ diamonds & pe>ls4       
,pi]re look$ on1 cru%$1 all 8 jaunt9ess 
gone4  ,s1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 fac+ him1 y 
h y\r jilt$ fiancee1 ,mademoiselle      
,violette1 to ?ank = ?is  - h] lett]s & 
h] suicide4  ,x wasn't z easy z y ?\ght 
to ?r[ h] ov] = a new s\l mate1 ?is     
,mademoiselle ,gabrielle :om y 7 go+ to 
set up z a rival 9 bus9ess to ,violette4
  ,violette has h] rev5ge = mak+ a      
play?+ ( h] he>t1 & if ! dead c take any
 satisfaction %e  ,) a quick movem5t    
,k5n$y anticipat$ a motion ( ,pi]re's4  
,! ru9$ smuggl] _h contemplat$ ei!r an  
attack on himself or 8 captor1 b ,craig 
_h seiz$ him by ! wri/ & gr\nd 8        
knuckles into ! back ( ,pi]re's cl5*$   
fi/ until he w9c$ ) pa94  ,an ,apa*e    
dagg] simil> to t :i* ! little modi/e _h
 us$ to end h] life trag$y clatt]$ to ! 

deck ( ! %ip1 a mute te/imonial to !    
high class ( society ,pi]re & 8         
associates mu/ h cultivat$4  ,none ( t1 
,pi]re1 ,craig mutt]$1 releas+ him4  ,y 
c't *eat ! gov]nm5t out ( its j dues ev5
 9 ! matt] ( puni%m5t4    ,,xi  ,,!     
,,invisible ,,ray   ,i won't d5y t ,i _h
 "s expectations f ! old man myself4    
,k5n$y's cli5t 0 speak+ 9 a l[1 full    
*e/$1 vibrat+ voice1 ) "s emotion1 s l[ 
t ,i _h ent]$ ! room )\t be+ aw>e t any 
"o 0 !re until x 0 too late to retreat4 
,z 8 physician = ov] twelve ye>s1 ! man 
pursu$1 ,i c]ta9ly _h be5 l$ to hope to 
be rememb]$ 9 8 w4  ,b1 ,pr(essor       
,k5n$y1 ,i c't put x too /rongly :5 ,i  
say t !re is no selfi% motive 9 my com+ 
to y ab\t ! case4  ,!re is some?+ wrong 
- dep5d on t4  ,craig _h glanc$ up at me
 &1 z ,i hesitat$1 ,i c\ld see 9 an     
in/ant t ! speak] 0 a practition] ( a   
type t is rapidly pass+ away1 !         
old-fa%ion$ family doctor4  ,dr4        
,burnham1 ,i %\ld l to h y "k ,mr4      
,jameson1 introduc$ ,craig4  ,y c talk z

 freely be=e him z y h to me alone4 ,we 
always "w toge!r4  ,i %ook h&s ) !      
visitor4  ,! doctor has succe$$ 9       
int]e/+ me greatly 9 a case :i* has "s  
unique features1 ,k5n$y expla9$4  ,x has
 to d ) ,/eph5 ,haswell1 ! ecc5tric old 
millionaire ( ,brooklyn4  ,h y ev] he>d 
( him8  ,yes1 inde$1 ,i repli$1 recall+ 
an occasional article :i* _h appe>$ 9 ! 
newspap]s reg>d+ a du/y & dirty old h\se
 9 t "p ( ! ,heights 9 ,brooklyn :5ce   
all t is fa%ionable _h n yet tak5       
flight1 a h\se ( my/]y1 yet n m my/]i\s 
?an its own] 9 8 secretive com+s & go+s 
9 ! affairs ( m5 ( a g5]ation beyond 8  
"t4  ,fur!r ?an ! facts t he 0 reput$ to
 be v weal?y & l$1 9 ! he>t ( a great   
city1 :at 0 z ne>ly l ! life ( a h]mit z
 possible1 ,i knew little or no?+4  ,:at
 has he be5 do+ n[8 ,i ask$4  ,ab\t a   
week ago1 repeat$ ! doctor1 9 answ] to a
 nod ( enc\ragem5t f ,k5n$y1 ,i 0       
summon$ 9 ! middle ( ! night to att5d   
,mr4 ,haswell1 :o1 z ,i h be5 tell+     
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 _h be5 a pati5t ( m9e 

= ov] twelve ye>s4  ,he _h be5 sudd5ly  
/rick5 ) total bl9dness4  ,s9ce !n he   
appe>s to be fail+ fa/1 t is1 he appe>$ 
s ! la/ "t ,i saw him1 a few days ago1  
aft] ,i _h be5 sup]s$$ by a y\ng] man4  
,x is a curi\s case & ,i h ?\ght ab\t x 
a great deal4  ,b ,i didn't l to speak  
to ! au?orities2 !re wasn't en\gh to    
w>rant t1 & ,i %\ld h be5 laugh$ out (  
c\rt = my pa9s4  ,! m ,i h ?\ght ab\t x1
 h[ev]1 ! m ,i h felt x my duty to say  
some?+ to somebody1 & s1 hav+ he>d (    
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 ,i decid$ to consult  
him4  ,! fact ( ! matt] is1 ,i v mu* fe>
 t !re are circum/ances :i* w be> %>p   
look+ into1 p]haps a s*eme to get       
control ( ! old man's =tune4  ,! doctor 
paus$1 & ,craig incl9$ 8 head1 z mu* z  
to signify 8 appreciation ( ! delicate  
position 9 :i* ,burnham /ood 9 ! case4  
,be=e ! doctor c\ld proce$ fur!r1 ,k5n$y
 h&$ me a lett] :i* _h be5 ly+ be=e him 
on ! table4 ,x _h evid5tly be5 torn into
 small pieces & !n c>efully pa/$ toge!r4
  ,! sup]scription gave a small t[n 9   

,ohio & a date ab\t a =tnight previ\s4  
,de> ,fa!r x read3 ,i hope y w p>don me 
= writ+1#bj   b ,i _c let ! occasion (  
y\r sev5ty-fif? bir?day#bj   pass )\t a 
^w ( affection & congratulation4  ,i am 
alive#bj   & well4  ,"t has dealt       
l5i5tly ) me 9 t respect1 if#bj   n 9   
money matt]s4  ,i d n say ?is 9 ! hope (
   reconcil+ y to me4  ,i "k t is       
impossible aft] all ^!   cruel ye>s4  ,b
 ,i d wi% t ,i c\ld see y aga94         
,rememb]1   ,i am y\r only *ild & ev5 if
 y /ill ?9k ,i h be5 a   fooli% "o1     
please let me come to see y once be=e x 
is too   late4  ,we are con/antly       
travell+ f place to place1 b %all   be  
"h = a few days4  ,y\r lov+ daught]1    
,,grace ,,haswell ,,m>t94   ,"s f\rte5  
or fifte5 ye>s ago1 expla9$ ! doctor z  
,i look$ up f read+ ! note1 ,mr4        
,haswell's only daught] elop$ ) an arti/
 nam$ ,m>t94  ,he _h be5 engag$ to pa9t 
a portrait ( ! late ,mrs4 ,haswell f a  
photograph4  ,x 0 ! fir/ "t t ,grace    
,haswell _h ev] be5 able to f9d         

expression = ! arti/ic ye>n+ :i* _h     
always be5 repress$ by ! cold1 practical
 s5se ( h] fa!r4  ,%e rememb]$ h] "m    
p]fectly s9ce ! sad b]eavem5t ( h]      
girlhood & naturally %e wat*$ & help$ ! 
arti/ eag]ly4  ,! result 0 a portrait   
:i* might well h be5 pa9t$ f ! subject  
h]self r ?an f a cold photograph4       
,haswell saw ! gr[+ intimacy ( 8 daught]
 & ! arti/4 ,8 b5t ( m9d 0 solely t[>d  
money & mat]ial ?+s1 & he at once       
conceiv$ a bitt] & unreason+ hatr$ =    
,m>t91 :o1 he believ$1 _h 's*em$' to    
capture 8 daught] & an easy liv+4  ,art 
0 z =eign to 8 nature z possible4#bj    
,nev]!less !y w5t ahead & m>ri$1 &1     
well1 x result$ 9 ! old man dis9h]it+ ! 
girl4  ,! "y c\ple disappe>$ bravely to 
make _! way by _! *os5 pr(ession &1 z f>
 z ,i "k1 h nev] be5 he>d f s9ce until  
n[4  ,haswell made a new w1 & ,i h      
always und]/ood t practically all ( 8   
=tune is to be devot$ to f\nd+ !        
te*nology dep>tm5t 9 a project$         
univ]sity ( ,brooklyn4  ,y h nev] se5   

?is ,mrs4 ,m>t9 or h] husb&8 ask$       
,k5n$y4  ,no1 nev]4  ,b 9 "s way %e mu/ 
h le>n$ t ,i _h "s influ5ce ) h] fa!r1 =
 %e wrote to me n long ago1 enclos+ a   
note = him & ask+ me to int]c$e = h]4   
,i did s4  ,i took ! lett] to him z     
diplomatically z ,i c\ld4  ,! old man   
flew into a t[]+ rage1 refus$ ev5 to    
look at ! lett]1 tore x up into bits1 & 
ord]$ me nev] to m5tion ! subject to him
 aga94  ,t is h] note1 :i* ,i sav$4     
,h[ev]1 x is ! sequel ab\t :i* ,i wi%   
y\r help4  ,! physician fold$ up ! pat*$
 lett] c>efully be=e he cont9u$4  ,mr4  
,haswell1 z y p]haps "k1 has = _m ye>s  
be5 a prom95t figure 9 v>i\s curi\s     
speculations1 or r 9 loan+ money to _m  
curi\s speculators4  ,x is n necess>y to
 g into ! diff]5t s*emes :i* he has     
help$ to f9ance4 ,ev5 ?\gh mo/ ( !m h   
be5 unkn[n to ! public !y h c]ta9ly giv5
 him su* a reputation t he is mu* s\ght 
aft] by inv5tors4  ,n long ago ,haswell 
became int]e/$ 9 ! "w ( an obscure *emi/
 ov] 9 ,brooklyn1 ,morgan ,prescott4    

,prescott claims1 z ,i und]/&1 to be    
able to transmute copp] into gold4      
,:atev] y ?9k ( x (fh&1 y %\ld visit 8  
laboratory y\rselves1 g5tlem54  ,i am   
told x is wond]ful1 ?\gh ,i h nev] se5 x
 & c't expla9 x4  ,i h met ,prescott    
sev]al times :ile he 0 try+ to p]suade  
,mr4 ,haswell to back him 9 8 s*eme1 b  
he 0 nev] dispos$ to talk to me1 = ,i _h
 no money to inve/4 ,s f> z ,i "k ab\t x
 ! ?+ s\nds sci5tific & plausible en\gh4
  ,i leave y to judge ( t4  ,x is only  
an incid5t 9 my /ory & ,i w pass ov] x  
quickly4  ,prescott1 !n1 believes t !   
elem5ts are m]ely progressive v>iations 
( an orig9al sub/ance or base call$     
'protyle1' f :i* ev]y?+ is d]iv$4 ,b ?is
 fell[ ,prescott goes mu* fur!r ?an any 
( ! =m] !ori/s4  ,he does n /op ) matt]4
  ,he believes t he has ! secret ( life 
also1 t he c make ! transition f !      
inorganic to ! organic1 f in]t matt] to 
liv+ protoplasm1 & !nce f liv+          
protoplasm to m9d & :at we call s\l1    
:atev] t may be4  ,& "h is :]e ! weird &

 uncanny "p ( x comes 91 comm5t$ ,craig1
 turn+ f ! doctor to me to call my      
att5tion p>ticul>ly to :at 0 ab\t to    
foll[4  ,hav+ arriv$ at ! po9t :]e he   
ass]ts t he c create & de/roy matt]1    
life1 & m9d1 cont9u$ ! doctor1 z if     
himself fasc9at$ by ! idea1 ,prescott v 
naturally does n h to g f> be=e he also 
claims a control ov] telepa?y & ev5 a   
communication ) ! dead4  ,he ev5 calls !
 messages :i* he receives by a ^w :i* he
 has co9$ himself1 'telepagrams4'  ,?us 
he says he has unifi$ ! physical1 !     
physiological1 & ! psy*ical - a sy/em ( 
absolute sci5tific monism4  ,! doctor   
paus$ aga91 !n resum$4  ,"o aft]noon1   
ab\t a week ago1 app>5tly1 z f> z ,i am 
able to piece toge!r ! /ory1 ,prescott 0
 demon/rat+ 8 m>vell\s discov]y ( !     
unity ( nature4  ,sudd5ly he fac$ ,mr4  
,haswell4  ',%all ,i tell y a fact1 sir1
 ab\t y\rself8' he ask$ quickly4 ',!    
tru? z ,i see x by means ( my wond]ful  
inv5tion8  ,if x is ! tru?1 w y believe 
9 me8  ,w y put money into my inv5tion8 

,w y %>e 9 becom+ fabul\sly ri*8'       
,haswell made "s noncommittal answ]4  ,b
 ,prescott seem$ to look into ! ma*9e   
?r\gh a v ?ick plate-glass w9d[1 )      
,haswell plac$ directly be=e x4  ,he    
gave a cry4  ',mr4 ,haswell1' he        
exclaim$1 ',i regret to tell y :at ,i   
see4  ,y h dis9h]it$ y\r daught]2 %e has
 pass$ out ( y\r life & at ! pres5t     
mom5t y d n "k :]e %e is4'  ',t's true1'
 repli$ ! old man bitt]ly1 '& m ?an t ,i
 don't c>e4  ,is t all y see8  ,t's no?+
 new4'  ',no1 un=tunately1 t is n all ,i
 see4  ,c y be> some?+ fur!r8  ,i ?9k y 
ought to "k x4  ,i h "h a mo/ my/]i\s   
telepagram4'  ',yes4  ,:at is x8  ,is %e
 dead8'  ',no1 x is n ab\t h]4  ,x is   
ab\t y\rself4  ,to-night at midnight or 
p]haps a little lat]1' repeat$ ,prescott
 solemnly1 'y w lose y\r sight z a      
puni%m5t = y\r action4'  ',p\f6'        
exclaim$ ! old man 9 a dudgeon1 'if t is
 all y\r inv5tion c tell me1 good-bye4  
,y told me y 7 able to make gold4       
,in/ead1 y make fooli% prophecies4      

,i'll put no money into su* tomfool]y4  
,i'm a practical man1' & ) t he /amp$   
out ( ! laboratory4  ,well1 t night1    
ab\t "o o'clock1 9 ! sil5ce ( ! lonely  
old h\se1 ! ag$ c>etak]1 ,jane1 :om he  
_h hir$ aft] he bani%$ 8 daught] f 8    
life1 he>d a wild %\t ( ',help6 ,help6' 
,haswell1 alone 9 8 room on ! second    
floor1 0 grop+ ab\t 9 ! d>k4  ',jane1'  
he ord]$1 'a light - a light4'  ',i h   
light$ ! gas1 ,mr4 ,haswell1' %e cri$4  
,a groan foll[$4  ,he _h himself f\nd a 
mat*1 _h /ruck x1 _h ev5 burnt 8 f+]s ) 
x1 yet he saw no?+4  ,! bl[ _h fall54   
,at almo/ ! v h\r :i* ,prescott1 by     
means ( 8 weird telepagram _h pr$ict$1  
old ,haswell 0 /rick54  ,i'm bl9d1' he  
gasp$4  ',s5d = ,dr4 ,burnham4'  ,i w5t 
to him imm$iately :5 ! maid r\s$ me1 b  
!re 0 no?+ ,i c\ld d except prescribe   
p]fect re/ = 8 eyes & keep+ 9 a d>k room
 9 ! hope t 8 sight might be re/or$ z   
sudd5ly & miracul\sly z x _h be5 tak5   
away4  ,! next morn+1 ) 8 own h&1       
trembl+ & scrawl+ 9 8 bl9dness1 he wrote

 ! foll[+ on a piece ( pap]3    ',mrs4  
,,grace ,,m>t94 - ,in=mation want$ ab\t 
! pres5t   :]eab\ts ( ,mrs4 ,grace      
,m>t91 =m]ly ,grace ,haswell (          
,brooklyn4   ,,/eph5 ,,haswell1         
,pi]repont ,/41 ,brooklyn4   ,?is       
adv]tisem5t he caus$ to be plac$ 9 all !
 ,new ,york pap]s & to be wir$ to !     
lead+ ,we/]n pap]s4  ,haswell himself 0 
a *ang$ man aft] 8 exp]i5ce4  ,he spoke 
bitt]ly ( ,prescott1 yet 8 attitude t[>d
 8 daught] 0 completely rev]s$4  ,:e!r  
he admitt$ to himself a belief 9 !      
pr$iction ( ! inv5tor1 ,i d n "k4       
,c]ta9ly he sc\t$ su* an idea 9 tell+ me
 ab\t x4  ,a day or two aft] !          
adv]tisem5ts appe>$ a telegram came to !
 old man f a little t[n 9 ,indiana4  ,x 
read simply3 ',de> ,fa!r3 ,am />t+ =    
,brooklyn to-day4  ,grace4'  ,! up%ot 0 
t ,grace ,haswell1 or r ,grace ,m>t91   
appe>$ ! next day1 =gave & 0 =giv5 ) mu*
 weep+1 al?\gh ! old man /ill refus$    
resolutely to be reconcil$ ) & receive  
h] husb&4  ,mrs4 ,m>t9 />t$ 9 to clean  

up ! old h\se4  ,a vacuum clean] suck$ a
 ton or two ( du/ f x4 ,ev]y?+ 0 *ang$4 
,jane grumbl$ a great deal1 b !re 0 no  
d\bt a great improvem5t4  ,meals 7 s]v$ 
regul>ly4  ,! old man 0 tak5 c>e ( z    
nev] be=e4  ,no?+ 0 too good = him4     
,ev]y:]e ! t\* ( a woman 0 evid5t 9 !   
h\se4 ,! *ange 0 complete4  ,x ev5      
ext5d$ to me4  ,"s fri5d _h told h] ( an
 eye & e> speciali/1 a ,dr4 ,scott1 :o 0
 engag$4 ,s9ce !n1 ,i und]/&1 a new w   
has be5 made1 mu* to ! *agr9 ( ! tru/ees
 ( ! project$ s*ool4  ,( c\rse ,i am cut
 out ( ! new w1 & t ) ! k at lea/ ( !   
woman :o once appeal$ to me1 b x does n 
influ5ce me 9 com+ to y4  ,b :at has    
happ5$ s9ce to ar\se suspicion8 ask$    
,k5n$y1 wat*+ ! doctor furtively4  ,:y1 
! fact is t1 9 spite ( all ?is add$ c>e1
 ! old man is fail+ m rapidly ?an ev]4  
,he nev] goes out except att5d$ & n mu* 
ev5 !n4  ,! o!r day ,i happ5$ to meet   
,jane on ! /reet4  ,! fai?ful old s\l   
p\r$ =? a long /ory ab\t 8 gr[+ dep5d5ce
 on o!rs & end$ by m5tion+ a curi\s r$  

discoloration t seems to h brok5 out ov]
 8 face & h&s4 ,m f ! way %e said x ?an 
f :at %e said ,i ga9$ ! impression t    
some?+ 0 go+ on :i* %\ld be look$ into4 
,!n y p]haps ?9k t ,prescott & ,mrs4    
,m>t9 are 9 "s way connect$ 9 ?is case8 
,i haz>d$4  ,i _h sc>cely fram$ ! "q    
be=e he repli$ 9 an emphatic negative4  
,on ! contr>y1 x seems to me t if !y "k 
ea* o!r at all x is ) ho/ility4  ,) !   
exception ( ! fir/ /roke ( bl9dness "h  
he l[]$ 8 voice e>ne/ly practically e   
mis=tune t has ov]tak5 ,mr4 ,haswell has
 be5 s9ce ! adv5t ( ?is new ,dr4 ,scott4
  ,m9d1 ,i d n wi% ev5 to brea! t ,mrs4 
,m>t9 has done any?+ except :at a       
daught] %\ld d4 ,i ?9k %e has %[n h]self
 a model ( =giv5ess & devotion4         
,nev]!less ! turn ( ev5ts "u ! new      
treatm5t has be5 s /range t almo/ x     
makes "o believe t !re might be some?+  
occult ab\t x - or wrong ) ! new doctor4
  ,w\ld x be possible1 d y ?9k1 = u to  
see ,mr4 ,haswell8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 :5 ,dr4 
,burnham _h come to a full /op aft] p\r+

 =? 8 suspicions4  ,i %\ld l to see ?is 
,dr4 ,scott4 ,b fir/ ,i %\ld l to get   
into ! old h\se )\t excit+ ho/ility4  ,!
 doctor 0 ?\ghtful4  ,y'll h to arrange 
t y\rself1 he answ]$4  ,c't y ?9k up a  
s*eme8  ,= in/ance1 g to him ) a        
proposal l ! old s*emes he us$ to       
f9ance4  ,he is v mu* int]e/$ 9         
electrical inv5tions4  ,he made 8 money 
by speculation 9 telegraphs & telephones
 9 ! e>ly days :5 !y 7 m or less dreams4
  ,i %\ld ?9k a wireless sy/em (        
television might at lea/ int]e/ him &   
furni% an excuse = gett+ 91 al?\gh ,i am
 told 8 daught] disc\rages all tangible 
inve/m5t 9 ! s*emes t us$ to int]e/ 8   
active m9d4  ,an excell5t idea1 exclaim$
 ,k5n$y4  ,x is wor? try+ anyway4 ,x is 
/ill e>ly4  ,suppose we ride ov] to     
,brooklyn ) y4  ,y c direct u to ! h\se 
& we'll try to see him4  ,x 0 /ill light
 :5 we m\nt$ ! high /eps ( ! h\se (     
my/]y across ! bridge4  ,mrs4 ,m>t91 :o 
met u 9 ! p>l\r1 prov$ to be a /unn+    
look+ woman ) br[n hair & beautiful d>k 

eyes4  ,z f> z we c\ld see ! old h\se   
pla9ly %[$ ! *ange4  ,! furniture &     
ornam5ts 7 ( a p]iod long pa/1 b ev]y?+ 
0 scrupul\sly neat4  ,hang+ ov] ! old   
m>ble mantel 0 a pa9t+ :i* q evid5tly 0 
t ( ! long s9ce deceas$ ,mrs4 ,haswell1 
! "m ( ,grace4  ,9 spite ( ! hide\s /yle
 ( dress ( ! p]iod aft] ! w>1 %e _h     
evid5tly be5 a v beautiful woman ) l>ge 
masses ( light *e/nut hair & blue eyes  
:i* ! pa9t] _h succe$$ 9 cat*+ ) almo/  
life-lik5ess = a portrait4  ,x took only
 a few m9utes = ,k5n$y1 9 8 mo/ engag+ &
 plausible mann]1 to /ate ! hypo!tical  
reason ( our call4 ,?\gh x 0 p]fectly   
self-evid5t f ! />t t ,mrs4 ,m>t9 w\ld  
?r[ cold wat] on any?+ requir+ an outlay
 ( money ,craig accompli%$ 8 full       
purpose ( secur+ an int]view ) ,mr4     
,haswell4  ,! invalid lay propp$ up 9   
b$1 & z we ent]$ he he>d u & turn$ 8    
sightless eyes 9 our direction almo/ z  
if he saw4  ,k5n$y _h h>dly begun to    
repeat & elaborate ! /ory :i* he _h     
already told reg>d+ 8 my?ical fri5d :o  

_h at la/ a comm]cial wireless televue1 
z he call$ x on ! spur ( ! mom5t1 :5    
,jane1 ! ag$ c>etak]1 ann\nc$ ,dr4      
,scott4  ,! new doctor 0 a y\?fully     
dress$ man1 clean-%av51 b ) an          
undef9able air ( be+ mu* old] ?an 8     
smoo? face l$ "o to suppose4  ,z he _h a
 l>ge practice1 he said1 he w\ld beg our
 p>don = int]rupt+ b w\ld n take long4  
,x ne$$ no great p[]s ( obs]vation to   
see t ! old man plac$ great reliance on 
8 new doctor & t ! visit p>took ( a     
social z well z a pr(essional nature4   
,al?\gh !y talk$ l[ we c\ld cat* n[ & !n
 a ^w or phrase4  ,dr4 ,scott b5t d[n & 
exam9$ ! eyes ( 8 pati5t casually4  ,x 0
 difficult to believe t !y saw no?+1 s  
bright 0 ! blue ( ! iris4  ,p]fect re/ =
 ! pres5t1 ! doctor direct$1 talk+ m to 
,mrs4 ,m>t9 ?an to ! old man4  ,p]fect  
re/1 & !n :5 8 heal? is good1 we %all   
see :at c be done ) t cat>act4  ,he 0   
ab\t to leave1 :5 ! old man rea*$ up &  
re/ra9$ him1 tak+ hold ( ! doctor's wri/
 tightly1 z if to pull him ne>] 9 ord]  

to :isp] to him )\t be+ ov]he>d4  ,k5n$y
 0 sitt+ 9 a *air ne> ! head ( ! b$1 "s 
feet away1 z ! doctor lean$ d[n4        
,haswell1 /ill hold+ 8 wri/1 pull$ him  
clos]4  ,i c\ld n he> :at 0 said1 ?\gh  
someh[ ,i _h an impression t !y 7 talk+ 
ab\t ,prescott1 = x w\ld n h be5 at all 
/range if ! old man _h be5 greatly      
impress$ by ! al*emi/4  ,k5n$y1 ,i      
notic$1 _h pull$ an old envelope f 8    
pocket & 0 app>5tly engag$ 9 jott+ d[n  
"s notes1 glanc+ n[ & !n f 8 writ+ to ! 
doctor & !n to ,mr4 ,haswell4  ,! doctor
 /ood erect 9 a few mom5ts & rubb$ 8    
wri/ ?\ghtfully ) ! o!r h&1 z if x hurt4
  ,at ! same "t he smil$ on ,mrs4 ,m>t94
  ,y\r fa!r has a good deal ( /r5g? yet1
 ,mrs4 ,m>t91 he rem>k$4  ,he has a     
wond]ful con/itution4 ,i feel sure t we 
c pull him out ( ?is & t he has _m1 _m  
ye>s to live4  ,mr4 ,haswell1 :o caught 
! words eag]ly1 bright5$ visibly1 & !   
doctor pass$ out4  ,k5n$y resum$ 8      
description ( ! suppos$ wireless picture
 app>atus :i* 0 to revolutionise !      

newspap]1 ! !atre1 & daily life 9 g5]al4
  ,! old man did n seem en?usia/ic &    
turn$ to 8 daught] ) "s rem>k4  ,j at   
pres5t1 comm5t$ ! daught]1 ) an air (   
f9ality1 ! only ?+ my fa!r is mu*       
int]e/$ 9 is a way 9 :i* to recov] 8    
sight )\t an op]ation4  ,he has j _h a r
 unpleasant exp]i5ce ) "o inv5tor4  ,i  
?9k x w be "s "t be=e he c>es to emb>k 9
 any o!r su* s*emes4  ,k5n$y & ,i excus$
 ourselves ) appropriate rem>ks (       
disappo9tm5t4  ,f 8 preoccupi$ mann] x 0
 impossible = me to guess :e!r ,craig _h
 accompli%$ 8 purpose or n4  ,let u drop
 9 on ,dr4 ,burnham s9ce we are ov] "h1 
he said :5 we _h rea*$ ! /reet4  ,i h "s
 que/ions to ask him4  ,! =m] physician 
( ,mr4 ,haswell liv$ n v f> f ! h\se we 
_h j left4  ,he appe>$ a little surpris$
 to see u s soon1 b v int]e/$ 9 :at _h  
tak5 place4  ,:o is ?is ,dr4 ,scott8    
ask$ ,craig :5 we 7 seat$ 9 ! com=table 
lea!r *airs ( ! old-fa%ion$             
consult+-room4  ,really1 ,i "k no m ab\t
 him ?an y d1 repli$ ,burnham4 ,i ?\ght 

,i detect$ a little ( pr(essional       
jeal\sy 9 8 tone1 ?\gh he w5t on frankly
 en\gh1 ,i h made inquiries & ,i c f9d  
out no?+ except t he is suppos$ to be a 
graduate ( "s ,we/]n m$ical s*ool & came
 to ?is city only a %ort "t ago4  ,he   
has hir$ a small (fice 9 a new build+   
devot$ entirely to doctors & !y tell me 
t he is an eye & e> speciali/1 ?\gh ,i  
_c see t he has any practice4  ,beyond t
 ,i "k no?+ ab\t him4  ,y\r fri5d       
,prescott int]e/s me1 too1 rem>k$       
,k5n$y1 *ang+ ! subject quickly4  ,oh1  
he is no fri5d ( m9e1 return$ ! doctor1 
fumbl+ 9 a draw] ( 8 desk4  ,b ,i ?9k ,i
 h "o ( 8 c>ds "h :i* he gave me :5 we 7
 introduc$ "s "t ago at ,mr4 ,haswell's4
  ,i %\ld ?9k x w\ld be wor? :ile to see
 him4 ,al?\gh he has no use = me because
 ,i h nei!r money nor influ5ce1 /ill y  
might take ?is c>d4  ,tell him y are f !
 univ]sity1 t ,i h int]e/$ y 9 him1 t y 
"k a tru/ee ) money to inve/ - any?+ y l
 t is plausible4 ,:5 are y go+ to see   
him8  ,! fir/ ?+ 9 ! morn+1 repli$      

,k5n$y4  ,aft] ,i h se5 him ,i %all drop
 9 = ano!r *at ) y4  ,w y be "h8  ,!    
doctor promis$1 & we took our dep>ture4 
,prescott's laboratory1 :i* we f\nd !   
next day f ! address on ! c>d1 prov$ to 
be situat$ 9 "o ( ! /reets ne> !        
wat]front "u ! bridge approa*1 :]e !    
factories & w>eh\ses clu/]$ ?ickly4  ,x 
0 ) a great deal ( anticipation ( see+  
some?+ happ5 t we ?read$ our way ?r\gh !
 maze ( /reets ) ! cobweb /ructure ( !  
bridge c>ry+ its endless succession (   
c>s ar*+ high ov] our heads4  ,we _h    
ne>ly rea*$ ! place :5 ,k5n$y paus$ &   
pull$ out two pairs ( glasses1 ^? huge  
r\nd tortoise%ell affairs4  ,y ne$n't   
m9d ^!1 ,walt]1 he expla9$4  ,!y are    
only pla9 glass1 t is1 n gr\nd4  ,y c   
see ?r\gh !m z well z ?r\gh air4  ,we   
mu/ be c>eful n to excite suspicion4    
,p]haps a disguise might h be5 bett]1 b 
,i ?9k ?is w#bj;d4  ,!re !y add at lea/ 
a decade to y\r age4  ,if y c\ld see    
y\rself y w\ldn't speak to y\r          
reflection4  ,y look z s*ol>ly z a      

,*9ese m&>94  ,rememb]1 let me d ! talk+
 & d j z ,i d4  ,we _h n[ ent]$ ! %op1  
/umbl$ up ! d>k /airs1 & pres5t$ ,dr4   
,burnham's c>d ) a ^w ( explanation     
along ! l9es :i* he _h sugge/$4         
,prescott1 surr\nd$ by 8 retorts1       
crucibles1 burettes1 & cond5s]s1 receiv$
 u mu* m graci\sly ?an ,i _h _h any     
reason to anticipate4  ,he 0 a man 9 !  
late =ties1 8 face cov]$ ) a ?ick be>d1 
& 8 eyes1 :i* seem$ a little weak1 7    
help$ out ) glasses almo/ z s*ol>ly z   
ours4  ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t we ?ree    
bespectacl$ figures lack$ only ! fl[+   
robes to be tak5 = a gr\p ( m$ieval     
al*emi/s set d[n a few c5turies out (   
our "t 9 ! murky light ( ,prescott's    
sanctum4  ,yet1 ?\gh he accept$ u at our
 face value1 & began to talk ( 8 /range 
discov]ies !re 0 none ( ! old famili>   
prat+ ab\t matrix & flux1 elixir1       
magi/]ium1 magnum opus1 ! ma/]y & !     
qu9tess5ce1 ^? alt]nate names = !       
philosoph]'s /one :i* ,p>acelsus1 ,simon
 ,=man1 ,j]ome ,c>dan1 & ! o!r m$ieval  

wor?ies indulg$ 94  ,?is exp]i5ce at    
lea/ 0 z up-to-date z ! ,curies1        
,becqu]el1 ,ramsay1 & ! re/4            
,transmutation1 rem>k$ ,prescott1 01 z y
 "k1 f9ally decl>$ to be a sci5tific    
absurdity 9 ! eighte5? c5tury4 ,b ,i may
 say t x is no long] s reg>d$4  ,i d n  
ask y to believe any?+ until y h se52   
all ,i ask is t y ma9ta9 ! same op5 m9d 
:i* ! mo/ progressive sci5ti/s ( to-day 
exhibit 9 reg>d to ! subject4  ,k5n$y _h
 seat$ himself "s di/ance f a curi\s    
piece or r collection ( app>atus ov] :i*
 ,prescott 0 work+4  ,x consi/$ ( num]\s
 coils & tubes4  ,x may seem /range to  
y1 g5tlem51 ,prescott proce$$1 t a man  
:o is able to produce gold f1 say1 copp]
 %\ld be seek+ capital f o!r p4  ,my be/
 answ] to t old objection is t ,i am n  
seek+ capital1 z su*4  ,! situation ) me
 is simply ?is4  ,twice ,i h appli$ to !
 pat5t (fice = a pat5t on my inv5tion4  
,!y n only refuse to grant x1 b !y      
refuse to consid] ! application or ev5  
to give me a *ance to demon/rate my     

process to !m4  ,on ! o!r h&1 suppose ,i
 try ?is ?+ secretly4  ,h[ c ,i prev5t  
any "o f le>n+ my trade secret1 leav+   
me1 & mak+ gold on 8 own acc\nt8  ,m5 w 
des]t z fa/ z ,i educate !m4  ,?9k ( !  
economic result ( t2 x w\ld turn ! _w   
topsy-turvy4  ,i am look+ = "s "o :o c  
be tru/$ to ! la/ limit to jo9 ) me1    
furni% ! influ5ce & /&+ :ile ,i furni% !
 bra9s & ! inv5tion4  ,ei!r we mu/ get !
 gov]nm5t int]e/$ & sell ! inv5tion to  
x1 or we mu/ get gov]nm5t protection &  
special legislation4  ,i am n seek+     
capital2 ,i am seek+ protection4  ,fir/ 
let me %[ y some?+4  ,he turn$ a swit*1 
& a "p ( ! collection ( app>atus began  
to vibrate4  ,y are und\bt$ly acqua9t$ )
 ! mod]n !ories ( matt]1 he began1      
plung+ into ! explanation ( 8 process4  
,/>t+ ) ! atom1 we believe no long] t x 
is indivisible4  ,atoms are compos$ (   
?\s&s ( ions1 z !y are call$1 - really  
little electric *>ges4  ,aga91 y "k t we
 h f\nd t all ! elem5ts fall into gr\ps4
  ,ea* gr\p has c]ta9 relat$ atomic     

weights & prop]ties :i* c be & h be5    
pr$ict$ 9 advance ( ! discov]y ( miss+  
elem5ts 9 ! gr\p4  ,i />t$ ) !          
reasonable assumption t ! atom ( "o     
elem5t 9 a gr\p c\ld be modifi$ s z to  
become ! atom ( ano!r elem5t 9 ! gr\p1 t
 "o gr\p c\ld p]haps be trans=m$ into   
ano!r1 & s on1 if only ,i knew ! =ce t  
w\ld *ange ! numb] or modify !          
vibrations ( ^! ions compos+ ! v>i\s    
atoms4  ,n[ = ye>s ,i h be5 seek+ t =ce 
or comb9ation ( =ces t w\ld enable me to
 produce ?is *ange 9 ! elem5ts  - rais+ 
or l[]+ !m 9 ! scale1 s to speak4  ,i h 
f\nd x4  ,i am n go+ to tell y or any   
o!r man :om y may int]e/ ! secret ( h[ x
 is done until ,i f9d "s "o ,i c tru/ z 
,i tru/ myself4  ,b ,i am none ! less   
will+ t y %\ld see ! results4  ,if !y   
are n conv9c+1 !n no?+ c be4  ,he appe>$
 to be debat+ :e!r to expla9 fur!r1 &   
f9ally resum$3 ,matt] ?us be+ 9 reality 
a manife/ation ( =ce or e!r 9 motion1 x 
is necess>y to *ange & control t =ce &  
motion4  ,?is assemblage ( ma*9es "h is 

= t purpose4 ,n[ a few words z to my    
!ory4  ,he took a p5cil & /ruck a %>p   
bl[ on ! table4  ,!re y h a s+le bl[1 he
 said1 j "o isolat$ noise4  ,n[ if ,i   
/rike ?is tun+ =k y h a vibrat+ note4   
,9 o!r words1 a succession ( bl[s or    
wave vibrations ( a c]ta9 k9d affects ! 
e> & we call x s\nd1 j z a succession ( 
o!r wave vibrations affects ! ret9a & we
 h sight4  ,if a mov+ picture moves sl[]
 ?an a c]ta9 numb] ( pictures a m9ute y 
see ! sep>ate pictures2 fa/] x is "o    
mov+ picture4  ,n[ z we increase !      
rapidity ( wave vibration & decrease !  
wave l5g? we pass f s\nd waves to heat  
waves or :at are kn[n z ! infra-r$      
waves1 ^? :i* lie bel[ ! r$ 9 ! spectrum
 ( light4  ,next we come to light1 :i*  
is compos$ ( ! sev5 col\rs z y "k f see+
 !m resolv$ 9 a prism4  ,aft] t are :at 
are kn[n z ! ultra-violet rays1 :i* lie 
beyond ! violet ( :ite light4  ,we also 
h electric waves1 ! waves ( ! alt]nat+  
curr5t1 & %ort] /ill we f9d ! ,h]tzian  
waves1 :i* are us$ 9 wireless4  ,we h   

only begun to "k ( ,x-rays & ! alpha1   
beta1 & gamma rays f !m1 ( radium1      
radioactivity1 & f9ally ( ?is new =ce   
:i* ,i h discov]$ & call 'protodyne1' ! 
orig9al =ce4  ,9 %ort1 we f9d 9 !       
univ]se ,matt]1 ,=ce1 & ,e!r4  ,matt] is
 simply e!r 9 motion1 is compos$ (      
corpuscles1 electrically *>g$ ions1 or  
electrons1 mov+ units ( negative        
electricity ab\t "o "o-?\s&? "p ( !     
hydrog5 atom4  ,matt] is made up (      
electricity & no?+ b electricity4  ,let 
u see :at t leads to4  ,y are acqua9t$ )
 ,m5deleeff's p]iodic table8  ,he drew  
=? a huge *>t on :i* all ! eighty or s  
elem5ts 7 arrang$ 9 eight gr\ps or      
octaves & twelve s]ies4 ,select+ "o1 he 
plac$ 8 f+] on ! lett]s ,au1 "u :i* 0   
writt5 ! numb]1 #aig4b4  ,i wond]$ :at !
 my/ic lett]s & figures meant4  ,t1 he  
expla9$1 is ! sci5tific "n = ! elem5t   
gold & ! figure is its atomic weight4   
,y w see1 he add$1 po9t+ d[n ! second   
v]tical column on ! *>t1 t gold belongs 
to ! hydrog5 gr\p - hydrog51 li?ium1    

sodium1 potassium1 copp]1 rubidium1     
silv]1 caesium1 !n two blank spaces =   
elem5ts yet to be discov]$ to sci5ce1 !n
 gold1 & f9ally ano!r unkn[n elem5t4    
,runn+ 8 f+] along ! elev5?1 horizontal 
s]ies1 he cont9u$3 ,! gold s]ies - n !  
gr\p - reads gold1 m]cury1 ?allium1     
lead1 bismu?1 & o!r elem5ts kn[n only to
 myself4 ,= ! kn[n elem5ts1 h[ev]1 ^!   
gr\ps & s]ies are n[ p]fectly recognis$ 
by all sci5ti/s2 !y are det]m9$ by !    
fix$ weight ( ! atom1 & !re is a close  
approximation to regul>ity4  ,?is twelf?
 s]ies is int]e/+4  ,s f> only radium1  
?orium1 & uranium are g5]ally kn[n4  ,we
 "k t ! radioactive elem5ts are         
con/antly break+ d[n1 & "o (t5 he>s     
uranium1 = in/ance1 call$ ! 'p>5t' (    
radium4  ,radium also gives (f an       
emanation1 & among its products is      
helium1 q ano!r elem5t4  ,?us !         
transmutation ( matt] is well kn[n )9   
c]ta9 b\nds to all sci5ti/s to-day l    
y\rself1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y4  ,x has ev5  
be5 rum\r$ b nev] prov$ t copp] has be5 

trans=m$ into li?ium - bo? memb]s ( !   
hydrog5-gold gr\p1 y w obs]ve4  ,copp]  
to li?ium is go+ backw>d1 s to speak4   
,x has rema9$ = me to devise ?is        
protodyne app>atus by :i* ,i c rev]se t 
process ( decay & g =w>d 9 ! table1 s to
 put x - c *ange li?ium into copp] &    
copp] into gold4  ,i c create & de/roy  
matt] by protodyne4  ,he _h be5 f+]+ a  
swit* z he spoke4  ,n[ he turn$ x on    
triumphantly4  ,a curi\s snapp+ &       
crackl+ noise foll[$1 becom+ m rapid1 & 
z x m\nt$ 9 int5sity ,i c\ld smell a    
pung5t od\r ( ozone :i* told ( an       
electric dis*>ge4  ,on w5t ! ma*9e until
 we c\ld feel heat radiat+ f x4  ,!n    
came a pi]c+ bur/ ( gre5i%-blue light f 
a long tube :i* look$ l a curi\s m]cury 
vap\r lamp4  ,aft] a few m9utes ( ?is   
,prescott took a small crucible ( black 
lead4  ,n[ we are ready to try x1 he    
cri$ 9 great excitem5t4 ,"h ,i h a      
crucible conta9+ "s copp]4  ,any        
sub/ance 9 ! gr\p w\ld d1 ev5 hydrog5 if
 !re 0 any way ,i c\ld h&le ! gas4  ,i  

place x 9 ! ma*9e - s4  ,n[ if y c\ld   
wat* inside y w\ld see x *ange2 x is n[ 
rubidium1 n[ silv]1 n[ caesium4  ,n[ x  
is a hi!rto unkn[n elem5t :i* ,i h nam$ 
aft] myself1 presium1 n[ a second unkn[n
 elem5t1 cottium  - ah6 - !re we h gold4
  ,he drew =? ! crucible1 & !re gl[$ 9 x
 a little bead or globule ( molt5 gold4 
,i c\ld h tak5 lead or m]cury & by v>y+ 
! process done ! same ?+ ) ! gold s]ies 
z well z ! gold gr\p1 he said1 reg>d+ ! 
globule ) obvi\s pride4  ,& ,i c put ?is
 gold back & br+ x out copp] or hydrog51
 or bett] yet1 c advance x in/ead (     
cause x to decay1 & c get a radioactive 
elem5t :i* ,i h nam$ morganium - aft] my
 fir/ "n1 ,morgan ,prescott4  ,morganium
 is a radioactive elem5t next 9 ! s]ies 
to radium & mu* m active4  ,come clos] &
 exam9e ! gold4  ,k5n$y %ook 8 head z if
 p]fectly satisfi$ to accept ! result4  
,z = me ,i knew n :at to ?9k4  ,x 0 all 
s plausible & !re 0 ! bead ( gold1 too1 
t ,i turn$ to ,craig = enlight5m5t4  ,0 
he conv9c$8  ,8 face 0 inscrutable4  ,b 

z ,i look$ ,i c\ld see t ,k5n$y _h be5  
hold+ conceal$ 9 ! palm ( 8 h& a bit (  
:at might be a m9]al4  ,f my position ,i
 c\ld see ! bit ( m9]al gl[+1 b         
,prescott c\ld n4  ,might ,i ask1       
int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 :at t curi\s gre5i% or
 blui% light f ! tube is compos$ (8     
,prescott ey$ him ke5ly = an in/ant     
?r\gh 8 ?ick glasses4 ,craig _h %ift$ 8 
gaze f ! bit ( m9]al 9 8 own h&1 b 0 n  
look+ at ! light4  ,he seem$ to be      
indiff]5tly contemplat+ ,prescott's h& z
 x re/$ on ! swit*4  ,t1 sir1 repli$    
,prescott sl[ly1 is an emanation due to 
?is new =ce1 protodyne1 :i* ,i use4  ,x 
is a manife/ation ( en]gy1 sir1 t may   
run *anges n only ?r\gh ! :ole gamut ( !
 elem5ts1 b is capable ( trans=m+ ! e!r 
itself into matt]1 matt] into life1 &   
life into m9d4  ,x is ! outw>d sign ( ! 
unity ( nature1 ! -   ,! means by :i* y 
secure ! curi\s telepagrams ,i h he>d (8
 inquir$ ,k5n$y eag]ly4  ,prescott look$
 at him %>ply1 & = a mom5t ,i ?\ght 8   
face seem$ to *ange f a livid :ite to an

 apoplectic r$1 al?\gh x may h be5 only 
! play ( ! weird light4  ,:5 he spoke x 
0 ) no %[ ( ev5 suppress$ surprise4     
,yes1 he answ]$ calmly4  ,i see t y h   
he>d some?+ ( !m4  ,i _h a curi\s case a
 few days ago4  ,i _h hop$ to int]e/ a  
c]ta9 capitali/ ( high /&+ 9 ?is city4  
,i _h %[$ him j :at ,i h %[$ y1 & ,i ?9k
 he 0 impress$ by x4 ,!n ,i ?\ght to    
cl9* ! matt] by a telepagram1 b = "s    
reason or o!r ,i fail$ to consult ! =ces
 ,i control z to ! wisdom ( do+ s4  ,_h 
,i1 ,i %\ld h kn[n bett]4  ,b ,i w5t    
ahead 9 self-confid5ce & en?usiasm4  ,i 
told him ( a long bani%$ daught] ) :om1 
9 8 he>t1 he 0 really wi%+ to become    
reconcil$ b 0 too pr\d to say ! ^w4  ,he
 res5t$ x4 ,he />t$ to /amp out ( ?is   
room1 b n be=e ,i _h ano!r telepagram   
:i* told ( - a mis=tune t 0 soon to     
ov]take ! old man himself4  ,if he _h   
giv5 me a *ance ,i might h sav$ him1 at 
lea/ h fla%$ a telepagram to t daught]  
myself1 b he gave me no *ance4  ,he 0   
gone4  ,i d n "k precisely :at happ5$   

aft] t1 b 9 "s way ?is man f\nd 8       
daught]1 & to-day %e is liv+ ) him4  ,z 
= my hopes ( gett+ assi/ance f him1 ,i  
lo/ !m f ! mom5t :5 ,i made my initial  
mi/ake ( tell+ him some?+ di/a/eful4  ,!
 daught] hates me & ,i hate h]4  ,i h   
le>n$ t %e nev] ceases advis+ ! old man 
aga9/ all s*emes = inve/m5t except ^?   
be>+ mod]ate int]e/ & readily realis$   
on4  ,dr4 ,burnham - ,i see y "k him -  
has be5 sup]s$$ by ano!r doctor1 ,i     
believe4  ,well1 well1 ,i am ?r\gh ) t  
incid5t4  ,i mu/ get assi/ance f o!r    
s\rces4  ,! old man1 ,i ?9k1 w\ld h     
trick$ me out ( ! fruits ( my discov]y  
anyh[4  ,p]haps ,i am =tunate4  ,:o     
kn[s8  ,a knock at ! door cut him %ort4 
,prescott op5$ x1 & a mess5g] boy /ood  
!re4  ,is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y "h8 he       
inquir$4  ,craig motion$ to ! boy1 sign$
 = ! message1 & tore x op54 ,x is f ,dr4
 ,burnham1 he exclaim$1 h&+ ! message to
 me4  ,mr4 ,haswell is dead1 ,i read4   
,looks to me l asphyxiation by gas or "s
 o!r poison4  ,come imm$iately to 8     

h\se4  ,burnham4  ,y w p>don me1 broke 9
 ,craig to ,prescott1 :o 0 reg>d+ u )\t 
! slighte/ trace ( emotion1 b ,mr4      
,haswell1 ! old man to :om ,i "k y      
ref]r$1 is dead1 & ,dr4 ,burnham wi%es  
to see me imm$iately4  ,x 0 only ye/]day
 t ,i saw ,mr4 ,haswell & he seem$ 9    
pretty good heal? & spirits4  ,prescott1
 ?\gh !re 0 no love lo/ betwe5 y & ! old
 man1 ,i w\ld e/eem x a great fav\r if y
 w\ld accompany me to ! h\se4  ,y ne$ n 
take any responsibility unless y desire4
  ,8 words 7 c\rte\s en\gh1 b ,craig    
spoke 9 a tone ( quiet au?ority :i*     
,prescott f\nd x impossible to d5y4     
,k5n$y _h already />t$ to telephone to 8
 own laboratory1 describ+ a c]ta9       
suitcase to "o ( 8 /ud5ts & giv+ 8      
directions4 ,x 0 only a mom5t lat] t we 
7 pant+ up ! slop+ /reet t l$ f ! riv]  
front4  ,9 ! excitem5t ,i sc>cely notic$
 :]e we 7 go+ until we hurri$ up ! /eps 
to ! ,haswell h\se4  ,! ag$ c>etak] met 
u at ! door4  ,%e 0 9 te>s4  ,up/airs 9 
! front room :]e we _h fir/ met ! old   

man we f\nd ,dr4 ,burnham work+         
frantically ov] him4  ,x took only a    
m9ute to le>n :at _h happ5$4  ,! fai?ful
 ,jane _h notic$ an od\r ( gas 9 ! hall1
 _h trac$ x to ,mr4 ,haswell's room1 _h 
f\nd him unconsci\s1 & in/9ctively1     
=gett+ ! new ,dr4 ,scott1 _h ru%$ =? =  
,dr4 ,burnham4  ,ne> ! b$ /ood ,grace   
,m>t91 pale b anxi\sly wat*+ ! ef=ts ( !
 doctor to resuscitate ! blue-fac$ man  
:o 0 /ret*$ cold & motionless on ! b$4  
,dr4 ,burnham paus$ 9 8 ef=ts z we      
ent]$4  ,he is dead1 all "r1 he :isp]$1 
aside4  ,i h tri$ ev]y?+ ,i "k to br+   
him back1 b he is beyond help4  ,!re 0  
/ill a sick5+ od\r ( illum9at+ gas 9 !  
room1 al?\gh ! w9d[s 7 n[ all op54      
,k5n$y1 ) provok+ calmness 9 !          
excitem5t1 turn$ f & ignor$ ,dr4        
,burnham4   ,h y summon$ ,dr4 ,scott8 he
 ask$ ,mrs4 ,m>t94  ,no1 %e repli$1     
surpris$4  ,%\ld ,i h done s8  ,yes4    
,s5d ,james imm$iately4  ,mr4 ,prescott1
 w y k9dly be seat$ = a few mom5ts4     
,tak+ (f 8 coat1 ,k5n$y advanc$ to ! b$ 

:]e ! emaciat$ figure lay1 cold &       
motionless4  ,craig knelt d[n at ,mr4   
,haswell's head & took ! in]t arms1     
rais+ !m up until !y 7 ext5d$ /raight4  
,!n he br\ght !m d[n1 fold$ upw>d at !  
elb[ at ! side4  ,aga9 & aga9 he tri$   
?is ,sylve/] me?od ( induc+ respiration1
 b ) no m result ?an ,dr4 ,burnham _h   
secur$4  ,he turn$ ! body ov] on its    
face & tri$ ! new ,s*aef] me?od4  ,!re  
seem$ to be n a sp>k ( life left4  ,dr4 
,scott is out1 report$ ! maid           
brea?lessly1 b !y are try+ to locate him
 f 8 (fice1 & if !y d !y w s5d him ar\nd
 imm$iately4  ,a r+ at ! doorbell caus$ 
u to ?9k t he _h be5 f\nd1 b x prov$ to 
be ! /ud5t to :om ,k5n$y _h telephon$ at
 8 own laboratory4  ,he 0 c>ry+ a heavy 
suitcase & a small tank4  ,k5n$y op5$ ! 
suitcase ha/ily & disclos$ a little     
motor1 "s long tubes ( rubb] fitt+ into 
a small rubb] cap1 =ceps1 & o!r         
p>aph]nalia4  ,! /ud5t quickly atta*$ "o
 tube to ! little tank1 :ile ,k5n$y     
grasp$ ! tongue ( ! dead man ) ! =ceps1 

pull$ x up (f ! s(t palate1 & fitt$ !   
rubb] cap snugly ov] 8 m\? & nose4  ,?is
 is ! ,draeg] pulmotor1 he expla9$ z he 
work$1 devis$ to resuscitate p]sons :o h
 di$ ( electric %ock1 b actually f\nd to
 be ( m value 9 cases ( asphyxiation4   
,/>t ! motor4  ,! pulmotor began to     
pump4  ,"o c\ld see ! dead man's *e/    
rise z x 0 inflat$ ) oxyg5 =c$ by !     
accordion bell[s f ! tank ?r\gh "o ( !  
tubes into ! lungs4  ,!n x fell z !     
oxyg5 & ! poison\s gas 7 sl[ly suck$ out
 ?r\gh ! o!r tube4  ,aga9 & aga9 !      
process 0 repeat$1 ab\t t5 times a      
m9ute4  ,dr4 ,burnham look$ on 9        
undisguis$ amazem5t4  ,he _h long s9ce  
giv5 up all hope4  ,! man 0 dead1       
m$ically dead1 z dead z ev] 0 any gas   
victim at ?is /age on :om all ! usual   
me?ods ( resuscitation _h be5 tri$ & _h 
fail$4  ,/ill1 m9ute aft] m9ute1 ,k5n$y 
work$ fai?fully on1 try+ to discov] "s  
sp>k ( life & to fan x into flame4  ,at 
la/1 aft] :at seem$ to be a half-h\r (  
unremitt+ ef=t1 :5 ! oxyg5 _h long s9ce 

be5 exhau/$ & only fre% air 0 be+ pump$ 
into ! lungs & out ( !m1 !re 0 a fir/   
fa9t glimm] ( life 9 ! he>t & a t\* (   
col\r 9 ! *eeks4 ,haswell 0 com+ to4    
,ano!r half-h\r f\nd him mutt]+ & rambl+
 weakly4  ,! lett] - ! lett]1 he moan$1 
roll+ 8 glaz$ eyes ab\t4 ,:]e is !      
lett]8  ,s5d = ,grace4  ,! moan 0 s     
audible t x 0 />tl+4  ,x 0 l a voice f !
 grave4  ,:at did x all mean8  ,mrs4    
,m>t9 0 at 8 side 9 a mom5t4  ,fa!r1    
fa!r1 - "h ,i am - ,grace4  ,:at d y    
want8  ,! old man mov$ re/lessly1       
fev]i%ly1 & press$ 8 trembl+ h& to 8    
=ehead z if try+ to collect 8 ?\ghts4   
,he 0 weak1 b x 0 evid5t t he _h be5    
sav$4  ,! pulmotor _h be5 /opp$4  ,craig
 ?rew ! cap to 8 /ud5t to be pack$ up1 &
 z he did s he rem>k$ quietly1 ,i c\ld  
wi% t ,dr4 ,scott _h be5 f\nd4  ,!re are
 "s matt]s "h t might int]e/ him4  ,he  
paus$ & look$ sl[ly f ! rescu$ man ly+  
daz$ on ! b$ t[>d ,mrs4 ,m>t94  ,x 0 q  
app>5t ev5 to me t %e did n %>e ! desire
 to see ,dr4 ,scott1 at lea/ n j !n4 ,%e

 0 flu%$ & trembl+ ) emotion4  ,cross+ !
 room hurri$ly %e flung op5 ! door into 
! hall4  ,i am sure1 %e cri$1 controll+ 
h]self ) difficulty & cat*+ at a /raw1 z
 x 71 t y g5tlem51 ev5 if y h sav$ my   
fa!r1 are no fri5ds ( ei!r 8 or m9e4  ,y
 h m]ely come "h 9 response to ,dr4     
,burnham1 & he came because ,jane lo/ h]
 head 9 ! excitem5t & =got t ,dr4 ,scott
 is n[ our physician4  ,b ,dr4 ,scott   
c\ld n h be5 f\nd 9 "t1 madame1 int]pos$
 ,dr4 ,burnham ) evid5t triumph4  ,%e   
ignor$ ! rem>k & cont9u$ to hold ! door 
op54  ,n[ leave u1 %e implor$1 y1 ,dr4  
,burnham1 y1 ,mr4 ,prescott1 y1         
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 & y\r fri5d ,mr4      
,jameson1 :oev] y may be4  ,%e 0 n[ cold
 & calm4  ,9 ! bewild]+ *ange ( ev5ts we
 _h =gott5 ! wan figure on ! b$ /ill    
gasp+ = ! brea? ( life4  ,i c\ld n help 
wond]+ at ! woman's app>5t lack (       
gratitude1 & a ?\ght fla%$ ov] my m9d4  
,_h ! affair come to a conte/ betwe5    
v>i\s p>ties fight+ by fair means or f\l
 = ! old man's money - ,scott & ,mrs4   

,m>t9 p]haps -#bj aga9/ ,prescott & ,dr4
 ,burnham8  ,no "o mov$4  ,we seem$ to  
be wait+ on ,k5n$y4  ,prescott & ,mrs4  
,m>t9 7 n[ gl>+ at ea* o!r implacably4  
,! old man mov$ re/lessly on ! b$1 & ov]
 my %\ld] ,i c\ld he> him gasp fa9tly1  
,:]e's ,grace8  ,s5d = ,grace4  ,mrs4   
,m>t9 paid no att5tion1 seem$ n to he>1 
b /ood fac+ u imp]i\sly z if wait+ = u  
to obey h] ord]s & leave ! h\se4        
,burnham mov$ t[>d ! door1 b ,prescott  
/ood 8 gr\nd ) a peculi> air ( defiance4
  ,!n he took my arm & />t$ r           
precipitately1 ,i ?\ght1 to leave4      
,come1 come1 said somebody beh9d u1     
en\gh ( ! dramatics4  ,x 0 ,k5n$y1 :o _h
 be5 b5d+ d[n1 li/5+ to ! mutt]+ ( ! old
 man4  ,look at ^? eyes ( ,mr4 ,haswell1
 he said4  ,:at col\r are !y8  ,we      
look$4  ,!y 7 blue4  ,d[n 9 ! p>l\r1    
cont9u$ ,k5n$y leisurely1 y w f9d a     
portrait ( ! long deceas$ ,mrs4         
,haswell4  ,if y w exam9e t pa9t+ y w   
see t h] eyes are also a peculi>ly      
limpid blue4  o c\ple ) blue eyes ev] _h

 a black-ey$ *ild4 ,at lea/1 if ?is is  
su* a case1 ! ,c>negie ,in/itution      
inve/igators w\ld be glad to he> ( x1 = 
x is contr>y to all t !y h discov]$ on !
 subject aft] ye>s ( /udy ( eug5ics4    
,d>k-ey$ c\ples may h light-ey$ *ildr51 
b ! rev]se1 nev]4  ,:at d y say to t1   
madame8  ,y lie1 scream$ ! woman1 ru%+  
frantically pa/ u4  ,i am 8 daught]4    
,no int]lop]s %all sep>ate u4  ,fa!r6   
,! old man mov$ feebly away f h]4  ,s5d 
= ,dr4 ,scott aga91 %e dem&$4  ,see if  
he _c be f\nd4  ,he mu/ be f\nd4  ,y are
 all enemies1 villa9s4  ,%e address$    
,k5n$y1 b includ$ ! :ole room 9 h]      
d5unciation4  ,n all1 broke 9 ,k5n$y    
remorselessly4  ,yes1 madame1 s5d = ,dr4
 ,scott4  ,:y is he n "h8  ,prescott1 ) 
"o h& on my arm & ! o!r on ,dr4         
,burnham's1 0 mov+ t[>d ! door4  ,"o    
mom5t1 ,prescott1 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1     
deta9+ him ) a look4  ,!re 0 some?+ ,i 0
 ab\t to say :5 ,dr4 ,burnham's urg5t   
message prev5t$ x4  ,i did n take !     
tr\ble ev5 to f9d out h[ y obta9$ t     

little globule ( molt5 gold f ! crucible
 ( alleg$ copp]4  ,!re are s _m tricks  
by :i* ! gold c\ld h be5 'salt$' &      
br\ght =? at ! "r mom5t t x 0 h>dly wor?
 :ile4  ,besides1 ,i _h satisfi$ myself 
t my fir/ suspicions 7 correct4  ,see t8
  ,he held out ! little piece ( m9]al ,i
 _h already se5 9 8 h& 9 ! al*emi/'s    
laboratory4  ,t is a piece ( willemite4 
,x has ! prop]ty ( gl[+ or fluoresc+ "u 
a c]ta9 k9d ( rays :i* are !mselves     
invisible to ! human eye4  ,prescott1   
y\r /ory ( ! transmutation ( elem5ts is 
v clev]1 b n m clev] ?an y\r real /ory4 
,let u piece x toge!r4  ,i _h already   
he>d f ,dr4 ,burnham h[ ,mr4 ,haswell 0 
induc$ by 8 desire = ga9 to visit y & h[
 y _h mo/ my/]i\sly pr$ict$ 8 bl9dness4 
,n[1 !re is no su* ?+ z telepa?y1 at    
lea/ 9 ?is case4  ,h[ !n 0 ,i to expla9 
x8  ,:at c\ld cause su* a cata/rophe    
naturally8  ,:y1 only ^? rays invisible 
to ! human eye1 b :i* make ?is piece (  
willemite gl[ - ! ultra-violet rays4    
,k5n$y 0 speak+ rapidly & 0 c>eful n to 

pause long en\gh to give ,prescott an   
opportunity to int]rupt him4  ,^!       
ultra-violet rays1 he cont9u$1 are      
always pres5t 9 an electric arc light   
?\gh n to a great degree unless ! c>bons
 h metal cores4  ,!y ext5d = two octaves
 above ! violet ( ! spectrum & are too  
%ort to affect ! eye z light1 al?\gh !y 
affect photographic plates4  ,!y are !  
fri5d ( man :5 he uses !m 9 mod]ation z 
,f9s5 did 9 ! fam\s blue light treatm5t4
  ,b !y tol]ate no famili>ity4  ,to let 
!m -#bj p>ticul>ly ! %ort] ( ! rays -   
ent] ! eye is to invite tr\ble4  ,!re is
 no w>n+ s5se ( discom=t1 b f six to    
eighte5 h\rs aft] exposure to !m !      
victim exp]i5ces viol5t pa9s 9 ! eyes & 
heada*e4  ,sight may be s]i\sly impair$1
 & x may take ye>s to recov]4  ,(t5     
prolong$ exposure results 9 bl9dness1   
?\gh a mod]ate exposure acts l a tonic4 
,! rays may be comp>$ 9 ?is d\ble effect
 to drugs1 su* z /ry*n9e4  ,too mu* ( !m
 may be de/ructive ev5 to life itself4  
,prescott _h n[ paus$ & 0 reg>d+ ,k5n$y 

contemptu\sly4 ,k5n$y paid no att5tion1 
b cont9u$3 ,p]haps ^! my/]i\s rays may  
%$ "s light on our m9ds1 h[ev]4  ,n[1 = 
"o ?+1 ultra-violet light passes readily
 ?r\gh qu>tz1 b is cut (f by ord9>y     
glass1 especially if x is coat$ )       
*romium4  ,old ,mr4 ,haswell did n we>  
glasses4  ,!re=e he 0 subject to ! rays 
- ! m s z he is a blond1 & ,i ?9k x has 
be5 demon/rat$ by inve/igators t blonds 
are m affect$ by !m ?an are brunettes4  
,y h1 z a "p ( y\r ma*9e1 a peculi>ly   
%ap$ qu>tz m]cury vap\r lamp1 & ! m]cury
 vap\r lamp ( a design su* z t ,i saw   
has be5 inv5t$ = ! especial purpose (   
produc+ ultra-violet rays 9 l>ge        
quantity4  ,!re are also 9 y\r ma*9e    
induction coils = ! purpose ( mak+ an   
impressive noise1 & a small electric    
furnace to heat ! salt$ gold4  ,i don't 
"k :at o!r +5i\s fakes y h add$4  ,!    
visible blui% light f ! tube is design$1
 ,i suppose1 to hoodw9k ! cr$ul\s1 b !  
dang]\s ?+ ab\t x is ! invisible ray t  
accompanies t light4  ,mr4 ,haswell sat 

"u ^? invisible rays1 ,prescott1 nev]   
kn[+ h[ deadly !y might be to him1 an   
old man4  ,y knew t !y w\ld n take      
effect = h\rs1 & h5ce y v5tur$ !        
pr$iction t he w\ld be /rick5 at ab\t   
midnight4 ,ev5 if x 0 p>tial or         
tempor>y1 /ill y w\ld be safe 9 y\r     
prophecy4  ,y succe$$ bett] ?an y hop$ 9
 t "p ( y\r s*eme4  ,y _h already prep>$
 ! way by means ( a lett] s5t to ,mr4   
,haswell ?r\gh ,dr4 ,burnham4  ,b ,mr4  
,haswell's cr$ulity & fe> work$ ! wrong 
way4  ,in/ead ( appeal+ to y he hat$ y4 
,9 8 pr$icam5t he ?\ght only ( 8 bani%$ 
daught] & turn$ in/9ctively to h] =     
help4  ,t made necess>y a quick *ange ( 
plans4  ,prescott1 f> f los+ 8 n]ve1    
turn$ on u bitt]ly4  ,i knew y two 7    
spies ! mom5t ,i saw y1 he %\t$4  ,x    
seem$ z if 9 "s way ,i knew y = :at y 71
 z if ,i knew y _h se5 ,mr4 ,haswell    
be=e y came to me4  ,y1 too1 w\ld h     
robb$ an inv5tor z ,i am sure he w\ld4  
,b h a c>e1 bo? ( y4 ,y may be puni%$   
also by bl9dness = y\r duplicity4  ,:o  

kn[s8  ,a %udd] pass$ ov] me at !       
horrible ?\ght conta9$ 9 8 mock+ laugh4 
,7 we doom$ to bl9dness1 too8  ,i look$ 
at ! sightless man on ! b$ 9 al>m4  ,i  
knew t y w\ld "k u1 retort$ ,k5n$y      
calmly4  ,!re=e we came provid$ )       
spectacles ( ,euphos glass1 precisely l 
^? y we>4  ,no1 ,prescott1 we are safe1 
?\gh p]haps we may h "s burns l ^? r$   
blot*es on ,mr4 ,haswell1 light burns4  
,prescott _h fall5 back a /ep & ,mrs4   
,m>t9 0 mak+ an ef=t to appe> /ately &  
end ! int]view4  ,no1 cont9u$ ,craig1   
sudd5ly :eel+1 & />tl+ u by ! abruptness
 ( 8 next exposure1 x is y & y\r wife "h
 - ,mrs4 ,prescott1 n ,mrs4 ,m>t9 - :o  
mu/ h a c>e4  ,/op gl>+ at ea* o!r4  ,x 
is no use play+ at enemies long] & try+ 
to get rid ( u4  ,y ov]do x4  ,! game is
 up4  ,prescott made a ru% at ,k5n$y1 :o
 seiz$ him by ! wri/ & held him tightly 
9 a grasp ( /eel t caus$ ! ve9s on !    
back ( 8 h&s to /& out l :ipcords4  ,?is
 is a deep-laid plot1 he w5t on calmly1 
/ill hold+ ,prescott1 :ile ,i back$ up  

aga9/ ! door & cut (f 8 wife2 b x is n s
 difficult to see x aft] all4  ,y\r "p 0
 to de/roy ! eyesight ( ! old man1 to   
make x necess>y = him to call on 8      
daught]4  ,y\r wife's "p 0 to play !    
role ( ,mrs4 ,m>t91 :om he _h n se5 =   
ye>s & c\ld n see n[4 ,%e 0 to p]suade  
him1 ) h] filial affection1 to make h] !
 b5efici>y ( 8 w1 to see t 8 money 0    
kept readily conv]tible into ca%4  ,!n1 
:5 ! old man 0 at la/ out ( ! way1 y two
 c\ld decamp ) :at y c\ld realise be=e !
 real daught]1 cut (f some:]e across !  
cont95t1 c\ld he> ( ! dea? ( h] fa!r4   
,x 0 an excell5t s*eme4  ,b ,haswell's  
pla91 mat]ial newspap] adv]tisem5t 0 n s
 effective = y\r purposes1 ,prescott1 z 
! m arti/ic 'telepagram1' z y call x4   
,al?\gh y two got 9 fir/ 9 answ]+ !     
adv]tisem5t1 x f9ally rea*$ ! "r p]son  
aft] all4  ,y didn't get away quickly   
en\gh4  ,y 7 n expect+ t ! real daught] 
w\ld see x & turn up s soon4  ,b %e has4
  ,%e lives 9 ,cali=nia4  ,mr4 ,haswell 
9 8 delirium has j told ( receiv+ a     

telegram :i* ,i suppose y1 ,mrs4        
,prescott1 read1 de/roy$1 & act$ ^u4  ,x
 hurri$ y\r plans1 b y 7 equal to !     
em]g5cy4  ,besides1 possession is n9e   
po9ts 9 ! law4  ,y tri$ ! gas1 mak+ x   
look l a suicide4  ,jane1 9 h]          
excitem5t1 spoil$ t1 & ,dr4 ,burnham1   
kn[+ :]e ,i 01 z x happ5$1 0 able to    
summon me imm$iately4  ,circum/ances h  
be5 aga9/ y f ! fir/1 ,prescott4  ,craig
 0 sl[ly twi/+ up ! h& ( ! inv5tor1 :i* 
he /ill held4  ,) 8 o!r h& he pull$ a   
pap] f 8 pocket4 ,x 0 ! old envelope on 
:i* he _h writt5 ^u ! occasion ( our    
fir/ visit to ,mr4 ,haswell :5 we _h be5
 s unc]emoni\sly int]rupt$ by ! visit ( 
,dr4 ,scott4  ,i sat "h ye/]day by ?is  
b$1 cont9u$ ,craig1 motion+ t[>d ! *air 
he _h occupi$1 z ,i rememb]$4  ,mr4     
,haswell 0 tell+ ,dr4 ,scott some?+ 9 an
 und]tone4  ,i c\ld n he> x4 ,b ! old   
man grasp$ ! doctor by ! wri/ to pull   
him clos] to :isp] to him4  ,! doctor's 
h& 0 t[>d me & ,i notic$ ! peculi> m>k+s
 ( ! ve9s4  ,y p]haps are n acqua9t$ ) !

 fact1 b ! m>k+s ( ! ve9s 9 ! back ( !  
h& are peculi> to ea* individual  - z   
infallible1 inde/ructible1 &            
ineffaceable z f+] pr9ts or ! %ape ( !  
e>4  ,x is a sy/em inv5t$ & develop$ by 
,pr(essor ,tamassia ( ! ,univ]sity (    
,padua1 ,italy4  ,a sup]ficial obs]v]   
w\ld say t all ve9 patt]ns 7 ess5tially 
simil>1 & _m h said s1 b ,tamassia has  
f\nd ea* to be *>act]i/ic & all subject 
to almo/ incr$ible div]sities4 ,!re are 
six g5]al classes 9 ?is case be=e u1 two
 l>ge ve9s cross$ by a few second>y ve9s
 =m+ a ,v ) its base ne> ! wri/4        
,already my suspicions _h be5 ar\s$4  ,i
 sket*$ ! arrangem5t ( ! ve9s /&+ out on
 t h&4  ,i not$ ! same ?+ j n[ on ! h& t
 manipulat$ ! fake app>atus 9 !         
laboratory4  ,despite ! diff]5ce 9      
make-up ,scott & ,prescott are ! same4  
,! invisible rays ( ! ultra-violet light
 may h bl9d$ ,mr4 ,haswell1 ev5 to !    
recognition ( 8 own daught]1 b y c re/  
assur$1 ,prescott1 t ! v clev]ness ( y\r
 s*eme w p5etrate ! eyes ( ! bl9dfold$  

goddess ( ju/ice4  ,burnham1 if y w h ! 
k9dness to summon ! police1 ,i w take   
all ! responsibility = ! arre/ ( ^! p4  
,,xii  ,,! ,,campaign ,,graft]   ,:at a 
relief x w be :5 ?is election is ov] & !
 newspap]s pr9t news aga91 ,i gr[l$ z ,i
 turn$ ! fir/ page ( ! ,/> ) a m]e      
glance at ! headl9es4  ,yes1 obs]v$     
,k5n$y1 :o 0 puzzl+ ov] a note :i* he _h
 receiv$ 9 ! morn+ mail4  ,?is is !     
bitt]e/ campaign 9 ye>s4  ,n[1 d y      
suppose t !y are aft] me 9 a pr(essional
 way or are !y try+ to r\nd me up z an  
indep5d5t vot]8  ,! lett] :i* _h call$  
=? ?is rem>k 0 head$1 ,! ,travis        
,campaign ,committee ( ! ,re=m ,league1 
&1 z ,k5n$y evid5tly int5d$ me to pass  
an op9ion on x1 ,i pick$ x up4 ,x 0 only
 a few l9es1 reque/+ him to call dur+ ! 
morn+1 if conv5i5t1 on ,wesley ,travis1 
! c&idate = gov]nor & ! treasur] ( 8    
campaign committee1 ,dean ,b5nett4  ,x  
_h evid5tly be5 writt5 9 great ha/e 9   
longh& ! night be=e4  ,pr(essional1 ,i  
haz>d$4  ,!re mu/ be "s sc&al 9 !       

campaign = :i* !y require y\r s]vices4  
,i suppose s1 agre$ ,craig4  ,well1 if x
 is bus9ess in/ead ( politics x has at  
lea/ ?is m]it x is curr5t bus9ess4  ,i  
suppose y h no objection to go+ ) me8   
,?us x came ab\t t n v mu* lat] 9 !     
morn+ we f\nd ourselves at ! campaign   
headqu>t]s1 9 ! pres5ce ( two n]v\s &   
high-key$ g5tlem5 9 frock coats & silk  
hats4  ,x w\ld h tak5 no great a/ut5ess1
 ev5 )\t see+ ! surr\nd+s1 to d$uce     
in/antly t !y 7 engag$ 9 ! annual       
/ruggle ( seek+ ! votes ( _!            
fell[-citiz5s = some?+ or o!r1 & 7 ne>ly
 worn out by ! ardu\s nature ( t        
process4  ,_! headqu>t]s 7 9 a t[] ( a  
skyscrap]1 :5ce p\r$ =? a torr5t (      
appeal to ! moral s5se ( ! electorate1  
bo? 9 pr9t$ & oral =m4  ,yet !re 0 a    
diff]5t tone to ! place f t :i* ,i _h   
ord9>ily associat$ ) political          
headqu>t]s 9 previ\s campaigns4  ,!re 0 
an abs5ce ( ! old-fa%ion$ politicians & 
( ! air ( intrigue lad5 ) tobacco4  ,r1 
!re 0 an air ( e>ne/ness & effici5cy :i*

 0 decid$ly prepossess+4  ,maps ( ! /ate
 7 hang+ on ! walls1 "s /uck full (     
v>i\s col\r$ p9s d5ot+ ! condition ( !  
canvass4  ,a map ( ! city 9 col\rs1     
divid$ into all sorts ( di/ricts1 told  
h[ f>$ ! battle 9 ! /ronghold ( ! boss1 
,billy ,mc,loughlin4  ,huge sy/ems ( c>d
 indexes1 loose leaf devices1 lab\r-sav+
 appliances = gett+ out a va/ mass (    
campaign lit]ature 9 a hurry1 9 %ort a  
p]fect sy/em1 su* z a great1 well-manag$
 bus9ess might h be5 pr\d (1 7 9 evid5ce
 ev]y:]e4  ,wesley ,travis 0 a          
comp>atively "y man a lawy] :o _h e>ly  
made a m>k 9 politics & _h be5 a/ute    
en\gh to %ake (f ! ?raldom ( ! bosses   
be=e ! popul> upris+ aga9/ !m4 ,n[ he 0 
! c&idate ( ! ,re=m ,league = gov]nor & 
a good /iff campaign he 0 putt+ up4  ,8 
campaign manag]1 ,dean ,b5nett1 0 a     
bus9ess man ^: f9ancial int]e/s 7 oppos$
 to ^? usually und]/ood to be beh9d     
,billy ,mc,loughlin1 ( ! regul> p>ty to 
:i* bo? ,travis & ,b5nett might         
naturally h be5 suppos$ to belong 9 !   

old days4  ,inde$ ! ,re=m ,league ow$   
its exi/5ce to a =tunate conjunction (  
bo? moral & economic conditions dem&+   
progress4  ,?+s h be5 go+ our way up to 
! pres5t1 began ,travis confid5tially1  
:5 we 7 seat$ democratically ) our      
campaign cig>s light$4  ,( c\rse we     
hav5't su* a big 'b>rel' z our oppon5ts1
 = we are n fry+ ! fat out ( !          
corporations4 ,b ! p h support$ u nobly1
 & ,i ?9k ! opposition ( ! ve/$ int]e/s 
has be5 a great help4  ,we seem to be   
w9n+1 & ,i say 'seem' only because "o c 
nev] be c]ta9 h[ any?+ is go+ 9 ?is     
political game n[adays4  ,y recall1 ,mr4
 ,k5n$y1 read+ 9 ! pap]s t my c\ntry    
h\se out on ,long ,isl& 0 robb$ ! o!r   
day8  ,"s ( ! report]s made mu* ( x4    
,to tell ! tru?1 ,i ?9k !y _h become s  
satiat$ ) s5sations t !y 7 sure t ! ?+ 0
 put up by "s muckrak]s & t !re w\ld be 
an expose ( "s k9d4  ,= ! ?ief1 :oev] he
 01 seems to h tak5 no?+ f my libr>y b a
 sort ( scrap-book or album (           
photographs4  ,x 0 a peculi> robb]y1 b z

 ,i _h no?+ to conceal x didn't worry   
me4  ,well1 ,i _h all b =gott5 x :5 a   
fell[ came into ,b5nett's (fice "h      
ye/]day & dem&$  - tell u :at x 01      
,b5nett4  ,y saw him4  ,b5nett cle>$ 8  
?roat4  ,y see1 x 0 ?is way4  ,he gave 8
 "n z ,h>ris ,han=d & describ$ himself z
 a photograph]4 ,i ?9k he has done "w = 
,billy ,mc,loughlin4  ,at any rate1 8   
(f] 0 to sell u sev]al photographs1 & 8 
/ory ab\t !m 0 v circum/antial4  ,he    
h9t$ t !y _h be5 evid5tly among ^? /ol5 
f ,mr4 ,travis & t 9 a r\ndab\t way !y  
_h come into ! possession ( a fri5d ( 8 
)\t 8 kn[+ :o ! ?ief 04  ,he said t he  
_h n made ! photographs himself1 b _h an
 idea by :om !y 7 made1 t ! orig9al     
plates _h be5 de/roy$1 b t ! p]son :o   
made !m 0 ready to swe> t ! pictures 7  
tak5 aft] ! nom9at+ conv5tion ?is fall  
:i* _h nam$ ,travis4  ,at any rate !    
photographs 7 out & ! price = !m 0      
#be1jjj4  ,:at are !y t he %\ld set su* 
a price on !m8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 ke5ly look+ 
f ,b5nett quickly to ,travis4  ,travis  

met 8 look )\t fl9*+4  ,!y are suppos$  
to be photographs ( myself1 he repli$   
sl[ly4  ,"o purports to repres5t me 9 a 
gr\p on ,mc,loughlin's por* at 8 f>m on 
! s\? %ore ( ! isl&1 ab\t tw5ty miles f 
my place4  ,z ,han=d describ$ x1 ,i am  
/&+ betwe5 ,mc,loughlin & ,j4 ,cadwalad]
 ,br[n1 ! tru/ promot] :o is back+      
,mc,loughlin to save 8 inve/m5ts4       
,br[n's h& is on my %\ld] & we are talk+
 famili>ly4  ,ano!r is a picture (      
,br[n1 ,mc,loughlin1 & myself rid+ 9    
,br[n's c>1 & 9 x ,br[n & ,i are        
evid5tly on ! be/ ( t]ms4  ,oh1 !re are 
sev]al ( !m1 all 9 ! same ve94  ,n[1 he 
add$1 & 8 voice rose ) emotion z if he 7
 address+ a c>t-tail meet+ :i* mu/ be   
conv9c$ t !re 0 no?+ crim9al 9 rid+ 9 a 
motor-c>1 ,i don't hesitate to admit t a
 ye> or s ago ,i 0 n on t]ms ( intimacy 
) ^! m51 b at lea/ acqua9t$ ) !m4  ,at  
v>i\s times1 ev5 z late z la/ spr+1 ,i 0
 pres5t at conf]5ces ov] ! presid5tial  
outlook 9 ?is /ate1 & once ,i ?9k ,i did
 ride back to ! city ) !m4  ,b ,i "k t  

!re 7 no pictures tak51 & ev5 if !re _h 
be5 ,i w\ld n c>e if !y told ! tru? ab\t
 !m4  ,i h frankly admitt$ 9#bjmy       
spee*es t ,i knew ^! m51 t my k ( !m &  
break+ f !m is my *ief qualification =  
wag+ an effective w> on !m if ,i am     
elect$4  ,!y hate me cordially4  ,y "k  
t4 ,:at ,i d c>e ab\t is ! sworn        
allegation t n[ accompanies ^! - ^!     
fakes4  ,!y 7 n1 c\ld n h be5 tak5 aft] 
! indep5d5t conv5tion t nom9at$ me4  ,if
 ! photographs 7 true ,i w\ld be a f9e  
traitor4  ,b ,i hav5't ev5 se5          
,mc,loughlin or ,br[n s9ce la/ spr+4  ,!
 :ole ?+ is a -   ,lie f />t to f9i%1   
put 9 ,b5nett emphatically4  ,yes1      
,travis1 we all "k t4  ,i'd quit "r n[  
if ,i didn't believe 9 y4  ,b let u face
 ! facts4  ,"h is ?is /ory1 sworn to z  
,han=d says & app>5tly acquiesc$ 9 by   
,billy ,mc,loughlin & ,cad4 ,br[n4  ,:at
 d !y c>e anyh[ z long z x is aga9/ y8  
,& !re1 too1 are ! pictures !mselves -  
at lea/ !y w be 9 pr9t or suppress$1    
accord+ z we act4  ,n[1 y "k t no?+ c\ld

 hurt ! re=m ticket worse ?an to h an   
issue l ?is rais$ at ?is "t4  ,we 7     
suppos$ at lea/ to be on ! level1 ) no?+
 to expla9 away4  ,!re may be j en\gh p 
to believe t !re is "s basis = ?is      
suspicion to turn ! tide aga9/ u4  ,if x
 7 e>li] 9 ! campaign ,i'd say accept ! 
issue1 fight x out to a f9i%1 & 9 ! turn
 ( ev5ts we %\ld really h ! be/ campaign
 mat]ial4  ,b x is too late n[ to expose
 su* a knavi% trick ( !irs on ! ,friday 
be=e election4  ,frankly1 ,i believe    
discretion is ! bett] "p ( val\r 9 ?is  
case & )\t abat+ a jot ( my fai? 9 y1   
,travis1 well1 ,i'd pay fir/ & expose ! 
fraud aft]w>d1 aft] ! election1 at      
leisure4  ,no1 ,i won't1 p]si/$ ,travis1
 %utt+ 8 squ>e jaw dogg$ly4 ,i won't be 
held up4  ,! door _h op5$ & a "y lady 9 
a v /unn+ /reet dress1 ) a huge hat & a 
tantalis+ veil1 /ood 9 x = a mom5t1     
hesitat$1 & !n 0 ab\t to %ut x ) an     
apology = intrud+ on a conf]5ce4  ,i'll 
fight x if x takes my la/ doll>1 decl>$ 
,travis1 b ,i won't be blackmail$ out ( 

a c5t4  ,good-morn+1 ,miss ,a%ton4      
,i'll be free 9 a mom5t4  ,i'll see y 9 
y\r (fice directly4  ,! girl1 ) a       
portfolio ( pap]s 9 h] h&1 smil$1 &     
,travis quickly cross$ ! room & held !  
door def]5tially op5 z he :isp]$ a ^w or
 two4  ,:5 %e _h disappe>$ he return$ & 
rem>k$1 ,i suppose y h he>d ( ,miss     
,m>g>et ,a%ton1 ! suffragette lead]1    
,mr4 ,k5n$y8  ,%e is ! head ( our press 
bureau4  ,!n a height5$ look (          
det]m9ation set 8 f9e face 9 h>d l9es1 &
 he br\ght 8 fi/ d[n on ! desk4  ,no1 n 
a c5t1 he ?und]$4  ,b5nett %rugg$ 8     
%\ld]s hopelessly & look$ at ,k5n$y 9   
mock resignation z if to say1 ,:at c y d
 ) su* a fell[8 ,travis 0 excit$ly pac+ 
! floor & wav+ 8 arms z if he 7 address+
 a meet+ 9 ! enemy's c\ntry4  ,han=d    
comes at u 9 ?is way1 he cont9u$1 gr[+ m
 excit$ z he pac$ up & d[n4  ,he says   
pla9ly t ! pictures w ( c\rse be accept$
 z among ^? /ol5 f me1 & 9 t1 ,i        
suppose1 he is "r4  ,! public w swall[  
x4  ,:5 ,b5nett told him ,i w\ld        

prosecute he laugh$ & said1 ',g ahead4  
,i didn't /eal ! pictures4  ,t w\ld be a
 great joke = ,travis to seek r$ress f !
 c\rts he is criticis+4  ,i guess he'd  
want to recall ! decision if x w5t aga9/
 him hey8'  ,han=d says t a hundr$      
copies h be5 made ( ea* ( ! photographs 
& t ?is p]son1 :om we d n "k1 has !m    
ready to drop into ! mail to ! "o hundr$
 lead+ pap]s ( ! /ate 9 "t = !m to appe>
 9 ! ,monday editions j be=e ,election  
,day4  ,he says no am\nt ( d5y+ on our  
"p c de/roy ! effect - or at lea/ he w5t
 fur!r & said '%ake _! validity4'  ,b ,i
 repeat4  ,!y are false4  ,= all ,i "k1 
x is a plot ( ,mc,loughlin's1 ! la/     
fight ( a boss = 8 life1 driv5 into a   
corn]4  ,& x is mean] ?an if he _h      
attempt$ to =ge a lett]4 ,pictures      
appeal to ! eye & m9d mu* m ?an lett]s4 
,t's :at makes ! ?+ s dang]\s4  ,billy  
,mc,loughlin kn[s h[ to make ! be/ use (
 su* a roorback on ! eve ( an election1 
& ev5 if ,i n only d5y b prove t !y are 
a fake1 ,i'm afraid ! h>m w be done4  ,i

 c't rea* all ! vot]s 9 "t4  ,t5 see su*
 a *>ge to "o :o sees ! d5ial4  ,j s1   
p]si/$ ,b5nett coolly4  ,y admit t we   
are practically helpless4  ,t's :at ,i h
 be5 say+ all along4 ,get control ( !   
pr9ts fir/1 ,travis1 = ,god's sake4  ,!n
 raise any k9d ( a h[l y want - be=e    
election or aft]4  ,z ,i say1 if we _h a
 week or two x might be all "r to fight4
  ,b we c make no move )\t mak+ fools ( 
ourselves until !y are publi%$ ,monday z
 ! la/ big ?+ ( ! campaign4  ,! re/ (   
,monday & ! ,tuesday morn+ pap]s d n    
give u "t to reply4  ,ev5 if !y 7       
publi%$ to-day we %\ld h>dly h "t to    
expose ! plot1 hamm] x 91 & make ! issue
 an asset in/ead ( a liability4  ,no1 y 
mu/ admit x y\rself4  ,!re isn't "t4    
,we mu/ c>ry out ! "w we h s c>efully   
plann$ to cap ! campaign1 & if we are   
div]t$ by ?is x means a let-up 9 our    
f9al ef=ts1 & t is z good z ,mc,loughlin
 wants anyh[4  ,n[1 ,k5n$y1 don't y     
agree ) me8  ,squel* ! pictures n[ at   
any co/1 !n foll[ ! ?+ up &1 if we c1   

prosecute aft] election8  ,k5n$y & ,i1  
:o _h be5 s f> little m ?an int]e/$     
spectators1 _h n presum$ to int]rupt4   
,f9ally ,craig ask$1 ,y h copies ( !    
pictures8  ,no1 repli$ ,b5nett4  ,?is   
,han=d is a braz5 fell[1 b he 0 too     
a/ute to leave !m4  ,i saw !m = an      
in/ant4  ,!y look bad4 ,& ! affidavits )
 !m look worse4  ,h'm1 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 
turn+ ! crisis ov] 9 8 m9d4 ,we've _h   
alleg$ /ol5 & =g$ lett]s be=e1 b alleg$ 
/ol5 & =g$ photographs are new4  ,i'm n 
surpris$ t y are al>m$1 ,b5nett1 nor t y
 want to fight1 ,travis4  ,!n y w take  
up ! case8 urg$ ! latt] eag]ly1 =gett+  
bo? 8 campaign manag] & 8 campaign      
mann]s1 & lean+ =w>d almo/ l a prison] 9
 ! dock to cat* ! words ( ! =eman ( !   
jury4  ,y w trace d[n ! =g] ( ^?        
pictures be=e x is too late8  ,i hav5't 
said ,i'll d t yet1 answ]$ ,craig       
measur$ly4  ,i hav5't ev5 said ,i'd take
 up ! case4  ,politics is a new game to 
me1 ,mr4 ,travis4  ,if ,i g into ?is ?+ 
,i want to g into x & /ay 9 x - well1 y 

"k h[ y lawy]s put x1 ) clean h&s4 ,on  
"o condition ,i'll take ! matt] up1 & on
 only "o4  ,"n x1 cri$ ,travis anxi\sly4
  ,( c\rse1 hav+ be5 reta9$ by y1       
cont9u$ ,craig ) provok+ sl[ness1 x is n
 reasonable to suppose t if ,i f9d  - h[
 %all ,i put x - bluntly1 yes8 - if ,i  
f9d t ! /ory ( ,han=d has "s - er -     
f\ndation1 x is n reasonable to suppose 
t ,i %\ld des]t y & g ov] to ! o!r side4
  ,nei!r is x to be suppos$ t ,i w      
cont9ue & c>ry su* a ?+ ?r\gh = y       
reg>dless ( tru?4  ,:at ,i ask is to h a
 free h&1 to be able to drop ! case !   
mom5t ,i _c proce$ fur!r 9 ju/ice to    
myself1 drop x1 & keep my m\? %ut4  ,y  
und]/&8  ,^! are my conditions & no     
less4  ,& y ?9k y c make good8 que/ion$ 
,b5nett r sceptically4  ,y are will+ to 
risk x8  ,y don't ?9k x w\ld be bett] to
 wait until aft] ! election is won8  ,y 
h he>d my conditions1 reit]at$ ,craig4  
,done1 broke 9 ,travis4  ,i'm go+ to    
fight x out1 ,b5nett4  ,if we get 9     
wrong by dick]+ ) !m at ! />t x may be  

worse = u 9 ! end4  ,pay+ am\nts to     
confession4  ,b5nett %ook 8 head        
dubi\sly4  ,i'm afraid ?is w suit       
,mc,loughlin's purpose j z well4        
,photographs are l /ati/ics4 ,!y don't  
lie unless ! p :o make !m d4  ,b x's h>d
 to tell :at a li> c accompli% ) ei!r 9 
an election4  ,say' ,dean1 y're n go+ to
 des]t me8 reproa*$ ,travis4 ,y're n    
(f5d$ at my kick+ ov] ! traces1 are y8  
,b5nett rose1 plac$ a h& on ,travis's   
%\ld]1 & grasp$ 8 o!r4  ,wesley1 he said
 e>ne/ly1 ,i w\ldn't des]t y ev5 if !   
pictures 7 true4  ,i knew x1 respond$   
,travis he>tily4  ,!n let ,mr4 ,k5n$y h 
"o day to see :at he c d4  ,!n if we    
make no progress we'll take y\r advice1 
,dean4  ,we'll pay1 ,i suppose1 & ask   
,mr4 ,k5n$y to cont9ue ! case aft] next 
,tuesday4  ,) ! proviso1 put 9 ,craig4  
,) ! proviso1 ,k5n$y1 repeat$ ,travis4  
,y\r h& on t4 ,say1 ,i ?9k ,i've %ak5   
h&s ) half ! male population ( ?is /ate 
s9ce ,i 0 nom9at$1 b ?is means m to me  
?an any ( !m4  ,call on u1 ei!r ,b5nett 

or myself1 ! mom5t y ne$ aid4  ,sp>e no 
reasonable exp5se1 & - & get ! goods1 no
 matt] :om x hits high] up1 ev5 if x is 
,cadwalad] ,br[n himself4  ,good-bye & a
 ?\s& ?anks oh1 by ! way1 wait4  ,let me
 take y ar\nd & introduce y to ,miss    
,a%ton4  ,%e may be able to help y4  ,! 
(fice ( ,b5nett & ,travis 0 9 ! c5tre ( 
! suite4 ,on "o side 7 ! ca%i] & cl]ical
 =ce z well z ! speak]s' bureau1 :]e    
spellb9d]s ( all degrees 7 gett+#bj     
in/ruction1 t\rs 7 be+ laid out1 &      
reports receiv$ f meet+s already held4  
,on ! o!r side 0 ! press bureau ) a l>ge
 & active =ce 9 *>ge ( ,miss ,a%ton1 :o 
0 support+ ,travis because he _h mo/    
emphatically decl>$ = ,votes = ,wom5 &  
_h insi/$ t 8 p>ty put ?is plank 9 its  
plat=m4  ,miss ,a%ton 0 a clev] girl1 a 
graduate ( a fam\s woman's college1 & _h
 _h sev]al ye>s ( newspap] exp]i5ce be=e
 %e became a lead] 9 ! suffrage cause4  
,i recall$ hav+ read & he>d a great deal
 ab\t h]1 ?\gh ,i _h nev] met h]4  ,!   
,a%tons 7 well kn[n 9 ,new ,york        

society1 & x 0 a sore trial to "s ( h]  
cons]vative fri5ds t %e %\ld reject :at 
!y consid]$ ! prop] sph]e = wom54       
,among ^? fri5ds1 ,i und]/ood1 0        
,cadwalad] ,br[n himself4  ,travis _h   
sc>cely m ?an introduc$ u1 yet already  
,i sc5t$ a romance beh9d ! ord9>ily     
prosaic conduct ( a campaign press      
bureau4  ,x is f> f my int5tion to      
m9imise ! "w or ! ability ( ! head ( !  
press bureau1 b x /ruck me1 bo? !n &    
lat]1 t ! c&idate _h an extraord9>y     
int]e/ 9 ! newspap] campaign1 mu* m ?an 
9 ! speak]s' bureau1 & ,i am sure t x 0 
n solely acc\nt$ = by ! fact t publicity
 is play+ a m & m important "p 9        
political campaign+4  ,nev]!less su*    
innovations z h] c>d index sy/em by     
election di/ricts all ov] ! /ate1 %[+ ! 
attitude ( ! v>i\s newspap] editors1 (  
local political lead]s1 & *anges (      
s5tim5t1 7 v full & valuable4  ,k5n$y1  
:o _h a regul> pigeon-hole m9d = facts1 
0 visibly impress$ by ?is huge me*anical
 memory built up by ,miss ,a%ton4  ,?\gh

 he said no?+ to me ,i knew he _h also  
obs]v$ ! /ate ( affairs betwe5 ! re=m   
c&idate & ! suffrage lead]4  ,x 0 at a  
mom5t :5 ,travis _h be5 call$ back to 8 
(fice t ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 eye+ ,miss    
,a%ton ) m>k$ approval1 lean$ ov] & said
 9 a l[ voice1 ,miss ,a%ton1 ,i ?9k ,i c
 tru/ y4  ,d y want to d a great fav\r =
 ,mr4 ,travis8  ,%e did n betray ev5 by 
a fleet+ look on h] face :at ! true /ate
 ( h] feel+s 01 al?\gh ,i fanci$ t !    
read9ess ( h] ass5t _h p]haps m mean+   
?an %e w\ld h plac$ 9 a simple ,yes     
o!rwise4  ,i suppose y "k t an attempt  
is be+ made to blackmail ,mr4 ,travis8  
add$ ,k5n$y quickly4  ,i "k some?+ ab\t 
x1 %e repli$ 9 a tone :i* left x =      
grant$ t ,travis _h told h] be=e ev5 we 
7 call$ 94  ,i felt t n unlikely        
,travis's set det]m9ation to fight might
 be traceable to h] advice or at lea/ to
 h] op9ion ( him4  ,i suppose 9 a l>ge  
=ce l ?is x is n impossible t y\r       
political enemies may h a spy or two1   
obs]v$ ,k5n$y1 glanc+ ab\t at ! score or

 m cl]ks busily engag$ 9 gett+ out      
lit]ature4  ,i h sometimes ?\ght t      
myself1 %e agre$4  ,b ( c\rse ,i don't  
"k4  ,/ill1 ,i h to be pretty c>eful4   
,"s "o is always ov] "h by my desk or   
look+ ov] "h4  ,!re isn't mu* secrecy 9 
a big room l ?is4  ,i nev] leave        
important /uff ly+ ab\t :]e any ( !m    
c\ld see x4  ,yes1 mus$ ,k5n$y4  ,:at "t
 does ! (fice close8  ,we %all f9i%     
to-night ab\t n9e1 ,i ?9k4  ,to-morr[ x 
may be lat]4  ,well1 !n1 if ,i %\ld call
 "h to-night at1 say1 half-pa/ n9e1 c\ld
 y be "h8  ,i ne$ h>dly say t y\r do+ s 
may be ( ine/imable value to - to !     
campaign4  ,i %all be "h1 %e promis$1   
giv+ h] h& ) a peculi> /raight arm %ake 
& look+ him frankly 9 ! face ) ^? eyes  
:i* ev5 ! old gu>d 9 ! legislature      
admitt$ 7 vote-w9n]s4  ,k5n$y 0 n q     
ready to leave yet1 b s\ght out ,travis 
& obta9$ p]mission to glance ov] !      
f9ancial end ( ! campaign4 ,!re 7 few   
l>ge contributors to ,travis's fund1 b a
 ho/ ( small sums rang+ f t5 &          

tw5ty-five doll>s d[n to dimes &        
nickels4  ,truly x %[$ ! dep? ( ! popul>
 upris+4 ,k5n$y also glanc$ ha/ily ov] !
 items ( exp5se - r5t1 sal>ies1         
/5ograph] & (fice =ce1 adv]tis+1 pr9t+ &
 /ation]y1 po/age1 telephone1 telegraph1
 automobile & travell+ exp5ses1 &       
miscellane\s matt]s4  ,z ,k5n$y express$
 x aft]w>ds1 z aga9/ ! small driblets ( 
money com+ 91 l>ge sums 7 go+ out =     
exp5ses 9 lumps4 ,campaign+ 9 ^! days   
co/s money ev5 :5 done hone/ly4  ,!     
miscellane\s acc\nt %[$ "s l>ge         
indef9ite items1 & aft] a ha/y          
calculation ,k5n$y made out t if all !  
obligations _h to be met imm$iately !   
committee w\ld be 9 ! hole = sev]al ?\s&
 doll>s4  ,9 %ort1 ,i argu$ z we 7      
leav+1 ?is w ei!r break ,travis         
privately or put 8 fund 9 hopeless %ape4
  ,or does x mean t he =esees defeat &  
is tak+ ?is way to rec\p himself "u cov]
 ( be+ held up8  ,k5n$y said no?+ 9     
response to my suspicions1 ?\gh ,i c\ld 
see t 9 8 m9d he 0 leav+ no possible    

clue unnot$4  ,x 0 only a few blocks to 
! /udio ( ,h>ris ,han=d1 :om ,k5n$y 0 n[
 b5t on see+4  ,we f\nd him 9 an old    
build+ on "o ( ! side /reets 9 ! ?irties
 :i* bus9ess _h captur$4 ,8 0 a little  
place on ! top floor1 up ?ree flights ( 
/airs1 & ,i notic$ z we climb$ up t !   
room next to 8 0 vacant4  ,our int]view 
) ,han=d 0 %ort & unsatisfactory4  ,he  
ei!r 0 or at lea/ pos$ z repres5t+ a    
?ird p>ty 9 ! affair1 & absolutely      
refus$ to p]mit u to h ev5 a glance at !
 photographs4  ,my deal+s1 he ass]t$    
airily1 mu/ all be ) ,mr4 ,b5nett1 or ) 
,mr4 ,travis1 direct1 n ) emiss>ies4  ,i
 don't make any secret ab\t x4  ,! pr9ts
 are n "h4  ,!y are safe & ready to be  
produc$ at ! "r "t1 ei!r to be h&$ ov] =
 ! money or to be publi%$ 9 ! newspap]s4
  ,we h f\nd out all ab\t !m2 we are    
satisfi$1 al?\gh ! negatives h be5      
de/roy$4  ,z = _! hav+ be5 /ol5 f       
,travis1 y c put two & two toge!r4  ,!y 
are out & copies h be5 made ( !m1 good  
copies4  ,if ,mr4 ,travis wi%es to      

repudiate !m1 let him />t proce$+s4  ,i 
told ,b5nett all ab\t t4  ,to-morr[ is !
 la/ day1 & ,i mu/ h ,b5nett's answ] !n1
 )\t any int]lop]s com+ into x4  ,if x  
is yes1 well & good2 if n1 !n !y "k :at 
to expect4  ,good-bye4  ,x 0 /ill e>ly 9
 ! =5oon1 & ,k5n$y's next move 0 to g   
out on ,long ,isl& to exam9e ! libr>y at
 ,travis's f :i* ! pictures 7 said to h 
be5 /ol54  ,at ! laboratory ,k5n$y & ,i 
load$ ourselves ) a l>ge oblong black   
case conta9+ a cam]a & a tripod4  ,8    
exam9ation ( ! loot$ libr>y 0 m9ute1    
tak+ 9 ! w9d[ ?r\gh :i* ! ?ief _h       
app>5tly ent]$1 ! cab9et he _h =c$1 & ! 
situation 9 g5]al4  ,f9ally ,craig set  
up 8 cam]a ) mo/ p>ticul> c>e & took    
sev]al photographs ( ! w9d[1 ! cab9et1 !
 doors1 includ+ ! room f e angle4       
,outside he snapp$ ! two sides ( ! corn]
 ( ! h\se 9 :i* ! libr>y 0 situat$4     
,p>tly by trolley & p>tly by c>riage we 
cross$ ! isl& to ! s\? %ore1 & f9ally   
f\nd ,mc,loughlin's f>m1 :]e we _h no   
tr\ble 9 gett+ half a doz5 photographs (

 ! por* & h\se4  ,altoge!r ! proce$+s   
seem$ tame to me1 yet ,i knew f previ\s 
exp]i5ce t ,k5n$y _h a deep laid        
purpose4  ,we p>t$ 9 ! city1 to meet j  
be=e x 0 "t to visit ,miss ,a%ton4      
,k5n$y _h evid5tly employ$ ! int]val 9  
develop+ 8 plates1 = he n[ _h t5 or a   
doz5 pr9ts1 all ( exactly ! same size1  
m\nt$ on /iff c>dbo>d 9 a space ) scales
 & figures on all f\r sides4  ,he saw me
 puzzl+ ov] !m4  ,^? are metric         
photographs su* z ,b]tillon ( ,p>is     
takes1 he expla9$4  ,by means ( ! scales
 & tables & o!r me?ods t h be5 work$ out
 we c det]m9e f ^? pictures di/ances &  
_m o!r ?+s almo/ z well z if we 7 on !  
spot itself4  ,b]tillon has cle>$ up _m 
crimes ) ?is help1 su* z ! my/]y ( !    
%oot+ 9 ! ,hotel ,quai d',orsay & o!r   
cases4  ,! metric photograph1 ,i        
believe1 w 9 "t rank ) ! portrait p>le1 
f+] pr9ts1 & ! re/4  ,= in/ance1 9 ord] 
to solve ! riddle ( a crime !           
detective's fir/ task is to /udy ! sc5e 
topographically4  ,plans & elevations ( 

a room or h\se are made4  ,! position ( 
ea* object is pa9/ak+ly not$4  ,9       
addition1 ! all-see+ eye ( ! cam]a is   
call$ into requisition4  ,! plund]$ room
 is photograph$1 z 9 ?is case4  ,i might
 h done x by plac+ a foot rule on a     
table & tak+ t 9 ! picture1 b a m       
sci5tific & accurate me?od has be5      
devis$ by ,b]tillon4  ,8 cam]a l5s is   
always us$ at a fix$ height f ! gr\nd & 
=ms its image on ! plate at an exact    
focus4  ,! pr9t made f ! negative is    
m\nt$ on a c>d 9 a space ( def9ite size1
 along ! edges ( :i* a metric scale is  
pr9t$4  ,9 ! way he has work$ x out !   
di/ance betwe5 any two po9ts 9 ! picture
 c be det]m9$4  ,) a topographical plan 
& a metric photograph "o c /udy a crime 
z a g5]al /udies ! map ( a /range       
c\ntry4  ,!re 7 sev]al peculi> ?+s t ,i 
obs]v$ to-day1 & ,i h "h an indelible   
record ( ! sc5e ( ! crime4  ,pres]v$ 9  
?is way x _c be que/ion$4  ,n[ !        
photographs 7 9 ?is cab9et4  ,!re are   
o!r cab9ets1 b none ( !m has be5        

di/urb$4  ,!re=e ! ?ief mu/ h kn[n j :at
 he 0 aft]4  ,! m>ks made 9 break+ !    
lock 7 n ^? ( a jimmy b ( a screwdriv]4 
,no amaz+ comm& ( ! res\rces ( sci5ce is
 ne$$ s f>4  ,all t is necess>y is a    
little sci5tific common s5se1 ,walt]4   
,n[1 h[ did ! robb] get 98  ,all ! w9d[s
 & doors 7 suppos$ly lock$4  ,x is      
alleg$ t a pane 0 cut f ?is w9d[ at !   
side4  ,x 01 & ! pieces 7 !re to %[ x4  
,b take a glance at ?is outside         
photograph4  ,to rea* t w9d[ ev5 a tall 
man mu/ h /ood on a ladd] or some?+4    
,!re are no m>ks ( a ladd] or ( any     
p]son 9 ! s(t soil "u ! w9d[4  ,:at is  
m1 t w9d[ 0 cut f ! inside4  ,! m>ks ( !
 diamond :i* cut x pla9ly %[ t4         
,sci5tific common s5se aga94  ,!n x mu/ 
h be5 "s "o 9 ! h\se or at lea/ "s "o   
famili> ) x8,i exclaim$4  ,k5n$y nodd$4 
,"o ?+ we h :i* ! police greatly        
neglect1 he pursu$1 a record4  ,we h    
made "s progress 9 recon/ruct+ ! crime1 
z ,b]tillon calls x4  ,if we only _h ^? 
,han=d pictures we %\ld be all "r4  ,we 

7 n[ on our way to see ,miss ,a%ton at  
headqu>t]s1 & z we rode d[nt[n ,i tri$  
to reason out ! case4  ,_h x really be5 
a put-up job8  ,0 ,travis himself fak+1 
& 0 ! robb]y a plant by :i* he might    
=e/all exposure ( :at _h become public  
prop]ty 9 ! h&s ( ano!r1 no long]       
dispos$ to conceal x8  ,or 0 x aft] all 
! la/ desp]ate bl[ ( ! ,boss8  ,! :ole  
?+ began to assume a suspici\s look 9 my
 m9d4 ,al?\gh ,k5n$y seem$ to h made    
little real progress1 ,i felt t1 f> f   
aid+ ,travis1 x made ?+s d>k]4  ,!re 0  
no?+ b 8 unsupport$ ^w t he _h n visit$ 
! ,boss subsequ5t to ! nom9at+          
conv5tion4  ,he admitt$ hav+ done s be=e
 ! ,re=m ,league came into exi/5ce4     
,besides x seem$ tacitly und]/ood t bo? 
! ,boss & ,cadwalad] ,br[n acquiesc$ 9 !
 sworn /atem5t ( ! man :o said he _h    
made ! pictures4  ,add$ to t ! m]e      
exi/5ce ( ! actual pictures !mselves 0 a
 graphic cl9*] to ! /ory4  ,p]sonally1  
if ,i _h be5 9 ,k5n$y's place ,i ?9k ,i 
%\ld h tak5 advantage ( ! proviso 9 !   

compact ) ,travis to back out           
gracefully4  ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 n[ />t$ on !
 case1 hung to x t5aci\sly4  ,miss      
,a%ton 0 wait+ = u at ! press bureau4   
,h] desk 0 at ! middle ( "o end ( ! room
 9 :i*1 if %e c\ld keep an eye on h]    
(fice =ce1 ! (fice =ce also c\ld keep an
 eye on h]4  ,k5n$y _h app>5tly tak5 9 !
 arrangem5t dur+ our morn+ visit1 = he  
set to "w imm$iately4  ,! side ( ! room 
t[>d ! (fice ( ,travis & ,b5nett pres5t$
 an expanse ( blank wall4 ,) a mallet he
 quickly knock$ a hole 9 ! r\gh pla/]1 j
 above ! basebo>d ab\t ! room4  ,! hole 
did n p5etrate q ?r\gh to ! o!r side4   
,9 x he plac$ a r\nd disc ( vulcanis$   
rubb]1 ) insulat$ wires lead+ d[n back (
 ! basebo>d1 !n out und]nea? x1 & "u !  
c>pet4  ,"s pla/] quickly clos$ up !    
cavity 9 ! wall1 & he left x to dry4    
,next he l$ ! wires "u ! c>pet to ,miss 
,a%ton's desk4 ,!re !y end$1 "u ! c>pet 
& a rug1 eighte5 or tw5ty huge coils    
sev]al feet 9 diamet] dispos$ 9 su* a   
way z to attract no att5tion by a curi\s

 foot on ! c>pet :i* cov]$ !m4  ,t is   
all1 ,miss ,a%ton1 he said z we wat*$ = 
8 next move4  ,i %all want to see y e>ly
 to-morr[1 &1 might ,i ask y to be sure 
to we> t hat :i* y h on8  ,x 0 a v      
becom+ hat1 b ,k5n$y's tone cle>ly      
indicat$ t x 0 n 8 ta/e 9 inv]t$ basket 
mill9]y t prompt$ ! reque/4  ,%e        
promis$1 smil+1 = ev5 a suffragette may 
l pretty hats4  ,craig _h /ill to see   
,travis & report on 8 "w4  ,! c&idate 0 
wait+ anxi\sly at 8 hotel aft] a big    
political mass meet+ on ! ,ea/ ,side1 at
 :i* capitalism & ! bosses _h be5 hiss$ 
to ! e*o1 if t is possible4  ',:at      
success8 inquir$ ,travis eag]ly4  ,i'm  
afraid1 repli$ ,k5n$y1 & ! c&idate's    
face fell at ! tone1 ,i'm afraid y w h  
to meet !m1 = ! pres5t4 ,! "t limit w   
expire to-morr[1 & ,i und]/& ,han=d is  
com+ up = a f9al answ]4  ,we mu/ h      
copies ( ^? photographs1 ev5 if we h to 
pay = !m4  ,!re seems to be no o!r way4 
,travis sank back 9 8 *air & reg>d$     
,k5n$y hopelessly4  ,he 0 actually pale4

  y - y don't mean to say t !re is no   
o!r way1 t ,i'll h to admit ev5 be=e    
,b5nett - & o!rs t ,i'm 9 bad8  ,i      
w\ldn't put x t way1 said ,k5n$y        
m]cilessly1 ,i ?\ght4  ,x is t way1     
,travis ass]t$ almo/ fi]cely4  ,:y1 we  
c\ld h done t anyh[4  ,no1 no1 - ,i     
don't mean t4  ,p>don me4 ,i'm upset by 
?is4  ,g ahead1 he sigh$4  ,y w direct  
,b5nett to make ! be/ t]ms he c ) ,han=d
 :5 he comes up to-morr[4  ,h him       
arrange ! details ( paym5t & !n ru% !   
be/ copies ( ! photographs to me4       
,travis seem$ cru%$4  ,we met ,miss     
,a%ton ! foll[+ morn+ ent]+ h] (fice4   
,k5n$y h&$ h] a package1 & 9 a few      
words1 :i* ,i did n he>1 expla9$ :at he 
want$1 promis+ to call aga9 lat]4  ,:5  
we call$1 ! girls & o!r cl]ks _h arriv$1
 & ! (fice 0 a hive ( indu/ry 9 ! ru% ( 
w9d+ up ! campaign4  ,typewrit]s 7      
click+1 clipp+s 7 be+ snipp$ out ( a    
huge /ack ( newspap]s & pa/$ into l>ge  
scrap-books1 circul>s 7 be+ fold$ & made
 ready to mail = ! f9al appeal4  ,! room

 0 inde$ cr[d$1 & ,i felt t !re 0 no    
d\bt1 z ,k5n$y _h said1 t no?+ mu* c\ld 
g on !re unobs]v$ by any "o to ^: int]e/
 x 0 to see x4  ,miss ,a%ton 0 sitt+ at 
h] desk ) h] hat on direct+ ! "w4  ,x   
works1 %e rem>k$ enigmatically to       
,k5n$y4  ,good1 he repli$4  ,i m]ely    
dropp$ 9 to be sure4  ,n[ if any?+ (    
int]e/ happ5s1 ,miss ,a%ton1 ,i wi% y   
w\ld let me "k imm$iately4  ,i mu/ n be 
se5 up "h1 b ,i %all be wait+ d[n/airs 9
 ! corridor ( ! build+4  ,my next move  
dep5ds entirely on :at y h to report4   
,d[n/airs ,craig wait$ ) gr[+ impati5ce4
  ,we /ood 9 an angle 9 :i* we c\ld see 
)\t be+ readily se51 & our impati5ce 0 n
 dim9i%$ by see+ ,han=d ent] ! elevator4
  ,i ?9k t ,miss ,a%ton w\ld h made an  
excell5t woman detective1 t is1 on a    
case 9 :i* h] p]sonal feel+s 7 n involv$
 z !y 7 "h4  ,%e 0 pale & agitat$ z %e  
appe>$ 9 ! corridor1 & ,k5n$y hurri$    
t[>d h]4  ,i c't believe x4  ,i won't   
believe x1 %e manag$ to say4  ,tell me1 
:at happ5$8 urg$ ,k5n$y soo?+ly4  ,oh1  

,mr4 ,k5n$y1 :y did y ask me to d ?is8  
%e reproa*$4 ,i w\ld almo/ r n h kn[n x 
at all4  ,believe me1 ,miss ,a%ton1 said
 ,k5n$y1 y ought to "k4  ,x is on y t ,i
 dep5d mo/4  ,we saw ,han=d g up4  ,:at 
occurr$8  ,%e 0 /ill pale1 & repli$     
n]v\sly1 ,mr4 ,b5nett came 9 ab\t qu>t] 
to t54  ,he /opp$ to talk to me & look$ 
ab\t ! room curi\sly4  ,d y "k1 ,i felt 
v uncom=table = a "t4  ,!n he lock$ !   
door lead+ f ! press bureau to 8 (fice1 
& left ^w t he 0 n to be di/urb$4  ,a   
few m9utes lat] a man call$4  ,yes1 yes1
 prompt$ ,k5n$y4  ,han=d1 no d\bt4  ,%e 
0 rac+ on brea?lessly1 sc>cely giv+ "o a
 *ance to inquire h[ %e _h le>n$ s mu*4 
,:y1 %e cri$ ) a sort ( defiant r+ 9 h] 
tone1 ,mr4 ,travis is go+ to buy ^?     
pictures aft] all4  ,& ! wor/ ( x is t  
,i met him 9 ! hall com+ 9 z ,i 0 com+  
d[n "h1 & he tri$ to act t[>d me 9 !    
same old way & t aft] all ,i "k n[ ab\t 
him4  ,!y h fix$ x all up1 ,mr4 ,b5nett 
act+ = ,mr4 ,travis1 & ?is ,mr4 ,han=d4 
,!y are ev5 go+ to ask me to c>ry !     

money 9 a seal$ envelope to ! /udio (   
?is fell[ ,han=d1 to be giv5 to a ?ird  
p]son :o w be !re at two o'clock ?is    
aft]noon4  ,y1 ,miss ,a%ton8 inquir$    
,k5n$y1 a light break+ on 8 face z if at
 la/ he saw some?+4  ,yes1 ,i1 %e       
repeat$4  ,han=d insi/$ t x 0 "p ( !    
compact4  ,!y - !y hav5't ask$ me op5ly 
yet to be ! means ( c>ry+ out _! dirty  
deals1 b :5 !y d1 ,i won't -   ,miss    
,a%ton1 remon/rat$ ,k5n$y1 ,i beg y to  
be calm4  ,i _h no idea y w\ld take x l 
?is1 no idea4  ,please1 please4 ,walt]1 
y w excuse u if we take a turn d[n !    
corridor & out 9 ! air4  ,?is is mo/    
extraord9>y4  ,= five or t5 m9utes      
,k5n$y & ,miss ,a%ton appe>$ to be      
discuss+ ! new turn ( ev5ts e>ne/ly1    
:ile ,i wait$ impati5tly4  ,z !y        
approa*$ aga9 %e seem$ calm]1 b ,i he>d 
h] say1 ,i hope y're "r4  ,i'm all brok5
 up by x4  ,i'm ready to resign4  ,my   
fai? 9 human nature is %ak54  ,no1 ,i   
won't expose ,wesley ,travis = 8 sake4  
,x cuts me to h to admit x1 b ,cadwalad]

 us$ always to say t e man has 8 price4 
,i am afraid ?is w d great h>m to !     
cause ( re=m & ?r\gh x to ! woman       
suffrage cause :i* ca/ its lot ) ?is    
p>ty4 ,i - ,i c h>dly believe  ,k5n$y 0 
/ill look+ e>ne/ly at h]4  ,miss ,a%ton1
 he implor$1 believe no?+4  ,rememb] "o 
( ! fir/ rules ( politics is loyalty4   
,wait until   ,wait8 %e e*o$4  ,h[ c ,i8
  ,i hate ,wesley ,travis = giv+ 9 - m  
?an ,i hate ,cadwalad] ,br[n = 8 cynical
 disreg>d ( hone/y 9 o!rs4  ,%e bit h]  
lip at ?us betray+ h] feel+s1 b :at %e  
_h he>d _h evid5tly affect$ h] deeply4  
,x 0 z ?\gh ! feet ( h] idol _h turn$ to
 clay4  ,nev]!less x 0 evid5t t %e 0    
com+ to look on x m z %e w\ld if %e 7 an
 outsid]4  ,j ?9k x ov]1 urg$ ,k5n$y4   
,!y won't ask y "r away4  ,don't d any?+
 ra%4  ,susp5d judgm5t4  ,y won't regret
 x4  ,craig's next problem seem$ to be  
to transf] ! sc5e ( 8 op]ations to      
,han=d's /udio4  ,he 0 app>5tly do+ "s  
rapid ?9k+ z we walk$ upt[n aft] leav+  
,miss ,a%ton1 & ,i did n v5ture to "q   

him on :at _h occurr$ :5 x 0 s evid5t t 
ev]y?+ dep5d$ on be+ prep>$ = :at 0 /ill
 to occur4  ,han=d 0 out4  ,t seem$ to  
please ,k5n$y1 = ) a bright5+ face1 :i* 
told m surely ?an words t he saw 8 way m
 & m cle>ly1 he ask$ me to visit ! ag5t 
& hire ! vacant (fice next to ! /udio   
:ile he w5t upt[n to complete 8         
arrangem5ts = ! f9al /ep4  ,i _h        
complet$ my "p & 0 wait+ 9 ! empty room 
:5 he return$4  ,he lo/ no "t 9 gett+ to
 "w1 & x seem$ to me z ,i wat*$ him     
curi\sly 9 sil5ce t he 0 repeat+ :at he 
_h already done at ! ,travis headqu>t]s4
  ,he 0 bor+ into ! wall1 only ?is "t he
 did x mu* m c>efully1 & x 0 evid5t t if
 he int5d$ putt+ any?+ into ?is cavity x
 mu/ be pretty l>ge4  ,! hole 0 squ>e1 &
 z ,i b5t ov] ,i c\ld see t he _h cut   
?r\gh ! pla/] & la?s all ! way to !     
wallpap] on ! o!r side1 ?\gh he 0 c>eful
 to leave t intact4  ,!n he set up a    
squ>e black box 9 ! cavity1 c>efully    
pois+ x & mak+ measurem5ts t told ( !   
exact location ( its c5tre ) ref]5ce to 

! p>titions & walls4  ,a skeleton key   
took u into ,han=d's well-light$ b n[   
empty /udio4  ,= ,miss ,a%ton's sake ,i 
wi%$ t ! photographs _h be5 !re4  ,i am 
sure ,k5n$y w\ld h f\nd slight          
compunction 9 a l>c5y ( !m1 if !y _h    
be54  ,x 0 some?+ entirely diff]5t t he 
_h 9 m9d n[1 h[ev]1 & he 0 work+ quickly
 = fe> ( discov]y4  ,by 8 measurem5ts ,i
 guess$ t he 0 calculat+ z ne>ly z      
possible ! c5tre ( ! box :i* he _h plac$
 9 ! hole 9 ! wall on ! o!r side ( ! d>k
 wallpap]4  ,:5 he _h q satisfi$ himself
 he took a f9e p5cil f 8 pocket & made a
 light cross on ! pap] to indicate x4   
,! dot fell to ! left ( a l>ge cal5d>   
hang+ on ! wall4  ,k5n$y's appeal to    
,m>g>et ,a%ton _h evid5tly _h its       
effect1 = :5 we saw h] a few mom5ts aft]
 ^! my/]i\s prep>ations %e _h ov]come h]
 emotion4  ,!y h ask$ me to c>ry a note 
to ,mr4 ,han=d's /udio1 %e said quietly1
 & )\t lett+ !m "k t ,i "k any?+ ab\t x 
,i h agre$ to d s4  ,miss ,a%ton1 said  
,k5n$y1 greatly reliev$1 y're a trump4  

,no1 %e repli$1 smil+ fa9tly1 ,i'm j    
fem99e en\gh to be curi\s4  ,craig %ook 
8 head1 b did n dispute ! po9t4  ,aft] y
 h h&$ ! envelope to ! p]son1 :oev] x   
may be1 9 ,han=d's /udio1 wait until he 
does some?+ - er - suspici\s4 ,mean:ile 
look at ! wall on ! side t[>d ! next    
vacant (fice4 ,to ! left ( ! big cal5d> 
y w see a light p5cil m>k1 a cross4     
,someh[ y mu/ contrive to get ne> x1 b  
don't /& 9 front ( x4  ,!n if any?+     
happ5s /ick ?is little numb] #aj ne$le 9
 ! wall "r at ! int]section ( ! cross4  
,)draw x quickly1 c\nt fifte51 !n put   
?is little /ick] ov] ! cross1 & get out 
z be/ y c1 ?\gh we %an't be f> away if y
 %\ld ne$ u4  ,t's all4  ,we did n      
accompany h] to ! /udio = fe> ( be+     
obs]v$1 b wait$ impati5tly 9 ! next     
(fice4  ,we c\ld he> no?+ ( :at 0 said1 
b :5 a door %ut & x 0 evid5t t %e _h    
gone1 ,k5n$y quickly remov$ some?+ f !  
box 9 ! wall cov]$ ) a black clo?4  ,z  
soon z x 0 safe ,k5n$y _h s5t me po/+   
aft] h] to secure copies ( ! incrim9at+ 

photographs :i* 7 to be c>ri$ by h] f ! 
/udio1 :ile he rema9$ to see :o came    
out4  ,i ?\ght a *ange _h come ov] h] z 
%e h&$ me ! package ) ! reque/ t ,i c>ry
 x to ,mr4 ,b5nett & get !m f him4  ,!  
fir/ inkl+ ,i _h t ,k5n$y _h at la/ be5 
able to trace back some?+ 9 ! my/]i\s   
do+s ( ! pa/ two days came ! foll[+     
ev5+1 :5 ,craig rem>k$ casually t he    
w\ld l to h me call on ,billy           
,mc,loughlin if ,i _h no engagem5t4 ,i  
repli$ t ,i _h none & manag$ to squirm  
out ( ! "o ,i really _h4  ,! ,boss's    
(fice 0 full ( politicians1 = x 0 ! eve 
( d\gh day1 :5 ! purse /r+s 7 loos$ & a 
flood ( pot5t argum5t p\r$ =? to turn ! 
tide ( election4  ,han=d 0 !re ) ! o!r  
w>d heel]s4  ,mr4 ,mc,loughlin1 began   
,k5n$y quietly1 :5 we 7 seat$ alone )   
,han=d 9 ! little sanctum ( ! ,boss1 y w
 p>don me if ,i seem a little sl[ 9 com+
 to ! bus9ess t has br\ght me "h        
to-night4  ,fir/ ( all1 ,i may say1 & y1
 ,han=d1 be+ a photograph] w appreciate 
x1 t ev] s9ce ! days ( ,dagu]re         

photography has be5 reg>d$ z ! "o       
infallible means ( portray+ fai?fully   
any object1 sc5e1 or action4  ,inde$ a  
photograph is admitt$ 9 c\rt z          
irrefutable evid5ce4  ,= :5 ev]y?+ else 
fails1 a picture made ?r\gh !           
photographic l5s almo/ inv>iably turns !
 tide4  ,h[ev]1 su* a picture ^u :i* !  
fate ( an important case may re/ %\ld be
 subject$ to critical exam9ation = x is 
an e/abli%$ fact t a photograph may be  
made z untru?ful z x may be reliable4   
,comb9ation photographs *ange entirely !
 "* ( ! initial negative & h be5 made = 
! pa/ fifty ye>s4  ,! e>lie/1 simple/1 &
 mo/ h>mless photographic deception is !
 pr9t+ ( cl\ds into a b>e sky4  ,b !    
ret\*] ) 8 p5cil & et*+ tool to-day is v
 skilful4  ,a workman ( ord9>y skill c  
introduce a p]son tak5 9 a /udio into an
 op5-air sc5e well bl5d$ & 9 complete   
h>mony )\t a visible trace ( falsity4   
,i ne$ say no?+ ( h[ "o head c be put on
 ano!r body 9 a picture1 nor ne$ ,i say 
:at a d\ble exposure w d4  ,!re is almo/

 no limit to ! *anges t may be wr\ght 9 
=m & feature4  ,x is possible to        
repres5t a p]son cross+ ,broadway or    
walk+ on ,riv]side ,drive1 places he may
 nev] h visit$4 ,?us a p]son *>g$ ) an  
(f5ce may be able to prove an alibi by !
 aid ( a skilfully prep>$ comb9ation    
photograph4  ,:]e1 !n1 c photography be 
consid]$ z irrefutable evid5ce8 ,!      
realism may conv9ce all1 w conv9ce all1 
except ! exp]t & ! initiat$ aft] c>eful 
/udy4  ,a %rewd judge w insi/ t 9 e case
 ! negative be submitt$ & exam9$ =      
possible alt]ations by a clev]          
manipulator4  ,k5n$y b5t 8 gaze on      
,mc,loughlin4  ,n[1 ,i d n accuse y1    
sir1 ( any?+4  ,b a photograph has come 
into ! possession ( ,mr4 ,travis 9 :i*  
he is repres5t$ z /&+ on ! /eps ( y\r   
h\se ) y\rself & ,mr4 ,cadwalad] ,br[n4 
,he & ,mr4 ,br[n are 9 poses t %[ !     
utmo/ fri5dl9ess4  ,i d n hesitate to   
say t t 0 orig9ally a photograph (      
y\rself1 ,mr4 ,br[n1 & y\r own c&idate4 
,x is a pretty raw deal1 a fake 9 :i*   

,travis has be5 sub/itut$ by v excell5t 
photographic =g]y4  ,mc,loughlin motion$
 to ,han=d to reply4  ,a fake8 repeat$ !
 latt] contemptu\sly4  ,h[ ab\t !       
affidavits8  ,!re's no negative4  ,y've 
got to prove t ! orig9al pr9t /ol5 f    
,travis1 we'll say1 is a fake4  ,y c't d
 x4  ,septemb] #ai? 0 ! date alleg$1 ,i 
believe8 ask$ ,k5n$y quietly1 lay+ d[n !
 bundle ( metric photographs & ! alleg$ 
photographs ( ,travis4  ,he 0 po9t+ to a
 %ad[ ( a gable on ! h\se z x %[$ 9 !   
metric photographs & ! o!rs4  ,y see t  
%ad[ ( ! gable8  ,p]haps y nev] he>d (  
x1 ,han=d1 b x is possible to tell !    
exact "t at :i* a photograph 0 tak5 f a 
/udy ( ! %ad[s4  ,x is possible 9       
pr9ciple & practice & c be tru/$4       
,almo/ any sci5ti/ may be call$ on to   
be> te/imony 9 c\rt n[adays1 b y w\ld   
say ! a/ronom] is "o ( ! lea/ likely4   
,well1 ! %ad[ 9 ?is picture w prove an  
alibi = "s "o4  ,notice4  ,x is se5 v   
prom95tly to ! "r1 & its exact location 
on ! h\se is an easy matt]4  ,y c\ld    

almo/ use ! metric photograph = t4  ,!  
id5tification ( ! gable ca/+ ! %ad[ is  
easy4  ,to be exact x is #ai4fb feet    
high4  ,! %ad[ is #ad4bc feet d[n1      
#ac4aj feet ea/1 & #c4dc feet nor?4  ,y 
see ,i am exact4  ,i h to be4  ,9 "o    
m9ute x mov$ #j4jhj feet upw>d1 #j4jec  
feet to ! "r1 & #j4jif feet 9 its app>5t
 pa?4  ,x passes ! wid? ( a wea!rbo>d1  
#j4cg foot1 9 f\r m9utes & ?irty-sev5   
seconds4  ,k5n$y 0 talk+ rapidly ( data 
:i* he _h d]iv$ f 8 metric photograph1 f
 plumb l9e1 level1 compass1 & tape1     
a/ronomical triangle1 v]tices1 z5i?1    
pole & sun1 decl9ation1 azimu?1 sol> "t1
 p>allactic angles1 refraction1 & a doz5
 bewild]+ t]ms4  ,9 sph]ical            
trigonometry1 he conclud$1 to solve !   
problem ?ree elem5ts mu/ be kn[n4  ,i   
knew f\r4  ,!re=e ,i c\ld take ea* ( !  
kn[n1 treat x z unkn[n1 & h f\r ways to 
*eck my result4  ,i f9d t ! "t might h  
be5 ei!r ?ree o'clock1 tw5ty-"o m9utes &
 twelve seconds1 9 ! aft]noon1 or #c3ba 
3#ca1 or #c 3#ba 3#bi1 or #c3ba 3#cc4   

,! av]age is #c 3#ba 3#bf1 & !re c !re=e
 be no appreciable error except = a few 
seconds4 ,= t date mu/ h be5 "o ( two   
days1 ei!r ,may #bb or ,july #bb4       
,betwe5 ^! two dates we mu/ decide on   
evid5ce o!r ?an ! %ad[4  ,x mu/ h be5 9 
,may1 z ! immature condition ( ! foliage
 %[s4  ,b ev5 if x _h be5 9 ,july1 t is 
f> f be+ ,septemb]4  ,! matt] ( ! ye> ,i
 h also settl$4 ,wea!r conditions1 ,i   
f9d1 7 fav\rable on all#bj^! dates      
except t 9 ,septemb]4  ,i c really      
answ]1 ) an assurance & accuracy sup]ior
 to t ( ! photograph] himself - ev5 if  
he 7 hone/ - z to ! real date4  ,! real 
picture1 aside f be+ doctor$1 0 actually
 tak5 la/ ,may4  ,sci5ce is n fallible1 
b exact 9 ?is matt]4  ,k5n$y _h scor$ a 
palpable hit4  ,mc,laughlin & ,han=d 7  
spee*less4  ,/ill ,craig hurri$ on4  ,b1
 y may ask1 h[ ab\t ! automobile        
picture8  ,t also is an unblu%+ fake4   
,( c\rse ,i mu/ prove t4  ,9 ! fir/     
place1 y "k t ! g5]al public has come to
 recognise ! di/ortion ( a photograph z 

d5ot+ spe$4  ,a picture ( a c> 9 a race 
t doesn't lean is reject$ - p dem& to   
see spe$1 spe$1 m spe$ ev5 9 pictures4  
,di/ortion does inde$ %[ spe$1 b t1 too1
 c be fak$4  ,han=d kn[s t ! image is   
project$ upside d[n by ! l5s on ! plate1
 & t ! bottom ( ! picture is tak5 be=e !
 top4  ,! cam]a me*anism admits light1  
:i* makes ! picture1 9 ! mann] ( a roll]
 bl9d curta94  ,! slit travels f ! top  
to ! bottom & ! image on ! plate be+    
project$ upside d[n1 ! bottom ( ! object
 appe>s on ! top ( ! plate4  ,= in/ance1
 ! :eels are tak5 be=e ! head ( ! driv]4
  ,if ! c> is mov+ quickly ! image moves
 on ! plate & ea* successive "p is tak5 
a little 9 advance ( ! la/4  ,! :ole    
leans =w>d4  ,by wid5+ ! slit & sl[+ !  
spe$ ( ! %utt]1 !re is m di/ortion4     
,n[1 ?is is :at happ5$4  ,a picture 0   
tak5 ( ,cadwalad] ,br[n's automobile1   
probably at re/1 ) ,br[n 9 x4  ,! matt] 
( fak+ ,travis or any "o else by 8 side 
is simple4  ,if ) an enl>g+ lant]n !    
image ( ?is fak$ picture is ?r[n on !   

pap] l a lant]n slide1 & if ! "r h& side
 is a little fur!r away ?an ! left1 !   
top fur!r away ?an ! bottom1 y c pr9t a 
fraudul5t high spe$ ahead picture4      
,true1 ev]y?+ else 9 ! picture1 ev5 if  
motionless1 is di/ort$1 & ! diff]5ce    
betwe5 ?is fak+ & ! di/ortion ( ! %utt] 
c be se5 by an exp]t4  ,b x w pass4  ,9 
?is case1 h[ev]1 ! fak] 0 s sure ( t t  
he 0 c>eless4 ,in/ead ( gett+ ! plate   
fur!r f ! pap] on ! "r he did s on !    
left4  ,x 0 fur!r away on ! bottom ?an  
on ! top4  ,he got di/ortion all "r1    
en\gh /ill to satisfy ! un9itiat$4  ,b x
 0 di/ortion 9 ! wrong way6  ,! top ( ! 
:eel1 :i* goes fa/e/ & ought to be mo/  
indi/9ct1 is1 9 ! fake1 z %>p z any o!r 
"p4  ,x is a small mi/ake1 b fatal4  ,t 
picture is really at high spe$ -        
backw>ds6 ,x is too raw1 too raw4  ,y   
don't ?9k p are go+ to swall[ all t     
/uff1 d y8 ask$ ,han=d coolly1 9 spite (
 ! exposures4  ,k5n$y paid no att5tion4 
,he 0 look+ at ,mc,loughlin4  ,! ,boss 0
 reg>d+ him surlily4  ,well1 he said at 

l5g?1 :at ( all ?is8  ,i _h no?+ to d ) 
x4  ,:y d y come to me8  ,take x to !   
prop] p>ties4  ,%all ,i8 ask$ ,k5n$y    
quietly4  ,he _h uncov]$ ano!r picture  
c>efully4  ,we c\ld n see x1 b z he     
look$ at x ,mc,loughlin fairly /agg]$4  
,: - :]e did y get t8 he gasp$4  ,i got 
x :]e ,i got x1 & x is no fake1 repli$  
,k5n$y enigmatically4  ,!n he appe>$ to 
?9k bett] ( x4  ,?is1 he expla9$1 is :at
 is kn[n z a p9hole photograph4  ,?ree  
hundr$ ye>s ago della ,porta knew !     
cam]a obscura1 & b = ! lack ( a s5sitive
 plate w\ld h made photographs4  ,a box1
 ?or\ghly light-tight1 slott$ inside to 
receive plates1 cov]$ ) black1 & glu$   
tight1 a ne$le hole made by a numb] #aj 
ne$le 9 a ?9 %eet ( pap] & y h !        
app>atus = l5sless photography4  ,x has 
a correctness su* z no image-=m+ means  
by l5ses c h4  ,x is lit]ally           
rectigraphic1 rectil9e>1 x ne$s no      
focuss+1 & x takes a wide angle ) equal 
effect4  ,ev5 p9hole snap%ots are       
possible :]e ! light is abundant1 ) a t5

 to fifte5 second exposure4  ,t picture1
 ,mc,loughlin1 0 tak5 ye/]day at        
,han=d's4  ,aft] ,miss ,a%ton left ,i   
saw :o came out1 b ?is picture %[s :at  
happ5$ be=e4  ,at a critical mom5t ,miss
 ,a%ton /uck a ne$le 9 ! wall ( ! /udio1
 c\nt$ fifte5 clos$ ! ne$le-hole1 & !re 
is ! record ,walt]1 ,han=d1 - leave u   
alone an in/ant4  ,:5 ,k5n$y pass$ out (
 ! ,boss's (fice !re 0 a look ( quiet   
satisfaction on 8 face :i* ,i c\ld n    
fa?om4  ,n a ^w c\ld ,i extract f him   
ei!r t night or on ! foll[+ day1 :i* 0 !
 la/ be=e ! election4  ,i mu/ say t ,i 0
 ke5ly disappo9t$ by ! lack (           
developm5ts1 h[ev]4  ,! :ole ?+ seem$ to
 me to be a mess4  ,ev]ybody 0 involv$4 
,:at _h ,miss ,a%ton ov]he>d & :at _h   
,k5n$y said to ,mc,loughlin8  ,above    
all1 :at 0 8 game8  ,0 he play+ to sp>e 
! girl's feel+s by all[+ ! election to g
 on )\t a sc&al = ,travis8  ,at la/     
election night arriv$4  ,we 7 all at !  
,travis headqu>t]s1 ,k5n$y1 ,travis1    
,b5nett1 & myself4  ,miss ,a%ton 0 n    

pres5t1 b ! fir/ returns _h sc>cely     
begun to trickle 9 :5 ,craig :isp]$ to  
me to g out & f9d h]1 ei!r at h] home or
 club4  ,i f\nd h] at home4  ,%e _h     
app>5tly lo/ int]e/ 9 ! election1 & x 0 
) difficulty t ,i p]suad$ h] to         
accompany me4  ,! excitem5t ( any o!r   
night 9 ! ye> pal$ to insignificance    
be=e ?is4  ,di/ract$ cr[ds ev]y:]e 7    
*e]+ & bl[+ horns4  ,n[ a s]ies ( wild  
%\ts broke =? f ! d5se mass ( p be=e a  
newspap] bullet9 bo>d4  ,n[ came sull5  
groans1 hisses1 & catcalls1 or all      
toge!r ) *e]s z ! returns swung 9 ano!r 
direction4  ,n ev5 baseball c\ld call   
out su* a cr[d z ?is4  ,lights blaz$    
ev]y:]e4  ,automobiles honk$ & gr\nd _! 
ge>s4  ,! lob/] palaces 7 ?rong$4       
,police 7 ev]y:]e4  ,p ) horns & bells &
 all mann] ( noise-mak+ devices pu%$ up 
"o side ( ! ?or\ghf>es & d[n ! o!r4     
,hungrily1 rav5\sly !y 7 fe$+ or !      
meagre bullet9s ( news4  ,yet back ( all
 ! noise & human en]gy ,i c\ld only ?9k 
( ! sil5t1 sy/ematic ga!r+ & edit+ ( !  

news4  ,high up 9 ! ,league headqu>t]s1 
:5 we return$1 a corps ( cl]ks 0        
tabulat+ returns1 comp>+ (ficial &      
semi-(ficial reports4 ,z fir/ ! /ate    
swung "o way1 !n ano!r1 our hopes rose &
 fell4  ,miss ,a%ton seem$ cold & ill at
 ease1 :ile ,travis look$ m worri$ &    
paid less att5tion to ! returns ?an w\ld
 h seem$ natural4  ,%e avoid$ him & he  
seem$ to hesitate to seek h] out4  ,w\ld
 ! up-/ate returns1 ,i _h wond]$ at     
fir/1 be l>ge en\gh to ov]come ! ho/ile 
city vote8  ,i 0 amaz$ n[ to see h[     
/rongly ! city 0 turn+ to ,travis4      
,mc,loughlin has kept 8 ^w1 ejaculat$   
,k5n$y z di/rict aft] di/rict %[$ t !   
,boss's pluralities 7 be+ s]i\sly cut   
into4  ,8 ^w8  ,:at d y mean8 we ask$   
almo/ toge!r4  ,i mean t he has kept 8  
^w giv5 to me at a conf]5ce :i* ,mr4    
,jameson saw b did n he>4  ,i told him  
,i w\ld publi% ! :ole ?+1 n c>+ :om or  
:]e or :5 x hit if he did n let up on   
,travis4  ,i advis$ him to read 8       
,revis$ ,/atutes aga9 ab\t money 9      

elections1 & ,i end$ up ) ! ?reat1 ',!re
 w be no d\gh day1 ,mc,loughlin1 or ?is 
w be prosecut$ to ! limit4' ,!re 0 no   
d\gh day4  ,y see ! effect 9 ! returns4 
,b h[ did y d x8 ,i ask$1 n compreh5d+4 
,! fak$ photographs did n move him1 t ,i
 c\ld see4  ,! words1 fak$ photographs1 
caus$ ,miss ,a%ton to glance up quickly4
  ,i saw t ,k5n$y _h n told h] or any "o
 yet1 until ! ,boss _h made good4  ,he  
_h simply arrang$ "o ( 8 little dramas4 
,%all ,i tell1 ,miss ,a%ton8 he ask$1   
add+1 ,be=e ,i complete my "p ( !       
compact & blot out ! :ole affair8  ,i h 
no "r to say no1 %e answ]$ tremul\sly1 b
 ) a look ( happ9ess t ,i _h n se5 s9ce 
our fir/ introduction4  ,k5n$y laid d[n 
a pr9t on a table4  ,x 0 ! p9hole       
photograph1 a little blurry1 b q        
conv9c+4  ,on a desk 9 ! picture 0 a    
pile ( bills4  ,mc,loughlin 0 %ov+ !m   
away f him t[>d ,b5nett4  ,a man :o 0   
fac+ =w>d 9 ! picture 0 talk+ e>ne/ly to
 "s "o :o did n appe>4  ,i felt         
intuitively1 ev5 be=e ,k5n$y said s1 t !

 p]son 0 ,miss ,a%ton h]self z %e /uck !
 ne$le into ! wall4  ,! man 0 ,cadwalad]
 ,br[n4  ,travis1 dem&$ ,k5n$y1 br+ !   
acc\nt books ( y\r campaign4  ,i want ! 
miscellane\s acc\nt p>ticul>ly4  ,!     
books 7 br\ght1 & he cont9u$1 turn+ !   
leaves1 ,x seem$ to me to %[ a %ortage (
 ne>ly tw5ty ?\s& doll>s ! o!r day4     
,:y1 x has be5 made up4  ,h[ 0 t1       
,b5nett8  ,b5nett 0 spee*less4  ,i w    
tell y1 ,craig proce$$ inexorably4      
,b5nett1 y embezzl$ t money = y\r       
bus9ess4 ,r ?an be f\nd out1 y w5t to   
,billy ,mc,loughlin & (f]$ to sell out !
 ,re=m campaign = money to replace x4   
,) ! aid ( ! crook1 ,han=d1             
,mc,loughlin's tool1 y work$ out ! s*eme
 to extort money f ,travis by =g$       
photographs4  ,y knew en\gh ab\t        
,travis's h\se & libr>y to frame up a   
robb]y "o night :5 y 7 /ay+ !re ) him4  
,x 0 inside "w1 ,i f\nd1 at a glance4   
,travis1 ,i am sorry to h to tell y t   
y\r confid5ce 0 misplac$4  ,x 0 ,b5nett 
:o robb$ y & worse4  ,b ,cadwalad]      

,br[n1 always close to 8 creature1      
,billy ,mc,loughlin1 he>d ( x4  ,to him 
x pres5t$ ano!r idea4#bj ,to him x (f]$ 
a *ance to ov]?r[ a political enemy & a 
hat$ rival = ,miss ,a%ton's h&4  ,p]haps
 into ! b>ga9 x w\ld disgu/ h] )        
politics1 disillusion h]1 & %ake h] fai?
 9 :at he believ$ to be "s ( h]         
'radical' notions4  ,all c\ld be ga9$ at
 "o bl[4  ,!y say t a *eck-book kn[s no 
politics1 b ,b5nett has le>n$ "s1 ,i    
v5ture to say1 & to save 8 reputation he
 w pay back :at he has tri$ to graft4   
,travis c\ld sc>cely believe x yet4  ,h[
 did y get y\r fir/ h9t8 he gasp$4      
,k5n$y 0 digg+ into ! wall ) a bill file
 at ! place :]e he _h buri$ ! little    
vulcanis$ disc4  ,i _h already guess$ t 
x 0 a dictograph1 ?\gh ,i c\ld n tell h[
 x 0 us$ or :o us$ x4  ,!re x 01 set    
squ>ely 9 ! pla/]4 ,!re also 7 ! wires  
runn+ "u ! c>pet4  ,z he lift$ ! rug "u 
,miss ,a%ton's desk !re also lay ! huge 
circles ( wire4  ,t 0 all4  ,at ?is     
mom5t ,miss ,a%ton /epp$ =w>d4  ,la/    

,friday1 %e said 9 a l[ tone1 ,i wore a 
belt :i* conceal$ a coil ( wire ab\t my 
wai/4  ,f x a wire ran "u my coat1      
connect+ ) a small dry batt]y 9 a       
pocket4  ,ov] my head ,i _h an          
arrangem5t su* z ! telephone girls we> )
 a receiv] at "o e> connect$ ) ! batt]y4
  ,no "o saw x1 = ,i wore a l>ge hat :i*
 completely hid x4  ,if any "o _h kn[n1 
& !re 7 pl5ty ( eyes wat*+1 ! :ole ?+   
w\ld h fall5 ?r\gh4 ,i c\ld walk ar\nd2 
no "o c\ld suspect any?+2 b :5 ,i /ood  
or sat at my desk ,i c\ld he> ev]y?+ t 0
 said 9 ,mr4 ,b5nett's (fice4  ,by      
induction1 expla9$ ,k5n$y4  ,! impulses 
set up 9 ! conceal$ dictograph set up   
curr5ts 9 ^! coils ( wire conceal$ "u ! 
c>pet4  ,!y 7 wirelessly duplicat$ by   
induction 9 ! coil ab\t ,miss ,a%ton's  
wai/ & s affect$ ! receiv] "u h] v      
becom+ hat4  ,tell ! re/1 ,miss ,a%ton4 
,i he>d ! deal arrang$ ) ?is ,han=d1 %e 
add$1 almo/ z if %e 7 confess+ some?+1 b
 n und]/&+ x z ,mr4 ,k5n$y did1 ,i v    
ha/ily condemn$ ,mr4 ,travis4  ,i he>d  

talk ( putt+ back tw5ty ?\s& into !     
campaign acc\nts1 ( five ?\s& giv5 to   
,han=d = 8 photographic "w1 & ( ! way   
,mr4 ,travis 0 to be defeat$ :e!r he    
paid or n4 ,i he>d !m say t "o condition
 0 t ,i %\ld c>ry ! pur*ase money4  ,i  
he>d mu* t mu/ h confirm$ ,mr4 ,k5n$y's 
suspicion 9 "o way1 & my own 9 an       
opposite way1 :i* ,i "k n[ 0 wrong4  ,& 
!n ,cadwalad] ,br[n 9 ! /udio taunt$ me 
cynically & - & x cut me1 = he seem$ "r4
  ,i hope t ,mr4 ,travis w =give me =   
?9k+ t ,mr4 ,b5nett's trea*]y 0 8  ,a   
t]rific *e] broke out among ! cl]ks 9 ! 
out] (fice4  ,a boy ru%$ 9 ) a /ill     
unblott$ report4  ,k5n$y seiz$ x & read3
    ,mc,loughlin conc$es ! city by a    
small majority to ,travis1   fifte5     
election di/ricts e/imat$4  ,?is cl9*es 
! ,re=m   ,league victory 9 ! /ate4  ,i 
turn$ to ,travis4  ,he 0 pay+ no        
att5tion except to ! pretty apology (   
,m>g>et ,a%ton4  ,k5n$y drew me to !    
door4  ,we might z well conc$e ,miss    
,a%ton to ,travis1 he said1 add+ gaily1 

by induction ( an arm ab\t ! wai/4      
,let's g out & wat* ! cr[d4