The Brand of Silence

 A DETECTIVE STORY

 By HARRINGTON STRONG

CHELSEA HOUSE 79 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY

Copyright, 1919 by STREET & SMITH

(Printed in the United States of America)

All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreignlanguages, including the Scandinavian. 

CONTENTS

 I. IN THE HARBOR

 II. THE GIRL ON THE SHIP

 III. SOME DISCOURTESIES

 IV. A FOE AND A FRIEND

 V. THE COUSIN

 VI. MURK--AND MURDER

 VII. EVIDENCE

 VIII. LIES AND LIARS

 IX. PUZZLED

 X. ON THE TRAIL

 XI. CONCERNING KATE GILBERT

 XII. BATTERED KEYS

 XIII. A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN

 XIV. MORE MYSTERY

 XV. A MOMENT OF VIOLENCE

 XVI. MURK RECEIVES A BLOW

 XVII. MURK IS TEMPTED

 XVIII. A WOMAN'S WAY

 XIX. COADLEY QUITS

 XX. UP THE RIVER

 XXI. RECOGNITION

 XXII. AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

 XXIII. A STARTLING STORY

 XXIV. HIGH-HANDED METHODS

 XXV. AN ACCUSATION

 XXVI. THE TRUTH COMES OUT

THE BRAND OF SILENCE

CHAPTER I

IN THE HARBOR

Now the fog was clearing and the mist was lifting, and the brightsunshine was struggling to penetrate the billows of damp vapor and touchwith its glory the things of the world beneath. In the lower harborthere still was a chorus of sirens and foghorns, as craft of almostevery description made way toward the metropolis or out toward the opensea. 

The _Manatee_, tramp steamer with rusty plates and rattling engines anda lurch like that of a drunken man, wallowed her way in from theturbulent ocean she had fought for three days, her skipper standing onthe bridge and inaudibly giving thanks that he was nearing the end ofthe voyage without the necessity for abandoning his craft for an openboat, or remaining to go down with the ship after the manner of skippersof the old school. 

Here and there showed a rift in the rolling fog, and those who bravedthe weather and lined the damp rail could see other craft in passing. 

A giant liner made her way past majestically, bound for Europe, or aseagoing tug clugged by as if turning up her nose at the old, battered_Manatee_. 

Standing at the rail, and well forward, Sidney Prale strained his eyesand looked ahead, watching where the fog lifted, an eager light in hisface, his lips curved in a smile, a general expression of anticipationabout him. 

Sidney Prale himself was not bad to look at. Thirty-eight he was, talland broad of shoulder, with hair that was touched with gray at thetemples, with a face that had been browned by the weather. Sidney Pralehad the appearance of wearing clothes that had been molded to his form. He had a chin that expressed decision and determination, lips that couldform in a thin, straight line if occasion required, eyes that could bekind or stern, according to the needs of the moment. A man of the worldwould have said that Sidney Prale was a gentleman of broad experience, aman who had presence of mind in the face of danger, a man who couldthink quickly and act quickly when such things were necessary. 

He was not alone at the rail--and yet he was alone in a sense, for hegave no one the slightest attention. He bent over and looked aheadeagerly, waving a hand now and then at the men on passing craft, like aschoolboy on an excursion trip. He listened to the bellowing sirens andfoghorns, drank in the raucous cries of the ship's officers, strainedhis ears for the land sounds that rolled now and then across the waters. 

"It's great--great!" Sidney Prale said, half aloud. 

He bent over the rail again. A hand descended upon his shoulder, and avoice answered him. 

"You bet it's great, Prale!"

Sidney Prale's smile weakened a bit as he turned around, but there wasnothing of discourtesy in his manner. 

"You like it, Mr. Shepley?" he asked. 

"Do I like it? Does Rufus Shepley, forced to run here and there aroundthe old world in the name of business, like it when he gets the chanceto return to New York? Ask me!"

"I have my answer, " Prale said, laughing a bit. "And judge, then, how Ilike it--when I have not seen it for ten years. "

"Haven't seen New York for ten years?" Rufus Shepley gasped. 

"A whole decade, " Prale admitted. 

"Been down in Honduras all that time?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And you live to tell it? You are my idea of a real man!" Rufus Shepleysaid. 

Shepley took a cigar from his vest pocket, bit off the end, lighted it, and puffed a cloud of fragrant smoke into the air. Rufus Shepley was aman of fifty, and looked his age. If human being ever gave theappearance of being the regulation man of big business affairs, RufusShepley did. 

Sidney Prale had held some conversation with him on board ship, but theyhad not become very well acquainted, though they seemed to like eachother. Each man seemed to be holding back, waiting, trying to discoverin the other more qualities to like or dislike. 

"Ten years, " Sidney Prale went on thoughtfully. "It seems a long time, but the years have passed swiftly. "

"I always had an idea, " Rufus Shepley said, "that a genuine white manwho went to one of those Central American countries turned bad after thefirst year and went to the devil generally. But you don't look it. "

"The idea is correct, at that, in some instances, " Prale admitted. "Someof them do turn bad. "

"They get to drifting, eh? The climate gets into their blood. Do youknow what I think? I think that, in seven cases out of eight, it's acase of a man wanting an excuse for loafing. I knew a chap once who wentdown to that part of the world. Got to drinking too much, threw up hisjob, used to loaf all the time, married some sort of a half-black womanwho had a bit of coin, and went to the dogs generally. "

"Oh, there are many such, " Sidney Prale admitted. "But the majority ofthem are men who made some grave mistake somewhere else and got the ideathat life was merely existence afterward. A man must have an incentivein any climate to make anything of himself--and down there the incentivehas to be stronger. "

"I assume that you--er--had the proper incentive, " Rufus Shepley said, grinning. 

"I don't know how some persons would look at the propriety of it. Iwanted to make a million dollars. "

"Great Scott! Your ambition was a modest one, I must say. And youmanaged to win out? Oh, I beg your pardon! It isn't any of my business, of course!"

"That's all right, " Prale answered good-naturedly. "I don't mind. I'm sohappy this morning that I'm willing to overlook almost anything. And Idon't mind telling you that I've won out. "

"A million in ten years, " Shepley gasped. 

"Yes; and with an initial capital of ten thousand dollars, " Sidney Pralereplied. "I'm rather proud of it, of course. I suppose this sounds likeboasting----"

"My boy, you have the right to boast! A million dollars in ten years!Great Scott! Say, would you consider being general manager of one of mycompanies? We need a few men like you. "

Sidney Prale laughed again. "Sorry--but I'm afraid that I can't take thejob, " he replied. "I am going to have my little holiday now--going toplay. A million isn't much in some quarters, but it is enough for me. Idon't care for money to a great extent. I just wanted to prove to myselfthat I could make a million--prove it to myself and others. And, readyto take my vacation, I naturally decided to take it in New York--home!"

"Ah! Home's in New York, eh? Old friends waiting at the dock, and allthat!"

Sidney Prale's face clouded. "I am afraid that there will be noreception committee, " he said. "I didn't let anybody know that I wascoming--for the simple reason that I didn't know whom to inform. "

"My boy!"

"I have a few old friends scattered around some place, I suppose. I haveno relatives in the world except a male cousin about my own age, and Inever communicated with him after going to Honduras. There was a girlonce----"

"There always is a girl, " Shepley said softly, as Prale ceased speaking. 

"But that ended ten years ago, " Prale continued. "I stand alone--with mymillion. "

"You advertise that fact, my boy, and there'll be girls by the regimentlooking up your telephone number. "

"And the right one wouldn't be in the crowd, " Prale said, the smileleaving his face again. 

"Well, you are in for a fine time, at least, " Rufus Shepley told him. "There have been quite a few changes in New York in the past ten years. Yes, quite a few changes! There are a few new boarding houses scatteredaround, and a new general store or two, and the street cars run outfarther than they used to. "

"Oh, I've kept up to date after a fashion, " Sidney Prale said, laughingonce more. "I'm ready to appreciate the changes, but I suppose I will besurprised. The New York papers get down to Honduras now and then, youknow. "

"I've always understood, " Shepley said, "that there are certaingentlemen in that part of the world who watch the New York papers veryclosely. "

"Meaning the men who are fugitives from justice, I see, " said Prale. 

"I didn't mean anything personal, of course. "

"It does look bad, doesn't it?" said Prale. "I went straight to Honduraswhen I left New York ten years ago, like a man running away from thelaw, and I have remained there all the time until this trip. And I havebeen gone ten years--thereby satisfying certain statutes oflimitation----"

"My boy, I never meant to insinuate that----"

"I know that you didn't, " Prale interrupted. "My conscience is clear, Mr. Shepley. When I land, I'll not be afraid of some officer of the lawclutching me by the shoulder and hauling me away to a police station. "

"Even if one did, a cool million will buy lots of bail, " Rufus Shepleysaid. 

The fog was lifting rapidly now. Here and there through the billows ofmist could be seen the roofs of skyscrapers glistening in the sun. Sidney Prale almost forgot the man at his side as he bent over the railto watch. 

"Getting home--getting home!" he said. "I suppose no man ever gets quiteover the home idea, no matter how long he remains away. Ten years oughtto make a change, but I find that it doesn't. I'll be glad to feel thepavements beneath my shoes again. "

"Sure!" said Rufus Shepley. 

"Confound the fog! Ah, there's a building I know! And there are a few Inever saw before. We're beginning to get in, aren't we? Ought to dockbefore noon, don't you think?"

"Sure thing!"

"A hotel, a bath, fresh clothes--and then for hour after hour of walkingaround and taking in the sights!" Prale said. 

"Better engage a taxi if you expect to take 'em all in before night, myboy, " Shepley said. 

"I forgot! We haven't any too many taxis in Honduras. I had a car of myown, but sold it before I came away. "

"You let the busy auto agents know that, and you'll have a regiment ofthem----"

"And there!" Sidney Prale cried. "Now I know that I am home! There isthe Old Girl in the Harbor!"

Prale removed his cap, and a mist came into his eyes that did not comefrom the foggy billows through which the ship was plowing. The sun wasshining through the murk at last, and it touched the Statue of Liberty. The great figure seemed like a live thing for a moment; the mist made itappear that her garments were waving in the breeze. 

"Now I know that I am home!" Sidney Prale repeated. 

"She sure is a great old girl!" Rufus Shepley agreed. "Always glad tosee her!"

"Well, I've got to get ready to land; I'm not going to waste any time, "Prale said. "I'm glad that I met you--and perhaps we'll meet again inthe city. "

"Hope we do!" said Shepley, grasping Prale's hand. "Our factories areout in Ohio, but the company headquarters are in New York, of course. Here's my business card, my boy. And I generally put up at theGraymore. "

Sidney Prale took the card, thanked Rufus Shepley, and hurried down thedeck toward his stateroom, one of the best on the ship. Rufus Shepleylooked after him sharply. 

"Went straight to Honduras and stayed there for ten years, eh?" RufusShepley said to himself. "Um! Looks bad! I never put much stock in thoseHonduras chaps--but this one seems to be all right. Never can tell, though!"

Sidney Prale, still smiling, and humming a Spanish love song, reachedhis stateroom and threw open the door; and just inside, he came to astop, astonished. 

Somebody had been in that stateroom and had been going through histhings. The contents of his suit case were spilled on the floor. A bagwas wide open; he had left it closed and in a corner less than an hourbefore. 

Prale went down on his knees and made a quick inspection. There did notseem to be anything missing. A package of papers--business documents forthe greater part--had been examined, he could tell at a glance, but nonehad been taken. 

"Peculiar!" Prale told himself. "Some sneak thief, I suppose. No sensein complaining to the ship's officers at this late hour, especiallysince nothing has been stolen. Makes a man angry, though!"

He put the suit case on the table and began repacking the things thathad been scattered on the floor. Then he gathered up his toiletarticles, bits of clothing he had left out until the last minute, a fewsouvenirs of Honduras he had been showing a tourist the evening before. He turned toward the berth to pick up his light overcoat. 

There was a sheet of paper pinned to the pillow, paper that might havebeen taken from an ordinary writing tablet. Sidney Prale took it up andglanced at it. A few words of handwriting were upon the paper, wordsthat looked as if they had been scrawled hurriedly with a pencil thatneeded sharpening badly. 

"Retribution is inevitable and comes when you least expect it. "

The smile fled from Sidney Prale's lips, and the Spanish love song hehad been humming died in his throat. He frowned, and read the messageagain. 

"Now what the deuce does this mean?" he gasped. 

CHAPTER II

THE GIRL ON THE SHIP

Sidney Prale folded the piece of paper carefully and slipped it into hiswallet. Winning a fortune in ten years in a foreign country had taughtPrale many things, notably that everything has its cause and effect, andthat things that seem trifles may turn out to be of great importancelater. 

He finished his packing, locked the suit case, put on coat and hat andwent out upon the deck. The _Manatee_ was docking. A throng was on thewharf. Prale glanced at the buildings in the distance and forgot for thetime being the scrap of paper, because of his happiness at being homeagain and his eagerness to land. Returning to New York after an absenceof so many years was in the nature of an adventure. There would beexploring trips to make, things to find, surprises at every turn and onevery side. 

The passengers were crowding forward now, preparing to go ashore. SidneyPrale picked up his suit case and started through the jostling crowd. Already those on board were calling greetings to relatives and friendson the wharf, and Prale's face grew solemn for a moment because therewas nobody to welcome him. 

"Not a friend in the world, " he had said to Rufus Shepley that morning. 

"A man with a million dollars has a million friends, " Shepley hadreplied. "The only trouble is, you can't enjoy that sort of friendsexcept by getting rid of them, unless you happen to be a miser. "

Well, that was something, Sidney Prale told himself now. He had amplefunds, at least, and perhaps he could enjoy himself after ten years ofbattling with financial sharks, of inspecting and working mines, ofcutting through dense forests and locating growths that could be turnedinto wealth. 

Prale put his suit case against the rail to wait until he could moveforward again. He looked down at the throng on the wharf, and up anddown the rail at his fellow passengers. Then he saw the girl again!

He had seen her before. The first time had been at Tegucigalpa, at aball given by some society people for charity. He had known her at oncefor an American, and finally had obtained an introduction. Her name wasKate Gilbert, and she lived in New York. It was understood that she wasof a wealthy family and traveling for her health. She was accompaniedonly by a middle-aged maid, a giant of a woman who seemed to be maid andchaperon and general protector in one. 

That night at Tegucigalpa, Prale had talked to her and had danced withher twice. He judged her to be about twenty-eight, some ten yearsyounger than himself. She was small and charming, not one of thehelpless butterfly sort, but a woman who gave indication that she couldcare for herself if necessary. 

Prale had been surprised to find her aboard the _Manatee_, but she hadtold him that she was going home, that her health had been muchbenefited, and that she felt she could not remain away longer. It hadseemed to Prale that she avoided him purposely, and that puzzled him abit. He could not understand why any woman should absolutely dislikehim. His record in Honduras was a clean one; it was known that he didnot care much for women, and surely she had learned that he was a man ofmeans, and did not think he might be a fortune hunter wishing to marry aprominent heiress. 

He had not spoken to her half a dozen times during the voyage. She madethe acquaintance of others aboard and, for the first few days, had beenbusy in their company. The last three days had been stormy ones, andKate Gilbert had not been much in evidence. Prale judged that she was apoor sailor. 

Now she stopped beside him, the middle-aged maid standing just behindher. 

"Well, we're home, Mr. Prale!" she said. 

"I suppose that you are glad to get home?"

"Surely!" she replied. "And I'll be angry if there are not half a dozento meet me when I land. I've been trying to spot some friends in thatcrowd, but it is a hopeless task. "

"I hope you'll not be disappointed, " Prale said. 

As he spoke, he glanced past her at the middle-aged maid, and surpriseda peculiar expression on the face of the woman. She had been lookingstraight at him, and her lips were almost curled into a sneer, while hereyes were flashing with something akin to anger. 

Prale did not understand that. Why should the dragon be incensed withhim? He was making no attempt to lay siege to the heart of Miss KateGilbert. He was no fortune hunter after an heiress. The expression onthe face of the maid amused Prale even while he wondered what it couldmean. 

"Picked your hotel?" Kate Gilbert was asking. 

"Not yet, but I hope to get in somewhere, " Prale told her. "May I be ofassistance to you when we land?"

"Marie will help me, thanks--and there will be others on the wharf, " sheanswered. 

A cold look had come into her face again, and she turned half away fromhim and looked down at the crowd on the wharf. Sidney Prale lookedstraight at her, despite the glare of the middle-aged maid. Kate Gilbertwas a woman who would appeal to a majority of men, but there seemed tobe something peculiar about her, Prale told himself. He knew that shehad avoided him purposely during the voyage, and that she had spoken tohim purposely now, yet had asked nothing except whether he had chosen ahotel. 

Why should Kate Gilbert wish to know where he was going to stop? Perhapsit had been only an idle question, he explained to himself. In herhappiness at getting home, she had merely wished to speak to somebody, and none of her shipboard friends happened to be near. 

He turned from her and glanced at the maid again. She was not the sortto be named Marie, Prale told himself. Marie called up a vision of apetite, trim woman from sunny France, and this Marie was nothing of thesort. She appeared more to be a peasant used to hard labor, Praledecided. 

And he could not understand the expression on the woman's face as shelooked at him. It was almost one of loathing. 

"Got me mixed up with somebody else, or somebody has been giving me abad reputation, " Prale mused. "Enough to make a man shiver--that look ofhers. "

Kate Gilbert, apparently, did not intend to have anything more to dowith him. Smiling a little at her manner, Prale lifted his hat, pickedup the suit case, and turned away. Once more he tried to force a passagethrough the jostling crowd. He had not taken three steps when KateGilbert touched him on the arm. 

"Pardon me, Mr. Prale, but there is something sticking on the end ofyour suit case, " she said. 

Prale glanced down. On one end of the suit case was a bit of paper. Ithad been stuck there by a drop of mucilage, and the mucilage was stillwet. 

He thanked Kate Gilbert and picked the paper off, but he did not throwit over the rail into the water. He crumpled it in his hand and, when hewas some distance away, he smoothed it out. 

There was a single word written on it, in the same handwritingas that of the note he had found pinned to the pillow in thestateroom--"Retribution. "

Sidney Prale glanced around quickly. Nobody seemed to be payingparticular attention to him. Kate Gilbert and her maid had passed himand were preparing to land. Prale put the piece of paper into his coatpocket and picked up his suit case again. That bit of paper, he knewwell, had not been on the suit case when he had left the stateroom. Ithad been put there as he had made his way through the crowd ofpassengers along the rail. Who could have stuck it there--and why?

Now the passengers were streaming ashore, and Sidney Prale stepped toone side and watched them. Perhaps he had some business enemy on board, he told himself, some man he had not noticed, and who was trying tofrighten him after a childish fashion. He searched the faces of thelanding passengers, but saw nobody he had known in Central America, nobody who looked at all suspicious. 

"Either a joke--or a mistake, " Prale told himself again. 

He started ashore. He saw Kate Gilbert just ahead of him, the bulky maidat her heels. An elderly man met her, but did not greet her as a fatherwould have been expected to do. Prale saw them hold a whisperedconversation, and it seemed to him that the elderly man gave him asearching glance. 

"I must look like a swindler!" Prale mused. 

Finally, as he went out upon the street to engage a taxicab and startfor a hotel, he saw Kate Gilbert and her maid and the elderly man again, getting into a limousine. The girl held a piece of paper in her hand, and was reading something from it to the elderly man. As she got intothe car, she dropped the piece of paper to the curb. 

The limousine was gone before Prale reached the curb. He put his suitcase down and picked up the piece of paper. There was nothing on itexcept a couple of names that meant nothing to Sidney Prale. But hiseyes bulged, nevertheless, as he read them. 

For the paper was similar to that upon which had been written the notethat he had found on the pillow in the stateroom--and the coarsehandwriting was the same!

"What the deuce----" Prale caught himself saying. 

Had Kate Gilbert written that message about retribution and had her maidleave it in the stateroom? Had Kate Gilbert written that single word andhad her maid paste it on his suit case as he passed, or pasted it thereherself?

Why had Kate Gilbert--whom he never had seen and of whom he never hadheard until she appeared at the ball in Tegucigalpa--avoided him in sucha peculiar manner? And why had the misnamed Marie glared at him, andexpressed loathing and anger when her eyes met his?

"What the deuce----" Prale asked himself again. 

Then a taxicab drew up at the curb, and he got in. 

CHAPTER III

SOME DISCOURTESIES

Sidney Prale obtained accommodations in a prominent hostelry on FifthAvenue, bathed, dressed, ate luncheon, and then went out upon thestreets, walking briskly and swinging his stick, going about New Yorklike a stranger who never had seen it before. 

As a matter of fact, he never had seen this New York before. He hadexpected a multitude of changes, but nothing compared to what he found. He watched the crowds on the Avenue, cut over to Broadway andinvestigated the electric signs by daylight, observed the congestion ofvehicles and the efforts of traffic policemen to straighten it out. Hedarted into the subway and rode far downtown and back again just for thesport of it. After that he got on an omnibus and rode up to CentralPark, and acted as if every tree and twig were an old friend. 

He made himself acquainted with the animals in the zoo there, andpromised himself to go to the other zoo in the Bronx before the end ofthe week. He stood back at the curb and lifted his head to look at newbuildings after the manner of the comic supplement farmer with a strawbetween his teeth. 

"Great--great!" said Sidney Prale. 

Then he hurried back to the hotel, dressed for dinner, and went down tothe dining room, stopping on the way to obtain a ticket for a musicalrevue that was the talk of the town at the moment. 

Prale ordered a dinner that made the waiter open his eyes. He made it apoint to select things that were not on the menus of the hotels inHonduras. Then he sat back in his chair and listened to the orchestra, and watched well-dressed men and women come in and get their places atthe tables. 

But the dinner was a disappointment to Prale after all. It seemed to himthat the waiter was a long time giving him service. He remonstrated, andthe man asked pardon and said that he would do better, but he did not. 

Prale found that his soup was lukewarm, his salad dressing preparedimperfectly, the salad itself a mere mess of vegetables. The fish andfowl he had ordered were not served properly, the dessert was withoutflavor, the cheese was stale. He sent for the head waiter. 

"I'm disgusted with the food and the service, " he complained. "I rarelyfind fault, but I am compelled to do so this time. The man who has beenserving me seems to be a rank amateur, and twice he was almost insolent. This hotel has a reputation which it scarcely is maintaining thisevening. "

"I'll see about it, sir, " the head waiter said. 

Prale saw him stop the waiter and speak to him, and the waiter glared athim when he brought the demi-tasse. Prale did not care. He glared backat the man, drank the coffee, and touched the match to a cigar. Then hesigned the check and went from the dining room, an angry and disgustedman. 

"Another thing like that, and I look for the manager, " he told himself. 

He supposed that he was a victim of circumstances--that the waiter was anew man and that it happened that the portions he served were poorportions. His happiness at being home again prevented Sidney Prale fromfeeling anger for any length of time. He got his hat and coat and wentout upon the street again. 

He had an hour before time to go to the theater. He walked over toBroadway and went toward the north, looking at the bright lights and thecrowds. He passed through two or three hotel lobbies, satisfied for thetime merely to be in the midst of the throngs. 

At the proper time, he hurried to the theater and claimed his seat. Theperformance was a mediocre one, but it pleased Sidney Prale. He had seena better show in Honduras a month before, had seen better dancing andheard better singing and comedy, but this was New York!

The show at an end, Prale claimed his hat and coat at the check room andwalked down the street toward a cabaret restaurant. He reached into hisovercoat pocket for his gloves, and his hand encountered a slip ofpaper. He took it out. 

There was the same rough handwriting on the same kind of paper, andevidently with the same blunt pencil. 

"Remember--retribution is sure!"

"This thing ceases to be a joke!" Prale told himself. 

His face flushed with anger, and he turned back toward the theater. Buthe had been among the last to leave, and already the lights of theplayhouse were being turned out. The boy in charge of the check roomwould be gone, Prale knew. 

He thought of Kate Gilbert again, and the bit of paper she had droppedas she got into the limousine down on the water front. Surely she couldhave no hand in this, he thought. What interest could Kate Gilbert, acasual acquaintance and reputed daughter of a wealthy house, have in himand his affairs?

"Somebody is making a mistake, " he declared to himself, "or else it issome sort of a new advertising dodge. If I ever catch the jokesmith whois responsible for these dainty little messages, I'll tell him a thingor two. "

Prale turned into the restaurant and found a seat at a little table atone side of the room. The after-theater crowd was filling the place. Theorchestra was playing furiously, and the cabaret performance wasbeginning. Sidney Prale leaned back in his chair and watched the show. The waiter came to his side, and he ordered something to eat and drink. 

Then he saw Kate Gilbert again, at a table not very far away from his. She was dressed in an evening gown, as if she had just come from thetheater or opera. She was in the company of the elderly man who had mether at the wharf, and a young man and an older woman were at the sametable. 

Prale's eyes met hers for an instant, and he inclined his head a bit ina respectful manner. But Kate Gilbert looked through him as if he hadnot been present, and then turned her head and began talking to theelderly man. 

Prale's face flushed. He hadn't done anything wrong, he told himself. Hemerely had bowed to her, as he would have bowed to any woman to whom hehad been properly introduced. She had seen fit to cut him. Well, hecould exist without Kate Gilbert, he told himself, but he wondered ather peculiar manner. 

He left the place within the hour and went back to the hotel and to bed. In the morning he walked up the Avenue as far as the Circle, droppedinto a restaurant for a good breakfast, and then engaged a taxicab anddrove downtown to the financial district. He had remembered that he wasa man with a million, and that he had to pay some attention to business. 

He went into the establishment of a famous trust company and sent hiscard in to the president. An attendant ushered him into the president'sprivate office immediately. 

"Sit down, Mr. Prale, " said the financier. "I am glad that you came tosee me this morning. I was just about to have somebody look you up. "

"Anything the matter?" Prale asked. 

"Your funds were transferred to us by our Honduras correspondent, " thefinancier said. "Since you were leaving Honduras almost immediately, wedecided to care for the funds until you arrived and we could talk toyou. "

"I shall want some good investments, of course, " Prale said. "I havedisposed of all my holdings in Honduras, and I don't want the money tobe idle. "

"Idleness is as bad for dollars as for men, " said the financier, clearing his throat. 

"Can you suggest some investments? I have engaged no broker as yet, ofcourse. "

"I--er--I am afraid that we have nothing at the present moment, " thefinancier said. 

"The market must be good, " Prale observed. "I never knew a time wheninvestments were lacking. "

"I would not offer you a poor one, and good ones are scarce with us atpresent, " said the banker. "Sorry that we cannot attend to the businessfor you. Perhaps some other trust company----"

"Well, I can wait for something to turn up, " Prale said. "There is nohurry, of course. Probably you'll have something in a few weeks thatwill take care of at least a part of the money. "

The banker cleared his throat again, and looked a trifle embarrassed ashe spoke. "The fact of the matter is, Mr. Prale, " he said, "that we donot care for the account. "

"I beg your pardon!" Prale exclaimed. "You mean you don't want me toleave my money in your bank?"

"Just that, Mr. Prale. "

"But in Heaven's name, why? I should think that any financialinstitution would be glad to get a new account of that size. "

"I--er--I cannot go into details, sir, " the banker said. "But I musttell you that we'd be glad if you'd make arrangements to move thedeposit to some other bank. "

"I suppose you don't like to be bothered with small accounts, " saidPrale, with the suspicion of a sneer in his voice. "Very well, sir! I'llsee that the deposit is transferred before night. Perhaps I can findbanks that will be glad to take the money and treat me with respect. AndI shall remember this, sir!"

"I--er--have no choice in the matter, " the banker said. 

"Can't you explain what it means?"

"I have nothing to say--nothing at all to say, " stammered the financier. "We took the money because of our Honduras correspondent, but we'llappreciate it very much if you do business with some other institution. "

"You can bet I'll do that little thing!" Prale exclaimed. 

He left the office angrily and stalked from the building. Were the bigfinanciers of New York insane? A man with a million in cold cash has theright to expect that he will be treated decently in a bank. Prale walkeddown the street and grew angrier with every step he took. 

Before going to Honduras he had worked for a firm of brokers. He hurriedtoward their office now. He would send in his card to his old employer, Griffin, he decided, and ask his advice about banking his funds, andincidentally whether the financier he had just left was an imbecile. 

He found the Griffin concern in the same building, though the officeswere twice as large now, and there were evidences of prosperity on everyside. 

"Got an appointment?" an office boy demanded. 

"No, but I fancy that Mr. Griffin will see me, " said Prale. "I used towork for him years ago. "

Then he sat down to wait. Griffin would be glad to see him, he thought. Griffin was a man who always liked to see younger men get along. Hewould want to know how Sidney Prale got his million. He would want totake him to luncheon and exhibit him to his friends--tell how one of hisyoung men had forged ahead in the world. 

The boy came back with his card. "Mr. Griffin can't see you, " heannounced. 

"Oh, he's busy, eh? Did he make an appointment?"

"No, he ain't busy, " said the boy. "He's got his feet set up on the deskand he's readin' about yesterday's ball game. He said to say that hedidn't have time to see you this mornin', and that he wouldn't ever havetime to see you. "

"Don't be discourteous, you young imp!" Prale said, his face flushing. "You're sure you handed Mr. Griffin my card?"

"Oh, I handed it to him--and don't you try to run any bluff on me!" theboy answered. "From the way the boss acted, I guess you don't stand veryhigh with him!"

The boy went back to his chair, and Sidney Prale went from the office, apuzzled and angry man. There probably was some mistake, he told himself. He'd meet Griffin during the day and tell him about the adventure. 

He was anxious to meet some of the men with whom he had worked ten yearsbefore, but he did not know where to find them. He'd have to wait andask Griffin what had become of them. Then, too, he wanted to transferhis funds. 

Prale got another taxicab and started making the rounds of the banks heknew to be solid institutions. Within a few hours he had madearrangements to transfer the account, using four financial institutions. He said nothing, except that the money had been transferred to the trustcompany from Honduras, because the company had a correspondent there. 

His funds secure, Prale went back uptown and to the hotel. The clerkhanded him a note with his key. Prale tore it open after he stepped intothe elevator. This time it was a sheet of paper upon which a message hadbeen typewritten. 

"You can't dodge the law of compensation. For what you have done, youmust pay. "

Sidney Prale gasped when he read that message, and went back to theground floor. 

"Who left this note for me?" he demanded of the clerk. 

"Messenger boy. "

"You don't know where he came from?"

"No, sir. "

Prale turned away and started for the elevator again. A bell hop stoppedhim. 

"Manager would like to see you in his office, sir, " the boy said. "Thisway, sir. "

Prale followed the boy, wondering what was coming now. He found themanager to be a sort of austere individual who seemed impressed with hisown importance. 

"Mr. Prale, " he said, "I regret to have to say this, but I find that itcannot be avoided. When you arrived yesterday, the clerk assigned you toa suite on the fifth floor. He made a mistake. We had a telegraphicreservation for that suite from an old guest of ours, and it should havebeen kept for him. You appreciate the situation, I feel sure. "

"No objection to being moved, " Prale said. "I have unpacked scarcely anyof my things. "

"But--again I regret it--there isn't a vacant suite in the house, Mr. Prale. "

"A room, then, until you have one. "

"We haven't a room. We haven't as much as a cot, Mr. Prale. We cannottake care of you, I'm afraid. So many regular guests, you understand, and out-of-town visitors. "

"Then I'll have to move, I suppose. You may have the suite within twohours. "

"Thank you, Mr. Prale. "

Prale was angry again when he left the office of the manager. It seemedthat everything was conspiring against his comfort. He got a cab, droveto another hotel, inspected a suite and reserved it, paying a month inadvance, and then went back to the big hotel on Fifth Avenue to get hisbaggage. He paid his bill at the cashier's window, and overheard theroom clerk speaking to a woman. 

"Certainly, madam, " the clerk was saying. "We will have an excellentsuite on the fifth floor within half an hour. The party is just vacatingit. Plenty of suites on the third floor, of course, but, if you want tobe up higher in the building----"

Sidney Prale felt the blood pounding in his temples, felt rage wellingup within him. He felt as he had once in a Honduras forest when hebecame aware that a dishonest foreman was betraying business secrets. Hehurried to the office of the manager, but the stenographer said themanager was busy and could not be seen. 

Prale whirled away, going through the lobby toward the entrance. He metKate Gilbert face to face. She did not seem to see him, though he wasforced to step aside to let her pass. 

CHAPTER IV

A FOE AND A FRIEND

After settling himself in the other hotel, Prale ate a belated luncheon. For the first time that day, he looked at the newspapers. He hadremembered that a New Yorker reads the papers religiously to keep up tothe minute; whereas, in Honduras, it was the custom for busy men to letthe papers accumulate and then read a week's supply at a sitting. 

Aside from his name in the list of arrivals, Prale found no wordconcerning himself, though there was mention of other men who had comeon the _Manatee_, and who had no special claim to prominence. 

"I don't amount to much, I guess, " said Prale to himself. "Don't carefor publicity, anyway, but they might let the world know a fellow hascome home. "

He went for another walk that afternoon, returned to the hotel fordinner, and decided that, instead of going to a show that evening, hewould prowl around the town. 

He walked up to the Park, went over to Broadway, and started down it, looking at the bright lights again, making his way through the happy, theater-going throngs toward Times Square. In the enjoyment of thecrowds he forgot, in part, the discourtesies of the day, but he couldnot forget them entirely. 

Why had the banker acted in such a peculiar fashion? It was not like afinancial institution to refuse a deposit of a round million. Why hadGriffin refused to see him? Why had he as good as been ordered out ofthe hotel?

"Coincidence, " he told himself. "No reason on earth why such thingsshould happen unless I am being taken for somebody else--and thatwouldn't be true in the case of Griffin. "

He came to a prominent hotel and went into the lobby, looking in vainfor some friend of the old days with whom he could spend an hour or so. Down in Honduras he had had his million and friends, too; and here, inhis old home, he had nothing but his money. At this hour, down inHonduras, the band would be playing in the plaza, and society would beout in force. There would be a soft breeze sweeping down from the hills, bringing a thousand odors that could not be detected in New York. Hereand there guitars would be tinkling, and men and maidens would bemeeting in the moonlight. 

There would be a happy crowd at a certain club he knew, at which healways had been made welcome. A man could sit out on the veranda andlook over the tumbling sea, and hear the ship's bells strike. SidneyPrale found himself just a bit homesick for Honduras. 

"Got to get over it, " he told himself. "No sense in feeling this way. I'll have a hundred friends before I've been in town a month!"

He went out upon the street, made his way down it, and dropped in atanother hotel. There he saw Rufus Shepley sitting in an easy-chair, smoking and looking at an evening paper. 

Well, he knew Shepley, at least. Shepley was only a steamshipacquaintance, but he was a human being and could talk. Prale was just abit tired of confining his conversation to waiters and cigar-storeclerks. 

He stopped before Shepley and cleared his throat. 

"Well, we meet again, Mr. Shepley!" he said. 

Rufus Shepley looked up, and then sprang to his feet, but his face didnot light and he did not extend a hand in greeting. Instead, hiscountenance grew crimson, and he seemed to be shaking with anger. 

"You presume too much on a chance acquaintance, sir!" Rufus Shepleythundered. "I do not wish you to address me again--do you understand, sir? Never again--either in public or private!"

"Why----" Prale stammered. 

"I don't want anything to do with a man of your stamp!" Rufus Shepleywent on. "Ten years in Honduras, were you? We all know why men go toHonduras and spend years there. "

Shepley had raised his voice, and all in the lobby could hear. Men beganmoving toward them, and women began walking away, fearing a scene and aquarrel. 

Sidney Prale's face had flushed, too, and he felt his anger risingagain. 

"I am sure I do not wish to continue the acquaintance if you do not, sir, " he said. "I can be courteous, at least. "

"Some men are not entitled to courtesy, " Shepley roared. 

"What do you mean by that?" Prale demanded. 

"I mean that I don't want anything to do with you, that's all! I don'twant you to speak to me again! I don't want anybody to know that youeven know me by sight!"

"See here!" Prale cried. "You can't talk to me like that without givingme some explanation! You can't defame me before other men----"

"Defame you?" Shepley cried. "You can't make a tar brush black, sir?"

Rage was seething in Prale now. There was quite a crowd around them, andothers were making their way forward. 

"I don't pretend to know what is the matter with you, and I don't muchcare!" he told Shepley. "If your hair wasn't gray, I'd take you out onthe sidewalk and smash your face in! Please understand that!"

"Threaten me, will you?"

"I'm not threatening you. I don't fight a man with one foot in thegrave. "

"Why you----"

"And I don't care to have you address me in public again, either, "Sidney Prale went on. "It probably would be an insult. "

"Confound you, sir!" Shepley cried. 

He reached forward and grasped Prale by the arm. Sidney Prale put up ahand, tore the grasp loose, and tossed Rufus Shepley to one side. 

"Keep your paws off me!" he exclaimed. "I think that you're insane, ifyou ask me!"

The hotel detective came hurrying up. 

"You'll have to cut that out!" he said. "What's the row here, anyway?"

"The place is harboring a maniac!" Prale said. 

"It's harboring a crook!" Shepley cried. 

Prale lurched forward and grasped him by both arms, and shook him untilRufus Shepley's teeth chattered. 

"Another word out of you, and I'll forget that your hair is gray!" Praleexclaimed, and then he tossed Shepley to one side again. 

"Either of you guests here?" the house detective demanded. "No? Thenmaybe you'd both better get out until you can cool off. If you want tostage a scrap, go down and rent Madison Square Garden and advertise inthe newspapers. I wouldn't mind seeing a good fight myself. But thislobby isn't any prize ring. Get me?"

Sidney Prale, his face still flaming, whirled around and started for theentrance, the crowd parting to let him through. Rufus Shepley, fumingand fussing, followed him slowly. The house detective accompanied him tothe door. 

Prale was waiting at the curb, a Prale whose face was white now becauseof the temper he was fighting to control. He stepped close to Shepley'sside. 

"I don't know why you insulted me, but don't do it again!" Prale said. "I ought to settle with you for what you've said already. "

The house detective, who had heard, stepped forward again, but SidneyPrale swung across the street and went on his way. 

He walked rapidly for a dozen blocks or more, paying no attention towhere he was going, until his anger began to subside. 

"Why, the raving maniac!" he gasped, once or twice. 

He didn't pretend to guess what it meant. Shepley had seemed to befriendly enough when they had separated aboard ship. What could havehappened to make the man change his mind and attitude?

"Must be some mistake!" Prale told himself. "If there is any more ofthis, I'll have to get to the bottom of it!"

He reached Madison Square, and sat down on a bench to smoke and regainhis composure. He knew that he had a terrible temper, and that it had tobe controlled. A temper that flashed was all right at times in thejungles of Honduras, but it was not the proper thing to exhibit in theheart of New York City. It might get him into serious trouble withsomebody. 

He finished his cigar, listened to the striking chimes, and lightedanother smoke. A pedestrian stopped beside him. 

"Old Sid Prale, or I'm a liar!" he cried. 

Prale looked up, and then sprang to his feet. 

"Jim Farland, the sleuth!" he cried in answer. "Old Jim, the holy terrorto evildoers. Now I am glad that I'm home!"

"When did you get in?"

"Yesterday. Sit down. Have a cigar. You're the first old friend I'vemet!"

Detective Jim Farland sat down and lighted the cigar. "You've been gonesome time, " he said. 

"Ten years, Jim. "

"Went away rather sudden, didn't you?"

"I did. I made my decision one night and sailed the night following, "said Prale. 

"I always wondered why you went, and what became of you. Had a good jobwith old Griffin, didn't you?"

"The job was all right, Jim. But there was a girl----"

"Ah, ha!"

"And she threw me over for a fellow who had some money. That made mehuffy, of course. I swore I'd shake the dust of New York from my shoes, go to some foreign country, take with me the ten thousand dollars I hadsaved, and turn it into a million. "

"And came back broke!" Farland said. 

"Nothing of the sort, Jim. I came back with a million. "

"Great Scott! I suppose I'd better be on my way then. I ain't in thehabit of having millionaires let me associate with 'em. "

"You sit where you are, or I'll use violence!" Prale told him. "Isuppose you are still on the force? Still fussing around down in thefinancial district watching for swindlers?"

"I left the force three years ago, " Jim Farland replied. "Couldn't seemto get ahead. Too honest, maybe--or too ignorant. I'm in a sort ofprivate detective business now--got an office up the street. Doingfairly well, too--lots of old friends give me work. If you have anythingin my line----"

"If I have, you'll get a job, " said Prale. 

"Let me slip you a card, " said Farland. "You never know when you mayneed a detective. So you came back with a million, eh?"

"And ran into a mess, " Prale added. 

"I can't imagine a man with a million running into much of a mess, "Farland said. 

"That's all you know about it. I may need your services sooner than youthink. There is a sort of jinx working on me, it appears. "

"Spill it!" Jim Farland said. 

Sidney Prale did. He related what had happened at the bank, at thehotel, in Griffin's office, and told of the scene with Rufus Shepley. 

"Funny!" Farland said, when he had finished. "I know old Rufus Shepley, and as a general thing he ain't a maniac. Something behind all this, Sid. "

"Yes; but what on earth could it be?"

"That's the question. If anything else happens, and you need help, justlet me know. "

"I'll do that, surely, " said Prale. "And I'm glad that I've got onefriend left in town. "

"Always have one as long as I'm here, " Jim Farland assured him. "And itain't because of your million, either. It's true about the million?"

"Absolutely!"

"Gee! That's more than old Griffin himself has in cash, anyway, " Farlanddeclared. "Maybe it's a good thing that girl turned you down. You'dprobably be a clerk at a few thousand a year, if she hadn't. How'd youmake the coin?"

"Mines and fruit and water power and logs, " said Prale. 

"Sounds simple enough. When the detective business goes on the blink, Imay take a turn at it myself. "

"If you ever need money, Jim, call on me. If you want to engage biggeroffices, hire operatives, branch out----"

"Stop it!" Farland cried. "I want nothing of the kind. I'm a peculiarsort of duck--don't care about being rich at all. I just want to be sureI'll have a good living for myself and the wife and kids, and have a fewfriends, and be able to look every man in town straight in the eye. I'drather work for a friend for nothing than do work I don't like for tenthousand an hour. "

"I believe you!" Prale said. 

CHAPTER V

THE COUSIN

An hour later, having parted with Detective Jim Farland, Sidney Pralewalked slowly up Fifth Avenue, determined to go to his hotel suite andrest for the remainder of the evening. His conversation and short visitwith Farland had put him in a better humor. There was no mistaking thequality of Farland's friendship. He and Prale had been firm friends tenyears before, when Farland was on duty in the financial district, andthey had made it a point at that time to eat luncheon together whenFarland's duties permitted. 

New York seemed a better place, even with one friend among severalmillion persons. So Prale swung his stick jauntily, and hummed theSpanish love song again, and told himself that Rufus Shepley and KateGilbert, old Griffin and the hotel manager and the rest of the motleycrew that had made the day miserable for him amounted to nothing in thebroader scheme of things, and were not to be taken seriously. 

He came to a block where there were few pedestrians, where the greatshops had their lights out and their night curtains up. He heard stepsbehind him, and presently a soft voice. 

"Sid! Sid!"

Sidney Prale whirled around, alert and on guard, for he did notrecognize the voice. A medium-sized man stood before him, a man of abouthis own age, who had a furtive manner and wore a beard. 

"Don't you know me, Sid?"

"Can't say that I do!"

"Why, I'm your cousin, George Lerton. I'm the only relative you've gotin the world, unless you got married while you were away. "

Prale stepped aside so that the nearest light flashed on the face of theman before him. 

"Well, if it isn't!" he said. "Didn't recognize you at first. How longhave you been wearing the alfalfa on your face?"

"Two or three years, " George Lerton told him, grinning a bit. "I sawyour name in the passenger list, Sid, and wanted to see you. I found outwhere you are stopping----"

"Why didn't you come to the hotel, then, or leave a note?" Prale asked. "Come on up now. "

"I--I wanted to talk to you----"

"And I want to talk to you. What are you doing for yourself, George?Still working in a broker's office?"

"Oh, I've got an office of my own now. "

"Getting along all right?"

"Fairly well, " Lerton said. "Business has been pretty good the lastyear. "

"Maybe you can dig up a few good investments for me, then, " Prale said. "I've got some coin now. "

"I understand that you're worth a million, Sid. "

"Yes, I've made my pile, and came back to New York to enjoy it. But comealong to the hotel. "

"I'd--I'd rather not. "

"Why not? We've got to talk over old times and find out about eachother. We're cousins, you know. "

The truth of the matter was that Sidney Prale never had thought verymuch of his cousin. Ten years before they had worked side by side forGriffin, the broker. There was something furtive and shifty about GeorgeLerton, but he never had presumed on his relationship, at least. He andSidney Prale had been courteous to each other, but never had been warmfriends. 

They came from different branches of the family. Lerton had some traitsof character that Prale did not admire, but he always told himself thatperhaps he was prejudiced. They had seen a deal of each other in asocial way in the old days. 

"Let us just talk as we walk along, " Lerton now said. 

"All right, if you have an engagement, " Prale replied. "We can gettogether later, I suppose. How have the years been using you? Married?"

"I was--I am a widower. "

"Sorry, " said Prale. "Children?"

"No--not any children. I--I married Mary Slade. "

"What?" Prale cried. 

He stopped, aghast. Mary Slade had been the girl who had turned him downfor a man with money--and that man had not been George Lerton, who didnot have as much as five thousand at that time. 

"It--it's a peculiar story, " Lerton said. "You went away so quick--afteryou quarreled with her. And that other man--she threw him over, soon. She couldn't endure him, even with all his money. She regretted herquarrel with you. I'm quite sure she wanted you for a time. I got totaking her about. You didn't write, and she was too proud to look youup, and so--after a time----"

"You married her, " said Prale. 

"About three years after you went away, Sid. She died after we had beenmarried a year. "

"But she always wanted money, and I had as much as you. "

"I made a strike soon after you left, Sid. I plunged with my fivethousand, and turned it into a hundred thousand inside four months. Ikept on, and got more. I was worth almost half a million when we weremarried. "

"I see. Well, there are no hard feelings, George. She was a good woman, in a way, and I'm sorry you lost her. I suppose we'll have to gettogether, for old time's sake. "

"Are you going to stay here long, Sid?"

"Long? I've sold out all my Honduras holdings, and I'm here to spend therest of my days. I've come home for good, George. The United States isplenty good enough for me. I'm going to be a civilized gentleman fromnow on. "

"You--you're not going back?"

"Why should I? I brought that million with me. I left nothing inHonduras except a few friends. I suppose I'll run down there some dayand see them, but this is going to be home, you can bet. "

"Don't do it, Sid!" Lerton exclaimed. 

"Don't do what?"

"Don't stay here, Sid. Get out as quick as you can! Go back toHonduras--anywhere--but don't stay in New York. "

"Why shouldn't I? What on earth is the matter with you? Are you insane?"

"I--I can't tell you, Sid. But you are in danger if you don't leave NewYork. I can tell you that much. That's why I didn't call at the hotel;I'm afraid. Sid, I'm afraid to have anybody see me talking to you. Ifyou came to my office, I'd refuse to see you----"

"Why?" demanded Sidney Prale, in a stern voice. 

"I--I can't explain, Sid. "

"I've endured a lot of nonsense to-day, and I'm not going to endure anymore!" Prale said. "You're going to open your mouth and tell me what youmean, if I have to manhandle you. "

"You can beat me until I'm unconscious, Sid, but you can't make metalk!" Lerton told him. 

"But what does it all mean?"

"You'd better go away, Sid; you'd better get out of the country and stayout!"

"No reason why I should. I never gave up my citizenship; I haven't doneanything wrong. I'm back in my old home, and I fail to see why Ishouldn't remain here if that is my wish. "

"But you're in danger!"

"In danger from what?" Sidney Prale cried. 

"You have powerful enemies, Sid. "

"Why?"

"I--I don't know, exactly. But you have powerful enemies. Some of mybest customers have informed me that they are through doing businesswith me if I have anything to do with you. They told me that before youhad been back three hours. "

"Powerful enemies? Why? Business enemies?"

"I--I don't know. "

"Um! So that is why the bank refused my deposit, why I was turned out ofa hotel, and why old Rufus Shepley raised such a row with me! Powerfulenemies, have I? But there isn't sense in it! I haven't done anything tomake powerful enemies, or any other kind. I'm about fed up with thisstuff!"

"Go away, Sid. You've got money--you can live anywhere!"

"You bet I can! And I'm going to live in New York!"

"Don't try it, Sid!"

Prale whirled and faced him. "You know more than you're telling!" heaccused. "You open your face and talk! I never did have any too muchlove for you, and you can wager that I'm not going to let you frightenme into running away from New York! Talk!"

"I haven't anything more to say, Sid!"

"If I have to choke it out of you right here----"

"You'd better not. It would give your enemies a chance!"

"Lerton, I've fought the Honduras jungles! I've fought half-savage menand treacherous employees, snakes and fever, financial sharks and commonadventurers. I didn't come back to New York to back down in front of aman like you--or half a hundred like you. Maybe that is strong talk--butyou have it coming! Give my enemies a chance? I'll give them all thechance they want. Maybe they'll come into the open, then, and let me seewhom I'm fighting! I don't like foes that fight from the dark!"

"You'd better go away, Sid. I'm talking for your own good!"

"For my good? For yours, you mean! Afraid you'll lose a few customersand a few dollars, by standing by your cousin, are you? Why don't you bea man, tell me what you know, help me to fight! Bah! I'm disgusted withyou!"

He hurled George Lerton away from him, curled his lips in scorn of theman. 

"I've tried to warn you, " Lerton whimpered. 

"I don't understand this and I'm sure you could explain a lot, if youwould. Perhaps I've got more dollars than the customers you are soafraid of losing. Suppose I hand my million to you for investment. Willyou talk, then?"

"I--I wouldn't dare touch it, " Lerton whimpered. 

Prale looked at him closely. "It must be something pretty bad to makeyou toss aside the chance to handle a million in investments, " he said. "I know you, George! You'd sell your soul for money! You got anythingmore to say to me about this?"

"I--I dare not say anything more. "

"Very well. If you are afraid to be seen in my presence, kindly keepaway from me hereafter and don't worry about me looking you up at youroffice. I'll not take the trouble!"

Sidney Prale said nothing more; he whirled around and walked rapidly upthe Avenue, enraged, wondering what it all meant, determined to find outas soon as possible. 

Lerton ran after him. 

"Won't you go away, Sid?" he whimpered. 

"No. I'll stay here, and if I have enemies I'll fight them!" Prale toldhim. "Why are you so eager to have me run away?"

"I don't want to see you in trouble, Sid. "

"That's peculiar. In the old days you used to gloat whenever I got introuble. You seem to have a wonderful and sudden regard for my welfare, and I can't explain it to myself. "

Once more, Prale whirled around and started up the Avenue. His brain wasin a tumult. What did George Lerton know that he refused to tell? Whyshould there be powerful enemies? He knew of no reason in the world. 

"He's dead eager to get me out of town, " Prale mused. "There's somethingbehind it, all right. "

CHAPTER VI

MURK--AND MURDER

Instinct, intuition, or some similar faculty caused Prale to turn offthe Avenue eastward toward the river. He was not angry now. His mind wasin action. He had convinced himself that there was something behind allthis, and he was eager for the solution. 

Those mysterious warnings had begun on board ship, he remembered. Thepiece of paper Kate Gilbert had dropped, and which he had picked up, hadwriting similar to the messages he had received. He would have to engageJim Farland, he told himself, and learn a few things concerning MissKate Gilbert. 

Had the journey because of ill health been a subterfuge? Had KateGilbert gone to Honduras to watch him? If she had, what was the reasonfor it?

"It's enough to make a man a maniac, " Prale mused. "And that Shepleyman! He was all right when we parted on the ship. Somebody saidsomething to him about me after he landed. He treated me as if I hadbeen a skunk. "

Then he thought of George Lerton, his cousin. He couldn't quite make uphis mind about Lerton. The man seemed frenzied in his eagerness to getPrale to leave New York. And Prale knew that it was not because of anoverwhelming love George Lerton had for him, not anxiety lest illfortune should come to Sidney Prale. 

He would have to think it out, he told himself. At least, he knew thathe had foes working against him, and could be on guard continually. Downin Honduras he had won a reputation as a fighter, and a fight was afight in any clime, he knew; there might be a difference in the ruleshere and there, but the same qualities decided the winner. 

He continued walking down the street toward the river. In Honduras hehad become accustomed to walking up and down the beach and looking atthe water whenever he wanted to think and solve some problem, and itprobably was habit that sent him to the water front now. 

He tossed away the butt of his cigar and did not light another at themoment. For a time he stood looking out at the black water, at the craftplying back and forth, their lights flashing. He stepped upon a littledock and started walking its length. After a time he came near the endof it without having encountered a watchman, and sat down on a box in adark, secluded corner. 

There, his back braced against the building and the building shieldinghim from the cold wind that came up from the distant sea, Sidney Pralesat and tried to think it out. 

One thing made a comfortable thought--he had money with which to fight. Either he was the victim of some injustice, or a grave mistake was beingmade. He wished that he had forced George Lerton to tell him more, andhe decided that he would do so if they met again. He might even hunt himout and force him to speak. Sidney Prale thought nothing of handling aman like Lerton. 

He heard steps on the dock and remained silent in the darkness, thinkingthat possibly some watchman was making the rounds. If he was discovered, he would say that he had been looking at the river, give the watchmanhis card and a tip, and leave. 

The steps came nearer and Prale could make out the form of a manslipping along the dock's edge in a furtive manner. There was not lightenough for Prale to see his features. He was walking bent over, a short, heavy-set man who did not wear an overcoat. 

Prale watched as the man passed within six feet of him and went to theedge of the dock. There he stood, outlined against the sky, looking downat the water. Prale imagined that he heard something like a sob, andgave closer attention. Then he saw the man take off his coat and drop itbehind him, remove his cap and place it on the coat, and look down atthe water again. 

And then Sidney Prale sprang straight forward, and grasped the body ofthe other as it was in mid-air. 

"No, you don't!" Prale exclaimed. 

He found immediately that he had a fight on his hands. The other whirledand began kicking and striking. Sidney Prale hurled him backward, rushed, caught him up again in a better hold, threw him back against thebuilding, and held him there, breathless and panting. 

"Another smash out of you, and I'll drop you into the river myself!"Prale said. "Suppose you take time to get your breath now. "

"I--I thought you was a cop. "

"Afraid of the cops?"

"It's against the law to--to try to commit suicide. "

"So I understand, " said Prale. "Well, I am not a cop. Trying to drownyourself, were you? Why?"

"Why not?" the other asked. "I'm done with livin'. "

"Not just yet, but you would have been if I hadn't been sitting here. "

"I've knocked all over the world--and made a few mistakes, " said thederelict. "Oh, nothin' that would get me in trouble with the cops! But Ijust found out that I'm clutterin' up the earth and don't amount toanything. I'm sick of half starvin' to death, and workin' like a dogwhen I get the chance just to get enough to keep a few old clothes hungon me. "

"Disgusted generally with your lot?" Prale asked. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Friends or relatives?"

"Not any. "

"What's your name?" Prale asked. 

"You mean my real name? I don't remember. It's been so long since I'veused it, and I've used so many others since that I don't know. What'sthe difference?"

"I'll call you Murk, " said Prale. "That expresses the dark river, thedeed you were about to do, and the evident state of your feelings. "

"It's as good as any, I suppose. "

"What's your particular grievance against the world in general?"

"It ain't anything in particular, " said Murk. "It's just general. "

"I see. A drifter, are you?"

"I reckon I am. "

"Sore at existence, eh?"

"Well, what's the use of livin'?" Murk demanded. "There ain't a man, woman or child in the world that gives a whoop what becomes of me. I'mjust in the way to be kicked around. "

"Maybe you haven't found your proper place in the scheme of things. "

"I've sure done some travelin' lookin' for it, boss, but maybe I ain'tfound it, as you say. I sure ain't found any place that looks like itneeded me bad. "

"Hard to make a living?"

"Oh, I get along. But, what's the use?" Murk wanted to know. "I ain'tgot anybody--I get lonesome lots of times. If I had money, it might bedifferent. "

"I'm not so sure about that, " said Prale, smiling a bit. "I've got amillion dollars, and, as far as I know right this minute, I have justone friend in New York. "

"If I had a million dollars I wouldn't care whether I had a friend ornot, " Murk said. 

"You can be just as lonesome with a million dollars as you can without acent, " Prale told him. "I was sitting down here because I was lonesome, and because there are some enemies working at me, and I don't know whothey are or why they want to trouble me. "

"Well, let's jump in the drink together, " Murk said. 

"Why not fight it out?" asked Sidney Prale. 

"Mister, I've been fightin' for years, and it don't get me anything. Itjust tires me out--that's all. The next world can't be any worse thanthis. "

"Are you a fighter, or a quitter?"

"Nobody ever called me a quitter. "

"But you were trying to be a few minutes ago. You were going to quitlike a yellow dog!" Prale told him. "You were going to throw up thesponge and give the devil a laugh. "

"That's between me and the devil--nobody else would care. "

"If you had a friend, an influential friend, and didn't have to keep upa continual fight to hold body and soul together, could you manage toface the world a little longer?"

"I reckon I could. "

"How old are you?"

"Thirty-five, " said Murk. 

"Old enough to have some sense. I am three years older. I'm almost aslonesome as you are. Why not join forces, Murk?"

"Sir?"

"If I showed you a corner where you would fit in, would you be loyal?Would you stand by me, help me fight if it was necessary, and all that?"

"You just try me--that's all. "

"Very well, Murk, I'm going to trust you. I told you the truth when Isaid I had a million dollars. I have but one friend I can depend upon, and I have enemies. I like to fight, Murk, but I like to have a good palat my back when I do. "

"That's me, too, sir; but I ain't ever had the pal. "

"You've got one now, Murk. You'd be dead now, but for me. So you must bemy man, understand?"

"I don't quite getcha. "

"You're under my orders from now on, Murk. We'll have a nice row, standing back to back perhaps. I'll take you on as a sort of valet andbodyguard. You'll have good clothes and a home and plenty to eat and abit of money to spend. I'll expect you to be loyal. If I find that youare not--well, Murk, I got back yesterday from Central America. I got mymillion down there, by fighting for it, and there were times when I hadto handle men roughly. I can read men, Murk. Can you imagine what I'd doto a man who double crossed me?"

"I getcha now! You needn't be afraid I'll double cross you. I don'tthink this is real. "

"It's real, Murk, if we strike a bargain. Do we?"

"I've got everything to win and nothin' to lose--so we do!" Murk said. 

"Fair enough. Now we'll get off this dock. Pick up your cap and coat. "

Murk picked them up and put them on, and then he followed at Prale'sheels until they were on the street and beneath the nearest light. Therethey stopped and looked each other over. 

Murk was short, but he was built for strength. Prale could tell at aglance that the man, even poorly nourished as he was, had muscles thatcould be depended on. Prale liked the look around Murk's eyes, too. Murkwas a dog man, the sort that proves faithful to the end if treatedright. 

"Well, how do you like me?" Prale asked. 

"You look good to me, sir. "

"My name is Sidney Prale. "

"Yes, Mr. Prale. "

"You understand our little deal thoroughly?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Come along, then. Here is a cigar--light up!"

Murk lighted the cigar, and Prale lighted another, and they went rapidlyup the street to Fifth Avenue. Prale signaled a passing taxicab, andthey got in. When the cab stopped, it was in a district where some cheapclothing stores remain open until almost midnight. 

Half an hour later they emerged again. Murk was dressed in a suit whichwas somber in tone, and which was not at all a bad fit. He was dressedin new clothing from the skin out. Prale took him to a barber shop, andwaited until the barber gave Murk a hair cut and a shave. 

"Gosh!" Murk said, when he looked at himself in the glass. "This can'tbe me!"

"It is, however, " Prale assured him. "Now, we'll go home, Murk, and getsettled. "

"Where is home?"

Prale named the hotel. 

"I'd get thrown out on my bean if I ever stuck my nose in the kitchendoor, " Murk said. 

"You're not going into the kitchen, Murk. You're going to be registeredas my valet and bodyguard, and you're going up in the elevator with me. Kindly remember, Murk, that you are the personal servant of Mr. SidneyPrale. "

"Yes, sir. "

"And your boss has a million dollars and nobody knows how many secretenemies. Those things give you a standing, Murk. When we are alone, ofcourse, you'll be a sort of pal. I never had a valet before and Icouldn't stand a regular one. Instead of being a valet, when we arealone, I want you to be a regular fellow. "

"I getcha, Mr. Prale. "

"Off we go, then. "

They arrived at the hotel, and Prale registered Murk as his valet andtook him up to the suite. 

"You bunk in there, Murk, " Prale said, pointing to another room. "Take abath and go to bed and get some rest. If you are inclined to throw medown, you'll find some money and jewelry in the top drawer of thedresser. Rob me and sneak out during the night, if you want to. Cut mythroat, if it's necessary. "

"You needn't be afraid, sir--you can trust me!"

"I do!" said Sidney Prale. 

Prale slept well that night. When he awoke in the morning, Murk wasdressed and sitting by the window. He drew Prale's bath without beingtold, and then stood around as if waiting to be of service. 

"I--I found this slipped under your door, sir, " he said, after a time. 

"What is it, Murk?"

"A piece of paper with writing on it, sir. "

"More news from the enemy, I suppose. What does it say?"

"It says as how a man's sin always finds him out. "

"That's interesting, isn't it? Do you think I am a sinner of some sort, Murk?"

"I don't care if you are, sir!"

"Murk! You needn't get excited about it. Put the paper in the lowerdrawer of the dresser; I'm making a collection of them, " Prale said. Hewent back into the other room and continued dressing. "Go to thetelephone and order breakfast served to us here, Murk, " he directed. 

"What shall I order, sir?"

"Order plenty of whatever you like, and tell them to make it double, "said Prale. 

Murk grinned and gave a proper order. Prale was dressed by the time thebreakfast was served. He and Murk made a hearty meal. 

And then Prale lighted his morning cigar and began reading thenewspapers. Murk went around the suite, straightening things and tryingto be of service. He looked at Sidney Prale often; it was plain to beseen that Prale was Murk's kind of man. 

There came a knock at the door. 

"See who it is, Murk, " Sidney Prale said. 

He did not even look up from the paper he was reading. He supposed itwas some hotel employee. Murk stalked across to the door and threw itopen. Two men stood there. Murk flinched when he saw them. He did notknow either of them, but he knew them immediately for what they were. Murk was a man of experience. 

"Mr. Prale in?" one of them asked. 

"Yes, sir. "

Without asking permission, the two men stepped inside, and one of themclosed the door. Prale dropped the newspaper and turned around to facethem. 

"Are you Sidney Prale?" one of them asked. 

"I am. "

"You are under arrest, Mr. Prale. "

"I beg your pardon?"

"Under arrest, " I said. "You know your rights, perhaps, so you need nottalk unless you wish to do so. "

"You are officers?"

They showed their shields. 

"Straight from headquarters, " one of them replied. "We want to take alook around your room while we are here. "

"Suppose, " said Sidney Prale, "that you tell me, first, why I am underarrest? Of what crime am I accused?"

"You are charged with murder. "

"Murder? What crazy joke is this?" Prale cried. "And what particularperson am I accused of murdering?"

"You are charged with the murder of Mr. Rufus Shepley, " the detectivereplied. 

CHAPTER VII

EVIDENCE

Many times in his life, Sidney Prale had been greatly surprised, astonished, shocked. But never had he experienced such a feeling as hedid at this bald announcement of a police detective. 

The statement was like a blow between the eyes. Prale stared at the twodetectives for an instant, his face flushed, and then he began to laugh. 

"It isn't a laughing matter, Mr. Prale, " one of the detectives told him. 

"Pardon me, but it is so utterly preposterous, " Prale replied. "I failto see how I can be accused of such a crime. I am not a cut-throat, andRufus Shepley was a man I met on shipboard casually, and have seen himonly once since. "

"You can do your talking at headquarters, Mr. Prale, " the officer said. "I'll have to ask you to come along with us. I'll leave my partner hereto look through your rooms. "

"The sooner I get to headquarters, the sooner this thing will bestraightened out, " Prale said. "Murk, you will remain here in the roomsuntil you hear from me. Let the officer look at anything he wishes toinspect. "

"Yes, sir, " said Murk, glaring at the two detectives. 

Prale faced the detective who had been speaking to him. 

"Be with you as soon as I get my hat and coat, " he said. "It'll not benecessary, I hope, to put handcuffs on me. "

"We can go to headquarters in a taxi, and I guess I can handle you ifyou try any tricks, " the detective replied. 

"There are going to be no tricks tried, " Prale said. 

"Nevertheless, I think I'll keep a close eye on you. "

"Do so, by all means!" Prale retorted. 

"Ain't there anything I can do, sir?" Murk asked. 

"Nothing except to remain in the rooms until you hear from me, " Praletold him. "If I should--er--be detained, I'll probably send for you. "

"Very well, sir. "

One of the detectives left the suite with Prale and walked down the hallto the elevator. The second officer remained behind to go throughPrale's things in an effort to find evidence. 

Prale said nothing regarding the crime as they journeyed in the taxicabto police headquarters. His mind was busy, though. This appeared to be aculmination of the annoyances to which he had been subjected. 

At headquarters he was ushered into a room where a captain of detectivesawaited him. 

"Don't have to talk unless you want to, Mr. Prale, but it probably willbe better for you to do so, and have an end of it, " the captain said. "Why did you kill Rufus Shepley?"

"That's a fool question. I didn't kill him. I had no idea he was deaduntil the officer arrested me for his murder. I scarcely know the man, captain. I made his acquaintance aboard a ship coming from CentralAmerica, and I met him but once after leaving the ship. He told me hisbusiness and gave me his card, and that is all. I'm ready to answer anyquestions you may ask. This is some terrible mistake. I want to talkabout it--have an end of it, as you say. "

"Very well, Prale, " the captain said. 

"Mr. Prale, if you please. I have not been convicted yet and am entitledto some courtesy, it seems to me. "

"All right, if you're going to be nasty about it, " the captain said. "But you won't gain anything by taking a high-and-mighty attitude withme. "

"I simply object to being addressed in the tone you used, " Pralereplied. "I am no crook. Let's get down to business. Ask me anyquestions you like, and I'd like to ask a few myself. "

"That is fair enough, " the captain said, a shrewd expression coming intohis face. 

"Suppose you take it for granted, for a few minutes, that I am innocent, and tell me when Rufus Shepley was killed, and where, and just how. "

"Very well, Mr. Prale. A hotel attendant found the body at an early hourthis morning. It was in Mr. Shepley's room. The man was fully dressed. The physicians say that he was killed about eleven o'clock last night. "

"I understand; go on, please. "

"He had been stabbed through the heart, " said the captain. "Death hadbeen instantaneous. "

"But why suspect me of the crime?" Prale asked. 

"This was found beside the body, " the captain replied. 

From the desk before him he picked up a fountain pen. It was anelaborate pen, chased with gold, and on one side of it was a tiny goldplate, upon which Prale's name had been engraved. 

"You recognize it?" the captain asked. 

"Certainly; it is mine. "

"Oh, you admit that, do you?"

"Naturally. But I fail to see how it came to be beside the body of RufusShepley. "

"A man who has committed a murder generally is in a hurry to get away, "said the captain. "It is easy to drop a fountain pen from a pocket, especially if a man is bending over. "

"I don't even know where Shepley's rooms were located, " Prale said. "Ididn't know the pen was missing until this minute----"

"Possibly not, " replied the captain of detectives. 

"And I am quite sure I do not know how it came to be beside the body, but of one thing I am certain--I did not drop it there. "

"Naturally, you would say that. "

"And where is the motive?" Prale demanded. "Suppose you tell me what youhave against me, and then I'll proceed to tear your shabby evidence topieces. "

"We have this particular case so well in hand that I can afford to dothat, " the captain said. "Attend me closely and you'll see the futilityof denying your guilt. "

"I am waiting to hear the evidence, " Prale said. 

"Very well. In the first place, you have recently spent some years inCentral America. "

"Ten years in Honduras, " said Prale. 

"You made a fortune down there. We have communicated with theauthorities there and have learned many things about you. We havelearned that you have a hot temper and know how to handle men. You havebeen known to beat natives terribly----"

"Rot! I was kinder than nine out of ten men of affairs. I have punisheda few natives caught stealing, for instance. "

"Recently, Mr. Prale, you cashed in on all your properties down thereand announced that you were about to leave the country. "

"That is correct, " said Prale. "I made the million I went down there tomake. Honduras is all right in some ways, but a man likes to live withhis own kind. My home was in New York, and so, naturally, I decided toreturn here. "

"Did you not tell some of your friends and acquaintances, before youleft, that you were returning to New York for a certain purpose. "

"I suppose that I did. My purpose was no secret. I had my pile andwanted to enjoy life a bit and perhaps I wanted to show off a bit, too. That was only natural, I suppose. I am proud of my success. "

"Did you not hint that the purpose was something sinister--that you weregoing to have revenge, or something like that?"

"Certainly not. "

"Very well; let us get on, " said the captain of detectives. "You saythat you first met Rufus Shepley aboard the _Manatee_?"

"Never saw him in my life until I met him in the smoking room on theship, and never had heard his name before. "

"That is peculiar. Mr. Shepley was a man of large affairs. "

"But I had been in Honduras for ten years, out of touch with men ofaffairs in the United States, " Prale replied. "I did the most of mybusiness with firms in South America. "

"Just how did you happen to meet Mr. Shepley?"

"In the smoking room. We spoke, as passengers are liable to speak toeach other on a boat or a train. We talked of ordinary things andexchanged cards. "

"Did you happen to _play_ cards?"

"One evening, for a short time. But the game did not amount to anything, and we quit early. Are you trying to insinuate that I killed the man asthe outcome of a gambling quarrel?"

"Nothing of the sort, " said the captain, "Let us get on. You had notrouble with Mr. Shepley on the ship--no trouble of any sort?"

"Not the slightest. We parted good friends just before the ship docked. I went to my stateroom for my things and I suppose that he did thesame. "

"When did you see him next?" the captain asked. 

"Last evening, in the lobby of a hotel on Broadway, " said Prale. 

"What happened then?"

"Ah, I see where you are trying to get the motive, " Prale said. "But Ithink that you will agree with me, before we are done, that it is a slimthing upon which to hang a serious charge of murder. I saw Mr. Shepleysitting in the lobby and went up and spoke to him. We had been friendlyon the ship, I was feeling lonesome, and was glad to find somebody withwhom I could talk. Besides, he had expressed a desire to see me again. "

"Well, what happened?"

"Something I am at a loss to understand. He berated me for daring toaddress him. He acted like a maniac. I rebuked him for his manner, andthe hotel detective advised us to leave the place until we cooled off, or something like that. "

"Who left first?" the captain asked. 

"I did. I was angry because there was a crowd around and I hated thescene that had been caused. I went through the main entrance and steppedto the curb. "

"Shepley follow you?"

"Almost immediately. "

"And you went up to him and threatened him, didn't you?"

Prale thought a moment. "I told him that I didn't know why he hadinsulted me, but I didn't want him to do it again. "

"What else?" the captain demanded. 

"I believe I said that I ought to settle with him for what he had saidalready. "

"And then----"

"And then I went on down the street. The hotel detective, I think, heardme speak to Mr. Shepley. "

"Yes, I know that he did, " said the captain. "And the hotel detectivealso says that you were white with anger, and that you went off downBroadway like a man with murder in his mind. Do you care to say anythingmore?"

"Of course, " said Prale. "I went down to Madison Square, and there I satdown on a bench. "

"Meet anybody there?"

"I did. I met an old friend, Jim Farland, who used to be on yourdetective force, and who now runs a private agency. "

"I know Farland well, and I'll send for him. "

"I talked with Jim for some time, " Prale went on. "I told him, Ibelieve, that I seemed to have enemies working in the dark. I told himabout the scene with Shepley. "

"Um! What did Farland have to say?"

"Nothing, except that he couldn't understand why Shepley had acted so. We talked the matter over for a while and then we separated. "

"Very well. And where did you go next?"

"I walked up Fifth Avenue, " said Prale. "It was after nine o'clock bythat time. "

"Go straight to your hotel?"

"I did not, " Prale said. 

"Care to tell me where you went and what you did?"

"I have no objections. I walked up the Avenue, and met my cousin, GeorgeLerton, the broker. "

"Meet him accidentally?"

"He overtook me--called to me. "

"How long did you talk to him?"

"For only a few minutes, " said Prale. "You must understand that, whileGeorge Lerton is my cousin, we are not exceptionally friendly, and neverhave been. We worked for the same firm ten years ago, and after I wentto Honduras, George made some money and got into business for himself;at least he told me so last night. "

"So you merely shook hands and renewed your acquaintance?" the captainasked. 

"There was something peculiar about the meeting, " Prale replied. 

"In what way?"

"Lerton urged me to leave New York and remain away. He said that I hadpowerful enemies. "

"What about that?"

"It is what has been puzzling me. So far as I know, I haven't a powerfulenemy on earth. I suppose I have a few business foes in Central America;a man can't make a million without acquiring some enemies at the sametime. But I don't know of a single influential person who is my enemy. "

"Didn't Lerton explain to you?"

"He refused to do so, " said Prale, "and I told him to go his way andthat I'd go mine. "

"Doesn't that story seem a bit weak to you, Mr. Prale?"

"It may, but it is a true story. Get Lerton and question him if youwish. I couldn't make him talk--maybe you can. I'd like to know thenames of these enemies of mine, if I really have them. "

"Anything else lead you to believe you might have enemies?"

"Yes. I have received several anonymous notes, some on board ship andsome since landing, that say something about retribution about to bevisited upon me. "

"Why?"

"I don't know, captain. I never did anything in my life to merit suchretribution. I am sure of that. "

"What time was it when you parted from Lerton?"

"It must have been about nine thirty or a quarter to ten. "

"Go to your hotel then?"

"No; I turned east and went to the river. "

"Wasn't that a peculiar thing to do at that hour of the night?"

"It may seem so to you, " said Prale, "and I scarcely can tell why I didit. I suppose it was because I wanted to think over what George Lertonhad told me, and down in Honduras I always used to walk along the beachwhen I was thinking. "

"Well?"

"I went out on a dock and sat down in the darkness to think. "

"How long did you remain there?"

"For more than half an hour; and I had an experience. Another man cameon the dock. He was going to jump into the river, but I convinced himthat suicide was folly, and said I'd give him a job. "

"Did you?"

"I did, " said Prale. "I took him downtown and bought him some clothes, and then took him to a barber shop, and afterward to the hotel. Iregistered him as my valet. I call him Murk. I can prove by him that Icould not have killed Rufus Shepley about eleven o'clock, because I wasin Murk's company at that time. "

"What time did you get back to your hotel with him?"

"It was a few minutes of midnight. We spent considerable time buying theclothes and visiting the barber shop. "

"Um!" the captain said. "We'll have to question a few of these people. It seems peculiar to me that a millionaire would pick up a tramp andturn him into a trusted servant. "

"Perhaps it was peculiar. I can read men, I believe, and I decided thatMurk needed only a chance, and he would make good. He was broke andfriendless, and I was a millionaire and almost as friendless. That's theonly way I can explain it. "

"I'm going to send you to another office under guard, Mr. Prale, " thecaptain said. "I'll have these people here in a short time, and we'llquestion them. Just tell me where you bought the clothes for this man, and what barber shop you visited. "

Sidney Prale did so, and the captain of detectives made notes regardingthe addresses. 

"That will be all for the present, Mr. Prale, " he said. "I don't want tocause any innocent man annoyance, but I can tell you this much--thingslook very bad for you!"

CHAPTER VIII

LIES AND LIARS

Sidney Prale waited in an adjoining office, a detective sitting in onecorner of it and watching him closely. It was almost a prison room, forthere were steel bars at the windows, and only the one door. Pralewalked to one of the windows and looked down at the street, his armsfolded across his breast, trying to think it out. 

The finding of that fountain pen in the room beside Rufus Shepley's bodywas what puzzled and bothered him the most. How on earth could it havecome there? He tried to remember when he had used it last, when he hadlast seen it. All that he could recall was that, the afternoon before, he had used it to write a note in a memorandum book. How and where hadhe lost it, and how had it come into Shepley's suite? Had he dropped itin the hotel lobby during his short quarrel with Shepley, while he wasshaking the man? Had Shepley picked it up later and carried it home withhim? Prale did not think Shepley would have done that under thecircumstances. 

Well, he'd be at liberty soon enough, he told himself. It was naturalfor the police to learn of his quarrel with Shepley and to make anarrest on the strength of that and of finding the fountain pen. Hisalibi was perfect; they soon would know that he could not have committedthe crime. 

It was almost an hour later when he was taken back into the other roomagain. Prale had spent the time standing before the window, smoking andtrying to think things out. The captain of detectives was before hisdesk when Prale was ushered into the office. 

"I've been investigating your story, Mr. Prale, " the captain said, looking at him peculiarly. "It always has been a mystery to me why a mankeen in business and supposed to possess brains goes to pieces when hecommits a crime and tells a tale that is full of holes. "

"I beg your pardon!" Prale said. 

"Sit down, Mr. Prale, over there--and I'll have some of the witnessesin. I have not questioned them yet, but my men have, and have reportedto me what they said. They have discovered several other things, too. "

"I'm not afraid of anything they may have discovered, " Prale told thecaptain. 

"Last night, you told Jim Farland that you had had trouble with a bank, and at the hotel where you first registered after you came ashore, didyou not?"

"Yes; don't those things bear out my statement about the powerfulenemies?"

"We'll see presently, " the captain said. 

He spoke to the sergeant in attendance, who immediately left the room, and presently returned with the president of the trust company. Helooked at Prale with interest, and took the chair the captaindesignated. 

"You know this man?" the captain asked. 

"I do, " said the banker. "He is Sidney Prale. "

"Ever have any business with him?"

"Mr. Prale transferred a fortune to our institution from Honduras, " thebanker said. "Yesterday he called at the bank, satisfied me as to hisidentity, and made arrangements concerning the money. "

"Mr. Prale has said that, for some reason unknown to him, you told himyou did not care to handle his business and didn't want his deposit, "the captain said. 

"I scarcely think that was the way of it, " the banker replied. "We wouldhave been glad to take care of the deposit, which was practically onemillion dollars. But Mr. Prale told me he had other plans and that hewould remove the deposit during the day, which he did. "

Sidney Prale sat up straight in his chair. "Didn't you tell me that youdidn't want anything to do with me and my money?" he demanded. 

"Certainly not, " lied the banker. "You said that you wished to put yourfunds in other institutions. "

Prale gasped at the man's statement. It was a bare-faced lie if one everhad been spoken. 

"Why----" Prale began. 

"I do not care to discuss the matter further, " the banker interrupted. "I am a man of standing and cannot afford to be mixed up in a case ofthis sort. "

"You'll not be mixed up in it, " the captain said. "I just wanted to showMr. Prale that there were some holes in his story. That is all, thankyou!"

The banker left the room quickly, and Prale sprang to his feet, his facelivid. 

"That man lied!" he exclaimed. "You could read it in his face! I don'tknow why he lied, but he did!"

"Sit down, Mr. Prale, and let's have more witnesses in, " the captainsaid. 

Once more he spoke to the sergeant, and again the latter went out, thistime to return with the manager of the first hotel at which Praleregistered. 

"Know this man?" the captain asked. 

"He registered at my place as Sidney Prale, of Honduras. "

"Well, what about it?"

"We furnished him with a suite on the fifth floor, " the hotel managersaid. "But he gave it up. "

"Gave it up!" Prale cried. "Why, you called me into your office and toldme to get out, that the suite has been reserved and that there was nonevacant in the house. The bell boy can testify that he called me into theoffice. "

"Certainly he called you into my office, and at my request, " the managersaid. "I wanted to know why you were leaving, whether any of theemployees had treated you with discourtesy. You told me that you hadbeen served poorly in the dining room the evening before, and that youwere done with the hotel!"

Prale sprang to his feet. "That's a lie, and you know it!" he cried. 

"Captain, " said the hotel man, "do I have to sit here and be insulted bya man charged with a heinous crime?"

"That will be all, thank you, " the captain said. 

The hotel manager hurried from the room, and the captain grinned atPrale. 

"So he lied, too, did he?" the captain asked. 

"He did!" Prale cried. 

"There seems to be an epidemic of falsehood, to hear you tell it. However, let us get on with the affair. "

Once more he instructed the sergeant, and this time the man brought inthe hotel detective who had witnessed the trouble between Prale andShepley. 

The hotel detective told the story much as Prale himself had told it, except that he made it appear that Prale had threatened Rufus Shepley onthe walk in front of the hotel before they separated. 

"Did you pick up a fountain pen of mine after I had gone?" Prale asked. 

"I did not. "

"See anybody else pick it up?"

"No, sir, " said the hotel detective; and he went out of the room. 

The sergeant next ushered in George Lerton. Prale sat up straight in hischair again. Here was where his proper alibi began, with the exceptionof Jim Farland. George Lerton's face was pale as he sat down at the endof the desk. 

"Know this man?" the captain asked. 

"He is my cousin, Sidney Prale. "

"How long has he been away from New York?"

"About ten years, " Lerton said. "He returned day before yesterday, Ibelieve. I saw his name in the passenger list. "

"Mr. Prale says that he met you last night on Fifth Avenue, and that youtold him he had some powerful enemies seeking to cause him trouble, andadvised him to leave New York and remain away. "

"Why--why this is not so!" Lerton cried. "I haven't seen him until thismoment. I would have looked him up, but did not know at what hotel hewas stopping, and thought that he'd try to find me. "

Prale was out of his chair again, his face flaming. "You mean to sitthere and tell me that you didn't talk to me on Fifth Avenue lastnight?" he cried. 

"Why, of course I never talked to you, Sid. I never saw you. What areyou trying to do, Sid? Why have you done this thing? We never were closeto each other, and yet we are cousins, and I hate to see you introuble. "

"Stop your hypocritical sniveling!" Prale cried. "You are lying and youknow it! You saw me last night----"

"But I didn't!"

"You did--and tried to get me to run away, and wouldn't tell me yourreason for it. "

George Lerton licked at his lips and looked appealingly at the captainof detectives. 

"I--I am a man of standing, " he whimpered. "I am a broker--here is mycard. This man is my cousin, but I cannot lie to shield him. I never sawhim last night, and did not speak to him. "

Lerton got up and started for the door, and Sidney Prale did not make amove to stop him. 

"It appears that your story is full of flaws, " the captain said. "Alittle of it is true, however; you did meet Jim Farland and talk to himin Madison Square, and remained for the length of time you said. Jim hastold me that much. But he does not know where you went and what you didafter leaving him. What we are interested in is what you did in theneighborhood of eleven o'clock last night. That is when Rufus Shepleywas killed. And now we'll have in that new valet of yours. "

There was a snarl on Murk's face as he came into the room and sat downin the chair at the end of the desk. Murk did not like policemen anddetectives, and did not care whether they knew of his dislike. Heflashed a glance at Sidney Prale and then faced the captain. 

"Well, what is it?" he asked. 

"Tell us where and how you met Mr. Prale first, what happened, and bringthe story right up to date, " the captain commanded. 

"Well, I went down to the river to jump in, " Murk said, as if stating asimple fact. "I was tired of fightin' to live and had decided to end itall. Mr. Prale grabbed me and hauled me back, and then he made me seethat suicide was foolish. He offered me a job, and I agreed to take it. He was the first man who had treated me decent since I----"

"Never mind that; get down to cases. "

"Well, we walked up the street and got a taxicab and drove downtown, andMr. Prale bought me some clothes. "

"What time was it when you met him?"

"I guess it was about ten o'clock. We bought the clothes, as I said, andthen we went to a barber shop, and I got a hair cut and a shave. Afterthat we went to Mr. Prale's hotel and up to his rooms. We got to bedpretty quick. "

"What time did you reach the hotel?"

"About midnight. "

"What happened after you went to bed?"

"Went to sleep, " said Murk. 

"Never mind the jokes, " the captain rebuked sternly. 

"Well, I stayed awake about an hour or so thinking how lucky I was, andthen I went to sleep. I woke up early in the mornin' and got up anddressed. Mr. Prale got up later, and we ate breakfast in the suite. Thenthe cops came. One of them took Mr. Prale away, and he told me to stayin the rooms until sent for. The other cop rummaged around the rooms andthen left. "

Prale bent forward. "There is one man who can speak the truth, " he toldthe captain. "His story corresponds with the one I told you, doesn't it?And doesn't it show that I could not have murdered Rufus Shepley ateleven o'clock last night?"

"The story is all right, and it certainly corresponds with yours, "replied the captain. "Just a minute!" He faced Murk again. "Who are youand where did you come from?" he demanded. 

"I ain't anybody in particular. I've been hangin' around town a coupleof months doin' odd jobs. Before that I was bummin' around the countryworkin' whenever I got a chance. "

"You felt grateful to Mr. Prale for giving you a job and a home, didn'tyou?"

"Sure!" said Murk. "He talked to me decent, like I was a man instead ofa dog. "

"Well, you don't seem to have much standing in the world, " the captainsaid. "Your word, against that of several prominent citizens, does notcarry much weight. You must see that. And there happens to be somethingelse, too. I had the clothing merchant and the barber you mentioned lookyou over while you were in the other room. The clothing merchant says hesold some clothes a couple of days ago, the ones you are wearing now, but that he certainly did not sell them last night, and the barberswears that he never saw you before!"

"Why, the dirty liars!" Murk cried. 

"Did they say that?" Prale demanded. 

"They did, " the captain replied. "And they said it in such a way that Ibelieve them. Prale, your alibi is shot full of holes. You told thetruth about meeting Jim Farland, and that much is in your favor. Asidefrom that, we have only the testimony of a tramp you said you picked upand gave a job. You had plenty of time to kill Rufus Shepley. You hadample time to concoct the story and get this man to learn it, so hecould tell it and match yours. You are worth a million dollars, and thisman probably was ready to lie a little for a wad of money. "

"He tells the truth----"

"It's too thin, Prale! And don't forget the fountain pen that was foundbeside Shepley's body, either! As for you Murk, or whatever your rightname is, you are under suspicion yourself. "

"What's that?" Murk snarled. 

"You are under suspicion, I said. You might have assisted at the murder, for all I know. I don't know when you met Mr. Prale, or where, but I doknow that you got back to the hotel with Mr. Prale about midnight--anhour after the crime was committed. "

"You can't hang anything like that on me!" Murk snarled. "All the copsin the world can't do it! I met Mr. Prale just like I said, and hebought me the clothes and took me to the barber shop, no matter what thestore man and the barber say! It's a black lie they're tellin'! Mr. Prale is a gentleman----"

"That'll be enough!" the captain exclaimed. "I'm going to allow you togo, Murk, but you are to remain in Mr. Prale's rooms and take care ofhis things. And you can bet that you'll be watched, too. "

"I don't care who watches me!"

"As for you, Mr. Prale, you'll have to go to a cell, I think. Theevidence against you is such that I cannot turn you loose. You mustrealize that yourself. "

Prale realized it. His face was white and his hands were shaking. Helooked across the room at Murk. 

"You go back to the hotel, Murk, and do as the captain says, " heordered. "I'll come out of this all right in time. There are a lot ofthings I cannot understand, but we'll solve the puzzle before we'redone. "

"Ain't there anything I can do, sir?" Murk asked. 

"Perhaps, later. I'll engage a detective and a lawyer, and they mayvisit you at the hotel. I'll send you money by the lawyer. That's allnow, Murk. "

Murk started to speak, then thought better of it and went from the roomslowly, anger flushing his face. Sidney Prale faced the captain ofdetectives again. 

"No matter what you think, I am innocent, and know that my innocence canbe proved, " Prale said. "You are only doing your duty, of course. I wantJim Farland to attend to things for me. He is an old friend of mine andhe is an honest man. Will you send for him?"

"He's waiting in the other room now, " the captain said. "I'll let youhave a conference with him before I order you into a cell!"

CHAPTER IX

PUZZLED

Once more Prale was taken to the room in which he had first waited--theroom with the barred windows. This time the watching detective wasmissing. When Jim Farland entered, he found Prale pacing back and forthfrom one corner to the other. He was trying to think out his problem, wondering what it all meant, why the witnesses had lied, and what wouldbe the outcome. 

Farland rushed into the room, grasped Prale by the hand, led him acrossfrom the door, and forced him into a chair. This done, the loyaldetective sat down facing him. 

"Now let us have it from beginning to end!" Farland commanded. "I don'twant you to leave out a thing. I want to get to the bottom of this assoon as possible. "

Sidney Prale started at the beginning and talked rapidly, setting forthall the facts, while Jim Farland sat back in his chair and watched him. Now and then he frowned as if displeased at the recital. 

"Well, there is something rotten, " he said, when Prale had concluded hisstatement. "I want you to know, Sid, that I believe you. You're not thesort of man to kill a fellow like Rufus Shepley over a little spat. Ibelieve your story about this Murk, too. But why should everybody haveit in for you?"

"I haven't the slightest idea, " Prale answered. "I must, indeed, havesome powerful enemies, but I cannot imagine who they are, and I know ofno reason why they should be against me. I'm simply up in the air. "

"You keep right on trying to figure it out, " Farland advised him. "Youmight think of something in time that will give me a start in my work. "

"Why did the banker and hotel manager lie?" Prale asked. "Why did theclothing-store man and the barber lie? Why did George Lerton declarethat he did not see me and speak to me last night? And how did myfountain pen get into Shepley's room?"

"Huh! When we know a few of those things, we'll know enough to wipe thischarge away from your name, " Jim Farland told him. "It's my job toanswer those little questions for you. And now--you want a lawyer, Isuppose?"

"Yes. Can you suggest one?"

"The greatest criminal lawyer in town is named Coadley. I'll send himright up here after I explain about this case to him. Thank Heaven, youhave plenty of money! A poor man in a fix like this would be on his wayto the electric chair. Coadley can fix you up, if anybody can. He canmake a sinner look like a saint. "

"But I'm not guilty!"

"I understand that, Sid, but it doesn't hurt an innocent man to have thebest attorney he can get. I'll send you Coadley. Give me a note to thatfellow Murk, for I may want him to help me. Sure he's loyal to you?"

"I never saw him until last night, but I'd bank on him, " said Prale. "He'll stand by us!"

"Fair enough! You write that note right now, and try to get out on bail. Tell Coadley to get busy on that right away. Get out under policesupervision, under guard--any way--but get out!"

Jim Farland hurried away, and Sidney Prale was conducted through darkcorridors to a cell, where he had the experience of hearing a door clangshut behind him and the bolts shot. Prale never had expected to get intojail when he was worth a million dollars, and most certainly he neverhad expected to face a charge of murder. 

He was allowed to send out for some luncheon, and it was more than anhour before Coadley, the attorney, arrived. Prale was taken into theconsultation room. 

He liked Coadley, and he liked the way in which Coadley regarded himbefore he spoke. 

"I believe that you are innocent, " the lawyer said. 

"The job will be to make other people think that way, " Prale said, witha laugh. The attorney's words had been like a ray of hope to him. "DidJim Farland tell you the story?"

"Yes. I'll try to get you out on bail, or get you out in some manner, "Coadley said. "This appears to be a peculiar case. It is not only thecharge of murder; it is the fact that several men told falsehoods aboutyou. You haven't an idea who your enemies are?"

"Not the slightest. "

"I'm glad that Jim Farland is working on this case for you, Mr. Prale. He is a good man, and I may need a lot of help. I'll get my owninvestigators busy right away, too, and we'll coöperate with JimFarland. You go back to your cell and take it easy. I'll get you outbefore night, if I can. "

Lawyer Coadley was a shrewd man, and his methods were the delight ofother attorneys and jurists. He lost no time when he was confronted witha case that held unusual interest. Within an hour he was in court, acting as if fighting mad. 

Had a reputable citizen any rights, he demanded? Were the police to beallowed to throw an innocent man into jail simply because there had beena crime committed and somebody had to be accused? His client did notcare for an examination at this time, he said. Arraignment and a plea ofnot guilty were all right, however. 

Sidney Prale was arraigned, and the plea of not guilty was made andentered. Then Coadley began his fight to have Prale admitted to bail. 

The district attorney opposed it, of course, since that was hisbusiness. The judge listened to the statement of the captain ofdetectives. He heard Coadley say that his client could put up cash bailin any amount, and was willing to abide by any provisions. Finally thejudge freed Prale on cash bail of fifty thousand dollars, but designatedthat the bail could be recalled at any time, and that he was to be inthe custody of a member of the police department continually. 

Coadley agreed, and left the jail with his client, a detective goingwith them to stand guard. The detective had explicit orders. He was notto annoy Sidney Prale. He was to withdraw out of earshot when Praletalked with his attorney or anybody else with whom he wished to converseprivately. He was to allow Prale to come and go as he wished, exceptthat Prale was not to be allowed to leave the limits of the city. If heattempted that, he was to be put under arrest immediately and taken tothe nearest police station. 

Prale read the newspapers as he rode to the hotel with Coadley and thedetective. The story of the crime was in all of them, the tale of hisquarrel with Rufus Shepley and of the finding of the fountain pen, andthe inevitable statement that the police were on the track of more andbetter evidence. 

Prale expected to be ordered out of the hotel, but he was not, themanagement stipulating only that he should not use the public diningroom. He went up to the suite, to find Murk there, sitting in front of awindow and glaring down at the street. 

A cot was moved in for the use of the detective. Coadley held anotherconference with Prale, and then left to get busy on the case. Murkregarded the detective with scorn, until Prale explained the situationto him. After that, there was a sort of armed neutrality between them. Murk had no special liking for detectives, and he was the sort of mandetectives do not like. 

Presently Jim Farland arrived. 

"Well, Sid, Coadley got you out of jail and home before I could gethere, did he?" Farland said. "I suppose I'll not need that note of yoursnow. Is this Mr. Murk?"

"It is, " Prale said. "Murk, meet Jim Farland. He's a detective friend ofmine. "

"Gosh, Mr. Prale, ain't there anybody but cops in this town?" Murkasked. 

"Jim is a private cop, and he has a job now to get me out of thisscrape, " said Prale. "He's a friend of mine, I said. "

"I guess that makes it different, " was Murk's only comment. 

"Oh, we'll get along all right, " Farland put in. "I'm going to need youin my business, Murk. I've told the folks at police headquarters thatI'd be responsible for you, so we can work together without beingpestered. Understand?"

Murk grinned at him. "You just show me how to help get Mr. Prale out ofthis mess, and I'll sure help, " he said. 

Farland turned toward the police detective. "Go out into the hall andtake a walk, " he suggested. "Mr. Prale will give you a couple ofcigars. "

The detective took the cigars and went out into the hall, smiling. Hehad no fear of Sidney Prale slipping down a fire escape, or anythinglike that. Jim Farland was responsible, and Jim Farland was known to theforce as a man who felt his responsibilities. 

"Now we'll get busy and dig to the bottom of this mess, " Farland said. "Been thinking it over, Sid? Know any reason why anybody should be outafter you?"

"I can't think of a thing, " Prale replied. "I suppose I made a fewbusiness enemies down in Honduras, but none powerful enough to cause meall this trouble. I can't understand it, Jim. It must be something bigto cause all those men to lie as they did. "

"Maybe it is, and maybe it is very simple when we get right down to it, "Farland said. "I've started right in to work it out. Let me see thosenotes and messages you received. "

Prale got them from the dresser drawer and handed them to Farland. Thedetective looked them over, even going as far as to use a magnifyingglass. 

"Don't laugh!" Farland said. "A lot of folks make fun of the fictiondetective who goes around with a magnifying glass in one hand, but, believe me, a good glass shows up a lot of things. It isn't showing upanything here, though. Where do you suppose these things came from?"

"I don't know, " said Prale. 

"Got the first one on the ship, did you?"

"The first two. One was pinned to the pillow in my stateroom, and thesecond was pasted on the end of my suit case as I was landing. Themucilage was still wet. "

"Didn't suspect anybody?"

"I didn't think much about it at first, " said Prale. "I thought it was ajoke, or that somebody was making a mistake. "

"Sid, have you told me everything?"

Prale remembered Kate Gilbert and flushed. 

"I see that you haven't, " Farland said. "Out with it! Some little thingmay give me the start I am looking for. "

Prale told about Kate Gilbert, about the piece of paper she had droppedas she got into the limousine, about the peculiar way she acted towardhim, and the attitude of Marie, the misnamed maid. 

"Um!" Farland grunted. "We had one thing lacking in this case--and wehave that. The woman!"

"But I only met her down there and danced with her twice. "

"Don't know anything about her, I suppose?"

"Not a thing. It was understood that she belonged to a wealthy New Yorkfamily and was traveling for the benefit of her health. At least, thatwas the rumor. "

"I know of a lot of wealthy families in this town, but I never heard ofa Kate Gilbert, " Farland said. "I think I'll make a littleinvestigation. "

"But why on earth should she be taking a hand in my affairs?" Pralewanted to know. 

"Why should you be accused of murder? Why should men tell lies aboutyou?" Farland asked. "Excuse me for a time; I'm going down to the hoteloffice to find out a few things. "

Farland hurried away, and the police detective entered the suite againand made himself comfortable. Jim Farland went directly to the office ofthe hotel and looked at a city directory. He found no Kate Gilbertlisted, except a seamstress who resided in Brooklyn. The telephonedirectory gave him no help. 

But that was not conclusive, of course. A thousand Kate Gilberts mightbe living in New York, in apartments or at hotels, without having aprivate telephone. 

"Have to get a line on that girl!" Farland told himself. "She's gotsomething to do with this. I'll bet my reputation on it. "

Jim Farland went to the smoking room and sat down in a corner. He triedto think it out, groped for a starting point. He considered all thepersons connected with the case, one at a time. 

Farland knew that Sidney Prale had told the truth. Why, then, had GeorgeLerton told a falsehood about meeting Prale and talking to him, when thetruth would have helped to establish an alibi? Why had the clothingmerchant and the barber lied?

"I suppose I'll have to use stern methods, " Farland told himself. "Oldpolice stuff, I suppose. Well, I'm the man that can do it, take it fromme!"

He went up to Prale's suite again. 

"Can't find out anything about that woman, " he reported. "And I want toget in touch with her. Keep your eyes peeled for her, Sid, and arrangefor me to catch sight of her, if you can. Now you'd better take a littlerest. You've been through an experience to-day. I'm going out to getbusy, and I'm going to take Murk with me. "

"What for?" Murk demanded. 

"You're going to help me, old boy. "

"Me work with a cop?" Murk exclaimed. 

"To help Mr. Prale. "

"Well, that's different, " Murk said. "Wait until I get my hat. "

CHAPTER X

ON THE TRAIL

Farland engaged a taxicab, bade Murk get into it, got in himself, andthey started downtown. The detective leaned back against the cushionsand regarded Murk closely. He knew that Sidney Prale had guessedcorrectly, that Murk was the sort of man who would prove loyal to afriend. 

"This is a bad business, " Farland said. 

"It's tough, " said Murk. 

"If it was anybody but Sid Prale, I'd say he was guilty. It sure looksbad. And there is that fountain pen!"

"Somebody's tryin' to do him dirt, " Murk said. 

"There's no question about that, Murk, old boy. Well, we are going toget him out of it, aren't we?"

"I'll do anything I can. "

"Like him, do you?"

"Met him less than twenty-four hours ago, but I wish I'd met him orsomebody like him ten years ago, " Murk replied. "If it hadn't been forMr. Prale, I'd be a stiff up in the morgue this minute. "

"Strong for him, are you?"

"Yes, sir, I am!"

"Um!" said Jim Farland. "We're going to get along fine together. I wasstrong for Sid Prale ten years ago, before he went away. And I'll betthat, when we get to the bottom of this, we'll find something mightyinteresting. "

The taxicab stopped at a corner, and Farland and Murk got out. Farlandpaid the chauffeur and watched him drive away, and then he led Murkaround the corner. 

"Know where you are?" he asked. 

"Sure. Right over there is the little shop where Mr. Prale bought me mynew clothes, " Murk said. 

"Fine! That goes to show that Prale told the truth. Well, Murk, youstand right here by the curb and watch the front door of that shop. Andwhen you see me beckon to you, you come running. "

"Yes, sir. "

Jim Farland hurried across the street, opened the door of the littleshop, and entered. The proprietor came from the rear room when he heardthe door slammed. 

He knew Jim Farland and had known him for years. There were fewold-timers in that section of the city who did not know Jim Farland. Theman who faced the detective now was small, stoop-shouldered, a sort of arat of a man who had considerably more money to his credit than hisappearance indicated, and who was not eager to have the world in generalknow how he had acquired some of it. 

"Evenin', Mr. Farland, " he said. "Anything I can do for you, sir?"

"Maybe you can and maybe you can't, " Farland told him. "You beenbehaving yourself lately?"

"What do you mean, Mr. Farland? I've been trying to get along, butbusiness ain't been any too good the last year. "

"Save that song for somebody who doesn't know better!" Farland advisedhim. "Change the record when you play me a tune. "

"Yes, sir. Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Farland?"

"Remember a little deal a couple of years ago?" Farland demandedsuddenly. 

"I--I----"

"I see that you do. One little word from me in the proper quarter, oldman, and you'll be doing time. You've sailed pretty close to the edge ofthe law a lot of times, and once, I know, you slipped over the edge abit. "

"I--I hope, sir----"

"You'd better hope that you can keep on the good side of me, " JimFarland told him. 

"If there is anything I can do, Mr. Farland----"

"Do you suppose you could tell the truth?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I'm going to give you a chance. If you tell the truth, I may forgetsomething I know, for the time being. But, if you shouldn't tell thetruth--well, my memory is excellent when I want to exercise it. "

Farland stepped to the door and beckoned, and Murk hurried across thestreet and entered the shop. 

"Ever see this man before?" Farland demanded. 

The storekeeper licked his lips, and a sudden gleam came into his eyes. 

"I--he seems to look familiar, but I can't say. "

"You'd better say!" Farland exclaimed. "I want the truth out of you, orsomething will drop. And when it drops, it is liable to hit you on thetoes. Get me?"

"I--I don't know what to do, " wailed the merchant. 

"Tell the truth!"

"But--there is something peculiar about----"

"Out with it! Know this man?"

"I've seen him before, " the merchant replied. 

"When?"

"La-last night, sir. "

"Now we are getting at it!" Jim Farland exclaimed. "When did you see himlast night, and where, and what happened?"

"He was in the store, Mr. Farland, about half past ten or a quarter ofeleven o'clock. He--he bought those clothes he's got on. "

"Pay for them?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Who paid for them?" Farland demanded. 

"A gentleman who was with him, " said the merchant. 

"Ah! Know the gentleman?"

"I saw him to-day--at police headquarters. "

"And you said that you never had seen him before--that he was not herelast night with this man. Why did you lie?"

Jim Farland roared the question and smashed a fist down upon thecounter. The little merchant flinched. 

"Out with it!" Farland cried. "Tell the truth, you little crook! I wantto know why you lied, who told you to lie. I want to know all about it, and mighty quick!"

"I--I don't understand this, " the merchant whimpered. "I was afraid ofmaking a mistake. "

"You'll make a mistake right now if you don't tell the truth!" JimFarland told him. 

"I--I got a letter, sir, by messenger. I got it early this morning, sir. "

"Well, what about it?"

"The letter was typewritten, sir, and was not signed. There was athousand dollars in bills in the letter, sir, and it said that a Mr. Prale had just been arrested for murder, and that he probably would tryto make an alibi by saying that he was here last night and bought someclothes for another man. The letter said that I was to take the moneyand ask no questions, and that, if I was called to police headquarters, I was to say the man had not been here and that I never had seen him inmy life before. "

"And you fell for it? You wanted that thousand, I suppose. "

"I'll show you the letter, Mr. Farland. There was no signature at all, and the paper was just common paper. I--I thought it was politics, sir. "

"You did, eh?"

"Thought it had something to do with politics, sir. I thought the letterand money might have come from political headquarters. I was afraid totell the truth at the police station. "

"You mean you have been so crooked for years that you're afraid ofeverybody who has a little influence, " Farland told him. 

"I thought it was orders, sir, from somebody who had better be obeyed. "

"Oh, I understand, all right. Well, I scarcely think it was politics. You've been played, that's all. Get me that letter!"

"Yes, sir. "

The merchant got it and handed it over, together with the envelope. Hehad told the truth. The letter was typewritten on an ordinary piece ofpaper, and the envelope was of the sort anybody could purchase at acorner drug store. Farland put the letter in his pocket. 

"Here between ten thirty and a quarter of eleven, was he?"

"Yes, sir, " said the merchant. 

"All right! You remember that, and don't change your mind again, if youknow what is good for you. You'll hear from me in the morning. That'sall!"

Jim Farland went from the store with a grinning Murk at his heels, leaving a badly frightened small merchant behind him. 

"I know that bird, " he told Murk. "He's a fence, or I miss my guess. It's no job at all to run a bluff on a small-time crook like that. Andnow we'll run down and see that barber. "

They engaged another taxicab and made a trip. Once more Murk remainedoutside, and Jim Farland entered and beckoned the barber to him. 

"Step outside the door where nobody will overhear, " he said. "I want toask you something. "

The barber stepped outside, wondering what was coming. This man knew JimFarland, too, and he knew that a call from him might mean trouble. 

"Trying to see how far you can go and keep out of jail?" Farlanddemanded. 

"I--I don't know what you mean, sir. "

"Trying to run a bluff on me? On me?" Farland gasped. "You'd better talkstraight. Do you expect to run a barber shop by day and a gambling jointby night all your life?"

"Why, I----"

"Don't lie!" Farland interrupted. "I know all about that little backroom. Maybe I'm not on the city police force now, but you know me! I'vegot a bunch of friends on the force, and if I told a certain sergeantabout your little game and said that I wanted to have you run in hewouldn't hesitate a minute. "

"But what have I done, Mr. Farland?" the barber gasped. "I've alwaysbeen friendly to you. "

"I know it. But are you going to keep right on being friendly?"

"Of course, sir. "

"Willing to help me out in a little matter if I forget about thatgambling?"

"I'll do the best I can, Mr. Farland. "

"Then answer a few questions. Did you get a typewritten letter thismorning, with a wad of money in it?"

The barber's face turned white. 

"Answer me!" Farland commanded. 

"Yes, I--I got such a letter and I don't know what to make of it, " thebarber said. "I've got the letter and money in my desk right now. Therewasn't any signature, and I didn't know where the letter came from, orwhat it meant. "

"Then why did you do what the letter told you to do?" Farland asked. 

"I--I don't understand. "

Farland motioned, and Murk now stepped around the corner. 

"Know this man?" Farland demanded. 

"I--I've seen him before. "

"That letter told you to go to police headquarters, if requested to doso, and deny you knew this man, didn't it? It told you not to help a mannamed Sidney Prale, arrested for murder, to make his alibi by tellingthat he was here with this man last night about eleven o'clock, didn'tit?"

"Y-yes, sir. "

"And you did just what the letter told you?"

"I was afraid not to do it, sir. I didn't know where that letter camefrom, you see. "

"Had an idea it came from some boss, didn't you?"

"I didn't know and I didn't dare take a chance, Mr. Farland. You knowhow it is?"

"I know how it is with a man who has busted a few laws and knows heought to be pinched!"

"Did I make some sort of a mistake, sir? What should I do now?"

"Something you don't do very often--tell the truth, " Jim Farlandreplied. "How about this man?"

"He came here with the other gentleman last night about eleven o'clock, sir. He got a hair cut and a shave, and the other gentleman paid thebill. "

"Thanks. Sure about the time?"

"I know that it was almost a quarter after eleven when they left theshop. "

"Well, I'm glad you can speak the truth. Get on your hat and coat!"

"I--what do you mean, sir? Am I arrested?"

"No. Get that letter and come with me. I want you to tell the truth tosomebody else, that's all. "

The frightened barber got his hat and coat and the letter, and followedJim Farland and Murk to the corner. There Farland engaged anothertaxicab, and ordered the chauffeur to drive back to the little clothingstore. 

"Running up a nice expense bill for Prale, but he won't care, " JimFarland said to Murk. 

He compelled the merchant to shut up his shop and get into the cab, andthen the chauffeur drove to police headquarters. Farland had telephonedfrom the clothing store, and the captain of detectives was waiting forhim. He ushered the merchant and the barber into the office, looked downat the captain, and grinned. 

"What's all this?" the captain demanded. 

"It's Sid Prale's alibi, " Jim Farland said. "These two gents want totell you how they lied to-day, and why they lied. It is an interestingstory. "

The captain sat up straight in his chair, while Jim Farland removed hishat, sat down, motioned for Murk to do the same, and made himselfcomfortable. 

"About that alibi, " Farland said. "I know that George Lerton lied aboutmeeting Sid Prale on Fifth Avenue, but you don't, and so we'll let thatpass for the time being and get to it later. I just want to show you nowthat Prale's story about meeting this man Murk was a true tale. Thisclothing merchant is ready to say now that Prale and Murk were in hisplace last night about half past ten, and that Murk got his clothesthere. And this barber is ready to swear that Prale and Murk arrived athis shop about a quarter of eleven or eleven, and did not leave until aquarter after eleven. Prale and Murk got to the hotel, as you know, atmidnight. Prale couldn't have gone to that other hotel, murdered RufusShepley, and got to his suite by twelve o'clock, not if he left thatbarber shop far downtown at a quarter after eleven, could he?"

"Scarcely, " said the captain. 

"Very well. Ask these two gents some questions. "

The captain did. He read the two typewritten letters and he understoodhow the fear of a political power might have been in the hearts of thetwo men. He rebuked them and allowed them to go. 

"Well, it looks a little better for Mr. Prale, " the captain said, "butthis isn't the end, by any means. Remember that fountain pen of his thatwas found beside the body of Rufus Shepley!"

"I didn't say that it was the end, " Jim Farland declared. "I don't wantit given out that any evidence has been found that is in Prale's favor. I just want you to whisper in the ear of the court that the alibi looksgood, and let it go at that. There's something behind this case, and wewant to find out what it is. Prale is out on bail--and let it go atthat, as far as the public is concerned. "

"I grasp you, " said the captain. "You want these enemies of his to thinkhe is in deep water, so they'll be off guard and you can do your work. "

"Exactly, " said Jim Farland. 

"Good enough. I'll do my part. "

"Know anything about a woman calling herself Kate Gilbert?"

"Never heard of her. "

Farland explained what Prale had told him. The captain fingered hismustache. 

"Several thousand women in this town answer that general description, "he said. "I'm afraid I can't help you, unless you can pick her up. "

"That's what I'll do as soon as I can, " Farland replied. "If I can getmy eyes on her once, I'll trail her and find out a few things. She mayhave nothing to do with this, and she may have a great deal to do withit. What do you know about George Lerton?"

"Shady broker, " the captain replied. "Never done anything outside thelaw, as far as I know, but he's come pretty close to it. I'd hate tohave him handling my money. "

"Well, he lied about meeting Prale. He did his best to get Prale to runaway from town. That was a couple of hours before the murder, of course, so it probably had nothing to do with that. But why should he try to getPrale out of town? And, being a man of that sort, why did he say that hewouldn't handle Prale's funds? You'd think a man of his sort would likenothing better than to get his fingers tangled up in that million. "

"I'll have a man take a look at George Lerton. "

"Don't strain yourself, " said Jim Farland. "I'm going to take a look athim myself, the first thing to-morrow morning. "

He left headquarters with Murk, and this time he did not engage ataxicab. He walked up the street, Murk at his side, and puffed at acigar furiously. 

"Well, Murk, we've made a good start, " Farland said, after a time. 

"Yes, sir. "

"How do you like working with a detective now?"

"Aw, you ain't a regular detective, " Murk said. 

"What's that?"

"I mean you ain't an ordinary dick. You got some sense. "

"Thanks for the compliment. I know men who would dispute the statement, "Farland told him. 

They walked and walked, and after a time were on Fifth Avenue and goingtoward the hotel where Prale had his suite. Suddenly, just ahead ofthem, they saw Sidney Prale and the man from headquarters. They hurriedto catch up with them. 

"What's the idea?" Farland asked. 

"Needed a walk, " Prale replied. "Didn't feel like going to bed, and awalk would do me good, I knew. "

"I'll have some things to tell you in the morning, " Farland said. "ButI'm not going to tell you to-night, except to say that it is good news, and I'm issuing orders to Murk not to tell you, either. I want you toforget the thing and get some rest. "

"All right, " Prale said, laughing; and then he stopped still and gasped. 

"What is it?" Farland asked. 

"Kate Gilbert!"

"Where?"

"There--just getting into that limousine. See her? The girl with the redhat!"

"I see her, " Farland replied, signaling the chauffeur of a passingtaxicab. "This is what I was hoping for, Sid. Go on to the hotel withMurk and guard. I'm going to find out a few things about Miss KateGilbert!"

He gave the chauffeur of the taxicab whispered directions, and thensprang into the machine. 

CHAPTER XI

CONCERNING KATE GILBERT

Given a definite trail to follow, Jim Farland was one of the besttrackers in the business. He liked to know his quarry by sight, andconduct the hunt in a proper manner. And so he rejoiced, that now he wasfollowing a person he believed to be interested in some way in theShepley case. 

The limousine went up Fifth Avenue toward Central Park, and the taxicabwith Jim Farland inside followed half a block behind. Farland didnothing except look ahead continually and make sure that his chauffeurdid not lose the other machine. He wanted to discover, first, where MissKate Gilbert was going, and after that he wanted to acquire all theinformation he could concerning her. 

There was little traffic on the Avenue at this hour, and the limousinemade good progress. It curved around the Circle and went up Central ParkWest. In the Eighties it turned off into a side street, and finally drewup to the curb and stopped. The taxicab came to a halt a hundred feetbehind it. "Wait, " Jim Farland instructed the chauffeur, showing hisshield. "Wait until I come back, even if I don't come back untilmorning. You will get good pay, all right. "

The chauffeur settled back behind his wheel, and Farland stepped to oneside in the darkness and watched. He saw an elderly gentleman emergefrom the limousine and turn to help Kate Gilbert out. Then the elderlygentleman got into the car again and was driven away, and Kate Gilbertwent into the apartment house before which the limousine had stopped. 

Detective Jim Farland hurried forward, but when he came opposite theapartment house he slowed down and walked slowly, glancing in. It wasnot an apartment house of the better sort. The lobby was small, therewas an automatic elevator, and no hall boy was on duty, that Farlandcould see. There was a row of mail boxes against a wall, with nameplates over them. 

Farland went up the steps, opened the door, and stepped inside thelobby. He walked across to the mail boxes and began looking at thenames. He found some one named Gilbert had an apartment on the thirdfloor, front. 

The stairs were before him, and Farland was about to start up them whena door leading to the basement was opened, and a janitor appeared. Hewas an old man, bent and withered, and he looked at Farland with suddensuspicion. 

"You want to see somebody in the house?" he asked, in a voice thatquavered. 

"I want to see you, " Jim Farland answered. 

"What about, sir?"

Farland exhibited his shield, and the old janitor recoiled, frightdepicted in his face. 

"I ain't done anything wrong, mister, " he said hoarsely. "I obey all theregulations about ashes and garbage and everything like that. "

"Don't be afraid of me, " Farland said. "I'm not accusing you of doinganything wrong, am I? I can see that you're a law-abiding man. Youhaven't nerve enough to be anything else. Suppose you step outside withme for a few minutes. I just want to ask you a few questions aboutsomething. "

"All right, sir, if that's it, " the old janitor said. 

He opened the front door and led the way outside, and Farland forced himto walk a short distance down the street, and there they stopped in adoorway to talk. 

"I'm going to ask you a few questions, and you are going to answer them, and then you are going to forget that you ever saw me or that I everasked you a thing, " Farland said. 

"I understand, sir. I won't give away any police business, " the oldjanitor replied. "I know all about such things. I had a nephew once whowas a policeman. "

"There's a party living in your place who goes by the name of Gilbert, isn't there?"

"Yes, sir. "

"How many are there in the family, and who are they, and what do youknow about them?"

"There is an old man, sir, " the janitor answered. "He's a sort ofcripple, I guess. He always sits in one of them invalid chairs, and whenhe goes out somebody has to wheel him. If he ain't exactly a cripple, then he's mighty sick and weak. "

"Who else is in the family?"

"He's got a daughter, whose name is Miss Kate, " the janitor said. "She'sa mighty fine-lookin' girl, too. She's a nice woman, I reckon. 'Pears tobe, anyway. "

"Do you know anything in particular about her?" Jim Farland asked him. 

"Well, she's been away for about three months, and she just got back, "the janitor replied. "I don't know where she was--didn't hear. While shewas gone, there was a man nurse 'tended to her father--cooked the mealsand kept the apartment clean and took him out in his wheel chair. MissKate has a maid they call Marie--a big, ugly woman. She takes care ofthings generally when she is here, but she was away with Miss Kate. "

"How long have they lived here?" Farland asked. 

"About three years, sir. But I don't know much about them. They ain'tthe kind of folks a man can find out a lot about. They act peculiarsometimes. "

"Are they rich?"

"My gracious, no!" said the old janitor. "They pay their rent on time, and they always seem to have plenty to eat, and I guess they can affordto keep that maid and hire a nurse once in a while, but they ain't whatyou'd call rich. But Miss Kate comes home in a big automobile now andthen, and she seems to have a lot of clothes. There's something funnyabout it, at that. "

"Think she isn't a decent woman?" Farland asked. 

"Oh, I don't think she's a bad sort, sir, if that is what you mean. Shedoesn't seem to be, at all. I guess she gets her swell clothes honestenough. I think that she works for somebody and has to dress that way. "

"Do they get much mail and have many visitors?"

"They get a few letters, and some newspapers and magazines, " the janitorreplied. "And they don't seem to have many visitors. I've seen a mancome here once or twice to see them, and once he brought Miss Kate homein an auto. He looks like a rich man. "

"Is he old or young?" Farland asked. 

"Oh, he has gray hair, sir, and looks like a distinguished gentleman, like a lawyer or something. I guess he's rich. I think maybe he is anold friend of Mr. Gilbert's, or something like that. "

"They live on the third floor, don't they?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Any vacant apartments up there?"

"Why, the apartment adjoining theirs happens to be vacant just now, sir. "

"You take me up to that vacant apartment, " Jim Farland directed. "Let mein without making any noise, and then forget all about me until I speakto you again. Here is a nice little bill, and there will be more if youattend to business. I'm an officer, so you'll not get in trouble withthe landlord. "

The old janitor accepted the bill gladly, and led the way back to thehouse. Jim Farland refused to use the elevator; he insisted on walkingup the stairs, and on going up noiselessly. When they reached the thirdfloor, he was doubly alert. 

The old janitor pointed out the door of the vacant apartment, and handedFarland a key. Then he pattered back down the stairs. Farland slippedalong the hall, unlocked the door of the vacant apartment, dartedinside, and locked the door again, putting the key in his pocket. Andthen he moved noiselessly through the apartment until he had reached thefront. 

He could hear voices in the apartment adjoining, and could make out theconversation. A woman was speaking--Farland decided that she was KateGilbert--and the weak voice of a sick man was answering her now andthen. 

"Let's not talk about it any more to-night, father, " the girl wassaying. "You'll not sleep well, if you get to thinking about it. Youmust go to bed now, and we'll have a real talk about things when I havesomething of importance to tell you. Get a good sleep, and in themorning Marie can take you out in the Park. "

Jim Farland could hear the old man mutter some reply, and then therereached his ears the squeaking of a wheel chair being rolled across thefloor. He remained for a time standing against the wall, listening. Hedecided that those in the Gilbert apartment were preparing to retire. Half an hour later, Farland slipped from the room and went to thebasement to find the janitor. 

"Here's your key, " he said. "I'll be back here in the morning, and I'llwant to see you. And remember--you're not to say a word about all this. "

"Not a single word, sir. "

Farland went back to the taxicab and drove to his own modest home, wherehe tumbled into bed and slept the sleep of the just. When Jim Farlandslept, he slept--and when he worked, he worked. Farland did not mixlabor and rest. 

He arose early, hurried through his breakfast, got another taxicab andwent up into the Eighties again. The old janitor was sweeping off thewalk in front of the apartment house. The curtains at the windows of theGilbert apartment were still down. 

"Give me that key again and give me a pass key, too, " Farland told theold janitor. "If the maid takes Mr. Gilbert out, and Miss Gilbert isgone at the same time, I want to get into their apartment and take alook around. Understand? And I'll want you to watch, so I'll not becaught in there. "

"I understand, sir. Here are the keys. "

Farland reached the vacant apartment without being seen. The Gilbertswere up now and eating breakfast. He could hear Kate Gilbert trying tocheer her father, but not a word she said had anything to do with SidneyPrale, or Rufus Shepley, or anybody connected in any way with theShepley murder case. 

"Now you must let Marie take you to the Park, father, " he heard the girlsay. "It is a splendid day, and you must get a lot of fresh air. You cango down and watch the animals. I'm going out now, but I'll be back sometime during the afternoon, and then we'll talk about things. "

Jim Farland waited in the vacant apartment until he heard Kate Gilbertdepart. A quarter of an hour later, he opened the front door a crack andsaw the gigantic Marie wheel out the chair with Mr. Gilbert in it. Theywent down in the elevator. 

Farland waited for another quarter of an hour, until the old janitorcame up and told that he had watched the maid wheel Mr. Gilbert into thePark. 

"I'll just leave the elevator up here until somebody rings, " the oldjanitor said, "and I'll watch the floor below from the top of thestairs. Then, if any of them come back, I'll tell you so you can getout. "

He took his station at the head of the stairs, leaving the elevator dooropen so that the contrivance could not be operated from below. JimFarland unlocked the door of the Gilbert apartment and stepped inside. 

The first glance told him that it was an ordinary apartment furnished inquite an ordinary manner. It certainly did not look like a home ofwealth, and Sidney Prale had said that it had been understood inHonduras that Kate Gilbert was of a rich family and traveling for herhealth. 

Many tourists claim to have money when they are away from home, ofcourse, but the part about traveling for her health seemed to JimFarland to be going a bit too far. Would such a woman be traveling forher health and leave behind her at home an old father who was aninvalid?

"There's something behind that little trip of hers, " Farland toldhimself. "It looks to me as if she had gone down to Honduras to look upSid Prale for some reason. And Honduras isn't exactly on the health-triplist, either. "

He began a close inspection of the apartment, leaving no trace of hissearch behind him, disarranging nothing that he did not replace. JimFarland was an expert at such things. 

He ransacked a small desk that stood in one corner of the living roomand found a tablet of writing paper similar to that upon which had beenwritten the anonymous messages Sidney Prale had received. He foundscraps of writing in the wastebasket, too, and inspected them carefully. 

"Somebody in this apartment wrote those notes, all right, " Farlandmused. "But why? That's the question I want answered, and I'll have tobe careful how I start in to find out. You can't bluff that girl; onelook is enough to tell me that. If I jump her about those notes, she'llprobably get wise and cover her tracks, and then I'll be strictly upagainst it. "

He found nothing else of importance in the apartment. There were someletters, but they seemed to be from relatives scattered throughout thecountry, ordinary letters dealing with family affairs of no particularconsequence, and they told Jim Farland nothing that he wished to know. 

But Kate Gilbert was only one angle of the case, he reminded himself, and so he decided that he was done for the present as far as she wasconcerned. It would be only a waste of valuable time, he thought, toremain longer in the Gilbert apartment; and there were plenty of otherthings for him to be doing. 

Farland went all over the apartment once more, making sure that he wasleaving everything in its proper place, that there would be nothing toshow that anybody had been making an investigation there. Then hehurried out and locked the door, returned the keys to the old janitor, gave him another bill and instructed him to forget the visit, lighted ablack cigar, and started walking rapidly southward. 

When the proper time arrived, Jim Farland would tell Miss Kate Gilbertthat he knew she had written the anonymous notes to Sidney Prale--orthat her maid had--and he would ask her why. 

He reached Columbus Circle, made his way over to Fifth Avenue, andcontinued his walk down that broad thoroughfare. Farland had decided togo to the hotel and have a talk with Sidney Prale and Murk. He toldhimself that he was going to like Murk, the human hulk who suddenly hadbecome of some use in the world. 

But he did not get a chance to go to the hotel just then. He came to abusy corner, and stopped to wait for a chance to cross the streetcongested with traffic. Suddenly, a few feet to his right, he saw KateGilbert, who had left her apartment only a short time before. 

There was nothing startling in that fact alone, for this was a districtwhere there were fashionable shops and beauty parlors, and well-dressedwomen were on every side. 

What interested Detective Jim Farland the most was that Kate Gilbert wasstanding before the show window of a fashionable shop in intimateconversation with George Lerton, Sidney Prale's cousin!

CHAPTER XII

BATTERED KEYS

Farland started moving slowly toward them, making his way through thecrowd in such fashion that he did not attract too much attention tohimself. He was feeling a sudden interest in this case. There were greatpossibilities in the fact that two persons connected with it fromdifferent angles were in conversation. 

As he made his way toward the show window, he remembered how this GeorgeLerton had tried to induce Sidney Prale to leave the city and remainaway, and how, afterward, he had denied that he had seen Prale on FifthAvenue and had spoken to him. 

"He's connected with this thing in some way, " Farland told himself. "It's my job to discover exactly how. "

But he was doomed to be disappointed. Before he could get near enough tomake an attempt to overhear what they were saying, they suddenly parted. Kate Gilbert went into the shop, and George Lerton crossed the streetand hurried down the Avenue. 

It was no use wasting time on Kate Gilbert. Farland knew where to findher if he wanted her, and he knew there would be no use in shadowing hernow, since she probably had gone into the shop to purchase a hat. ButGeorge Lerton was quite another matter. 

The detective did not hesitate. He swung off down Fifth Avenue in thewake of George Lerton. 

Farland was a rough and ready man, and he had little liking for malehumans of the George Lerton type. Lerton always dressed in the acme offashion, running considerably to fads in clothes, appearing almosteffeminate at times. And yet it was said in financial circles thatLerton was far from being effeminate when it came to a business deal. There had been whispers about his dark methods, and it was well knownthat a business foe got small sympathy or consideration from him. He wasa fashionable cut-throat without any of the milk of human kindness inhis system. 

It was a surprise to Jim Farland to see Lerton walking. He was the sortof man who likes to advertise his success, and he had a couple ofimposing motor cars that he generally used. But he was walking thismorning, and the fact gave Farland food for thought. 

Lerton continued down the Avenue, and Jim Farland followed him closely. He expected to see Lerton meet some one else and engage in anotherwhispered conversation, but Lerton did not. 

"That boy is worried, " Farland told himself. "He's one of those birdswho like to walk when they want to think something out. If I could onlyknow what was going on in that mind of his----"

Lerton had reached Madison Square, and there he did something foreign tohis nature. He crossed the Square, proceeded to Fourth Avenue, anddescended into the subway. 

Farland was a few feet behind him, and got into the same car when Lertoncaught a downtown train. He followed when Lerton got off and went up tothe street level again, and now the broker made his way through thethrongs and along the narrow streets until he finally came to thefinancial district. After a time he turned into the entrance of anoffice building--the building where his own offices were located. 

The detective watched him go up in the elevator, and then he turned backto the cigar stand in the lobby and purchased more of the black cigarshe loved. For a time he stood out at the curb, puffing and thinking. Hewatched the building entrance closely, but George Lerton did not comedown again. 

As a matter of fact, Farland scarcely had expected that he would. Hebelieved that Lerton had kept an appointment with Kate Gilbert, and thenhad continued to his office to take up the work of the day. Farlanddecided that he would give Lerton a chance to attend to the morning mailand pressing matters of business, before seeking an interview. 

Finally, Farland threw the stub of the cigar away, turned into theentrance of the building once more, and walked briskly to the elevator. He shot up to the tenth floor, went down the hall, and entered thereception room of the Lerton offices. An imp of an office boy took inhis card. 

"Mr. Lerton will see you in ten minutes, sir, " the returning boyannounced. 

Farland touched match to another cigar. He was a little surprised thatLerton had sent out that message. Lerton knew Farland, as Sidney Pralehad known him in the old days. He knew Farland's business, and he knewthat the detective and Prale were firm friends. He could guess thatPrale had engaged Jim Farland to work on this case and clear him of thecharge of having murdered Rufus Shepley. 

After a time the boy ushered him into the private office. George Lertonwas sitting behind a gigantic mahogany desk, looking very much theprosperous man of business. 

"Well, Farland, this is a pleasure!" Lerton exclaimed. "Haven't seen youfor ages. How's business?"

"It could be better, " Jim Farland replied, "and it could be a lot worse. I'm making a good living, and so have no kick coming. "

"If I ever need a man in your line, I'll call you in, " George Lertonsaid. "And the pay will be all right, too. "

"Don't doubt it, " Farland replied. 

"Want to see me about something special this morning?"

"Yes, if you can give me a few minutes. "

"All the time you like, " Lerton replied. 

That was not like the man, Jim Farland knew. Lerton was the sort to tryto make himself important, the always-busy man who had no time foranybody less than a millionaire. 

Farland smiled and sat down in a chair at one end of the desk. Hetwisted his hat in his hands, looked across at George Lerton, clearedhis throat, and spoke. 

"You know about Sidney Prale being in a bit of trouble, of course?"

"Yes. Can't understand it, " Lerton replied, frowning. "Sidney always hada temper, of course, but I never thought he would resort to murderduring a fit of it. You know, I never got along with him any too well. He had a quarrel with his sweetheart in the old days and left forHonduras twenty-four hours later and remained there for ten years. "

"I know all about that, of course, " Farland said. "You perhaps haveguessed that he sent for me--engaged me to get him out of this littlescrape. "

"Murder, a little scrape?" Lerton gasped. "I should call it a veryserious matter. "

"Let us hope that it will not be a serious matter for Sid, " Farland saidwith feeling. "I believe that the boy is innocent, and I hope to be ableto clear him. Will you help me?"

"I never had any particular love for Sidney, and neither did he for me, "George Lerton said. "However, he is my cousin, and I hate to see him introuble. But how can I help you? I don't know anything about theaffair. "

"An alibi is an important thing in a case like this, " Farland said. "Wewant to prove an alibi, if we can, of course. Sidney says that you methim on Fifth Avenue----"

"And I cannot understand that, " Lerton interrupted. "Why should he saysuch a thing?"

"You didn't meet him?"

"I certainly did not! I cannot lie about such a thing, even to save mycousin. Why, it would make me a sort of accessory, wouldn't it? I cannotafford to be mixed up in anything of the sort. You must understandthat!"

"And you didn't urge him to leave New York and remain away for the restof his life?"

"I didn't see him at all, " George Lerton persisted. "Why on earth shouldI care whether he remains in New York or takes his million dollarselsewhere?"

"I don't know, I'm sure, " Farland said. "But it seems peculiar to methat Sid would tell a rotten falsehood like that. Doesn't it lookpeculiar to you?"

"I must confess that it does not, " George Lerton replied. "I suppose itwas the first thing that came into his head. He was trying to establishan alibi, of course, and he probably thought he would get a chance totelephone to me and ask me to stand by the story he had told, thinkingthat I would do it because of our relationship. "

"I was hoping that you would tell me you had met him on Fifth Avenue, "Farland said. "It would have made his alibi stronger, of course, andevery little bit helps. "

"Stronger? You mean to say that he has any sort of an alibi at all?"

"A dandy!" Farland exclaimed. "In fact, we have an alibi that tells usthat Sid was quite a distance from Rufus Shepley's suite when Shepleywas slain. "

"Why, how is that?"

"Sid picked up a bum and tried to make a man of him. He bought thefellow some clothes and took him to a barber shop. The clothing merchantand the barber furnish the alibi. "

An expression of consternation was in George Lerton's face, and JimFarland was quick to notice it. 

"Of course, I am glad for Sidney's sake, " Lerton said. "But I had reallybelieved that he had killed Shepley. It caused me a bit of trouble, too. "

"How do you mean?" Farland asked. 

"Shepley was a sort of client of mine, " Lerton said. "I handled a dealfor him now and then. He has been traveling on business for some time, as you perhaps know. I had hopes that he would give me a certain largecommission and that I would make a handsome profit. He was aboutconvinced, I am sure, that I was the man to handle it for him. His smalldeals with me had always been to his profit and my credit. "

"Oh, I understand!"

"And a possible good customer is removed, " Lerton went on. "So you havean alibi for Sidney, have you? In that case--if he did not kill RufusShepley--he must have told that story about meeting me when he was in apanic immediately following his arrest. Sid always was panicky, youknow. "

"I didn't know that a panicky man could pick up a million dollars in tenyears. "

"Oh, I suppose Sidney was fortunate. There are wonderful opportunitiesat times in Central America, and I suppose he happened to just strikeone of them right. He was very fortunate, indeed. Not every man can havegood luck like that. "

"Well, I'm sorry that I troubled you, " Farland said. "And now, I'll getout--if you'll do me a small favor. "

"Anything, Farland. "

"I see you have a typewriter in the corner, and I'd like to write ashort note to leave uptown. "

"Just step outside and dictate it to one of my stenographers, " saidGeorge Lerton. 

"That'd be too much trouble, " Farland replied. "It's only a few lines, and I can pound a typewriter pretty good. Besides, this is a littleconfidential report that I would not care to have your stenographer knowanything about. "

"Oh, I see! Help yourself!"

Farland got up and hurried over to the typewriter. He put a sheet ofpaper in the machine, wrote a few lines, folded the sheet and put itinto his coat pocket. 

"Well, I'm much obliged, " he said. "I think we'll have Sid out oftrouble before long. "

"Let us hope so!" George Lerton said. 

There was something in the tone of his voice, however, that belied thewords he spoke. Farland gave him a single, rapid glance, but theexpression of Lerton's face told him nothing. Lerton was a broker andused to big business deals. He was a master of the art of the blankcountenance, and Jim Farland knew it well. 

Farland had said nothing concerning Kate Gilbert, for he was not readyto let George Lerton know that he suspected any connection of MissGilbert with the Rufus Shepley case. Farland was not certain himselfwhat that connection would be, and he knew it would be foolish to sayanything that would put Lerton on guard and make the mystery moredifficult of solution. 

He thanked Lerton once more and departed. Out in the corridor and somedistance from the Lerton office, he took from his pocket the note he hadwritten on Lerton's private typewriter and glanced at it quickly. Farland was merely verifying what he had noticed as he had typed thenote. 

"That was a lucky hunch about that typewriter, " he told himself. "Thiscase is going to be interesting, all right--and for several persons. "

Farland had noticed particularly the typewritten notes that had beenreceived by the clothing merchant and the barber. There were two certainkeys that were battered in a peculiar manner, and another key that wasout of alignment. 

He knew now, by glancing at the lines he had written himself, that thoseother notes had been typed on the same machine. He guessed that it hadbeen George Lerton, the broker, who had sent those notes and the moneyto the barber and the merchant. 

Why had George Lerton been so eager to destroy his cousin's alibi?

Why was George Lerton trying to have Sidney Prale sent to the electricchair for murder?

CHAPTER XIII

A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN

Naturally, a man facing prosecution on a murder charge is liable to benervous, whether he is innocent or not. If an attempt is being made togather evidence that will clear him, he wishes for frequent reports, always hoping that there will be some ray of hope. And so it was withSidney Prale this morning, as he paced the floor in the living room ofhis suite in the hotel. 

Murk had done everything possible to make Sidney Prale comfortable. Nowhe merely stood to one side and watched the man who had saved him from aself-inflicted death, and tried to think of something that he could sayor do to make Prale easier in his mind. 

They had not seen or heard from Jim Farland since the evening before, when he had engaged the taxicab and had started in pursuit of thelimousine Kate Gilbert had entered. Prale wondered what Farland had beendoing, whether he had discovered anything concerning Kate Gilbert, whether he had found a clew that would lead to an unraveling of themystery. 

"Are you sure about that Farland man, Mr. Prale?" Murk asked, after atime. 

"What do you mean by that, Murk?"

"Well, he's a kind of cop, and I never had much faith in cops, " saidMurk. 

"Farland is an old friend of mine, Murk, and he is on the square--ifthat is what you mean. "

"He sure started out like a house afire, sir, but he seems to be fallin'down now, " Murk declared. "He sure did handle that barber and theclothin' merchant, but he ain't showed us any speed since he left uslast night. "

"He is busy somewhere--you may be sure of that, " Sidney Prale declared. 

"Well, boss, I ain't got any education, and I ain't an expert in anyparticular line, but I've often been accused of havin' common sense, andI'm strong for you!"

"Meaning what, Murk?"

"Nothin', boss, except that I'd like to be busy gettin' you out of thismess. Seems to me I know just as much about it as you do, and if we'dtalk matters over, maybe I'd get some sort of an idea, or somethin' likethat. "

Prale sat down before the window, lighted a cigar, and looked up atMurk. 

"Go ahead, " he said. "It won't hurt anything, and it will serve to killtime until we hear from Jim Farland. What do you want to talk aboutfirst?"

"It seems to me, " said Murk, clearing his throat and attempting to speakin an impressive manner, "that this is a double-barreled affair. "

"What do you mean?" Prale asked. 

"Well, there's the murder thing, and then there's this thing about youhavin' some powerful and secret enemies that are tryin' to do you dirtwithout even comin' out in the open about it. Maybe them two things aremixed together, and maybe again they ain't. If they ain't, we've got twojobs on our hands. "

"And, if they are?" Prale asked. 

"Then it looks to me, boss, like the gang that's after you is tryin' tohang this murder on you after havin' had somebody croak that Shepleyguy. "

"I've thought of that, Murk. But it doesn't look possible, " Prale said. "If my enemies merely wanted to hang a murder charge on me, as you havesuggested, I think they would have planned better and would have madethe evidence against me more conclusive. It would mean that there wouldbe a lot of persons in the secret; the men who plan murder do not liketo take the entire town into confidence about it. "

"Well, that sounds reasonable, " Murk admitted. 

"And why Rufus Shepley?"

"Because you had that spat with him in the lobby of the hotel, and itcould be shown that you had a reason for knifin' him, " Murk said, withevident satisfaction. 

"Nobody could have known I was going to have that quarrel with Shepley, because I had no idea of it myself when I entered the hotel lobby, "Prale said. "After I left the hotel, I met Farland and then walked downto the river and met you--and you know the rest. How could they havecontemplated hanging that crime on me when they did not know but that Ihad a perfect alibi? I think we're on the wrong track, Murk. "

"Well, boss, how about your fountain pen?" Murk asked. "How come it wasfound beside the body?"

"That is one of the biggest puzzles in the whole thing, Murk. I cannotremember exactly when I had the pen last. I cannot imagine how it gotinto Shepley's room and on the floor beside his body. That fountain penof mine is an important factor in this case, Murk, and it has meworried. "

"It seems to me, " Murk said, "that if I had any powerful enemies aftermy scalp, I'd know the birds and be watchin' out for them all the time, to see that they didn't start anything when I was lookin' in the otherdirection. "

"But, Murk, I haven't the slightest idea who they are, " Sidney Praledeclared. "I don't know why I should have enemies that amount toanything, and that is what makes it so puzzling. How can I work thisthing out when I don't even know where to start? I wish Jim Farlandwould come. "

Jim Farland did, at that moment. Murk let him in, and the detectivetossed his hat on a chair, sat down in another, lighted one of his ownblack cigars, and looked at Sidney Prale through narrowed eyes. 

"Well, Jim?" Prale asked. 

"I talk when I've really got something to say, but I'm not going to makegeneral conversation and muddle your brains with a lot of scatteredjunk, " Jim Farland replied. "I'll say this much--things are looking muchbetter for you. "

"That sounds good, Jim. Can't you tell me anything?" Prale asked, sitting forward on his chair. 

"The barber and the clothing merchant have fixed up a part of youralibi, Sid, as perhaps Murk has told you. That is the first point. Itmakes it look impossible for you to have slain Rufus Shepley, and Ithink Lawyer Coadley could get the charge against you dismissed on thatalone. "

"But I want to be entirely cleared. "

"Exactly. You don't want to leave the slightest doubt in the mind of asingle person. There is but one way to clear you absolutely, Sid. We'vegot to show conclusively that you could not have killed Shepley, and thebest way to do that is to find the person who did. "

"I understand, Jim. "

"There seems to be some sort of a mysterious alliance against you, Sid. You say that you can't understand why you should have enemies that hateyou so, and I know you're telling the truth. Whether that business hasanything to do with the murder, or not, I am not prepared to say now. But we want to find out about this enemy business, too, don't we?"

"Certainly, " Prale said. 

"I followed Kate Gilbert. I know where she lives. She does not belong toa rich family and does not live in splendor. But she wears expensivegowns and has plenty of spending money, and has mysterious dealings witha distinguished-looking man. Her father is mixed up in it in some way, too. I went through their apartment, Sid. Somebody in that apartmentwrote the anonymous notes you received. "

"What?" Prale gasped. 

"I found a tablet of the same sort of paper, and scraps of writing inthe wastebasket that were in the same hand. Think, Sid! On the ship----"

"By George!" Prale exclaimed. "She could have slipped into my stateroomand pinned that note to my pillow, and she could have stuck the secondone on my suit case as I walked past her on the deck. "

"And could have sent the others, " Farland added. 

"But, why?" Prale demanded. "I never saw the woman until I met her at asocial affair in Honduras. What could she or any of her people haveagainst me?"

"Perhaps it was the maid, " Farland said. 

"She could have done it, of course, the same as Kate Gilbert, " Pralesaid. "But the same difficulty holds good--why? Kate Gilbert did seem toavoid me, and I caught her big maid glaring at me once or twice as ifshe hated the sight of me. But why on earth----"

Farland cleared his throat. "Here is another thought for you to digest, "he said. "This Kate Gilbert knows your cousin, George Lerton. "

Sidney Prale suddenly sat up straight in his chair again, his eyesblinking rapidly. 

"Doesn't that open up possibilities?" Jim Farland asked him. "The womanseems to be working against you for some reason, and we know that GeorgeLerton lied about meeting you on Fifth Avenue that night. It appearsthat he is working against you, too, for some mysterious motive. "

A dangerous gleam came into Sidney Prale's eyes. "That simplifiesmatters, " he said. "I'll watch for Kate Gilbert, and when I see her I'llask why she sent me those notes. Then I'll get George Lerton alone andchoke out of him why he lied about meeting me on the Avenue. I'vetrimmed worse men than George Lerton. "

"You'll be a good little boy and do nothing of the sort, " Farland toldhim. "We are playing a double game, remember--trying to solve this enemybusiness, and at the same time trying to clear you of a murder charge. If any of those persons get the idea that we are unduly interested inthem, we may not have such an easy time of it. "

"I understand that, of course. "

"Let me tell you a few more things, Sid. I saw Lerton talking to MissGilbert on the street. They were speaking in very low tones. When theyparted, I followed Lerton to his office, and went in and talked to him. I did it just to size him up. He still declares that he never met you onFifth Avenue. He acts like a man afraid of something; and I discoveredan interesting thing, Sid. He has a typewriter in his private office, one for his personal use. I managed to type a short note on it. "

"What of that?"

"That typewriter has a few bad keys, Sid. And I discovered this--thatthe notes sent to the barber and merchant, that caused them to lie andtry to smash your alibi, were written on the typewriter in GeorgeLerton's office!"

Prale sprang to his feet. "Then Lerton has something to do with this!"he cried. "He tried to get me to leave town, and he tried to break downmy alibi. How did he know I was going to make an alibi like that?"

"My guess is that your cousin has been having you watched since you gotoff the ship. "

"But, why?" Prale cried. "It is true that he married the girl who hadjilted me a few years before, but I do not hold that against him. I knowof no reason why he should work against me so. "

"Know anything about him that might cause him serious trouble if youtalked?"

"No, " Prale replied. "As much as I dislike him, as much as I suspectthat he is crooked in business, all that I really could say would bethat he had a mean disposition and was not to be trusted too far. "

"I thought maybe you had something on him, and he was trying to get youout of the way so you'd not talk, " Farland said. "That would explain alot, of course. "

"It can't be that. "

"Then we are up in the air again. "

"Why not ask him?" Prale demanded. "Believe me, I'll wait for him tocome from his office--and he'll answer me, and tell the truth!"

"Put that hot head of yours under the nearest cold-water faucet!"Farland commanded. "You make a move that I don't sanction, and I'll quitthe case! You'll spoil things, Sid, if you're not careful. Just digestwhat I have told you. "

"You're in command, Jim!"

"Very well. You leave George Lerton to me, Sid. There are many angles tothis case, and I can't attend to all of them at once. I don't want tocall in other detectives, because they may be in the pay of thesemysterious enemies of yours, and I haven't an assistant with an ounce ofbrains. Sid, you've got to turn detective yourself--you and Murk. "

"I was just wonderin' if I was goin' to get a chance to do anything, "Murk said. 

"Plenty of chances, " Farland replied. "Sid, you pick up this KateGilbert, if you can. Act as if you did not suspect a thing. Try to talkto her--you were introduced to her in Honduras, and all that. Don't lether get nervous about you, but watch her as much as you can, and let meknow everything you see and hear. Take a look at that big maid, Marie, when you get a chance. If you can do so, and think it advisable, putMurk on Marie's trail. I'll want to use Murk later myself. "

Sidney Prale was quick to agree. And thus, without being aware of it, hestarted on a short career of adventure and romance. 

Had Murk been a crystal gazer or something of the sort, and could hehave looked into the future in that manner, he would have said that thecrystal lied. 

CHAPTER XIV

MORE MYSTERY

Jim Farland went from the hotel to Coadley's office, to ascertainwhether the attorney's private investigators, who were workingindependently of him, had unearthed anything of importance in connectionwith the case. 

Sidney Prale stated that he would go for a walk, and the policedetective, now thoroughly convinced that he would not try to run away, raised no objection. It was Prale's intention to make an attempt to meetKate Gilbert. Murk hurried around getting his coat and hat and glovesand stick. 

"Fool idea!" Prale told himself. "Kate Gilbert has given me the coldshoulder already, and she certainly will do it now, since I standaccused of murder. Not a chance in the world of getting betteracquainted with her now. "

"What do you want me to do, boss?" Murk asked. "I don't seem to beamountin' to much in this game. I'd like to be in action, I would! Can'tI take a hand?"

"As soon as possible, " Prale told him. "Remember, Farland said he wantedyou to help him later. "

"I'd rather help you or work alone, " Murk said. "I reckon he is prettydecent for a detective, but I don't put much stock in any of 'em. "

Prale laughed as he finished dressing, put on his hat and gloves, andreached for his stick. 

"Suppose you just shadow me this fine day, " he told Murk. "Get a littlepractice in that line. Don't bother me, but just follow and watch. "

"I getcha, boss. You want me to be within hailin' distance in case youneed help?"

"Exactly, Murk. We never can tell what is going to happen, you know. Imay need you in a hurry. "

"I'll be on hand, " Murk promised. 

Sidney Prale went down in the elevator, Murk going down in the same car. Prale lounged about the lobby for a time, and Murk made himself asinconspicuous as possible in a corner. Prale believed, as Farland hadintimated, that he was being followed and watched, possibly by theorders of George Lerton, his cousin. He did not know why Lerton shouldhave done it, but it angered him, and he wanted to discover the manfollowing him. 

He saw nobody in the lobby who appeared at all conspicuous, and after ashort time he left and started walking briskly down the Avenue, like anygentleman taking a constitutional. The midday throngs were on thestreets. Prale was forced to walk slower, and now and then he stopped tolook in at a shop window. Once in a while he stepped to the curb andglanced behind. But if there was a "shadow" Prale did not see him. 

He did see Murk, however, and he smiled at Murk's methods. Murk remaineda short distance behind him, moving up closer whenever Prale was forcedto cross the street, so he would not lose him in the throng. Murk wasordinary-looking and had a happy faculty of effacing himself in a crowd. He was on the job every minute, watching Sidney Prale, glancing at everyman or woman who approached Prale or as much as looked at him. 

Prale reached Forty-second Street, crossed it, and came opposite thelibrary. He glanced aside--and saw Miss Kate Gilbert walking down thewide steps. 

It was a ticklish moment for Sidney Prale, but he remembered that he wasfighting to protect himself. If Kate Gilbert ignored him, he could nothelp it. At least, he would give her the chance. 

She could not avoid seeing him, for they met face to face at the bottomof the steps. Prale lifted his hat. 

"Good morning, Miss Gilbert, " he said. 

She turned and met his eyes squarely, and he could see that shehesitated for a moment. Then her face brightened, and she stepped towardhim. 

"Good morning, " she replied. "Although it is a little after noon, I amafraid. "

Her words might have been for the benefit of any who heard. They werelight enough and cordial enough, but she did not offer him her hand, andthe expression on her face was scarcely one of welcome. 

"I am glad to see you again, " Prale said. 

"You are settled and feeling at home?"

"In a measure, " he said. 

She had not mentioned the crime of which he was accused, and he did notwish to be the first to speak of it. She stepped still closer. 

"I want to talk to you, Mr. Prale, " she said. "Kindly get a taxi andhave the chauffeur drive us through the Park. "

Prale scarcely could believe his good fortune. He had doubted whether hewould have a chance to talk to her, and here she was asking him toengage a taxicab so that they could enjoy a conversation. 

He hailed a passing taxi, put her in, gave the chauffeur his directions, and sprang in himself. The machine turned at the first corner andstarted back up the Avenue in the heavy traffic. 

"You wished to speak to me about something in particular?" Prale asked. 

"Yes. I have read of the crime of which you are accused. I am sure thatyou are not guilty. "

"Thank you, Miss Gilbert. I assure you that I am not. It is anunfortunate affair, which we hope to have cleared up within a shorttime. "

"I hope that you will be free soon, " she said. "And then you will beable to enjoy yourself, I suppose. "

"I hope to have my vacation yet, " Prale said. 

"You are going to remain in New York?"

"Certainly; it is my home. "

"Sometimes a man does better away from home. "

"But I have been away from home for ten years. I have made my pile, asthe saying is, and have come home to show off and lord it over myneighbors, " Prale replied, laughing. 

They had reached the lower end of Central Park now, and the taxi turnedinto a driveway, and made its way around the curves toward the upperend. The chauffeur was busy nodding to others of his craft and paying noattention to his fares. Sweethearts, he supposed, talking silly nothingsas they were driven through the Park. The chauffeur was used to such; hehauled many of them. 

Kate Gilbert leaned a bit closer to Prale, and when she spoke it was ina low, tense voice. 

"Go away from New York, Mr. Prale!"

"Why should I do that?" he asked. 

"It would be better for you, I feel sure. "

"Because of the absurd charge against me? I intend to have my innocenceproved, and I'd hate to run away and let people think that perhaps I wasguilty after all. "

"You have the right to prove your innocence of such a charge to all theworld, " she said. "But, after you have done it conclusively, you shouldgo away. "

"Why?" he asked, again. 

"Because--you have enemies, Mr. Prale!"

"I have discovered that; but I do not know why I should have enemies. "

"Perhaps you did something, some time, to create them. "

"But I haven't, " Prale declared. 

"Retribution comes when we least expect it, Mr. Prale. "

"Yes. I believe that you wrote that in one of your notes. "

He had said it! And Jim Farland had told him not to let her suspect thatthey knew. Well, he couldn't help it now. 

Kate Gilbert gasped and sat back from him. 

"In my note?" she said. 

"The notes interested me greatly, Miss Gilbert. I have saved them. Butwhy should you send them to me?"

"You can ask me that!" she exclaimed. "So you know that I wrote them, doyou? In that case, Mr. Prale, you know why I spoke of retribution, youprobably know my identity and intentions, and you know why you haveenemies!"

"But I do not!" he protested. 

"Please do not attempt to tell a falsehood, Mr. Prale. You know I wrotethe notes, do you? Then you know everything else. So you are going tofight. "

"I fail to understand all this. "

"Another falsehood!" she cried. "I have asked you to leave New Yorkand----"

"And I fail to see why I should. "

"Then remain--and receive the retribution!" she said. "You will deserveall you get, Sidney Prale! When I think of what you have done----"

She ceased speaking, and turned to glance through the window. 

"You were kind enough to say that you believed me innocent of the murdercharge----"

"I do. I hate to have you facing a thing like that when you areinnocent. But this other thing is----"

"Can't you explain? I give you my word of honor that I do not understandthis. "

"Your word of honor!" she sneered, facing him again. "You speak ofhonor--you? That is the best jest of all!"

Sidney Prale's face flushed. 

"I had hoped that I was a man of honor, " he said. "I always have triedto be honorable in my dealings with men and women, all my life. Pleaseunderstand that, Miss Gilbert. "

"If you have tried, you have failed miserably. Why do you persist intelling falsehoods, Mr. Prale. Do you think that I am a weak, sillywoman ready to be hoodwinked by lies?"

"But I assure you----"

"I do not care for any of your assurances, " she interrupted. "I wish itunderstood that we are strangers hereafter. You are going to fight, areyou? Fight, Sidney Prale--and lose! What I said was correct--you cannotdodge retribution. It will take more than a million dollars to be ableto do that. "

"My dear young lady----"

"I am done, Mr. Prale. I have said all that I intend saying to you. "

"Then it is my turn to talk!" Prale said. "This thing is getting to beso serious that I demand an explanation. Why should you, and others, beso eager to run me out of New York?"

"Others?"

"Yes--particularly one man we both know. "

"His name, please?"

"Why ask, Miss Gilbert?"

"Very well. "

"Why do you want me to run away?"

"I did not know that others were trying to get you to leave, " she said. "I suggested it because--well, because I am a woman, I suppose. Youdeserve the worst that can happen to you. But a woman, has a kindthought now and then. I hate to see any man ground down and down, nomatter how much he deserves it--and that is what is to happen to you ifyou do not go away. If you leave, your enemies will not use such harshmeasures, perhaps. But when you are here before their very eyes, theywill lift their hands against you!"

"Who are these enemies, and why are they after my scalp?"

"You know, Sidney Prale, as well as I. I can see that it is useless totalk to you. I am sorry that I had a moment's compassion and made theattempt. Please stop the cab and let me out here. "

"But I demand to know----"

"Do as I say, or I shall make a scene!"

Prale gave the signal, and the taxi stopped. He helped her out, and shestarted briskly down the nearest path. Sidney Prale paid the chauffeur, and started to follow. 

He glanced back, and saw Murk getting out of another taxicab. He hadforgotten Murk in his interest in the conversation with Kate Gilbert. But Murk had not forgotten. Murk had his orders, and he was carryingthem out; he was keeping in sight, to be on hand if he was needed. 

Murk had a little money Prale had given him, enough to pay the taxichauffeur. Prale motioned for him to approach. 

"Here's a roll of bills, " he said. "Keep up the game, Murk. Don't gettoo far away. "

"I'll be right at your heels, boss. "

"And keep your eyes open. "

"Yes, sir. "

"That woman was Kate Gilbert. "

"Then I'll know her whenever I see her again, sir. "

Prale hurried on down the path. Murk kept pace with him, a shortdistance behind. 

Kate Gilbert had been walking swiftly. She had reached the street, and, as Prale watched, she crossed it. Prale followed. 

The girl did not look behind. She came to the middle of the block andran up the steps of an apartment house. Prale passed the entrance, glanced at the number, and continued down the street. At the corner heallowed Murk to catch up with him. 

"She turned in at the address Jim Farland gave us, " Prale said. "She hasgone home, Murk. I fancy that we are done with her for to-day!"

A lot he knew about it!

CHAPTER XV

A MOMENT OF VIOLENCE

Sidney Prale turned around and walked back along the street to the Park, Murk once more following at a short distance, as he had been ordered todo. 

Because he wanted to think of his predicament, Prale crossed into thePark and began following one of the paths toward the south, making hisway along it slowly, paying little attention to the persons he passednow and then. 

He crossed a drive and followed another path; and now he came to asecluded spot where the path was hidden from passers-by on the otherwalks and drives. Here the way ran through a tiny gulch, the sides ofwhich were banked with bushes. Squirrels scampered and birds chatteredat him, but Prale saw none of them. 

He was trying to explain to himself why Kate Gilbert had warned him toleave New York, why she had interested herself in his affairs at all, asking himself for the thousandth time what species of net it was inwhich he suddenly had found himself enmeshed without knowing the reasonfor it. 

He had demanded information and it had not been given him. She had saidnothing at all that gave him an inkling as to the nature of what seemedto be a plot against him. He had been as firm as he dared, he toldhimself. A man could not threaten a woman, could not use violence in anattempt to make her speak and reveal secrets. 

"We'll have to work from another corner, " Sidney Prale told himself. "Ican't threaten a woman, but I can pummel a man; and if I meet GeorgeLerton again, I am liable to forget what Jim Farland told me and use myown methods. "

He walked on through the tiny ravine. He came to a cross path, and a manlurched down it and against him. 

"Beg pardon!" Prale murmured. 

"Wonder you wouldn't look where you're going!" the other exclaimed. "Gotan idea you own the whole Park, or something like that? Men like youshouldn't be running around loose!"

"You ran into me, not I into you, " Prale reminded him. 

As he spoke, he looked at the other closely. He saw a gigantic man whohad the general appearance of a thug, whose chin was thrust forwardaggressively, and whose hands were opening and closing as if he wishedthey were around Sidney Prale's throat. 

"I've a notion to smash you one!" the fellow said, advancing towardPrale a bit. 

Prale's temper flamed at once. His own chin was shot forward, and hisown hands closed. 

"If that is the way you feel about it, start in!" Prale said. "Perhaps Ican teach you to act decently and keep a civil tongue in your head!"

The man before him made no comment--he simply launched himself forwardlike a thunderbolt. Sidney Prale darted quickly to one side, and tossedhis hat and stick on the ground. He did not have time to get off hiscoat; he could not even remove his gloves. 

The other, missing him in that first rush, turned and came back, swinging his fists. Prale did not dart aside now. He put himself onguard, braced himself against the side of the little gulch, and waitedfor the attack. 

They clashed, and Prale knew that he had a real fight on his hands, forthe man who had attacked him was no mean antagonist. But, after thefirst real clash, Prale had no fear of the outcome. The man was brutal, but he had no skill. He delivered blows that would have felled anyone--but they did not reach their objective. 

Then a second man crashed down through the brush and joined in theattack. Sidney Prale realized in that moment that the attack had beenpremeditated and the fight forced upon him purposely. It fed fuel to theflames of his wrath. He did not know whether this was the work of someof his unknown enemies or whether these thugs were mere robbers intentupon getting his wallet and watch. It made little difference to himwhich they were. 

With his back against the side of the gulch, he fought with what skillhe could, trying to stand off both of them. The attack had come with arush, and all this had occupied but a few seconds. 

Presently a human whirlwind appeared and took part in the battle. Therewas an angry roar from a human throat, a raucous curse, a rushing body, the thuds of swift, hard blows. Mr. Murk had reached the scene!

The battle immediately became two-fold. Murk fought as these thugsfought, disregarding the finer rules of combat, seeking only to put hisopponent out, no matter by what means. Murk was not unaccustomed tofighting of that character, and he was doubly formidable now, for he wasangry at the attack on Sidney Prale. Murk had been too far away to hearwhat had been said when the trouble started, but he had seen, and heguessed immediately that some of Sidney Prale's enemies were engaged inthe attempt. 

Murk went after his opponent with determination if not with skill. Hefought him down the path, and there the fellow rallied from the surpriseand rushed back. But Murk was not the sort to give ground. In a fight, aman should stand up to another until one of them was whipped, Murkthought. 

He knew how to give blows, but not how to guard against them. He wasmarked, and marked well, before the battle was a minute old, but he hadthe satisfaction of seeing blood on the face of his antagonist. Foot tofoot they stood and hammered each other, and gradually Murk beganwearing the other man down. 

As for Sidney Prale, now that he had but the one thug against him, hefought with skill and cunning, knowing that the other was a bit thestronger, but realizing that he would be victor if he used reasonablecare. 

His flare of anger had passed, and now he was fighting like a cleverpugilist. He warded off the other's powerful blows, and now and then heslipped beneath a guard, or smashed his way through one, and sent home ablow of his own. 

At the end of three minutes, the thugs were getting much the worst ofit. Gradually they were being fought back toward the nearest driveway. Back and back they went, but did not turn and run. Sidney Prale sensedthat they were fighting for money, that they were being paid for thisattack, and he realized that, but for the presence of Murk, he wouldhave had no chance whatever, and probably would be a senseless, bleedingthing now. 

None of them knew that the fight had attracted attention, but it had. Two women, coming around a curve in the path, had seen it, and had runback toward the nearest driveway, screeching. Two mounted policemenhurried toward them, heard the story, and charged down the path. 

The two thugs made no effort to escape. They stopped fighting, and Praleand Murk ceased also, though the latter was eager to continue until adecision had been rendered. Murk had fought often where there was nointerference and he disliked to be bothered now, but he desisted atPrale's command. 

"Well, what's all this about?" one of the officers demanded. He did notaddress any of them particularly. "I was walking along the path, andthese men attacked me, " Sidney Prale said. "My valet was a shortdistance behind and he came to my assistance. I never saw these fellowsbefore. "

"Nothin' like it!" one of the thugs snarled. "Me and my pal were walkin'along this path and met these men, and the one with the stick ordered usout of the way as if we were dogs. When we didn't move quick enough, they jumped into us. "

"That's a lie----" Murk began. 

"You can settle this at the station, " the officer replied. "All of youcome along with us!"

Prale picked up his hat and stick, took off his torn gloves and threwthem away, and motioned for Murk to walk at his side and to keep quiet. They went to the driveway and along it, the policemen watching the fourof them closely, the thugs growling to each other and remarking that itwas a fine day when honest workingmen could not stroll in Central Parkwithout a dude and his valet trying to beat them up. 

There was a short wait when the station was reached, and then, at thelieutenant's command, one of the thugs poured forth his story. He gavehis name and address, as did the other, and both made the statement thatthey were out of work at present. 

Prale stepped forward and gave his name. The lieutenant stared at him insurprise. 

"Why, it's the guy who croaked that man Shepley!" one of the thugscried. "There ought to be a way of stoppin' him runnin' around andassaultin' and killin' folks. If it hadn't been for the cops----"

"Shut up!" Sidney Prale commanded loudly, ignoring the presence of theofficers. "You fellows made a deliberate attack on me and you know it. And I want to know who paid you to do it--understand?"

"You're crazy!" said one of the thugs. 

Prale turned to the lieutenant. "I'd like to have Jim Farland sent for, "he said. "He has been handling things for me. I want him to investigatethese men. I have an idea that the names and addresses they gave arefictitious. Recently enemies of mine have caused me considerabletrouble, and I feel sure that these men were hired to attack me. Fortunately, my valet was walking a short distance behind me, and rushedup and helped me hold them off. "

"I'm ready to put up bail, and so is my pal!" said one of the thugsangrily. 

"In that case, I'll have to let you go for the present, " the lieutenantsaid. "The charge is fighting and disorderly conduct, and bail will beone hundred dollars in each case. You may use the telephone if you wish, Mr. Prale. "

Prale hurried to the telephone, called Jim Farland's office, and wasinformed that Farland had not been there, and that the girl in chargedid not know where he was, or what he was doing, or when he wouldreturn. Prale left instructions for Farland and went back to the desk. 

"This is a serious business, though it may not look like it on theface, " he said. "I'd like to have these men held until we can make surethey have given correct names and addresses. "

"No use holding them if they have given bail, " the lieutenant replied. "I think it's nothing but a regular scrap. You can talk to the judgelater, all of you. "

Prale took a roll of bills from his pocket and put up cash bail for bothMurk and himself. One of the thugs followed suit and pulling out a rollof bills, stripped off two hundred dollars, and arranged for the releaseof himself and his partner. 

"You seem to have a lot of money for men who are out of work, " Pralesaid. 

"Been savin' it, and it's none of your business anyway, " growled theother. 

They started toward the door, and Prale and Murk followed them, watchedthem until they started away, and then turned back to bathe their facesand hands. Then Prale got a taxicab, and drove to the office of aphysician, who did his best to make the countenances of Prale and Murkpresentable. 

It was an hour later when Jim Farland called Prale by telephone at thehotel. 

"I've investigated that little matter, Sid, " he reported. "Those fellowsgave fictitious addresses, as you supposed they had done, and it is aneven bet that the names they gave were fictitious, too. No doubt aboutit, Sid--they were hired to get you. You'd better be on guard and a bitcareful. "

CHAPTER XVI

MURK RECEIVES A BLOW

An hour before dinner, Detective Jim Farland suddenly appeared in SidneyPrale's suite at the hotel. 

"They are working on me now, Sid, " he said. "I got a telephone messagewhen I was in the office, and the gent at the other end of the lineinformed me that it would be beneficial to my health if I immediatelyceased having anything to do with the Rufus Shepley murder case andstopped working for you. "

"Any idea where the message came from?" Prale asked. 

"It came from a public pay station in the subway. I had the call tracedimmediately, of course. No chance of finding out who sent it, naturally. I doubt whether I'd recognize the voice if I heard it again--could tellby the way the fellow talked that he was trying to disguise his tones. Itold him to go to blazes, and he informed me that I was up againstsomething too big for a man to face, or something like that. "

"Jim, if there is any danger, I don't want you to work for me, " SidneyPrale said. "You're married and a father and----"

"And that will be about all from you, Sid!" Farland interrupted. "ThinkI'm going to let some man who doesn't tell me his name throw a scareinto me?"

"But, if there is danger----"

"I thrive on danger, " said Jim Farland. "Think I'm going to desert youat this stage of the game? That is what they want, of course. If I did, you'd probably hire another detective, and it might be one of their ownmen--whoever they are. I'm in this game to stay, Sid, first because youare an old friend of mine and I think you are being made the victim ofsome sort of a dirty deal, and also because I'm not the kind of man tobe bluffed out of a job. We are going right ahead. I got a note at theoffice, too. "

"A note!" Prale gasped. 

"Typewritten, but not on George Lerton's battered typewriter this time. It remarked that unless I gave up this case, somebody would make thingshard for me, or words to that effect. Old stuff! If they are so scaredthat they send threatening letters, they're whipped right now--and theyknow it!"

"I had an interesting experience this afternoon, " said Prale. 

"The fight?"

"I don't mean that. I met Kate Gilbert in front of the library. Sheasked me to get a taxicab and drive her through the Park. I did it. Shebegged me to leave New York and remain away, and said that my enemiesmight not be so harsh if I did. I tried to get her to explain, and sheinsisted that I knew all there was to know. She left the taxicab andwalked to her home. "

"I'll have to investigate that girl more thoroughly, " Farland said. 

"She is on guard now, as far as I am concerned. "

"Does she know Murk by sight?"

"I think not. "

"Then here is where Murk gets a steady job for a time, " Jim Farlanddeclared. "Murk, you go up to Kate Gilbert's home and watch a bit. Givehim plenty of money, Sid, for expenses. Just see if she leaves theplace, Murk, and if so, where she goes, and to whom she talks. Get anygeneral information you can. Try to keep her from knowing that you arewatching her, but if she finds it out drop the chase and get back here, and we'll put another shadow on the job. When you are sure that she hasdecided to remain in her apartment for the night, report back here toMr. Prale. "

"You watch me, " Murk said. "I never expected to be caught doin'detective work and I reckon it's somethin' like a disgrace, but this isa sort of special occasion. "

Prale gave Murk more money, in case he would have to engage taxicabs orfollow Kate Gilbert where money would be necessary for tips and bribes. 

"Your face looks pretty good, but you want to remember that there aresome marks on it, " Prale told him. 

"It's looked worse, boss, " Murk replied, grinning. "I'll try to do thisthing right. "

Murk hurried down in the elevator and went from the hotel. He got a cabimmediately, and promised that dire things would happen to the chauffeurif he did not get to a certain corner up beside the Park in record time. Jim Farland had given him a badge to be used if he was questioned by apolice officer, and he was to say that he was an operative attached toFarland's office. 

Murk discharged the taxi at the proper corner, touched match tocigarette, and walked slowly down the street toward the apartment housewhere Kate Gilbert lived with her father and her maid. 

Jim Farland had told him the location of the Gilbert apartment, and Murksaw that the lights in it were burning. It was about time for dinner, heknew. 

He went to a drug store on the nearest corner and hurried into atelephone booth. He called the apartment house and asked to be connectedwith the Gilberts. A woman's hoarse voice answered his call, and heguessed that it was the maid speaking. 

"Miss Kate Gilbert there?" Murk asked. 

"Who is calling, please?"

"Tell her it is about that Prale affair, " Murk replied. 

"One moment. I'll call her. "

Kate Gilbert's voice came to him over the wire almost immediately. 

"Miss Gilbert?" Murk asked. "I was to tell you that----"

And then Murk jerked down the receiver hook, and grinned as he put thereceiver on it. Kate Gilbert would believe that a careless central girlhad cut them off and put an end to the conversation. 

He had learned what he had wished to learn--that Kate Gilbert was athome. He walked back up the street. All he had to do now was to watch, and if Kate Gilbert left the place follow her. If she did not, Murkwould wait half an hour or so after the lights in the apartment wereturned out, to be sure that she had retired, and then would hurry backto the hotel. 

Murk watched from a distance at first, and then went slowly forward, forhe did not wish to attract attention by remaining in one position toolong. There were few persons on the block; and now and then someautomobile or taxicab would discharge a passenger and go on. Murk madehis way slowly to the end of the block, always watching the entrance ofthe apartment house, crossed the street, and started back on the otherside. 

He came in front of a dark passageway between two buildings, and wenton. And out of the mouth of that dark passageway came a blow that causedMurk to groan once and topple forward. Hands gripped his unconsciousbody and drew him back into the darkness. 

CHAPTER XVII

MURK IS TEMPTED

The next thing that impressed itself upon Murk's consciousness was thefact that he had a terrific pain in the back of his head. Many timesduring his career Murk had experienced similar pains. And he knew thatthe best thing to do was to remain quiet for a short time, keep his eyesclosed, and gradually pull himself together. 

So he pretended that he had not regained consciousness. He knew that hehad been stretched upon a bed or couch of some sort, and that his wristswere lashed together, and his ankles. He was not gagged, however. 

Gradually the pain ceased, Murk's senses cleared and he became aware ofwhat was going on around him. He could hear whispered voices, but couldnot distinguish words and sentences; neither could he tell whether thevoices were those of men or women. 

Finally Murk opened his eyes. 

He found that he was in a small room furnished in quite an ordinarymanner. He was stretched on an old-fashioned sofa. There were a fewchairs scattered about, and a cupboard in one corner. In the middle ofthe room was an ordinary table covered with a red cloth. Upon the tablea kerosene lamp was burning. 

Murk groaned and made an attempt to sit up, but fell back again becauseof a fit of dizziness. It became evident that his groan had been heardin the room adjoining, for the door, which had been ajar, now was thrownopen wide, and two men entered. 

Murk knew them instantly; they were the men who had attacked SidneyPrale in the Park. 

"Back to earth, are you?" one of them snarled. "If I had my way, you'dhave been cracked on the head for good. "

Murk snarled in reply, despite the fact that he was bound and at themercy of these men. 

"Sore because I smashed your face!" Murk said. 

"That'll be about all out of you! I may take a smash at you yet!"

"You've got a good chance while my hands and feet are tied, " Murkreplied. "It's the only time you could get away with it, all right! Turnme loose and I can clean up the two of you!"

"You're not doin' any cleanin' for the present, " he was told. 

Murk began wondering at the object of the assault upon him. He couldfeel the roll of bills Prale had given him bulging his vest pocket, sohe guessed robbery was not the motive. He managed to sit up on the sofanow, and he glared at the two thugs before him with right good will. 

One of the men went back into the adjoining room, and the other remainedstanding before Murk, sneering at him, his hands opening and closing asif he would take Murk's throat in them and choke the life out of SidneyPrale's valet and comrade in arms. 

Then the man who had left the room returned, and there was another withhim. Murk looked at this stranger with sudden interest. He was welldressed, Murk could see, but he wore an ulster that had the wide collarturned up around his neck, and he had a mask on his face--a home-mademask that was nothing more than a handkerchief with eye slits cut in it. 

"Afraid to show yourself, are you?" Murk sneered. "Who are you--thechief thug?"

The masked man pulled a chair up before the sofa and sat down. His eyesglittered at Murk through the slits in the handkerchief. 

"You are not going to be harmed, my man--if you are reasonable, " hesaid. 

"Reasonable about what?" Murk demanded. 

"We want some information and we think you can give it to us; that isall. "

"I don't know much, " said Murk. 

"Tell us why you were prowling around that house near the Park. "

"Maybe I was takin' a walk, " Murk answered. 

"And maybe you were spying, as I happen to know you were. We assume thatSidney Prale sent you to watch the comings and goings of a certain youngwoman and her friends. "

"Go right ahead assumin'. "

"It will avail you nothing, my man, to adopt this attitude, " Murk wastold. "And it might help you a great deal if you are willing to listento reason. "

"I'm listenin', " Murk replied. 

"You haven't been working for Sidney Prale very long, have you?"

"Only a few days--since you seem to know all about it, anyway. Why askfoolish questions?"

"Very well. We understand that Prale kept you from committing suicideand then gave you a job. There is no reason why you should feel anoverwhelming gratitude for Prale. He merely got a valet cheap. "

"What about it?" Murk growled. 

"Sidney Prale has a million dollars, but you'll never see much of it. Heisn't the sort of man to toss his money away. And there are others, notparticularly Prale's friends, who have many millions between them. "

"Well, that ain't doin' me much good. "

"But it may do you a lot of good. We want information and we stand readyto pay for it. "

"I guess you'll have to do a little explainin', " Murk told him. "I neverwas any good at guessin' riddles. Life's too short to be spent workin'out silly puzzles. "

"Very well, " the masked man said. "As you perhaps are aware, Prale hascertain enemies. That is enough for you to know, if he has not told youmore. If you can give me information concerning Sidney Prale's plans, and tell us how much he knows, we will pay you handsomely. "

"I getcha, " Murk said. 

"And if you can manage to continue working for Prale, and let us knoweverything as it comes up, there'll be considerably more in it for you. "

"Want me to do the spy act, do you?"

"Call it whatever you like. There is a chance for you to earn some goodmoney. "

"How much?" Murk demanded. 

"That depends upon the services you render us. But let me assure youthat you will be richly rewarded. We will not fool you or defraud you. "

"What do you want to know?"

"What is Jim Farland, the detective, doing? What has he reported toPrale?"

"He ain't reported much of anything, " said Murk. 

"We want to know what Prale thinks about the situation. Tell us all youknow concerning the Rufus Shepley murder case. Has Sidney Prale saidanything you have been able to hear about the enemies who are botheringhim? You understand what we want to know--everything possible aboutPrale's plans. And we want you to watch henceforth, and keep us informedin a way I shall explain to you. "

"Well, explain it!" said Murk. 

"Scarcely, until we know that you are our man. Try to think of thingsnow, and tell us. Be sure you let us have everything. What you deemunimportant may be really important to us. "

"I'd feel a lot more friendly to you gents if you'd untie me, " saidMurk. "I can't talk business when I'm treated like a prisoner, orsomethin' like that. "

"You'll be untied as soon as we feel sure of you, and not before, " Murkwas told. "We are not taking chances with you. Are you going to work forus?"

"I'm not sure that the proposition looks good to me, " Murk said. "I makea deal with a man whose face I can't see, and do the dirty work--andthen maybe you turn me down cold and don't give me a cent, and I lose myjob with Mr. Prale and get in a nice fix. Don't you suppose I got somecommon sense?"

"Make the deal with us, and you shall have five hundred dollars in cashbefore you leave this room, " the masked man promised. "And, take my wordfor it, you'll be rewarded richly if you serve us well. "

"Well, I don't know much about this business, " Murk said. "You know Iain't been with Mr. Prale very long. All I know is that he's got someenemies who are tryin' to get the best of him. He says he ain't guiltyof that murder charge, and I happen to know he ain't, because he waswith me when Shepley was killed. "

"Maybe you both had a hand in the killing, " the masked man said. "And ifyou don't come to terms with us, you may find yourself in jail chargedwith being an accessory. "

"You can't bluff me, and you can't threaten me and get away with it!"Murk cried. 

"Softly--softly!" said the masked man. "I was merely showing you whereyou stand. "

"Well, don't start talkin' to me that way, if you want to do businesswith me. If I'm goin' to work for you, I've got to know what's what. Who's got it in for Mr. Prale, and why? That's what I want to know. Andwhat is it you're tryin' to do to him? How can I help if I ain't wise?"

"Some of the wealthiest and most influential men in the city are againstSidney Prale. They are determined to run him away from this, his oldhome town. They are going to strip him of his fortune if they can. Theyare going to grind him down until he is nothing better than a tramp. "

"Well, why are they goin' to do all this?"

"It is not necessary for you to know at present. Perhaps you will learnthat from Sidney Prale, if you keep your ears and eyes open. All we wantyou to do is to watch and listen and make frequent reports to us. You'llhave to be loyal to us, of course. If you are not, we shall punish you. "

"But what did Mr. Prale ever do to get such a bunch down on him?" Murkdemanded. 

"You'll find that out in time--maybe. "

"I guess I'd better know right now. "

"It is not necessary. Besides, we are not sure of you yet, pleaseremember. "

"How could you ever be sure of me?" Murk cried. "If I threw down Mr. Prale, wouldn't I be liable to throw you down, if somebody happenedalong and raised the price? Why, you simp, I wouldn't turn against Mr. Prale for a million dollars! He's treated me decent, and he was thefirst man who ever did that! I was just stringin' you, you fool! Mr. Prale himself don't know why your gang is causin' him trouble, and I wastryin' to pump you and find out!"

"So he has told you that he doesn't know why he has enemies?"

"He has--and he told the truth. There's something phony about thatmurder case; somebody's tryin' to frame him. And when Jim Farland getsthrough, somebody is goin' to jail!"

"So you will not work for us?"

"You're right; I won't. Maybe I don't amount to much, but I'm mightysquare compared to some people I know about. "

"And what do you suppose is going to become of you, if you refuse to doas I say?"

"I guess I'll manage to struggle along, " Murk said. 

"We'll see about that!" the masked man replied, getting up from thechair. "Perhaps a night spent in your present position, without food orwater, will cause you to change your mind. If it does not, there areother methods that can be used. "

"Goin' to pull rough stuff, are you?" Murk sneered. "Go as far as youlike! You can manhandle me, but you can't make me turn against SidneyPrale. That's a golden little thought for to-day, as the preacher says. "

CHAPTER XVIII

A WOMAN'S WAY

The masked man stepped forward, snarling behind his mask, his handsclosing, and the two thugs stepped forward also, as if to use Murkroughly if the other gave the command. 

But there was an interruption. Kate Gilbert came in from the adjoiningroom. 

The masked man whirled to meet her. 

"You should not--" he began. 

"It makes no difference, " Kate Gilbert said. "This man knows me, or hewould not have been set to spying on me. Sidney Prale knows that I amassociated with his enemies, since I was talking to him to-day. It isnot necessary for _me_ to mask my face!"

"It really was not necessary for you to come, " said the masked man. "This fellow refuses to have anything to do with us. "

"I cannot blame him. You used violence to get him here. I am afraid thatI should refuse to have business relations with a man who knocked me onthe head. "

"It was the only way. We couldn't approach him on the street very well. We have him here now and perhaps may be able to force him to see thelight. "

"I shall not countenance more violence!" Kate Gilbert said. "I told youin the beginning that force was not to be used. This man is not to beblamed in any way. He merely is an employee of the man we are fighting. "

"I think it justifiable to use any method that will get results, " themasked man told her. "You seem to forget----"

"I do not forget!" Kate Gilbert cried. "Who has a better right to hopeto see Sidney Prale punished? Who has suffered more than I and mine? ButI do not wish to see violence used. This man may be made to help us, butI fear you have taken the wrong method. And what do you intend doingnow?"

"Perhaps it will be as well for you to return home and allow us tohandle this part of the affair, " the masked man told her. "No womanlikes violence, of course, but at times it is necessary. We are going toleave him here to-night to think things over. He will be stiff and soreand hungry in the morning. "

"But----" Kate Gilbert protested. 

"It is the better way, I assure you--and quite necessary. This thing isso big that it must be handled with firmness and decision. You haveaided us greatly, but I think it will be a mistake to let you takecommand of the situation. "

Kate Gilbert's eyes flashed angrily, and her face flushed. 

"Very well, sir, " she said. "But let me talk to this man alone. Perhapscommon sense and kindness will prevail where violence did not. Isincerely hope so. "

"I am willing to let you talk to him, but you are to be guarded in yourspeech. Tell him nothing about the real affair; we want to be sure ofhim before we take him fully into our confidence. All we wish him to dois to keep us informed about Prale and Jim Farland, and any others whomay be helping Prale. "

"I understand, and I am not quite a fool!" Kate Gilbert told him, stillangry. 

The masked man motioned the two thugs out of the room, and then followedthem, closing the door behind him. Kate Gilbert sat down in the chairbefore the sofa, and looked at Murk. 

"First, I want you to know that I had nothing to do with the blow youreceived, " she said. "That was going a bit too far. I knew nothing of ituntil I received a telephone message saying that you were spying on theplace where I live, and that you had been captured and brought here. "

"I understand that, lady, " Murk replied. 

"I know that you have been with Mr. Prale only a few days. If he were inyour place now, I might be inclined to turn my back and let those menhandle him. But you are not to be blamed for the faults of youremployer. "

"No, ma'am, " said Murk. 

"I am going to tell you only this much: Sidney Prale committed a greatwrong against several persons. Those persons have banded together tohave vengeance. Sidney Prale deserves everything that can happen tohim. "

"I think you've got him wrong, ma'am, " said Murk. "He's even accused ofmurder, and I know he ain't guilty. "

"Neither do I believe that he is guilty of that crime, but that hasnothing to do with this other affair. The persons who are bandedtogether against Sidney Prale have nothing to do with the murder charge, I am sure. "

"I reckon he'll be glad to know that. But you've got him wrong in thisother thing, lady. Mr. Prale is worried almost to death because he don'tknow who his enemies are, or why they are causin' him a lot of trouble. "

"He has led you to believe that?" she asked. 

"I know he's tellin' the truth, ma'am. He's got a detective workin'tryin' to find out what it all means. "

"Then he is fooling you, and the detective also. Sidney Prale knows whohis enemies are, and why they are troubling him. He tried to tell methat he did not know, and almost in the same breath he told me somethingthat convinced me he did know. You have received an offer to help us. Are you willing?"

"I don't intend to turn against Mr. Prale!" Murk declared. "I ain't aman like that! These gents can keep me here and starve me and beat meup, and that's all the good it'll do 'em. I know a man when I see one, and Mr. Prale's a man, and a square man, and I'm goin' to stand by him!"

"He has fooled you! You do not know him for the scoundrel that he is. "

"Maybe it's you that's bein' fooled, lady. "

"No. If you knew all, you would understand. "

"Well, why don't you tell me, then? If you prove to me that Mr. Prale isa crook or somethin', and that you people ain't, maybe I'll change mymind about some things. "

"I can tell you nothing now, except that I am right and that SidneyPrale is fooling you, " Kate Gilbert said. 

"Then I'll stay right here and take my beatin' at the hands of themthugs. "

"You will do nothing of the kind, " she said. "I will not see them useviolence toward you. "

"I don't see how you're goin' to help it, ma'am. "

"I am going to have you released. You may return to Sidney Prale andtell him that we intend to punish him, but that I, for one, will notresort to violence. He may fight unfairly, but we do not. " She loweredher voice and bent toward him. "I'll attract their attention, and sendmy maid to release you, " she said. "Remain where you are. "

"Yes'm. "

Without another word, Kate Gilbert got up and left the room, closing thedoor behind her. In the other room were the masked man, the two thugs, and Marie, the maid. 

"I have talked to him, and I have a plan, " Kate Gilbert told the others. "Marie, I wish you to do something for me. Take the taxicab and go onthe errand, and after I am done here I will go home in another car. "

She stepped across to the maid and gave her whispered instructions, while the men waited. Marie left the room, walked through the hall, andleft the house. Kate Gilbert sat down at the table and called the othersto her. 

"That man is loyal to Prale, " she explained. "Prale has fooled him. Hehonestly believes that Prale does not know his enemies or why he isbeing bothered, and he is grateful to Prale for what Prale has done forhim. So, naturally, he refuses to turn against his employer. "

"If you will leave the matter in my hands----" the masked man suggested. 

"I may do so after we have had this little talk. Come closer, so I canspeak in a low tone and he will not hear. "

They pulled their chairs up to the table. 

"This man is stubborn, " she said. "You could starve him or beat him, andit would do you not the slightest good. It would only make him the moredetermined to be faithful to Prale. We would gain nothing. We've got toconvince him that we are in the right. "

"I object to telling him the whole truth, " said the masked man. 

"He could do nothing except tell it to Prale--and Prale knows italready, doesn't he?" Kate Gilbert asked. 

"You want to let the fellow go?" the masked man cried. "Why, we can usehim as a sort of hostage!"

"As if Sidney Prale would care if he never saw his valet again!"

"He is more than a valet; he is one of Prale's spies! If we can holdthis man prisoner, and attend to Jim Farland, that detective, Pralewould stand alone. There are not many men he would trust to help him. And, if he stands alone, it will be easier for us to torment him, causehim trouble, drive him away!"

"Sometimes I regret that we started this thing, " Kate Gilbert said. "What will it avail us to make Prale's life miserable?"

"You seem to forget--"

"I forget nothing! I know how I have suffered, how my father and othershave suffered. But I am not sure that retribution will not visit SidneyPrale even if we keep our hands off. "

"You're a woman; that is why!" the masked man accused. "You have a softheart, as is right and proper in a woman. But when you remember yourfather----"

"I am not quitting!" she declared. "I will continue the game. But I willnot permit violence toward anybody, least of all to a poor fellow whohas nothing to do with the affair except that he is working for SidneyPrale. We can accomplish our aims without becoming thugs and breakinglaws ourselves. I understood that we always were to keep inside thelaw. "

"Well, what have you to suggest?" the masked man asked. 

"Let Prale's valet go, for he can do us no harm. Prale knows that I amagainst him, but he can make no move unless we break the law and hisdetective has us apprehended. We play into Sidney Prale's hands if we dothat. Can't you see it? We do not want to give him an advantage, do we?If we use violence or break a law, we do just that. We must break himdown cleverly. "

"I see that point, all right. "

"I am astonished that you did not see it before. You appear to be veryvindictive lately, yet you did not suffer as some others suffered. "

"I have my reasons. I always have hated Sidney Prale. "

"Then you are making this fight for personal reasons?"

"Do not forget that some very good friends of mine suffered because ofPrale. But, about the valet----"

"Let him go, I say. What harm can he do?"

"We slugged him to get him here. He can report it to the police, andhave you arrested, and these two men. "

"And what evidence would he have?" she asked. "Who would testify that hewas telling the truth? These two men can keep out of sight for thepresent. He has not seen your face because of your mask. And to chargeme with slugging him would be ridiculous. "

"This house----"

"Is vacant, so far as the neighbors know; it is owned by a man whosewife died, and who has been gone for more than a year. The agent whorented it to us furnished, is one of us. We can simply close it up andnot come here again. If he complained, and the police investigated, theywould find the house closed, and the nearest neighbors would declarethat it had been closed since the owner went away. The furniture is noteven dusted. "

"That part is all right. "

"And that attack on Prale in the Park during the afternoon!" she wenton. "That was a mistake. Suppose Detective Farland managed to connectthat with us. I tell you we must not break a law, or Sidney Prale mayget the advantage!"

"We can't handle an affair like this with kid gloves!" the masked mandeclared. 

"We do as I say, or I shall go to Sidney Prale and tell him everythingand rob you of your vengeance!"

"You would do that!" the masked man cried, springing from his chair. 

"I'll do it if there is any more violence!" she declared. "It wasunderstood that no rough tactics were to be used, and I demand that wecarry out the original plan!"

"We'll see about this!" the masked man cried. "I'll talk to some of theothers----"

"And I'll leave the game if there is any more violence--do not forgetthat!" Kate Gilbert cried. 

She continued to talk and plan, for she was fighting for time. She hadknown that, at the last moment, this man would refuse to release Murk. 

Marie, the big maid, had hurried from the house, which sat far back fromthe street and was surrounded by trees. But she had returned afterwatching for a few minutes. 

Murk, sitting on the sofa, heard somebody at one of the windows. Hewatched the sash being raised slowly and cautiously, and after a timesaw the head of Marie. She motioned him for silence, listened a moment, and then crawled inside. 

Marie hurried across to Murk and fumbled with the cords that bound hiswrists together behind his back. The bonds slipped away, and Murk madequick work of the one around his ankles. He hurried across the room, gotthrough the window, and helped the big maid through. Marie led himtoward the street. 

"Come right along with me!" she commanded, when they were some distancefrom the house. 

"Thanks for helpin' me out, but I guess I'll hang around, " Murk replied. "I'm right eager to get a look at the face of the man who was wearingthe mask. "

"I supposed you'd want to do that, " the big maid told him. "And that'swhat I've got orders to keep you from doing. You come along with me!"

Murk got a surprise. Marie gripped his shoulder with her left hand--andit was no gentle grip. Then he saw that she was holding an automaticpistol in her right hand. 

"There is a taxi at the corner, " she informed Murk. "We are going to getinto it and drive back to the city. You may be able to find this houseafterward, but I doubt it. "

"Suppose I take a notion not to go?" Murk asked. 

"I'm not afraid to shoot, " Marie informed him. 

"Aw, let me go!" he exclaimed. "You're in wrong in this deal; see? Itell you that Mr. Prale, my boss, is an all-right man, and you peopleare makin' some kind of a mistake. "

"I like to see a man stick up for his boss, " replied the gigantic Marie. "And I'm stickin' up for mine right this minute, and she told me to seethat you went to town. Why don't you quit that man Prale and get a realjob with a gentleman? You're not a bad-looking man at all. "

Murk felt himself blushing at this unexpected announcement. Praise fromthe lips of a woman was something new in his life. He glanced at theamazon beside him. 

"And you're sure some woman!" he said. "And that ain't just nice talk--Isure mean it! But you ain't got this from the right angle. I've got towork for Mr. Prale. I'd be a dead one this minute if it wasn't for him. If I didn't stick by him now, I'd never be able to look at myself in ashavin' mirror again. You don't want me to be an ungrateful pup, do you?You see----"

Having directed her attention to another topic for a moment, Murk puthis plan into action. He made a quick lunge forward as he spoke, springing a bit to one side as he did so, and trying to seize theautomatic and tear it from her grasp. 

But the gigantic Marie had been anticipating something like that, despite Murk's speech and his manner that said he was a willing captive. She lurched forward and hurled Murk back, sprang after him, crashed thebutt of the weapon against the side of his head, and then, while he wasa trifle groggy from the blow, she grasped him with her powerful handsand piloted him toward the street with strength and determination. 

"Never try to play them child's tricks on me!" she announced. 

Murk regarded her with mingled admiration and chagrin, and spoke withenthusiasm. 

"Some woman!" he commented. 

CHAPTER XIX

COADLEY QUITS

Murk, compelled to ride back to the city in the taxicab with Marie, spent the time in ordinary conversation with the amazon, and toldhimself repeatedly that she was a great woman, a dangerous state of mindfor a bachelor. 

The only reason Murk wanted to remain in the vicinity of the cottage wasto catch a sight of the countenance of the man who had worn the mask. Asfar as the cottage itself was concerned, he had noticed a signboard on astreet corner not far from it, and he would be able to locate it againif Sidney Prale or Jim Farland thought it necessary. 

Marie stopped the taxicab near the Park, and Murk got out and gallantlyoffered to pay the bill for his enemy, but Marie would not allow it. 

"Hope to see you often and get to know you better when this little scrapis over, " Murk made bold to say, and then, chuckling at her retort, hestarted walking down the street. 

He did not care to ride, for it was not so very many blocks to thehotel, and Murk wanted time to formulate in his mind the report heintended to make to his employer. 

Prale was waiting for him, and Murk told his story in detail and withoutembellishment. 

"So Kate Gilbert had you freed, did she?" Prale said. "And she told theothers that she would quit them if they used any more violence? Murk, old boy, when our foes begin fighting in their own camp it is time forus to begin to hope. A house divided against itself cannot stand, as youprobably have heard. "

"She certainly panned the man who wore the handkerchief over his face, "Murk said. "I think I'd know him again, boss. He talked a good deal, remember, and he got careless toward the last and used his regularvoice. And I watched his hands--boob didn't have sense enough to weargloves. Anybody but a boob would know that a hand can be recognized aseasy as a face. "

"Let us hope that they make a lot of mistakes like that, Murk, " Pralereplied. "I'll be glad if we ever solve this confounded mystery. It'sgetting on my nerves. "

They remained up until one o'clock in the morning, but Jim Farlandneither visited the hotel again nor called them up, and so they went tobed. 

They did not rise early, but had breakfast in the suite and took theirtime about eating it. After that, they waited for Farland to arrive ortelephone and give orders and tell news. Farland did not come, butAttorney Coadley did. 

Murk admitted him, and the distinguished criminal lawyer sat in thewindow beside Prale, a grave expression on his face, his manner that ofa disconcerted man. 

"I gather you do not bring good news, judging from your countenance, "Prale said. 

"At least, I have not come to say that the case against you is anystronger, " Coadley replied. "I'd like to speak to you alone, Mr. Prale. "

"Certainly. You may go into the other room, Murk, and remain until Icall. "

Murk obeyed, and Sidney Prale bent forward in his chair and looked atthe attorney again, wondering what this visit meant, what was coming, half fearing that the news would be ill after all. 

"Mr. Prale, " Coadley said, "I have come here to your apartment to tellyou that I wish you to get another attorney. "

"I beg your pardon!" Prale gasped. 

"I wish to withdraw from the case, Mr. Prale--that is all. An attorneydoes that frequently, you know. "

"But I want you to handle my case, " Prale said. "I have been given tounderstand that you are one of the foremost criminal lawyers in thecity. And you have done so much already----"

"I insist that I withdraw, Mr. Prale. I shall be ethical. I shall givethe man you name in my place all the knowledge at my command regardingthis case, and I shall see that the change does not embarrass you orplace you in jeopardy. The court will grant extensions if they arenecessary. "

"Farland has given me to understand that my alibi now is of such anature that the case against me may be dismissed. I had hoped that youhad come here this morning to tell me so. "

"I fancy that any good attorney can get the charge dismissed, " Coadleysaid. 

"But I do not want to be freed under a cloud. I want the public to besure I did not kill Rufus Shepley--I want to have the public know theidentity of the man who did. "

"That is what I thought, and that will take considerable time, perhaps, "Coadley said. "And so I wish to withdraw----"

"If it is a question of fee----"

"Nothing of the sort, Mr. Prale. I am sure you would pay me anyreasonable fee I asked. There is no question regarding your financialability. "

"May I ask, then, why you desire to leave the case?" Sidney Prale asked. 

"I'd rather not state my reasons, Mr. Prale. Just let me withdraw, andmake arrangements with the court, after you have named the man to takemy place. The bail arrangement will stand, of course. "

"So you do not care to tell your reasons!" Prale said. "Mr. Coadley, abanker refused to handle my funds. A hotel manager ordered me out, youmight say, for no good reason whatever. I understand that I have somepowerful enemies who are working in the dark, and who cause theseannoyances. Do you wish me to understand, Mr. Coadley, that they havebeen to see you? Do you wish me to think that you are under the thumbsof these persons, whoever they may be?"

The attorney's face flushed, and he looked angry for an instant, butquickly controlled himself. 

"I do not care to go into details, Mr. Prale, " he said. 

"Then it is the truth!" Prale said. "The big criminal lawyer is not sobig but that others can force him to do as they please. "

"Let us say as I please, Mr. Prale. "

"Then you think that you have a good reason for withdrawing?"

"I do. "

"In other words, something has been told you that convinced you I am nota fit client. Is that it? And, instead of telling me what it is, andgiving me a chance to refute the charge or explain, you simply take theeasiest course and believe my enemies. Do you call that an example ofthe square deal?"

"Let us not talk about it further, Mr. Prale, " Coadley replied. "I feelquite sure that you have a complete understanding of the situation. "

"But I have not! I seem to be able to understand nothing in regard tothis affair of which I am the central figure. I would give half myfortune, I believe, to have an explanation and be able to set thingsright. "

"No doubt you would be willing to give half your fortune to set thingsright!" Coadley said. "It is your privilege, of course, to say that youdo not understand. Mr. Prale, you must see that this interview ispainful to me, and it must be painful to you. Why prolong it?"

"As far as I am concerned, this interview may be terminated at once, sir!" Sidney Prale exclaimed. "I'll send you a check for your servicesas soon as you submit your bill; and please do not neglect to do so atonce. I'll inform you as soon as possible of the name of the man Iselect to fill your legal shoes in this matter. That is satisfactory?Very well. Murk!"

Murk hurried in from the adjoining room when he heard Sidney Prale'scall. 

"Show Mr. Coadley to the hall door, Murk!" Sidney Prale said. "And whileyou are about it, please close that ventilator in the corner of theroom. It creates a draft, I am sure, and Mr. Coadley already has coldfeet!"

The attorney glared at Prale, and then got up and walked quickly acrossto the door, which the grinning Murk held open to let him pass out. 

CHAPTER XX

UP THE RIVER

Coadley had not gone for more than an hour when Detective Jim Farlandarrived at the hotel and made his way immediately to Sidney Prale'ssuite. 

He found Prale pacing the floor angrily, and Murk sitting in a cornerand watching him. The police detective, after doing duty for a few days, had been withdrawn, as it seemed evident that Prale had no intention ofjumping his bail or eluding trial in any other way. 

"What's the trouble now?" Farland asked. 

"Coadley has just been here, " Prale replied. "He has quit us. Ourfriends the enemy have reached him. "

"You couldn't get any sort of an explanation out of him?" Farland asked. 

"Nothing at all. He simply informed me that he was done, and that I hadto get another lawyer. "

"I'll try to find an honest one for you, " Farland declared. "I happen toknow a clever young chap who probably will take the case, especially ifI explain the thing to him, for he loves a fight. There is no specialhurry, but I'll try to attend to it some time to-day. "

"Anything new?" Prale asked. 

"That is what I am waiting to hear. What did you do last night, Murk?"

Murk related his adventure at length, while Jim Farland listenedgravely, nodding his head now and then, and looking puzzled at times. 

"I'd like to know the identity of that masked man, " the detective said, when Murk had finished. "The main trouble in this case is that we do notknow the people we are fighting. We know that Kate Gilbert is one ofthem, and have reason to suspect that George Lerton is another. Butthere is somebody bigger behind, and that's a fact. "

"What are you going to do next?" Prale asked. 

"I'm going to pay a little attention to the Rufus Shepley murder case. I'm going to find out, if I can, who killed Shepley, and why. I am ofthe opinion that the murder is distinct from this other trouble, Sid. Perhaps a clew to the murder, however, will give us a clew to the wholething, for it is certain that somebody has attempted to hang that crimeon you. "

"How about George Lerton?" Prale asked. 

"We know that he tried to help smash your alibi by telling a falsehood, and by sending those notes to the barber and the merchant. But we do notknow his motive, unless it is simply a hatred of you, Sid, and envy ofthe million dollars you got in Honduras. I'm going to get out of herenow, and get busy. "

"Anything for us to do?" Prale asked. 

"Keep out of trouble--that is the principal thing. It appears that everytime either of you goes out, you get knocked on the head. I'll reportagain as soon as I can. "

Jim Farland left them and hurried from the hotel. He went to thehostelry where Rufus Shepley had met his death, was admitted to thesuite, and made an exhaustive investigation, which revealed nothing ofimportance. 

He visited the New York offices of the company in which Shepley had beeninterested, and questioned officials and clerks, but got no inkling of astate of affairs that might have led to a murder. He was told that thecompany's business was in proper shape, and that Rufus Shepley had hadno financial trouble of any sort so far as his associates knew. 

Farland left the office and continued his investigations. In the eveninghe went to his home for a meal, and admitted to himself that he did notknow any more than when he had started out that morning. 

"It gets my goat!" he said to his reflection in the bathroom mirror. "I'll have to begin working from some other starting point. I've made amistake somewhere, or overlooked something that I should have seen. Makes me sore!"

The telephone bell rang, and Farland went to the instrument to hear thevoice of a man he did not know. 

"I understand that you are interested in the Shepley murder case, " hiscaller said. 

"I am working on it, yes. Who is talking?" Farland demanded. 

"I'm not ready to mention any names. If you want to hang up, go aheadand you'll miss something important. Or if you want to listen for aminute----"

"I'll listen!" Farland said. 

"I know a lot about that Shepley case, but I am in a position where Ihave to be careful. If you'll do as I say, you can learn something you'dlike to know. "

"What do you want me to do?" Farland asked. 

"Meet me in some place where nobody will see us talking, and I'll tellyou a few things. But I must have your promise that you'll not revealthe source of the information. "

"I'll protect you, unless you are mixed up in it to such an extent thatI'd dare not do so, " Farland said. "I'm not guaranteeing to shield anymurderer or accessory. "

"I had nothing to do with the murder, if that is what you mean, " camethe reply. 

"Then where do you want me to meet you--and when? Can you make it thisevening?"

"Yes; and suppose that you set the meeting place, one that you know willbe all right for both of us. "

Farland was glad to listen to that sentence. He had half believed thatthis was nothing more than a trap, that some of Sidney Prale'smysterious enemies were attempting to lure him to some out-of-the-wayplace and get him in their power. But if he was to be allowed to namethe meeting place, it seemed to indicate that everything was all rightin that regard. 

Farland though a moment, and then suggested a certain famous restauranton Broadway and a table in a corner of the main room, where a man couldlose himself in the crowd. But that did not meet with the approval ofthe man at the other end of the telephone wire. 

"Nothing doing in that place, " he said. "One of the men interested inthis thing hangs out there almost every evening. He'd be sure to see us, he knows how much I know about it, and he'd suspect things in a secondif he saw me talking to you. Then it'd be made hot for me. I've got toprotect myself, of course. "

"Suggest a place yourself, " Farland said. 

"Make it outside somewhere. How about some place in Riverside Park?"

"Suits me, " Farland replied. 

The man at the other end of the wire gave the directions after muchseeming speculation and many changes. Jim Farland was to go to Grant'sTomb, and from there to a certain place near the river. The other manwould be in the neighborhood watching, he said, would recognize Farlandas he passed the Tomb, and then would follow and speak to him whennobody else was near. 

Farland agreed, and made the engagement for an hour and a half later, saying that he could not get there before that time. It would not be thefirst time that Jim Farland had obtained an important clew becausesomebody interested had grown disgruntled and had turned against hispals; and he supposed this to be a case of that sort. 

Before leaving home, Farland made sure that his automatic was inexcellent condition, and that he had his handcuffs and electric torchand other paraphernalia of his trade. He made his way to ColumbusCircle, having decided to walk to the rendezvous. Farland was in nohurry. He observed all who passed him, and he frequently madeexperiments to ascertain whether he was being followed. He decided, after a time, that if he was being shadowed the person doing it was tooclever for him. 

He came to Riverside Drive through a cross street, and approached thefamous Tomb as cautiously as possible, keeping in the shadows, alert todiscover anybody who might be acting at all suspiciously. Farland feltsure that this was no trap, but he was not taking chances. He always hadbeen known to his friends as a cautious man. 

He reached the Tomb finally, and glanced around. Half a dozen personswere passing, some men and some women, some alone and others in couples, but none were of suspicious appearance. 

Farland glanced at his watch to be sure that it was the appointed time. He strolled around the Tomb and waited ten minutes longer, for he didnot care to find later that he had left the appointed spot too early andthat the other man had not seen and followed him. 

At the end of the extra ten minutes, Farland lighted one of his big, black cigars and started walking toward the river, following the routethe other man had designated over the telephone. He walked slowly andnot for an instant did he throw caution aside. 

Here and there were dark spots where Farland expected to hear his namespoken, spots where an attack might be made if one was contemplated byfoes. 

It was as he was passing one of these that a whisper came from thedarkness:

"Mr. Farland!"

The detective whirled toward the sound, one hand diving into a coatpocket and clutching his automatic. 

"Well?"

"Be as silent as possible. Do not flash your torch yet; you may do sopresently, so you can see who is talking. I am the man who called you upby telephone. "

"Come out where I can get a glimpse of you, " Farland commanded, readyfor trouble. 

He could see a shadow detach itself from the patch of gloom in front ofhim and approach. 

"That is close enough for the present!" Farland said. "I'm not takingchances on you until I know who's talking to me. "

"I don't blame you, Mr. Farland, under the circumstances. If you aresure there is nobody approaching, I'll come out into the light so youcan see my face. "

Farland glanced up and down the walk quickly. As he did so, he heard astep behind him. He whirled, the automatic came from his pocket readyfor use--and a man crashed into him. 

The one who had been talking from the patch of shadow rushed forward atthe same instant. Farland managed to fire once, but the shot went wild. Then a third man rushed from the darkness, and the detective had theautomatic torn away, and found that he had a battle on his hands. 

One man was upon his back, throttling him so that he could not utter acry. The others were trying to throw him to the ground. Farland wonderedwhether that single shot had been heard, whether assistance would reachhim, for he knew that here was a battle he could not win by force. 

Finally they got him down. Something was thrust into his mouth andbandaged there, effectually gagging him. He was turned over on his face, and his wrists were lashed behind him. Then his ankles were fastened, and two of the men, at the whispered instruction of the third, pickedhim up like a sack of meal and carried him into the deep shadows. 

They did not stop there, but continued toward the river, holding aconversation in whispers at times, and stopping now and then for amoment to rest and listen. Farland had been quiet, gathering hisstrength, and suddenly he began to struggle. 

It was nothing worse than annoyance for his opponents. He was unable tomake an outcry that would attract attention, and he was unable to put upan effective fight. They threw him upon the ground again and held himthere. 

"Another little trick like that, and we'll give you something to keepyou quiet, " one of the men whispered into his ear. "We've got you, andyou'd better let it go at that!"

Once more they picked him up and went toward the river. They reached it, and one of the men hurried away while the other two guarded Farland. Five minutes passed, and then a powerful motor boat slipped toward theshore. An instant later Farland was aboard it, a prisoner, and the boatwas rushing through the great river toward the north. 

Farland made an attempt to watch the lights along the shore, but one ofthe men threw a sack over his face, so that he could not see. And so hemerely listened to the beating of the boat's engine, and tried toestimate with what speed they were running and how much mileage thecraft was covering. 

The sack was heavy, and Jim Farland felt himself half smothered, theperspiration pouring from his face and neck. He had grown angry for amoment, angry at himself for walking into the trap even while suspectingthat one might exist, angry at these three men who had captured him soclose to Riverside Drive. 

Then his rage passed. He was experienced enough to know that an angryman is at a disadvantage in a game of wits, and that wits and nothingelse could get him out of the present predicament. 

Finally, he felt the boat turning, the speed was cut off, and it driftedagainst something. Farland was lifted out of the motor boat, but one ofthe men held the sack over his head, and he was unable to see. Once morehe was carried, this time away from the river, and he could tell nothingexcept that the men who carried him were struggling up a sharp slope. 

Farland made no attempt to fight or struggle now, knowing that it wouldavail him nothing to attempt to throw off these three men. He haddecided to conserve his strength, and to trust to his usual good fortuneto get a chance later to even things by turning the tables on hiscaptors. 

Suddenly the sack was taken from his head, and he was able to breathebetter. He found that he was beside a road in which stood an automobile. Two of the men lifted him, tossed him inside the machine, and then gotin themselves. The driver started the engine, threw in the clutch, andsoon the car was being driven at a furious pace along the winding road. 

"Look around all you want to!" one of Farland's captors growled at him. "You won't even know where you are when you get there!"

CHAPTER XXI

RECOGNITION

Through a maze of crossing and winding roads the car made its way, nowover highways as smooth as a city pavement, and now over rough mileagethat jolted the occupants and threatened the springs with destruction. 

Jim Farland did not recognize this particular district. He did not evenknow upon which side of the river he was being hauled along as aprisoner. In the city proper, his abductors would have found it verydifficult to take him to a section where he could not have recognizedsome sort of a landmark, but here they had him at a seriousdisadvantage. 

The night was dark, too, and a fine drizzle was falling. Farland tuggedat his bonds when he could, and finally convinced himself that theywould not give. He tried to work one end of the gag from the corner ofhis mouth and found that he could not do that. He was utterly helplessfor the time being, at the mercy of the three men who had kidnaped him, and the chauffeur, and whoever might be where they were going. 

For half an hour longer the car made its way across the country, andthen Farland noticed that it left the principal thoroughfare and turnedinto a rough, narrow lane that was bordered with big trees. At the endof a quarter of a mile of this lane, the chauffeur brought the car to astop. Farland could see a building that had the appearance of being anabandoned farmhouse. 

He was lifted from the car and carried to the door. One of the men threwit open, and Farland was carried inside. They took him through a hall, turned into a room, and tossed him upon a couch in a corner there. Oneof them struck a match, lighted a lamp, and then they turned to surveyhim. 

Farland glared at them, waited for them to speak. They were making noattempt to hide their features. Typical thugs they were, the three ofthem, and Farland supposed that the chauffeur, who had not come into thehouse with the others, belonged to the same class. 

One of them stepped forward and removed Farland's gag, while anotherwent into another room and presently returned with a dipper of water, which he held to Farland's lips. He drank greedily, for the gag hadparched his mouth and throat. 

"Bein' as how you are a copper, I'd slip a knife between your ribs andcall it a good job, " one of the men told him, "but we are supposed totreat you nice and keep you in condition for a little talk with theboss. So you needn't tremble with fear any. "

"It'd take more than three bums like you to make me afraid!" Farlandtold him. 

"Nasty, ain't you? Maybe we'll get a little chance to beat you up later, especially if your little talk with the boss ain't what they callproductive of results. You've got some reputation as a dick, but Ireckon it's all a fake. We didn't have much trouble gettin' you andbringin' you here. "

"Isn't that enough to make you worry a bit?" Farland asked. 

"How do you mean?"

"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I wanted to be captured andhauled here? Have you any idea how many men watched and trailed us?You've led me to where I wanted to come, to a place I wanted to find, perhaps. "

"That bluff won't work, " came the reply. "We had a couple of menwatchin' for that very thing, and they'd have given us a high sign if wehad been followed. You're here all by your lonesome, and so you'd betterbe good. "

Two of the men left the room, and the third sat down by the table to actas guard. Fifteen minutes passed, during which Jim Farland and the manby the table exchanged pleasant remarks concerning each other, neithergetting much the best of the argument. 

Then the hall door was opened again, and a masked man entered the room!

Remembering what Murk had related to him concerning his experience ofthe night before, Jim Farland looked up at this newcomer with suddeninterest. 

This man, undoubtedly, was a sort of leader, one who had hired others tohelp him in his work and who knew the identities of Sidney Prale'smysterious enemies, and why they were working against him; perhaps, also, the man who could tell a good deal about the murder of RufusShepley. 

Farland did not betray too much interest, though, for he sensed that hewas opposed to a person of brains and cunning, a different type from thethugs he hired to work for him. So the detective merely blinked his eyesrapidly as he looked up at the other and waited for him to speak. 

"You are Jim Farland, a detective?"

The voice was low and harsh, a monotone, a disguised voice in fact. JimFarland knew that at once. 

"That's my name, and some people are kind enough to say that I am adetective, " Farland replied. "What's the idea of treating me rough likethis?"

"I regret that violence was necessary to get you here, Mr. Farland, " themasked man replied, "but it seemed to be the only way in which I couldget a chance to talk to you freely without subjecting myself to danger. "

"Why regret?" Farland asked. 

"Because I want you for my friend instead of my enemy, Mr. Farland, andI fancy that we may be able to come to terms. I shall send this man ofmine from the room and submit a proposition to you. I hope you see fitto accept it. "

He motioned for the other man to leave, which he did immediately, closing the hall door behind him. Then the masked man sat down in thechair by the table. 

Farland was watching him closely now. The collar of his coat and thehandkerchief mask effectually shielded his face and head. But, as Murkhad told, this man did not have the common sense to cover his hands, andFarland looked at them when he could, careful not to let the othersuspect his object. 

"I am the man who talked to Mr. Prale's valet last night, " Farland heardthe other say. "In some manner, the valet escaped, and so we wereobliged to have you brought here instead of to the place where we hadhim, and which was considerably nearer the city. I regret it if the longride annoyed you, but you will appreciate that it was necessary for mymen to bind and gag you. "

"It certainly was if they expected to get me here!" Jim Farlanddeclared. 

He heard the masked man chuckle. 

"I understand that you have been engaged by Sidney Prale to clear him ofthe charge of murdering Rufus Shepley. "

"I don't mind admitting that, since the whole city knows it, " saidFarland. 

"And also to aid Sidney Prale in outwitting certain persons who aretrying to punish him for something he did. "

"I don't know anything about that. I do know that some people are tryingto make things hot for Sid Prale, and he doesn't deserve it, and----"

"Pardon me, if I interrupt!" the masked man said. "You say that he doesnot deserve it. Do you believe that influential persons would persecutehim if he did not deserve it?"

"Sid Prale doesn't know what it is all about!"

"That is what he told the valet, too. But believe me when I say that hedoes know what it is all about, and is deceiving you when he saysotherwise. "

"What has all this to do with me?" Jim Farland demanded. "Did you haveme brought here to argue the case with me?"

"I had you brought here because I want you to cease working for SidneyPrale. I want you to go back to him and tell him that you are done. "

"As Coadley, the attorney, did?"

"Exactly!"

"Your people must be men of influence if they can buy off Coadley likethat!"

"Perhaps Coadley was shown that it would wreck his future if hecontinued working for Prale. "

"Well, you can't wreck my future, because I haven't any, " Farland toldhim. 

"Do not be too sure of that, Mr. Farland. Agree to my proposition andyou may have a great future. You may find business thrown your way. Youmay find yourself able to spread out, have a protective service, becomea wealthy man. If you give up the Prale case, we'll see that you arepaid cash immediately, of course, in lieu of the fee you would receivefrom Prale--and considerably more than he would pay you. "

"I suppose that would appeal to a lot of men, " Jim Farland said, "but itisn't the right bait to use if you are eager to catch me. I have all thebusiness I want. I can make a living for myself and my small family, andwe do not hanker after riches. A larger business would make me a humanmachine, and I'd rather just drift along and be an ordinary good husbandand father. I'd rather be running a little, third-rate detective agencyas I am, making just enough to get along, and have a lot of friends. Iwouldn't throw down a friend for a million dollars! I suppose I'm theonly man in town that thinks this way, but I'm a sort of peculiar duck!"

"You mean to tell me that you are not anxious to better yourself, to getalong in the world?"

"Oh, I manage to get along!" Jim Farland replied. "I even eat meat nowand then. I haven't seen the face of the famous wolf outside my door forsome time. What is money?"

"Everything!" the masked man replied. 

"That's what you think. It gives me an inkling as to what sort of manyou are. I happen to know a fellow to whom money is everything--and Ihave reason to suspect that he is considerably interested in the case ofSidney Prale. Be careful you do not betray your identity to me!"

Farland had the satisfaction of hearing the masked man gasp, and hechuckled. 

"Well, what is the proposition?" Farland inquired. "You seem to waste alot of time. "

"We want you merely to tell Sidney Prale that you will not work on thecase any more--that you are done. Then go about your regular business. We'll have you watched, and as soon as we are satisfied that you arekeeping faith with us, we'll send you ten thousand dollars in cash. Ifyou make the agreement with me, I'll give you a thousand cash to-nightbefore you leave this place, as a sort of retainer and expression of oursincerity. Then, following the fee of ten thousand dollars, you'll findthat much business is flowing your way. All you have to do to get allthis is to withdraw from the Prale case at once. "

"You must be afraid that I am finding out some things, " Jim Farlandsuggested. 

"That is scarcely the reason, " the masked man answered. "We want SidneyPrale to stand alone, to be without help of any sort--that is all. "

"But I am more than Sidney Prale's employee. I am his friend!" Farlandprotested. 

"You were his friend ten years ago, sir, but a man may change a greatdeal in ten years. Are you quite sure that the Sidney Prale of to-day isthe boyish, friendly Sidney Prale of ten years ago?"

"I am quite sure; and that is why I am trying to help him, " Jim Farlanddeclared. 

"I fear that he is fooling you--as he is deceiving others. He is notworthy of such friendship as you are giving him. "

"How do I know that?" Farland asked. "If I could have some sort of anexplanation----"

He awaited the other's reply. If he could get some inkling as to whyPrale had powerful enemies, it might help a lot. 

"I can tell you this much: Sidney Prale did something that wrecked andruined several lives. Certain prominent persons have decided to punishhim. He is to have his life made miserable, he is to have his fortunetaken away from him, he is to be subjected to petty annoyances and hardblows alike, driven from this, his home town, forced to realize that aman cannot do what he did and escape retribution. "

"Sounds like he murdered a nation!" Jim Farland commented. "Did he wreckthe national treasury or turn traitor to the flag?"

"I am not jesting, Mr. Farland. "

"Neither am I. My eyes have got to be opened, sir. You've got to comeclean with me. Prale's enemies may strike at him from the dark, but JimFarland never works in the dark! I want to see where I'm stepping. Inever like to trip over anything. "

"I have told you all that I can at present. "

"Why?"

"Because I do not care to give you information if you are still to workfor Prale. "

"You say that Prale knows his enemies and why they are fighting him. Ifhe does, he never has told me. Tell me that much--since you say SidPrale knows it already. It couldn't hurt your side at all. "

"We might tell you later. "

"You've got some very good reason for not telling me!" Farland accused. "It is the truth, isn't it, that Prale does not know a single thingabout it. You are afraid to tell me because I may inform him of what yousay, and we may straighten out the tangle? I can see through you, sir, as easily as through a newly cleaned window. "

"I see that you have faith in Sidney Prale, " the masked man said. "But Iassure you that your faith is misplaced. Is there any way in which I canget you to stop your work for him?"

"Meaning against his influential enemies, or on the Rufus Shepley murdercase?" Farland asked. 

"We simply want you to stop working for him. If he stands alone, we canpunish him the sooner. "

"I understand about that, of course. But how about the murder case? Doyou think Sid Prale is guilty of that crime?" Farland asked. 

"I do not know, I am sure. I understand that the evidence against him isdamaging. But we are not awaiting the outcome of that. He may manage tohave the charge against him dismissed, and we are going ahead with ourplans for punishment. "

"Then you want me to quit Prale so I won't be helping him work againsthis enemies, and not because you are afraid that, in clearing him of themurder charge, I may find something detrimental to other persons?"

"That is the idea, " the masked man replied. "The murder case can takecare of itself, I suppose. "

"Suppose I refuse to make this deal with you?"

"In that event, we may feel called upon to detain you--and perhaps touse further violence. "

"Then you might as well start!" Jim Farland cried. "For you are lying tome like blazes! It's the murder case that's worrying you, and you knowit! And I know _you_! I've been trying to place those hands of yours andI have succeeded. Besides, you have said one or two things that haveconvinced me----"

The masked man gave a shriek and started toward the couch, his handsreaching out, clutching. Two of the thugs ran in from the hall. 

CHAPTER XXII

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

Waiting in anticipation of hearing good news, Sidney Prale paced thefloor of the living room of his hotel suite until noon the followingday, expecting Jim Farland to put in an appearance at any time and makehis report. 

Murk, having done all the work that there was to do, spent the most ofhis time looking from the window at the busy, fashionable avenue, andglancing now and then at Prale as if wishing to anticipate his wishesand save him the trouble of voicing them. 

Prale had luncheon served in the suite, and then he stepped to thetelephone and called Jim Farland's office. Farland's stenographerinformed him that the detective had not been there during the morning, though there was some business that needed his attention. 

Then Prale got Farland's residence on the telephone, and the detective'swife answered the call. Prale gave his name, and asked where Jim couldbe found. 

"That is more than I can tell, Mr. Prale, " Mrs. Farland said. "He got atelephone call last evening, and from what I overheard I think he wentsome place to meet a man. He left soon after he received the call, and Ihave not heard from him since. That is peculiar, too. When he is obligedto remain away, he generally finds time to telephone and let me know. "

This conversation bothered Sidney Prale, but he tried to tell himselfthat Farland was following a hot trail, and that perhaps it had led himsome distance away, or that he was in a locality where he did not careto telephone. 

He did not want to miss Farland if he did call, and so he remained atthe hotel during the afternoon and kept Murk there also. 

"I have a hunch that something is going to happen soon, " Prale said tohis valet. 

"A little action wouldn't make me mad any!" Murk declared. "I'm spoilin'to mix with the enemy, Mr. Prale. Most of all, I'd like to meet up withthem two thugs that got gay with us. You're sure about that Jim Farland, boss?"

"I've told you a hundred times, Murk, that Jim Farland is my friend andas square a man as you can find anywhere. He has not deserted us, ifthat is the thought in your head. "

"I'm beginnin' to like him a bit myself, " said Murk. "Ain't you got anyidea, boss, who's engineerin' this deal against you?"

"Once more, Murk, old boy, allow me to state that I haven't the faintestidea who my enemies are, or why they are trying so hard to make lifemiserable for me. If I knew where to start to round them up, I wouldn'tbe standing in this room talking to you--I'd be out rounding them up!"

"Well, if you ask me, I think it's about time that Farland settled thatmurder case, " Murk said. "If he don't get busy pretty quick, I'll tackleit myself. I've got an idea----"

The ringing of the telephone bell cut his sentence off. Sidney Prale wasnear the instrument, and he answered the call. 

"Mr. Prale?" asked a man's voice. 

"Talking. "

"I just wanted to inform you that you needn't depend on Detective JimFarland any more. We've got him--and we'll get anybody else you engage. And we'll get you, too, Mr. Prale, before very long. Don't think we'llnot!"

The man at the other end of the wire hung up his receiver. Prale pacedthe floor and told Murk of the conversation. 

"They've got Farland!" Prale exclaimed. "They probably got him lastnight, decoyed him in some way. Well, Murk, if that is the truth, and Iimagine that it is, we'll have to do our sleuthing ourselves. "

"Suits me!" Murk said. "I'm ready to start out right now and sleuthuntil it's settled. Let's get in action, boss!"

"We are in the same old quandary, Murk. We don't know where to start, "Sidney Prale said. "If our foes would come out in the open, instead offighting from the dark, we might have a chance. This is some city, Murk, and there are several million persons in it and around it. Startingright in such a maze isn't the easiest thing in the world, you know. "

For the second time that afternoon, Murk was interrupted by the ringingof the telephone bell, and once more Sidney Prale happened to be nearand answered the call. 

"Send them up at once!" Murk heard him say. 

And then Sidney Prale hung up the receiver and whirled around with apuzzled expression on his face. 

"Murk, " he said, "Miss Kate Gilbert is coming up here with that big maidof hers--coming to see me. What she wants is more than I can guess, remembering what happened the last time I talked with her. It may begood news, Murk!"

They waited impatiently for the ring at the door. Murk opened it andushered them in. 

He grinned at the gigantic Marie, but she did not return the compliment. There was a serious expression in her face, and Murk looked past her atKate Gilbert, who was being greeted by Sidney Prale. 

Something important had happened, Murk told himself immediately. KateGilbert did not look frightened exactly or sorrowful or triumphant. There was a peculiar expression about her mouth, and her face seemedpale. 

"I felt that I had to come, Mr. Prale, and have this talk with you, "Kate Gilbert said, when she was seated near the window. "I wanted tospeak to you here instead of in some public place, and so I broughtMarie and came to your suite. "

"You are welcome, Miss Gilbert, I am sure, " Prale said. "If you wish tospeak in private, Marie and Murk can step into the adjoining room. "

"Please, " she said softly. 

Murk opened the door, and the maid stepped in. Then he followed andclosed the door again. Prale sat down near Kate Gilbert and turnedtoward her. 

"Now, Miss Gilbert, " he prompted. 

She met his eyes squarely as she spoke, but her lips trembled at timesas if she were undergoing an ordeal. 

"Mr. Prale, " she said, "as you know, I have been associated with othersin an attempt to bring retribution home to you. When I became associatedwith them, it was understood between us that there was to be noviolence, nothing outside the law. We were simply to attack you fromevery angle, cause you trouble and annoyance, take away your money if wecould, break you in every way. "

"Pardon me, but----"

"Please say nothing until I am finished, Mr. Prale. We began at once togather all the information we could about you and your affairs. We beganto plan for your downfall. We found that we could do nothing thatamounted to anything while you were in Honduras, where you were apowerful man. But we were about to try, even there, when we learned thatyou were selling out your properties and preparing to return to NewYork. 

"You may know how that struck us. You had gone away and made yourfortune, and you were coming home, possibly with the hope that the pasthad been forgotten. We intended showing you that it had not beenforgotten, that you could not return and enjoy the fortune whosefoundation was----But enough of that!

"I had been in Honduras spying upon you. I was sent because you did notknow me, and would not be on guard, as you might have been, had some mangone down there. We did not care to send an ordinary detective, ofcourse. I kept the people here informed of all your movements. I beganthe punishment by leaving that note in your stateroom and pasting theother on your suit case, began it by reminding you that the past livedin the minds of some persons. 

"You know the rest. We began our work. We caused you annoyance from thefirst, with the banker, the hotel manager, and all that. Before we coulddo any more, you were accused of murder. That pleased us, of course. Wedid not believe you guilty, but we were glad to see that you were beingcaused some trouble, that your name was being stained. Some of us evenbegan to think that the law of retribution was at work itself, withoutour poor help. 

"We went ahead with our plans, however. You engaged a prominentattorney, and finally we induced him to leave you. But some who werehandling the affair went too far. You were assaulted in Central Park. Your valet was knocked on the head and kidnaped, and an attempt made toget him to take payment and spy upon you. At that time I told a certainman who had the handling of the affair that there could be no moreviolence. 

"We should not break a law to undo you, I declared. If we did that, wewere as bad as you. I said that, if there was any more violence, Ishould cease having anything to do with the affair, and would come toyou and tell you so. An hour ago, I found out that Detective Farland, aman in your employ, had been seized and treated with violence and wasbeing held prisoner because he insisted upon remaining loyal to you. SoI am here!"

"This is amazing, Miss Gilbert!" Sidney Prale told her. "The whole thinghas been amazing. Somebody has tried to connect me with that murder. Somebody tried to smash my alibi. The little annoyances were bad enough, and the knowledge that I had unknown foes who fought in the dark; butthe murder charge was the worst of all, for it placed me in a positionwhere I had to clear myself absolutely or remain forever suspected bymany persons. "

"I understand that, " Kate Gilbert said. 

"And now you have come to me to say that you are no longer associatedwith my enemies?"

"For what you did, there can be no forgiveness, Mr. Prale. I want to seeyou punished. But I will not be a party to violence. It seems to me thatthe man who has been managing this affair has gone beyond proper bounds. For some reason, he is particularly vindictive, though he did not sufferat all, as did some of the others. I cannot forgive you for what youdid, Sidney Prale. But I can wash my hands of the entire affair and tryto forget you entirely and hope that there is a law of retribution thatwill take vengeance for me. That is all, Mr. Prale. Only please rememberthat, from this hour, I am not concerned with the others in thisaffair. "

She started to rise, but Prale motioned for her to retain her seat. Hebent forward and looked at her searchingly. 

"I am very glad that you have come here and spoken to me in this way, Miss Gilbert, " he said. "I scarcely know how to express what I feel thatI must tell you. I have listened to you patiently, without interruption. Will you be kind enough to listen to me for a moment now?"

"I'll listen, though it will be useless, " she said. 

"When I left Honduras, Miss Gilbert, I was a happy man. I had made mypile and was coming home. I had left ten years before because a selfishwoman, whom I imagined I loved, jilted me for a wealthier man. Thatwound had healed, and when I left Honduras, I did not think that I hadan enemy in the world, unless it was some poor devil of a disgruntlednative workman I had been forced to discharge, or somebody like that. 

"I believed those notes on the ship to be in the nature of a jest, orelse that somebody was making a mistake. Then troubles began, and I wasat a loss to understand them. Next came the murder charge! We will putthat aside for the moment, for it seems to be the result ofcircumstantial evidence and probably has nothing to do with the otheraffair--merely a coincidence. 

"Miss Gilbert, look at me! I want you to believe what I am going to say. You must believe it! In the name of everything I hold sacred, I swear toyou that I do not know these foes of mine, or the reason for theirenmity!"

"How can I believe that?" she cried. "Why should you ask me to believesuch a statement?"

"Because I want some light on this subject, Miss Gilbert, and I amdetermined to get it. There is some terrible mistake. I am beingpunished for the fault of some other person. "

"Can you not remember back ten years?" she asked. 

"Easily. I can live over again the last day I spent in New York tenyears ago. "

"And the few days before that time?"

"Certainly, Miss Gilbert. "

"And yet you ask why others should seek to punish you? Perhaps you areone of those men whose natures are so dishonorable that you think youdid nothing wrong at that time. "

"So it was then that I was supposed to have done this terriblething--whatever it was?"

"As you know, Mr. Prale. "

"But I do not know, Miss Gilbert. To the best of my recollection I leftNew York without having done anything in the least dishonorable; andcertainly I did nothing to merit a band of enemies working against me. "

"What is it that you wish me to do?" she asked. 

"Be fair with me, Miss Gilbert. I tell you that there is some terriblemistake! If I am supposed to know all about this, what harm can there bein your repeating the details to me? Tell me what crime I am supposed tohave committed to merit this attack. Give me a chance to prove myinnocence! The common thug gets that chance in a court of law, youknow. "

"But this is ridiculous!" she exclaimed. "There can be no question ofit! The whole thing came out at the time. "

"Then you do not wish to be fair?" Prale asked. 

"I cannot allow you to say that. I will tell the story to you, Mr. Prale, tell exactly what you did--as you know very well--if that will beany satisfaction to you. But it will do you no good to deny it!"

"Tell me!" Sidney Prale said. 

CHAPTER XXIII

A STARTLING STORY

"This is a painful subject for me, as you must be aware, " Kate Gilbertsaid. "I shall tell the story in as few words as possible, and if youare a gentleman, you will not interrupt or cause me more suffering byprotesting your innocence. "

"I promise not to interrupt, " Sidney Prale replied. "I want justice andnothing more, Miss Gilbert. "

"Ten years ago you were a clerk in the office of Griffin, the bigbroker, were you not?"

"Yes. "

"Mr. Griffin took a fancy to you, after your father died and left youalone in the world without any money. He gave you odd jobs to do aroundhis residence, fed and clothed you and arranged it so that you could goto school. Your uncle, the father of George Lerton, your cousin, woulddo nothing for you because there had been a family quarrel several yearsbefore. 

"Had it not been for Mr. Griffin you might have been an ordinary streetArab. He sent you to a business college after you had finished thepublic schools, and then he took you into his office and started you ona business career. 

"You showed great promise, and Mr. Griffin was delighted and advancedyou rapidly. You seemed to know the meaning of gratitude and workedhard. You were ambitious, too--always said that some day you would beworth a million dollars. 

"Step by step, you went up the ladder. Then it happened that yourcousin, George Lerton, obtained a position in the same office after hisfather's death. He had had the advantage of a college education and knewhow to handle himself in the presence of other men, and yet you, afteryour early struggle and with an inferior education and inferioropportunities, easily outdistanced him. 

"Other men began talking about you as a coming man--bankers and brokers, business men and financiers. Mr. Griffin finally gave you the post ofchief clerk and adviser. You worked hard and seemed to be loyal andfaithful. You got profits for your employer where other men would havecaused losses. So he let you more and more into his confidence. 

"You got to know the secrets of big deals, the inside facts of thecountry's finance. You spoke in millions, but got only a nice salary. Your ambition to be worth a million dollars seemed to be not susceptibleof gratification. Yet you saved money, and took advantage of small, solid investments now and then. 

"After a while you met a girl and fell in love with her. She was thesort who wished wealth above all, and you soon found that out. Youbecame engaged to her, however. Then a rival appeared in the field, awealthier man. You realized that the girl was shallow in that shefavored the man with more money, but you were so infatuated that youoverlooked that. You wanted the girl and, to get her, you had to havemore money. 

"Then you began to feel dissatisfied. You didn't want to grow gradually, as other men did. You wanted the foundation for a fortune--enough to usein a plunge in the market. You wanted to be rich as soon as possible. 

"You began to think, perhaps, that you were not getting ahead. Youworked in an atmosphere of wealth, you heard men speak in terms ofmillions, while you had less than ten thousand dollars in the bank. Youbegan to think that Mr. Griffin should do more for you, that he had notdone enough. You forgot that he had picked you up and made you what youwere, that you had so much more than other men who had not been equallyfortunate in finding a sponsor. "

She ceased speaking for a moment, but Sidney Prale never took his eyesfrom her face. Be ungrateful to Griffin? He never had dreamed of that!He always had worshiped Griffin for what the broker had done for him; herealized what he might have been only for Griffin. But he had promisednot to interrupt, and so he said nothing, merely waited for Kate Gilbertto continue her recital. 

"You made certain plans, " she went on. "Certain big business deals werein the wind, and, as Mr. Griffin's confidential and chief clerk, youknew all about them. There were millions of dollars involved, thecontrol of several large companies, and more than that; for Mr. Griffinand his associates were fighting a group of financial thieves who weretrying to wreck excellent properties for the sake of making a gain. Itwas a fight for more than money--it was a fight to keep big businesshonest, to drive off the wolves and make finance solid. It was atremendous thing!

"And you, a boy picked up and educated by a broker, who had risenthrough his kindness, knew as much of the big deal contemplated as someof the wealthiest and most influential men of the country. There weremen in the other group who would have given a million gladly to knowwhat you, a clerk, knew. 

"You were approached by one of that band of financial wolves. You werewilling to listen. You wanted money because the girl with whom you wereinfatuated demanded it before she would marry you. You believed thatGriffin had not done enough for you and you agreed to sell him out--himand his associates. "

Sidney Prale gasped, sat up straight in his chair, opened his mouth asif to speak, but did not when he saw the expression in her face. Hedecided to keep his word. 

"The agreement was made, " she went on. "And you, who could have demandedhalf a million easily for the information you had, sold out yourbenefactor and his friends and the decent element on the Street for apaltry hundred thousand! You sold your honor and your manhood for that. 

"At this juncture, the woman in the case informed you that she wished tobreak the engagement, because a man of money--your rival--had asked herto marry him, and she wanted his wealth. Instead of seeing what sort ofwoman she was--instead of coming to your senses then and stopping yourdeal with the other side--you took the opposite course. You would takethe money, betray your benefactor and his friends, and leave thecountry! With that money as a foundation, you would build up a fortune. And that is what you did, Sidney Prale!

"You arranged everything nicely. You gave those men the information andreceived your hundred thousand and then you quit your job and sailedaway to Honduras. 

"The battle began on the Street, and because of the information you hadsold them, the financial wolves got the better of the honest element. Itwas a battle that lasted for two weeks. The wolves met every move, because they knew everything that had been planned. Fortunes were lostovernight. A score of big, decent men were ruined in their attempt todefeat the wolves and keep finance clean. 

"Mr. Griffin, the man who had done everything for you, went down in thecrash--because you had sold him out! It was only five years ago that hegot new backing and fought his way up again. Others went down with him, and some never regained their footing--because of what you had done, because you had played traitor! They knew there had been a leak, andthere was an investigation. You had sailed away the day before the fightbegan, and that looked suspicious, for you had made up your mindsuddenly. Finally it was discovered that you were the traitor in thecamp!

"My father was one of Mr. Griffin's associates, Mr. Prale. He lost hisfortune, of course. We could have endured that, but the blow cost himhis health. He was a giant of a man at that time, the best father in theworld. You should see him now, Mr. Prale--see what your treason made ofhim. He is an invalid who sits all day in his wheel chair. At times hismind wanders and he fights that battle over again and calls curses downupon the head of the man who played traitor! My big, handsome, richfather is a broken, thin-faced man whose voice is a whisper and whosehands tremble--because of what you did. You beast!"

She began sobbing softly as she glanced through the window, and SidneyPrale started to get out of his chair. But she faced him again quicklyand motioned for him to remain silent. 

"You wanted to hear it, and so I shall tell it all!" she declared. "Youhad been clever; you had done this thing in such a manner than the lawcould not touch you. Yet you must have been afraid of it, for you fledthe country. It was some time before things were adjusted, and thenthose men you had betrayed got together and determined to make you pay!

"They told the story to others, and they began gathering informationabout you. You were making your million, all right, on the foundationthat had wrecked a score of fortunes and lives--on treason instead ofsuperior financial ability--and they swore that you should pay. 

"They knew my father's story, of course, and knew that we had verylittle money. So they provided for him, and gave me funds and sent me toHonduras to spy upon you. Marie, my maid since girlhood, who worshipedmy father and knew all the circumstances, went with me. Soon after Ireached Honduras, I found that you were selling out with the intentionof returning to New York and enjoying your million. 

"I communicated with the others and told them all I knew of your plans, whereupon they made some plans of their own. They won the sympathy ofthe most influential men in the city. They determined to make you pay!

"That is why the big trust company would not accept your account. Awhisper in the ear of the hotel manager by the president of the companythat owned the hotel, and you were as good as ordered out. Can youunderstand now, Sidney Prale? Coadley, the lawyer, was told that he willbe made a nobody by the influential men of the town unless he ceased towork for you, and he dropped your case. 

"But there was to be no violence, and because they have descended tothat, I have ceased to be interested in the affair. I know nothing aboutthe Shepley murder case or any trouble it may have caused you. That isquite another matter. Now that I have told my story, I hope that you aresatisfied. It has shown you, I trust, that I know all, and that anyfalsehood you may utter will have no effect on me. "

"I do not intend uttering a falsehood, Miss Gilbert, " Sidney Praleassured her. "What you have said has amazed and shocked me. So that iswhy I was treated so badly upon returning to my home?"

"Exactly, " she said. 

"Now listen to me one moment, I beg of you. There is some mystery here, and though it is ten years old, I shall solve it. Miss Gilbert--whetheryou believe me or not--I am not guilty of such treachery. I had nodealings with the financial wolves. When I left the United States I tookwith me the ten thousand dollars I had saved--nothing more. And I leftnothing behind. "

"You made a million in ten years with a capital of ten thousand?" sheasked, with a slight sneer. 

"I did, Miss Gilbert! I can prove every transaction, show you or anybodyelse exactly how I did it. Disbelieve me or not, it is the truth that Iam innocent. If my people were sold out at that time, somebody else gotthe selling price. I was chagrined because my love affair had gonewrong. I shook the dust of New York from my feet. I did not even look ata New York newspaper for more than a year. Somebody else got the money, and I got a nasty name. And Mr. Griffin, who was as a father to me, thinks that I was an ungrateful cur!

"This thing is hard to believe, Miss Gilbert. But I never can thank youenough for telling me. I am going to clear myself before I am done. "

"I cannot believe you, Mr. Prale! The proof was there!"

"And who furnished it?" he demanded. "Who is handling this campaign ofvengeance against me now?"

"You scarcely can expect me to tell you that, " she said. "I amdone--have nothing more to do with the affair--but I am not going to bea traitor, as you were!"

"If you ever are convinced, Miss Gilbert, that I am entirely innocent, that somebody has put this stain upon me for their own reasons, can Icount upon your friendship?"

"Convince me that injustice has been done you, Mr. Prale, and I'll doeverything in my power to make amends--and so will all the others!"

"Thanks for that assurance, " Prale said. "I am going to clear myself inyour eyes, and in the eyes of the others. I remember the details of thatbig deal perfectly and I shall know how to start to work. "

"I cannot understand this, " she said. "You speak as if you were indeedinnocent, but I cannot believe it!"

"I am innocent!"

"If so, who is guilty?"

"That is what I intend finding out. "

"But you were in their confidence--you knew all the details of theirfinancial plans, " Kate Gilbert said. "You were the only one who couldhave betrayed them. You scarcely expect me to believe that they betrayedthemselves. "

"Any spying clerk in the Griffin offices could have told the enemyenough to betray the plans, " Prale replied. "By the way, who is this manwho goes too far and insists upon using violence? Who is the man whoseems to be so extraordinary vindictive toward me in this affair?"

"I can tell you nothing more, " she declared. "It would not be fair tothem. "

"But they have Jim Farland, and Heaven knows what they are doing to him, simply because he will not turn against me. Is it fair to Jim Farland'swife and child?"

"I--I am being kept informed, " she assured him. "If they treat Mr. Farland badly, or detain him much longer, I shall speak. But until then, I have nothing to say. You see, Mr. Prale, I cannot believe that you areinnocent and have been misjudged. The evidence against you is soconclusive, and I have learned to hate you as the man who betrayed hisbenefactor and friends and wrecked my father's health. But, if you areinnocent, I hope that you will forgive me. "

"I'll forgive you gladly, " said Sidney Prale. "I realize what you musthave suffered, and what your father must have suffered, too. I am goingto prove my innocence; and then I hope to claim you as one of myfriends. "

"I am sorry that I cannot believe you, " she said again, "although Iwould like to. I would prefer to think that no man could be soungrateful as to do such a thing. I'd like to have my faith in humannature restored. If you prove your innocence, I shall be very gladindeed!"

Then she called for Marie, and when the maid came from the adjoiningroom, Sidney Prale ushered the two women to the door and watched as theywent down the hall toward the elevator. But Kate Gilbert did not glanceback. 

CHAPTER XXIV

HIGH-HANDED METHODS

Sidney Prale closed the door and turned around to face a grinning Murk. 

"Some pair of chickens!" Murk said. "That Marie girl may be a bear forsize and strength, but she's got a lot of good common sense. I'm strongfor her!"

"Sit down!" Prale commanded. 

And then, walking up and down across the room, he told Murk what KateGilbert had revealed to him, simply because he felt that he had to tellit to somebody. 

"How is that for a dirty deal, Murk?" he asked when he had finished. "Doesn't that make ordinary dirty work look rather pale?"

"Who did it, boss? Name the gent, and I'll get his address out of thecity directory and pay him a visit!" Murk said. "I'll have some thingsto say to him--and some things to do, maybe. "

"I'm a sort of husky individual myself, Murk, and, if I knew him, Ithink I'd beat you to it, " Prale replied. "Now we must get busy!"

"Just say the word, Mr. Prale. What is it to be?"

"I haven't quite decided yet, Murk. How far will you go?"

"I'll croak him, if it's necessary!"

"That'd be a bit too far, Murk, and might lead to the electric chair anda far country. Let's take a walk and think it over. We will confineourselves to the Avenue, and you may trail me as before. I scarcelythink they'll assault us on the Avenue. "

Ten minutes later, Sidney Prale was walking down the street, and thefaithful Murk was trailing in his wake, watching carefully. That walklasted for an hour. Then they returned to the hotel and Prale ordered anearly dinner. He did not say what he had decided to do, despite Murk'shints that he should state his plans. 

But Murk had noticed that Prale had stopped in at a printing officeduring the walk, and shortly after they finished dinner, a bell boybrought a small package to the suite. Prale unwrapped it, and some cardsspilled out. 

"Nice cards, Murk, " he said. "I had them printed this afternoon. Theybear the name of Horace Greenman, whoever he may be, and state that heis connected with the General Utilities Company--whatever that is. "

"What's the big idea, Mr. Prale?" Murk asked wonderingly. 

"I wish to get into a certain place, Murk, and I'd never do it if I sendin my own card. What time is it?"

"A few minutes of eight, sir. "

"Then we'll be going. Let us hope that we find our man at home. If thishappens to be his opera or theater evening, we are going to be delayed. "

Murk followed him down in the elevator and to the street, where Praleengaged a taxicab. The machine took them up past the Park and to anexclusive residence section, where it stopped on a corner. Prale andMurk got out, and Prale instructed the chauffeur to wait. Then he ledthe way to the middle of the block. 

"Murk, you remain just outside this gate, " he instructed. "If I havegood luck, I'll come out with a man, and I may want to take him with us. Be ready to help in case I get in wrong. "

"Sure thing, sir, " Murk said. 

Prale passed through the gate, went up the walk, and lifted the knockeron the front door. A moment, and a servant appeared and looked at himsearchingly. 

"I wish to see Mr. Griffin at once on important business, " Prale said. "Kindly take my card to him. "

Then Prale waited with his heart in his mouth. Was Griffin at home? Theservant instantly assured him of that, and carried the card away. Pralehad written "Important Business" on it. 

The servant returned soon and announced that Mr. Griffin would see thevisitor. Prale followed him down the hall to the library. He was gladthat Griffin had chosen to receive him there, for there was lesslikelihood of an interruption. The servant opened the door, and SidneyPrale stepped inside. 

Griffin was sitting beside the long table, and he arose immediately andturned. 

"You!" he gasped. 

"Pardon the deception----"

"James! James!" Griffin thundered. 

The servant was in the room instantly. 

"Show this fellow the door!" Griffin commanded. "Look at him well, andnever admit him again!"

James took a step forward and indicated the door. But Sidney Pralereached into the pocket of his coat, drew out an automatic pistol, andheld it menacingly. 

"Close the door, James--softly!" he commanded in a stern voice. "Nowadvance to the table and stand where I can watch you. Don't you make amove, Mr. Griffin! I used to handle men down in Honduras, and I feelconfident that I can take care of this situation. "

"You thug!" Griffin cried. "I'll have you sent up for this, Prale, ifit's the last thing I do!"

"I know that it is against the law to be carrying a gun without apermit, but this situation demands a show of force, " Prale said. "Imerely want you to listen to me for a moment, Mr. Griffin. "

"I don't want to hear anything you may have to say to me, Sidney Prale!"the financier said. 

"You are going to hear it, nevertheless! Mr. Griffin, I did not knowuntil this afternoon why I had secret enemies and why they were tryingto cause me endless trouble. Miss Kate Gilbert was kind enough toenlighten me. "

"Well, sir?"

"I am sorry that you believe me guilty of such base ingratitude to youand of such dishonorable conduct, for I am not guilty, Mr. Griffin! Youwere like a father to me--which was enough to compel my loyalty--and, aside from that, you had taught me several things regarding honor inbusiness deals. I went away on the spur of the moment because a womanhad jilted me. But before I went, I did not betray you and yourassociates. "

"A likely story!"

"But a true one, Mr. Griffin! I did not sell you out for a hundredthousand dollars or any other sum. My conscience is clear, and I cameback to New York expecting to greet old friends and have a pleasanttime. You know what I found instead of that happy state of affairs. I amnot here to talk at length. I demand a chance to prove my innocence!"

"How can you do the impossible, sir?"

"It is not the impossible, Mr. Griffin! I intend to prove to you that Iwas not disloyal, and then I shall prove that I had nothing to do withthe murder of Rufus Shepley. I have an idea, sir, what is behind allthis. "

"We are wasting time----"

"I think not, sir! Time is not wasted in which a man shows that he isnot a scoundrel! I think you owe it to me to give me a chance. You havecondemned me unheard. "

"I would give almost anything to have you prove your innocence, " Griffinsaid. "You don't know how it hurt me. But the case against you was sostrong--and is so strong----"

"Let us waste no more time, " Prale said. "I remember the details of thebig deal that was under way when I left New York ten years ago. If yourecall, sir, I helped plan the campaign. If I can look at papers in youroffice, I think I can show that I am not guilty. "

"I'd like to believe you, but this is preposterous!" Griffin cried. "Itell you the evidence----"

"It probably was strong, because the guilty man wanted to make it so. Mr. Griffin, were I guilty I should not be here. Please give me a fewminutes, and let us talk this over. Then, if you wish, we can go to youroffice and continue the investigation. "

Griffin sat down and motioned for Sidney Prale to do the same. Pralereturned the automatic to his pocket, much to the relief of the servant. 

Murk, standing outside by the gate, paced back and forth and wonderedwhether he should attempt to take the house by storm and rescue hisemployer. The chauffeur, waiting at the corner, wondered whether hisfare had slipped down the next street without paying the bill. Murkrelieved him on that point and threatened to beat him up because heintimated that Prale might do such a thing. 

It was more than two hours later when Prale left the house and went outto the street. He paid the chauffeur and dismissed him, and told Murk toreturn to the hotel. Then he went back into the house and joined Mr. Griffin again, and after Griffin had telephoned several persons, heordered his car, got into it with Prale, and started downtown. 

An astonished watchman took them up in an elevator in an office buildingin the financial district, and a little later he took up several othergentlemen. 

"Them financiers make me sick!" the watchman told himself. "Why can'tthey lay their schemes in the daytime?"

It was almost dawn when they left the building and scattered. They hadspent hours investigating books and papers. Sidney Prale had even sent amessenger to the hotel with an order to Murk for certain books andpapers of his own, and these had been investigated, too. 

"And there we are, gentlemen, " Prale had said, at the last. "I haveshown you, I think, that I did not do this thing. I do not want you tobelieve me fully until I have proved my innocence by revealing the manwho is guilty. I merely ask you to give me a fair chance to prove mycase. I have told you my suspicions. Now it is up to me to demonstratewhether they are just or worthless. "

Griffin had little to say as they rode back uptown. But when he droppedPrale at the hotel just before daylight, he gripped him by the hand. 

"I want to believe you, Sidney!" he said. "I hope that you have told methe truth. If you have, I hope you'll be able to clear yourself. If youonly can show me that the boy I was glad to help was not ungrateful, after all----"

"I'll do it, sir!"

"And then I'll never forgive myself, Sidney!"

"You'll show your forgiveness by handling my affairs for me, sir, inthat event, and by treating me as your son again!" Prale said. 

He hurried up to the suite. Murk had been sleeping in a chair in theliving room, as if expecting a call at any moment. He was somewhatstartled to hear Sidney Prale whistling merrily at four o'clock in themorning. 

CHAPTER XXV

AN ACCUSATION

Springing toward him, the masked man stopped two feet from the bound JimFarland. 

"So you think you know me, do you?" he snarled. 

"I have a pretty good idea, " Farland said. "There are only a few men inthe city, to my knowledge, who could be hired to do work like this, andit occurs to me that I have seen those hands of yours before. I thinkyour face is in the rogues' gallery, too, if you want to know!"

The masked man retreated for a few feet, evidently relieved. 

"So you'll not make terms with me, " he said. "You'd rather work forSidney Prale, would you? Perhaps we can change your mind. "

"I doubt that like blazes!"

"You are going to be kept here as a prisoner until I decide what is tobe done with you. "

He crossed over to the door, opened it, and called to his men, two ofwhom responded. 

"I want this man guarded well, " he said. "I want you to understand thatI am holding you responsible for him. I'll be back to-morrow evening andhave another talk with him. Give him something to eat now and then, andfix him so he can sleep, but watch him all the time!"

"I was figurin' on goin' to the city this mornin', boss, " one of the menspoke up. 

"You'll do as I say!" the masked man cried. 

"But----"

"Don't argue with me, you dog!"

Farland saw the man's eyes flash fire for a moment. And then the maskedman faced toward him again, his eyes glittering through his mask. 

"Sometimes it isn't healthy to know whose picture is in the rogues'gallery!" he said. 

He went from the room. After a short argument one of the men remained toguard Farland, and the other went away. Farland spent a night of agony. His guards fixed the bonds so that he could be a bit more comfortable, and yet he got little sleep. 

Jim Farland was considering a big idea now. He had thrown the masked manoff guard by intimating that he might be a crook with a record, when, asa matter of fact, the detective did not believe him to be anything ofthe sort. Now Farland knew where to begin working, but he had to win hisfreedom first. 

Night passed, morning came, and the long day of agony began. Farland hadhis hands untied and was given some food. Then his wrists were lashedagain and his ankles loosened, and he was allowed to walk around theroom for an hour or so, two of the men watching him closely. The one towhom the masked man had applied the epithet, "dog, " appeared surly. 

After they had bound him again and stretched him upon the couch, theyguarded him one at a time, evidently secure in the belief that he couldnot escape. Jim Farland thought a day never had seemed so long. All thetime he was busy with his thoughts. He had a plan of campaign outlinednow; he wanted to be at work. 

Once more the evening came. Farland, who had been sleeping for a fewminutes, awoke and turned over to find that his guard had been changedagain. The man who had been called a dog was on duty. 

"How long are you going to keep me tied up like this?" Jim Farlandasked. 

"Don't ask me. Ask the high and mighty boss, " was the sneering reply. 

"You don't seem to stand very high with him. "

"Aw, he makes me sick sometimes. "

"It'd make me sick, too, if anybody called me a dog, " Farland declared. 

The man before him did not reply to that, but Farland could see theanger burning in his face. 

"Come closer, " Farland whispered. 

The man obeyed instantly. 

"Can anybody overhear what I say to you?"

"No. Everybody's gone--but they'll be back soon. "

"Why are you working for these people?"

"Coin, of course--and precious little of it I've seen so far, " was thereply. 

"Then you haven't any other interest in this business? Maybe we can makea deal. "

"What sort of a deal?"

"The man I work for is worth a million, " Farland said. "Help me escape, and I'll give you five hundred dollars. "

"Got it with you?"

"The biggest part of it, " Farland replied. 

He told the truth, too, for he always carried plenty of money whileworking on a case. 

"Suppose I simply take it away from you, " the guard said. 

"In the first place, I don't think you are that kind of a man. And youwant to get square with the man who called you a dog, don't you?"

"What's your scheme?"

"Simply let me go, right now. It is dusk outside already. Tell me how toget to town the quickest way. I'll give you almost all I have on me;I'll need a little to use to get back to the city. To-morrow I'll meetyou some place and give you the rest. In addition I'll give you a chanceto get out without being arrested for your part in abducting me andholding me here. "

The man spent a few minutes in thought. 

"I'll fix you so you can slip your bonds, " he said, "and I'll hand yourautomatic back to you. It is there in the cupboard. But I don't want youto make a get-away while I'm guarding you--see? I don't exactly love theman who'll guard you next. I'll fix it so you can handle him. Wait forfive minutes after he comes and I have gone. I will be away for an houror so, and the escape can happen while I'm not here. "

"That suits me, " Farland said. 

"What about the money?"

"You'll get it just as soon as I get my hands loose. "

The guard walked to the hall door and opened it, peered out into thehall and listened. Then he hurried back to the couch and cut JimFarland's bonds. Farland took the money from one of his inside pocketsand handed it over. The guard got the weapon from the cupboard and gaveit to Farland. 

The detective stretched himself down on the couch again, and the guardadjusted the ropes on his ankles and wrists so that they would appear tobe all right. Farland slipped the automatic beneath the small of hisback, where he could reach it quickly. 

It was half an hour later before the guard was changed and Farland'sfriend hurried away, warning him with a glance that he should not make amove too soon. He had declined to meet the detective the following dayand get the few dollars still due him; he would rather use what healready had in getting out of town, he had said. 

Farland made no attempt to talk with the new guard. He pretended to betired, almost exhausted and sleepy. The guard sat beside the table, smoking and glancing at a newspaper now and then, apparently of theopinion that Farland was safely a prisoner. 

After waiting for about half an hour, the detective began moving hisankles and wrists gently. Gradually the ropes fell away. He reached onehand beneath his back and grasped the automatic. Then he sat up quicklyon the couch and covered the guard. 

"Put 'em up!" he commanded. 

The guard whirled from the table and sprang to his feet, surprisewritten on his countenance. Farland had arisen now, and advancing towardhim. 

"Walk past me to the couch!" the detective commanded. 

The guard started to obey. He was holding his hands above his head andseemed to be afraid that his captor would shoot. But as he came oppositeFarland, he lurched to one side and made an attempt to grapple with him. 

The detective did not fire. He sprang aside himself, swung theautomatic, and crashed it against the other man's temple. The guardgroaned once and dropped to the floor. 

"Thought you might try something like that!" Jim Farland growled. "Couldn't have pleased me better--won't have to waste time tying you upnow. You'll be dead to the world for a few minutes at least!"

Farland darted to the door, opened it, went into the hall and closed thedoor again. He passed through the house noiselessly. He could hear twomen in conversation in a rear room, and he knew that he would have to becautious until he was at some distance from the old dwelling, unless hewanted a battle on his hands. 

He got out of the place without being discovered, and reached the edgeof a grove not far away. There he found the lane, and near the end of itwas a powerful roadster, its engine dead and its lights extinguished. 

Farland listened a moment, then went forward and examined the machine. He knew the model, and he was an excellent driver. Once more he stoppedto listen. Then he sprang behind the wheel and operated the starter. 

He drove slowly down the lane, the engine almost silent, the cartraveling slowly. He proceeded in that manner until he had reached thehighway. There he switched on the lights, put on speed, and sent thepowerful car roaring along the winding road toward the river. 

Jim Farland, being a modest man, never did tell the entire story of thatnight. He drove like a fiend, narrowly escaping collision a score oftimes. He made his way along the roads running alongside the broadriver, and finally came opposite the city. He crossed over a bridge, drove through the streets with what speed he dared, left the car at apublic garage with certain instructions, and hurried to a telephone. 

He was unable to get either Sidney Prale or Murk, for at that hour theywere on their way to the Griffin residence. Farland telephoned to hiswife to say that he was all right, but would not be home until some timeduring the day. Then he engaged a taxicab and began his work. 

He knew where to start now. An idea had come to him in that old housefar up the river, a suspicion, a feeling of certainty that he was on theright track. Jim Farland was no respecter of persons that night. 

When morning came he stopped only for a cup of coffee, and then workedon. He dashed from one place to another, running up a taxicab bill thatmade the chauffeur smile. He interviewed important gentlemen, threatening some and cajoling others, but always getting the informationthat he desired. 

At two o'clock the following afternoon he stood on a certain corner nearMadison Square, his suspicion almost proved, his investigation at anend. 

"Now for the big bluff!" Jim Farland said to himself. 

He fortified himself with another cup of coffee, got into the taxicabagain, and started downtown. He was smoking one of his big, blackcigars, puffing at it as if in deep contentment, not looking at all likea man who had been kept a prisoner a night and a day, and had been busysince that experience. 

The taxicab stopped before an office building, as Jim Farland hadordered. The detective pulled out his last money and paid the chauffeur. 

"You're got more coming, son, but this is all I have with me, " Farlandsaid. "Drop in at my office any time after ten to-morrow morning and getit. "

"Yes, Mr. Farland--and thanks!"

"You're a good boy, but keep your mouth shut!" Farland told him. 

Then he hurried into the office building, went to the elevator nearestthe entrance, and ascended to the floor where George Lerton had hissuite of offices. 

The office boy stepped to the railing. 

"Mr. Lerton busy?" Farland asked. 

"He is alone in his private office, sir, " said the boy, who regarded thedetective with admiration and awe. After Farland's other visit, theyouth had decided to be a detective when he grew up. 

"I am to go right in--important business, " Farland said. "Never mindannouncing me. "

The willing boy opened the gate, and Farland hurried across to the doorof the private office. He paused there a moment and seemed to pullhimself together, as if making sure before entering the room ofquestions he wanted to ask and information he wanted to gather. Then hethrew the door open, stepped quickly inside, closed the door, and turnedthe key. 

Lerton was sitting at his desk with his back to the door. He made nomove until he heard the key turned. Then he whirled around in his deskchair. 

"I--Great Scott, Farland, how you startled me!" he exclaimed. "I thoughtit was my secretary. "

"Pardon me for butting in this way, but I am in a deuce of a hurry andtold the boy it was all right, " Farland said. 

"You'll smash my office discipline doing things like this. But, sitdown, man! What is it now? Has that cousin of mine been acting up again, or are you going to pester me with a lot of fool questions about thingsI don't know anything about?"

Farland had seated himself in the chair at the end of the desk, withinfour feet of George Lerton. He had tossed his hat to a table and twistedthe cigar into one corner of his mouth. Now he stared Lerton straight inthe eyes. 

"You look like a madman!" Lerton said. "Why on earth are you looking atme like that? You look as if you were ill----"

The expression in Farland's face made him stop, and he appeared to be abit disconcerted. 

"Why did you kill Rufus Shepley?" Jim Farland demanded suddenly in avoice that seemed to sting. 

Lerton's face went white for an instant. His jaw dropped and his eyesbulged. 

"Are--are you insane?" he gasped. "What on earth do you mean by this?I'll call a clerk and----"

"The door is locked, " Farland said, taking the automatic from hispocket. "You raise your voice, touch a button or make any move that I donot like, and I'll plug you and say afterward that I had placed youunder arrest and had to shoot when you tried to escape. Answer myquestion, Lerton! You are at the end of your rope! Why did you killRufus Shepley and then try to hang the crime on your cousin, SidneyPrale?"

"This is preposterous!" Lerton exclaimed. 

"Oh, I've got the goods on you, Lerton! I wouldn't be here talking likethis if I didn't! You're going to the electric chair!"

Lerton laughed rather nervously. "I always thought that you were a gooddetective, Jim, but I am beginning to have doubts now, " he said. "Whathas put such an idea into your head?"

"Facts gathered and welded together, " Farland told him. "Don't try tocarry out the bluff any longer, Lerton. And don't call me Jim. I neverallow murderers to get familiar with me!"

"This has gone far enough!" the broker exclaimed. "I'll have to ask youto leave my office, sir!"

"I expect to do that little thing before long, and you are going withme, " Farland said. 

There was a knock at the door. 

CHAPTER XXVI

THE TRUTH COMES OUT

Farland did not take his eyes off George Lerton. 

"If you have touched a button and called some fool clerk, I'll manhandleyou!" he promised. "Kindly consider yourself a prisoner!"

The knock was repeated, and Farland, still keeping his eyes on the manat the desk, backed to the door and turned the key. Then he took up aposition where he could continue watching George Lerton and keep an eyeon the door at the same time. 

"Come in!" he called. 

The door was hurled open. At the same instant, the office boy who hadopened it was thrust aside. Sidney Prale sprang into the private officeand stood glaring at his cousin. Behind him was Murk, and behind Murkwere Kate Gilbert and her maid. 

"Quite a gathering!" Farland said, grinning. "I'm glad that you arehere. Kindly close and lock the door, Murk, with that young officegentleman on the outside!"

Murk obeyed. George Lerton sprang to his feet. 

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" he demanded. "Has my officebeen turned into a rendezvous for maniacs?"

"Sit down!" Sidney Prale cried. He had not taken his eyes off Lerton, had not even turned to speak to Jim Farland, had not even wondered howFarland had escaped and come here. 

Lerton dropped back into his chair, wetting his thin lips, his eyesfurtive now. 

"You miserable cur!" Sidney Prale went on, advancing toward his cousin. "I should handle this affair myself. I should have you in Honduras, andfasten you to a tree and beat you until you are senseless. "

"These insults----"

"Are deserved, you beast!" Prale cried. "So, when I went away ten yearsago, you sold out Mr. Griffin and put the blame for it on me, did you?You wrecked that good man's faith in me, turned influential men againstme, had me persecuted when I returned. "

Jim Farland gave a shout of delight. "That right, Sid?" he cried, "ThenI have the connecting link! So George Lerton has been causing you allthis trouble, has he? I understand a lot more now. Lerton killed RufusShepley, also!"

"It's a lie! You are trying to save Prale by accusing me!" Lerton cried. 

"Why, we've got you, you weak fool!" said Farland. "I knew you in thatold farmhouse despite your mask. Your hands gave you away--I recognizedthem. "

"And he's the man who tried to bribe me!" Murk cried. "I can tell it byhis hands, too!"

"You tried to smash Prale's alibi, " Jim Farland continued. "You had himfollowed that night and you sent those notes to the barber and theclothing merchant, with money in them. "

"And you betrayed yourself when you began using violence, " Prale put in. "You were too vindictive. You showed that you had some good reason ofyour own for wanting to drive me away from New York quickly!"

"Oh, we've got you!" Farland repeated. "You are as good as in theelectric chair now!"

George Lerton looked as if he might have been in it. He was breathing ingasps, and his face was white. His eyes held an expression of terror. 

"I guess--you've got me!" he said. "But I'll never--go to the chair!"

Farland stepped across to him. "Get it off your chest!" he suggested. 

"I--I'll talk about it--yes!" George Lerton said. "I--I sold outGriffin. I wanted money, and I hated Griffin because he had put SidneyPrale over me. Then Sid had his trouble with the girl and ran away. Ifixed things so it looked as if he had been the guilty one. 

"I pretended to hate Sid for what he was supposed to have done. Isuggested the scheme of vengeance, and worked to get the influential mentogether. Then he came back--with his million. I hated him all the morebecause of that. I was afraid that, if he remained in New York, he wouldfind out the truth and I'd be exposed. I knew what that would mean, andI was beginning to get rich. 

"So I had him followed and watched. I trailed him myself and met him onFifth Avenue, and tried to get him to go away, and afterward denied thatI had seen him at all, for he was accused of the murder of RufusShepley. "

"Which was your deed!" Farland put in. "Go ahead--tell it all. Let ussee whether you were clever or merely an amateur at crime. "

"Oh, I was clever enough!" Lerton boasted. "I--I killed Shepley becausehe was about to have me arrested for embezzlement. I had been handling avast sum for him, aside from his regular business. While he wastraveling, I speculated with the money--and lost. He knew it. I couldnot repay. 

"I had an engagement with him that night at the hotel. The detective Ihad working for me had reported that Sid had had a quarrel with Shepley, and where he had gone afterward and what he had done. There I saw mychance. 

"I did not have myself announced at Shepley's hotel. I knew where hissuite was, so I slipped up to it without anybody seeing me, and knockedat the door. He admitted me. I begged him to give me a little time torepay the money, but he would not. He called me a thief, and said that Imust go to prison, that he would not have a hand in letting me remain atliberty to rob other men. 

"There was a steel letter opener on the table. I--I stabbed him with it, and then I got away by the fire escape. Nobody saw me. I left him theredead. I was almost frantic when I reached home. Then I saw how I couldhave Sidney Prale accused and remove the menace of his presence also. Iwould be safe if Prale were convicted of the murder. I would not have torepay the Shepley money, and Prale never could reveal that I hadbetrayed Mr. Griffin and the others instead of him. 

"So I sent the notes and money to the barber and clothing merchant, andthey denied that Prale had visited them, thus smashing his alibi. Idenied that I had met him on the Avenue. I thought that I was safe. Butthe barber and merchant told Farland the truth, and the police began tothink that Sid was not guilty. 

"I grew almost frantic then. My one hope was in running Sid out of townas quickly as possible, and so I did everything I could think of tobring about that end. "

"How about that fountain pen found beside the body?" Farland asked. 

"When I was talking to Sid that night on the Avenue, his coat was openand I saw the pen. Something seemed to tell me to take it, that it mightbe used against him some time. As I clutched his lapel, begging him toleave town, I took the pen from his pocket. "

"Nothing but a plain dip, after all!" Farland sneered. 

"I dropped it beside the body after I had killed Shepley. It was a partof my plan. And--and I guess that is all!"

"I guess it is!" Sidney Prale said. "Mr. Griffin and I, and some othermen, made a little investigation last night and continued it thismorning. We found that you were the traitor who caused that financialsmash ten years ago. It may please you to know that Mr. Griffin is myfriend again, and that others are being informed of my innocence. EvenCoadley has come to me and asked to take my case again. But I wasclearing myself of the charge of business treason, and nothing more. Idid not connect you with the murder of Shepley. "

"Well, I did connect him with it, " Farland put in. "But when I sprung iton him here this afternoon, I was running a bluff. I had some evidence, but not enough to convict. You might have got away with it, Lerton, ifyou had had any nerve. But you happen to be a rank coward--and a guiltyman!"

"You--you----" George Lerton gasped. 

He had been holding two fingers in a pocket of his waistcoat. Now hewithdrew them and, before Farland could reach him, he had swallowedsomething. 

"You'll never----" he began, and then his head fell forward to the desk. "Get the ladies outside, Murk!" Farland commanded suddenly. "And tellthat secretary out there to send in a call for a physician and thepolice. Lerton was right--he'll never go to the electric chair!"

 * * * * *

Ten minutes later, Sidney Prale and Murk were waiting for the elevatorwith Kate Gilbert and Marie, but each couple was standing at somedistance from the other. 

"I have proved my innocence, and now I ask you to remember your promiseand grant me your friendship, " Prale was telling Kate Gilbert. 

"I shall remember, " she said. "You have my address, haven't you? If youhaven't, ask Murk. He knows it. You sent him to spy on me, remember. "

"Jim Farland did that, " Prale protested. 

Murk was talking to the gigantic Marie at that moment. 

"You're mighty nice!" he was saying. "Say, I'd like to see you somemore. I've got an idea my boss will be calling on your mistress, andwhen he does I might come up to the corner, and you might slip out andmeet me, and we might take a walk in the Park. You wouldn't want to stayin the apartment and bother them, would you?"

"It would be a shame!" said Marie. "Which corner, Murk?"

THE END