Classic Audiobook Collection - The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Bartlett Mystery by Lewis Tracy. Chapter 1. A Gathering at a Club That Story of Love and Crime, which figures in the records of the New York Detective Bureau as the Yacht Mystery, has little to do with yachts and is no longer a mystery. It is concerned far more intimately with the troubles and trials of pretty Winifred Bartlett than with the vagaries of restless sea. The alert well-groomed figure of Winiford's true lover, Rex Carshaw, fills its pages to the almost total exclusion of the portly millionaire who owned the Sanssouci. Yet, such is the singular dominance exercised by the trivial things of life over the truly important ones. Some hundreds of thousands of people in the great city on the Three Rivers will recall many episodes of the Nine Days Wonder,

Starting point is 00:00:59 known to them as the yacht mystery, though they may never have heard of either Winifred or Rex. It began simply, as all major events to begin, and of course, at the outset, neither of these two young people seemed to have the remotest connection with it. On the evening of October 5, 1913, that is the date when the first entry appears in the diary of Mr. James Steingall, of the Bureau, the stream of traffic in Fifth Avenue was interrupted to an unusual degree at a corner near 42nd Street. The homeward-bound throng going uptown, and the equally dense crowd coming downtown to restaurants and theater land merely chafed at a delay which they did not understand, but the traffic policeman knew exactly what was going on and kept his head and temper. A few doors down the north side of the cross street, a famous club was a blaze

Starting point is 00:02:04 with lights. Especially did three great windows on the first floor send forth hospitable beams. For the spacious room within was the scene of an amusing revel. Mr. William Pierpont Vanhofen, ex-commodore of the New York Yacht Club, owner of the Sansouci and multi-millionaire, had just astonished his friends by one of the eccentric chests for which he was famous. The Salsu Sea, notable the world over, for its size, speed, and fittings, was going out of commission for the winter. Van Hoffen had marked the occasion by widespread invitations to a dinner at his club, quote, to be followed by a surprise party, end quote,

Starting point is 00:02:53 and the nature of the surprise was becoming. known. Each lady had drawn by lot the name of her dinner partner, and each couple was then presented with a sealed envelope, containing tickets for one or other of the many theaters in New York. Thus not only were husbands, wives, eligible bachelors, and smart debutants inextricably mixed up, but none knew whither the oddly assorted pairs were bound, since the envelopes were not to be opened until the meal reached the coffee and cigarette stage. There existed, too, a secret within a secret. Seven men were bidden privately to come on board the Sanssoucée, moored in the Hudson off the 86th Street landing stage, and there enjoy a quiet session of auction bridge.

Starting point is 00:03:47 We'll duck before the trouble gets fairly started, explained Van Hoffman to his cronies. You'll see how the bunch is sorted out at dinner, but the tangle then will be just one sent in the dollar to the pandemonium when they find out where they're going. Of course, everybody was acquainted with everybody else, or the joke might have been in bad taste. Moreover, as the gathering was confined exclusively to the elect of New York Society, the host had notified the Detective Bureau and requested the presence one of their best men outside the club shortly before eight o'clock. None realized better than he that where the carcass is, there the vultures gather, and he wanted no untoward incident to happen during the confusion, which must attend the

Starting point is 00:04:40 departure of so many richly bejeweled ladies, accompanied by unexpected cavaliers. Thus it befell that Detective Inspector Clantzeman, was detailed for the job. Stingall and he were the inseparables of the Bureau, yet no two members of a marvelously efficient service, were more unalike, physically, and mentally. Stingall was big, blonde, muscular, a genial giant whose qualities rendered him almost popular among the very criminals he hunted, whereas those same desperadoes feared the diminutive Clancy, the little slight, dark-haired sleuth of French-Irish descent. He, they were aware instinctively, read their very souls before Stingall's huge paw clutched their quaking bodies.

Starting point is 00:05:35 Idle Chance alone decided that Clancy should undertake the half-hour's vigil at the Uptown club that evening. All unknowing, he became thereby the controlling influence in many lives. At eight o'clock, an elderly man emerged from the building and edged his way through the cheery, laughing people, already grouped about the doorway and awaiting automobiles. Mr. William Michael John might have been branded with the word senator. So typical was he of the upper house at Washington. The very cut of his clothes, the style of his shoes, the glossiness of his hat, even the wide expanse of pearl-studded white linen marked him as a person of consequence.

Starting point is 00:06:25 A uniformed policeman, striving to keep the pavement clear of loiterers, recognized and saluted him. The salute was returned, though its recipient's face seemed to be gloomy, preoccupied, almost disturbed. Therefore, he did not notice a gaunt, angular-jawed woman, one whose carriage, and attire suggested better days long since passed, who had been peering eagerly at the revelers pouring out of the club, and now stepped forward impetuously, as if to intercept him. She failed. The policeman barred her progress quietly, but effectually,

Starting point is 00:07:07 and the woman, if bent on achieving her purpose, must have either called after the absorbed Michael John, or entered into a heated altercation with the policeman when accident came to her aid. Mrs. Ronald Tower, strikingly handsome, richly gowned and cloaked, with an elaborate coiffure that outvied nature's best efforts, was crossing the pavement to enter a waiting car when she stopped and drew her hand from her escort's arm. Senator Michael John, she cried.

Starting point is 00:07:41 The elderly man halted. He doffed his hat with a flourish. Ah, Helen, he said, smilingly, whither bound. To see Balasco's latest. Isn't that lucky? The very thing I wanted. Poor Ronald, I don't know what has become of him, or into what net he may have fallen. The senator beamed. He knew that Ronald Tower was one of the eight bridge players, but was pledged to secrecy. I only hailed you, to jog your memory about that luncheon tomorrow, went on Mrs. Tower. How could I forget? He retorted gallantly. Only two hours ago I postponed a business appointment on account of it. So good of you, Senator, and Mrs. Tower's smile lent a tinge of sarcasm to the

Starting point is 00:08:32 words, I'm awfully anxious that you should meet Mr. Jacob. I'm deeply interested, you know. Michael John glanced rather sharply at the lady's companion, who, however, was merely a vacuous man-about town. It struck Clancy that the senator resented this incautious using of names. The shabby, genteel woman hovering behind the policeman, was following the scene with hawk-like eyes, and Clancy kept her too under close observation. The senator coughed and lowered his voice. I shall be most pleased to discuss matters with him, he said. It will be a pleasure to render him a service, if you ask it.

Starting point is 00:09:17 Mrs. Tower laughed lightly. One o'clock, she said, don't be late. Come along, Mr. Forrest. Your car is blocking the way. Mr. Michael John flourished his hat again. He turned and found himself face to face with the hard-featured woman who had been waiting and watching for this very opportunity. She barred his further progress, even caught his arm.

Starting point is 00:09:43 Had the senator been assaulted by the blue-coated guardian of law and order, he could not have displayed more bewilderment. You? Rachel? he gasped. The policeman was about to intervene, but it was the senator, not the shabbily dressed woman, who prevented him. It's all right, officer, he stammered, vexedly. I know this.

Starting point is 00:10:08 lady, she's an old friend. The man saluted again and drew aside. Clancy moved a trifle nearer. No one would take notice of such an insignificant little man. Though he had his back to this strangely assorted pair, he heard nearly every syllable they uttered. He is here, snapped the woman, without other preamble. You must see him. It is quite impossible, was the answer, and though the words were frigid and unyielding. Clancy felt certain that Senator Michael John had to exercise an iron self-control to keep a tremor out of his utterance. You dare not refuse, persisted the woman. The senator glanced around in a scared way. Clancy thought for an instant that he meant to dart back into the security of the club. After an irresolute pause, however, he moved

Starting point is 00:11:06 somewhat apart from the crowd of sightseers. The two stood together on the curb, and clear of the flood of light pouring through the open doors. Clancy edged after them. He gathered a good deal, not all, of what they said, as both voices were harsh and tinged with excitement. This very night, the woman was saying, bring at least $500. If the police says he will confess everything. Do you get me? This thing can't wait. The senator did not even try now to conceal his agitation. He looked at the gaping mob, but it was wholly absorbed in the stream of fashionable people pouring out of the club, while the snorting of scores of automobiles created a din, which meant comparative safety. Yes, yes, he muttered. I understand. I'll do anything in reason. I'll

Starting point is 00:12:04 give you the money, and you know he means seeing you. You need not be afraid. He says you are going to Mr. Vanhofen's yacht at nine o'clock. Good lord, broke in Michael John. How can he possibly know that? Again, he peered at the press of onlookers. A dapper little man who stood near was raised on tiptoe and craning his neck to catch a glimpse of a noted beauty who had just appeared. Oh, pull yourself together, and there was a touch of scorn in the woman's manner, as she reassured this powerfully built man. Isn't he clever and fertile in device? Haven't the newspapers announced your presence on the Saint-Souis? And who will stop a steward's tongue from wagging? At any rate, he knows. He will be on the Hudson in a small boat with one other man. At nine o'clock, he will come close to the landing stage, at eighty-sixthage.

Starting point is 00:13:02 There's a lawn north of the clubhouse, he says. Walk to the end of it, and you will find him. You can have a brief talk. Bring the money in an envelope. On the lawn at nine, repeated the senator in a dazed way. Yes, what better place could he choose? You see, he is willing to play fair and be discreet. But quick, I must have your answer. Time is passing. Do you agree? What is the alternative. Capture and a mad rage. Then others will share in his downfall. Very well. I'll be there. I'll not fail him, or you. He says it's his last request. He has some scheme. Ah, his schemes. If only I could hope that this will be the end. That is his promise. The woman dropped the conversation abruptly. She darted through the line of cars and made off in the

Starting point is 00:14:01 direction of 6th Avenue. Senator Michael John gazed after her dubiously, but her tall figure was soon lost in the traffic. Then with bent head and evidently a prey to harassing thoughts, he crossed Fifth Avenue. Clancy sauntered after him and saw him enter a block of residential flats in a side street. Then the detective strolled back to the club. Most of Van Huffin's guests had gone. The policeman grinned and muttered in Clancy's ear, The senator's a giddy guy. Two of them at once. Mrs. Tower's a good-looker, but I didn't think much of the other one.

Starting point is 00:14:42 Clancy nodded. His black and beady eyes had just clashed with those of a notorious crook who suddenly remembered an urgent appointment elsewhere. Fifteen minutes later saw Senator Michael John returned. He entered the club without being way late, a second time. Clancy consulted his watch. Keep a sharp look out here, Mac. He said, Sotovoche. While I was away just now, Broadway Jim showed up. He's got cold feet, and there'll be nothing doing tonight, I think. Anyhow, I'm going uptown. In Fifth Avenue, he boarded a

Starting point is 00:15:20 Riverside Drive bus. The weather was mild, and he mounted to the roof. Now, who in the world will Senator Michael John meet on the landing stage, he mused. Things to me, the chief may be interested. $500, too. I wonder. End of chapter one. Chapter two of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 00:15:52 A daring crime. It was no part of Detective Clancy's business to pry in to the private affairs of Senator Michael John. Senators are awkward fish to handle, being somewhat similar to whales, caught in the nets designated to capture mackerel. But the Bureau is no respecter of persons. Men much higher up in politics and finance than William Michael John would be disagreeably surprised if they could read certain details entered opposite their names in the dossiers kept by the police department. Still, it behooved Clancy to tread warily. As it happened, he was just a man for this self-imposed duty. Two Celtic strains mingled in his blood, while American birth and

Starting point is 00:16:43 training had not only quickened his intelligence, but imparted a quality of wide-eyed shrewdness to a daring initiative. When he and the Bluff Stingall worked together, the malefactor on whose heels they pressed, had a woeful time. As one blood-stayed Drascal put it in a bitter moment before the electric chair claimed him for the expiation of his last and worst crime, them two guys give a regular fellow no chance. When they're trailing you, every road leads straight to sing-sing. The big guy has a punch-leg, Jess Willard, and the little one a nose like a Montana wolf. It was Clancy's nose, for the more subtle. elements in crime, which brought him to the small chalet on the private pier at the foot of 86th Street

Starting point is 00:17:35 that night. He could not guess what game he might flush, but he was keen as a bloodhound in the chase. Meanwhile, Senator Michael John encountered Ronald Tower the moment he re-entered the palatial club. By this time, he seemed to have regained his customary air of geniality, being one of those rather uncommon men, whose apparent characteristics are never so marked as when they're acting apart. Hello, Ronnie, he cried affably. I met Helen as she left for the theater. She had an inquiring mind, but I headed her off. By the way, will you be at this luncheon tomorrow? Not I, laughed Tower. I'm barred. She says I have no head for business, and some deep-laid plan for filling the family coffers is in hand. The senator obviously disliked these unspoken references to money-making.

Starting point is 00:18:35 He squirmed, but smiled, as though Tower had made an excellent joke. Try and get the Yucas lifted, he urged, I want you to be there. Nothing doing, and the other grinned. Helen says, I resemble you in everything but brainpower, Senator. I'm a good looker as a husband, but a poor mut in Wall Street. They laughed at the conceit. The two men were curiously alike in face and figure, though a close observer like Clancy would have classed them as opposite as the poles in character and temperament. Michael John's features were cast in the stronger mold. They showed lines which Ronald Tower's placid existence would never produce. The senator was suave, too. He seldom pressed a point to the limit.

Starting point is 00:19:27 Helen's good opinion is doubly flattering, he said. She's a bright woman and knows how to command her friends. Tower glanced at a clock in the hall. Time we were off, he announced. Come with me. I'm taking Johnny Bell, I think. Sorry, I have an important letter to write, but I'll join before the crowd cuts in. The senator hurried upstairs. he must take the journey alone and snatch an opportunity to attend that mysterious rendezvous, while the Saint-Sou-C's gig was ferrying some of the bridge players to the yacht.

Starting point is 00:20:06 Owing to a slight misunderstanding, Tower missed the other man and traveled alone in his car. On that trivial circumstance hinged events, which not only affected many lives, but disturbed New York society more than any other incident within a decade. Few among the thousands of summer promenaders who enjoyed the magnificent panorama of the North River from the wooded heights of the drive know of the pier at 86th Street. The clubhouse itself is an unpretentious structure. For another, the narrow and winding stairway leading down the side of the cliff gives no indication of its specific purpose.

Starting point is 00:20:51 Moreover, a light footbridge across the tracks is hardly noticeable through the screen of trees and shrubs above, and the waterfront lies yet 50 yards farther on. At night, the approach is not well lighted. In fact, no portion of the beautiful and precipitous riparian park is more secluded than the short stretch between the landing stage and the busy thoroughfare on the crest. That evening, as has been seen,

Starting point is 00:21:22 Mr. Vanhofen was taking no risks for himself or his guests. A patrolman from the local precinct was stationed at the Ironbarred gate on the landward end of the footbridge. Clancy, on descending from the bus, stood for a few seconds and surveyed the scene. The night was dark and the sky overcast, but the myriad lights on the New Jersey shore were reflected in the swift current of the Hudson. The superb Salsusie was easily distinguishable. All her ports were aglow.

Starting point is 00:21:59 Lamps twinkled beneath the awnings on her after deck, and a boarding light indicated the lowered gangway. The yacht was moored about 300 feet from the landing stage. Her graceful outlines were clearly discernible, against the black moving plain of the river. Just in that spot shown her radiance, lending a sense of opulence and security.

Starting point is 00:22:24 For the rest, that part of New York's great waterway was dim and impalpable. Try as he might the detective could see no small craft afloat. The yacht's gig, waiting at the clubhouse, was hidden from view.

Starting point is 00:22:40 He sped rapidly down the steps and found the patrolman. "'That you, Nolan,' he said. "'The man peered at him. "'Oh, Mr. Clancy, is it?' he replied. "'You know Senator Michael John by sight? "'Sure I do.' "'When he comes along, hail him.

Starting point is 00:22:58 "'Say, good evening, Senator. "'I'll hear you.' "'Clancy promptly moved off along the path "'which runs parallel with the railway. "'Nolan, though puzzled, put no questions. "'Being well aware, he would be told nothing more. "'Three gentlemen came, down the cliff and crossed the bridge. One was Vanhofen himself. Now the fates had willed that

Starting point is 00:23:22 Ronald Tower should come next alone, and he was hurrying. He had seen figures entering the club and wanted to join them in the gig. The policeman made the same mistake as many others. Good evening, Senator, he said. Tower nodded and laughed. He had no time to correct the harmless blunder. Even so, he was too late for the boat, which was already well away from the stage when he reached it. He lighted a cigarette and strolled along the narrow terrace between river and lawn. Clancy, on receiving his cue, followed Tower. An attendant challenged him at the Iron Gate, but Nolan certified that this diminutive stranger was all right. It was on the tip of the detective's tongue to ask if Mr. Michael John

Starting point is 00:24:14 had gone into the clubhouse when he saw, as he imagined, the senator's tall form, silhouetted against the vague carpet of the river. So he passed on, and this minor incident contributed its quota to a tragic occurrence. He heard someone behind him on the bridge, but paid no heed, his wits being bent on noting anything that took place in the semi-obscurity of the river's edge. Meanwhile, the patrolman, encountering a double of Senator Michael John, was dumbfounded momentarily. He sought enlightenment from the attendant. And for the love of Mike, who was the first one, he demanded, when assured that the latest arrival was really the senator.

Starting point is 00:25:04 Mr. Ronald Tower, said the man. They're like as two peas in a pod, ain't they? Nolan muttered something. he too crossed the bridge, meaning to find Clancy, and explained his error. Thus the four men were not widely separated, but tower led by half a minute, long enough, in fact, to be at the north end of the terrace before Michael John passed the gate. There, greatly to his surprise,

Starting point is 00:25:33 he looked down into a small motorboat with two occupants, keeping close to the sloping wall. The craft and its crew could not have any reasonable business there. They suggested something sinister and furtive. The engine was stopped, and one of the men, huddled up in the boughs, was holding the boat against the pull of tide by using a boat hook as a punting pole. Tower, though good-natured and unsuspicious, was naturally puzzled by this apparition. He bent forward to examine it more definitely and rested his hands on a low railing.

Starting point is 00:26:13 Then he was seen by those below. That you, growled the second man standing up suddenly. It is, said Tower, speaking with strict accuracy, and marveling who on earth could have arranged a meeting at such a place and in such bizarre conditions. Well, here I am, came the gruffman. The cops are after me. Someone must have tipped them off. If it was you, I'll get to know, and even things up PDQ. To on that during this night's festivities, I advise you.

Starting point is 00:26:49 Brought that wad? Tower was the last man breathing to handle this queer situation discreetly. He ought to have temporized, but he loathed anything in the nature of vulgar or criminal intrigue, being quick-tempered with all, if deliberately insulted, he resented this fellow's crude speech. No, he cried hotly. What you really want is a policeman, and there's one close at hand. Hi, officer, he shouted. Come here at once.

Starting point is 00:27:22 There are two rascals in a boat. Something swirled through the darkness, and his next word was choked in a cry of mortal fear. for a lasso had fallen on his shoulders and was drawn taught. Before he could as much as lift his hands, he was dragged bodily over the railing and headlong into the river. Clancy, forced by circumstances to remain at a distance, could only overhear towers share in the brief conversation.

Starting point is 00:27:56 The tones in the voice perplexed him, but the preconcerted element in the affair seemed to offer proof positive that Senator Michael John had kept his appointment. He was just in time to see tower's legs disappearing, and a loud splash told what had happened. He was not armed. He never carried a revolver, unless the quest of the hour threatened danger, or called for a display of force. In a word, he was utterly powerless. Senator Michael John, alive to the vital fact that someone on the Terrace had discovered the boat, hung back, dismayed. He was joined by Nolan, who could not understand the sudden commotion.

Starting point is 00:28:42 What's up, Nolan asked. Didn't someone shout? Clancy, in all his experience of crime and criminals, had never before encountered such an amazing combination of unforeseen conditions. The boat's motor was already chugging breathlessly, and the small craft was curving out into the gloom. He saw a man hauling in a rope from the stern, and well did he know why the cord seemed to be attached to a heavy weight. Not far away, he made out the yacht skig, returning to the stage.

Starting point is 00:29:19 Sans Sousie, ahoy! he almost screamed. Head off that launch, there's murder done. It was a hopeless effort, of course, though the same. obeyed instantly and bent to their oars. Soon they too vanished in the murk, but finding they were completely outpaced, came back, seeking for instructions, which could not be given. The detective thought he was bewitched when he ran into Senator Michael John, pallid and trembling, standing on the terrace with Nolan. You, he shrieked in a shrill falsetto, then in heaven's name who is the man who has just been pulled into the river tower gasped the senator mr ronald tower they mistook him for me faith and i did that same muttered the patrolman whose slow-moving wits could only assimilate one thing at a time clancy a fire with rage and a sense of inexplicable failure realized that michael john's admission and

Starting point is 00:30:27 its now compulsory explanation could wait a calmer moment. The club attendant, attracted by the hubbub, raced to the lawn, and the detective tackled him. Isn't there a motor launch on the yacht, he asked? Yes, sir, but it'll be all sheeted up on deck. Have you a megaphone? Yes, the man ran and grabbed the instrument from its hook. So Clancy bellowed the alarming news to Mr. Van and the others, already on board the Sanssouci, that Ronald Tower had been dragged into the river and probably murdered. But what could they do? The speedy rescue of Tower, dead or alive, was simply impossible. The gig arrived. Clancy stormed by telephone at a police station house and at the upriver station of the harbor police, but such vain efforts were the music. But such vain efforts were

Starting point is 00:31:26 the mere necessities of O'Fisheldon. None knew better than he that an extraordinary crime had been carried through under his very eyes, yet its daring perpetrators had escaped, and he could supply no description of their appearance to the men who would watch the neighboring fairies and wharves. Van Hoffen and his friends, startled and grieved, came ashore in the gig, and Clancy was striving to give them some account. count of the tragedy without revealing its inner significance when his roving glance missed Michael John from the distraught group of men.

Starting point is 00:32:07 Where is the senator? He cried, turning on the gaping Nolan. Gee, he's knocked out, said the policeman. He asked me to tell you he'd gone downtown. You see, someone has to find Mrs. Tower. Clancy's black eyes glittered with fury, yet he spoke no way. word. A blank silence fell on the rest. They had not thought of the bereaved wife, but Michael John had remembered. That was kind of him. The senator always did the right thing, and how he must be

Starting point is 00:32:41 suffering. The towers were his closest friends. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public. domain. Winifred Bartlett hears something. Early next morning, a girl attired in a neat but inexpensive costume, entered Central Park by the 1002nd Street gate, and walked swiftly by a winding path to the exit on the west side at 100th Street. She moved with the easy swing of one to whom walking was a pleasure. Without hurry or apparent effort, her even rapid strides, brought her along at a pace of fully four miles an hour. And an hour was exactly the time Winifred Bartlett needed if she would carry out her daily program, which, when conditions

Starting point is 00:33:41 permitted, involved a four-mile detour by way of the Riverside Drive and 72nd Street to the Ninth Avenue L. This morning she had actually ten minutes in hand, and promised herself, an added treat in making little pauses at her favorite viewpoints on the Hudson. To gain this hour's freedom, Winiford had to practice some harmless duplicity, as shall be seen. She was obliged to rise long before the rest of her fellow workers in the bookbinding factory of Messier Brown, Son, Aunt Brown, an establishment located in the least inviting part of Greenwich Village. but she went early to bed, and the beams of the morning sun threw her forth as a linnet from its nest. Unless the weather was absolutely prohibitive, she took the walk every day, for she reveled in the ever-changing tints of the streets,

Starting point is 00:34:42 the music of the songbirds, and the gambols of the squirrels in the park, while the broad highway of the river, leading to and from, she hardly knew what enchanted lands, brought vague dreams of some delightful future where daily toil would not claim her, and she might be as those other girls of the outer world, to whom existence seemed such a joyous thing. Winifred was not discontented with her lot. The I-Cor of youths and good health flowed too strongly in her veins,

Starting point is 00:35:19 but at times she was bewildered by a sense of aloofness from the rest of humanity. Above all, did she suffer from the girls she met in the warehouse. Some were coarse, nearly everyone was frivolous, their talk, their thinly failed allusions to a nightlife, in which she bore no part, puzzled and disturbed her. True, the wild revels of which they boasted, not sound either marvelous or attractive when analyzed. A couple of hours at the movies, a frolic in a dance hall, a quarrel about some youthful gallant, violent fluctuations from arm-laced

Starting point is 00:36:04 friendship to sparkling-eyed hatred, and back again to tears and kisses. These joys and cankers formed a limited gamut of their emotions. For all that, Winifred could not help asking her with ever-increasing insistence, why she alone, among a crude, noisy sisterhood of a hundred young woman of her own age, should be with them, yet not of them. She realized that her education fitted her for a higher place in the army of New York workers than a bookbinder's bench. She could soon have acquired proficiency as a stenographer, pleasant, well-paid, situations abounded in the stores and wholesale houses. There was even some alluring profession called the stage, where a girl might actually earn a living by singing and dancing,

Starting point is 00:37:03 and Winifred could certainly sing, and was certain she could dance, if taught. What queer tricks of fate then had brought her to Brown's son and Browns in the spring of that year, and kept her there. She could not tell. She could not even guess why she dwelt so far uptown while every other girl in the establishment had a home either in or near Greenwich Village. Hey-ho, life was a riddle. Surely someday she would solve it. Her mind ran on this problem more strongly than usual that morning. Still pondering it, she diverged for a moment at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and stood on the stone terrace, which commands such a stretch of the silvery Hudson, with the green heights of the New Jersey Shore, directly opposite, and the

Starting point is 00:37:59 palisades rearing their lofty crests away to the north. Suddenly, she became aware that a small group of men had gathered there, and were displaying a lively interest into motorboats on the river. Something out of the common had stirred them. Voices were loud, and gestures animated. Look, said one, they've gotten that boat. You can't be sure, doubted another, though his manner showed that he wanted only to be convinced. Do you think a police slant should be fooling around with a toe at this time a day, if it wasn't? wasn't something special? persisted the first speaker. Can't you see it's empty? There's a cop pointing now to the clubhouse. Good for you, pronounced the doubtful one. The pointing cop had

Starting point is 00:38:49 clinched the argument. And they're heading that way, came the cry. Off raced the men. Winiford found that people on top of motor omnibuses scurrying downtown were also watching the two craft. opposite the end of 86th street such a crowd assembled as though by magic that she could not see over the railings she could not imagine why people should be so worked up by the mere finding of an empty boat she heard allusions to names but they evoked no echo in her mind at last approaching a girl among the sightseers she put a timid question can you tell me what is the matter she said they've found the boat, came the ready answer. Yes, but what boat? Why any boat? Haven't you read about the murder last night? Mr. Van Hoffen, who owns the yacht there, the San Sousy, had a party of friends on board,

Starting point is 00:39:50 and one of them was dragged into the river and drowned. Nice goings-on. San Sousy, it's a good name for the whole bunch, I guess. Winifor did not understand why the girl laughed. What a terrible thing. thing, she said. Perhaps it was only an accident, and sad enough at that if some poor man lost his life. Oh, no, it's a murder all right. The papers are full of it. I was walking here at nine o'clock with a fellow. Might have been done under me very nose. What do you know about that? It's very sad, repeated Winifred.

Starting point is 00:40:26 Such dreadful things seem to be almost impossible under this blue sky in bright sunshine. Even the river does not look cool. She went on, having no time for further dawdling. Her informant glanced after her curiously for Winiford's cheap clothing and worn shoes were oddly at variance with her voice and manner. At 72nd Street, Winiford bought a newspaper which she read instead of the tiny volume of Browning's poems carried in her handbag. She always contrived to have a book or periodical for the train journeys, since men had a way of catching her eye when she glanced around thoughtlessly, and such incidents were annoying. She soon learned the many details of the yacht mystery. The account of Ronald Tower's dramatic end was substantially accurate. It contained, of course,

Starting point is 00:41:24 no allusion to Senator Michael John's singular connection with the affair, but Clancy had taken care that a disturbing paragraph should appear with the rest of a lurid write-up. Quote, sinister rumors are current in clubland, read Winifred Winifred. These warrant the belief that others, beside the thugs in the boat, are implicated in the tragedy. Indeed, it is whispered that a man high in the political world can, if he chooses, throw light on what is at this writing, an inexplicate. crime, a crime which would be incredible if it had not actually taken place. The reporter did not know, and Clancy did not tell him, just what this innuendo meant.

Starting point is 00:42:15 The detective was anxious that Senator Michael John should realize the folly of refusing all information to the authorities, and this thinly veiled threat of publicity was one way of bringing him to his senses. Winiford had never before come into touch, so to speak, with any deed of criminal violence. She was so absorbed in the story of the junketing at a fashionable club, with its astounding sequel in a locality familiar to her eyes, that she hardly noticed a delay on the line. She did not even know that she would be ten minutes late until she saw a clock at 14th Street. Then she raced to the door of a big, many-story building.

Starting point is 00:43:03 A timekeeper shook his head at her, but punctual as a rule. On wet mornings, she was invariably the first to arrive, so the watchdog compromised on the give-and-take principle. When she emerged from the elevator at the ninth floor, her cheeks were still suffused with color, her eyes were alight, her lips parted under the spell of excitement and haste. In a word, she looked positively bewitching. Two people evidently took this view of her

Starting point is 00:43:35 as she advanced into the workroom after hanging up her hat and coat. You're late again, Bartlett, snapped Miss Agatha Sugg, a four-woman whose initials suggested an obvious nickname among the set of flippant girls. She ruled with a severity that was also ungracious. I'll not speak to you any more on the matter.

Starting point is 00:44:00 Next time you'll be fired, see? Winiford's high color fled before this dire threat. Even the few dollars a week she earned by binding books was essential to the upkeep of her home. At any rate, this fact was dinned into her ears constantly and formed a ready argument against any change of employment. I'm sorry, Miss Sugg, she stammered.

Starting point is 00:44:28 I didn't think I had lost any time. Indeed, I started out earlier than usual. Rubbish, snorted Miss Sugg. What are you given me? It's a fine day. Yes, said Winifred timidly, but unfortunately I stopped a while on Riverside Drive to watch the police bringing in the boat

Starting point is 00:44:48 from which Mr. Tower was pulled into the river last night. Riverside Drive snapped the forewoman. Your address is East 112th Street, ain't it? What were you doing on Riverside Drive? I walk that way every morning, unless it's raining. Miss Sugg looked incredulous, but felt that she was traveling outside her own territory. Anyhow, she said, that's your affair, not mine, and it's no excuse for being late. Oh, come now, intervened a man's voice.

Starting point is 00:45:26 This young lady is not so far behind time as to cause such a row. She can pull out a bit and make up for it. Miss Sugg reeled wrathfully to find Mr. Fowell, manager on that floor, gazing at Winifred with marked approval. Fowell, a shifty-eyed man of 30, compactly built, and somewhat of a dandy seldom gave heed to any of the girls employed by brown son and brown his benevolent attitude toward winifred was a new departure young lady gasped the forewoman she was in such a temper that other words failed yes she isn't an old one smirked fowl that's all right miss bartlett get on with your work miss sugg's bark is worth than her bite. Though he had poured oil on the troubled waters, his air was not altogether reassuring.

Starting point is 00:46:28 When Alfred went to her bench in a flurry of trepidation, she dreaded the vixenish Miss Sugg less than the too complacent manager. Somehow she fancied that he would soon speak to her again. When, a few minutes later, he drew near, and she felt rather than saw that he was staring at her boldly. She flushed to the nape of her graceful neck. Yet, he put a quite orthodox question. Did I get your story bright when you came in? He said, I think you told Miss Sugg that the harbor police had picked up the motorboat in the yacht case. So I heard, said Winterford. She was in charge of a wire stitching machine, and her deft fingers were busy. Moreover, she was resolved not to give foul any pretext for prolonging the conversation.

Starting point is 00:47:24 Who told you? The manager's tone grew a trifle less cordial. He was not accustomed to being held at arm's length by any young woman in the establishment whom he condescended to notice. I really don't know, and Winifred began placing her array of work in sorted piles. Indeed, I spoke carelessly. No one told me. I saw a commotion on Riverside Drive, and I heard a man arguing with others that a boat then being towed by a police launch must be the missing one. Fowl's whiff of annoyance had passed. He had jumped to the conclusion that such an extremely pretty girl would surely own a sweetheart who escorted her to and from work each day. he did not suspect that every junior clerk downstairs

Starting point is 00:48:18 had in turn offered his services in this regard but with such lack of success that each would be suitor deemed Winifred conceited I wish I had been there he said do you go home the same way no Winifred was aware that the other girls were watching her furtively and exchanging meaning looks you take the Third Avenue L, I suppose, her assisted Fowell. Then Winifred faced him squarely.

Starting point is 00:48:49 For some reason her temper got the better of her. It is a rule of the house, Mr. Fowell, she said, that the girls are forbidden to talk during working hours. Nonsense, laughed Fowell. I'm in charge here, and what I say goes. He left her, however, and busied himself elsewhere. apparently he was even forgiving enough to call Miss Sugg out of the room and detain her all the rest of the morning. Winifred was promptly rallied by some of her companions.

Starting point is 00:49:22 I must say this for you, Winnie Bartlett, you don't think you're the whole shooting match, said a stout, red-faced creature, who would have been more at home on a farm than in a New York warehouse. But he'd gets my goat when you hand the mustard to fowl. that way. If he made goo-goo-go-eyes at me, I'd play, too. I wish little Carlotta was a blue-eyed, golden-haired queen, cite another, a squat Neapolitan with the complexion of a moor. She'd give Fowl a chance to dig into his pocketbook, believe me. The youthful philosopher won a chorus of approval. All the girls liked Winifred, they even tacitly admitted, that she is. belonged to a different order and seldom teased her. Fowls, obvious admiration, however,

Starting point is 00:50:16 imposed too severe a strain, and their tongues ran freely. The luncheon hour came, and Winiford hurried out with the others. They patronized a restaurant in 14th Street. At a newsstand, she purchased an evening paper, a rare event, since she had to account for every cent of expenditure. allowed books, she was absolutely forbidden newspapers, but this forlorn girl, who knew so little of the great city in whose life she was such an insignificant item, felt oddly concerned in the yacht mystery. It was the first noteworthy event of which she had even a remote firsthand knowledge. That empty launch, its very abandonment, suggested eerieness and fatality.

Starting point is 00:51:09 it was a tangible thing. Was she not one of the few who had literally seen it? So she invested her penny, and after reading of the discovery of the boat, it was found moored to a wharf at the foot of Fort Lee, breathlessly read. Quote, as the outcome of information given by a well-known senator,

Starting point is 00:51:33 the police have obtained an important clue, which leads straight to a house, on 112th Street." End quote. Well, mused Winifred, wide-eyed with astonishment. Fancy that, the very street where I live, she read on. The arrest of at least one person, a woman suspected of complicity in the crime, may occur at any moment.

Starting point is 00:52:02 Detectives are convinced that the trail of the murderers will soon be clearer. Every effort is being made to recover Mr. Tower's body, which, it is conceivable, may have been waited and sunk in the river near the spot where the boat was tied. Winiford gave more attention to the newspaper report than to her frugal meal. Resolving, however, that Miss Sugg should have no further cause for complaint that day, she returned to the factory five minutes before time. An automobile was standing outside the entrance, but she paid no heed to it. The checker tapped at his little window as she passed.

Starting point is 00:52:47 The boss wants you, he said. Me, she cried. Her heart sank. Between Miss Sugg and Mr. Fowell, she had already probably lost her situation. Yep, said the man. You're Winifred Bartlett, I guess. Anyhow, if there's another peach like you in a bunch, I haven't seen her. She bit her lip, and tears trembled in her eyes.

Starting point is 00:53:13 Perhaps the gruff surbarus behind the window sympathized with her. He lowered his voice to a horse, whisper. There's a cop in there, and a tech, too. Winifred was startled out of her forebodings. They cannot want me, she said, amazingly. You never can tell, girl. clearly queer jinx happened sometimes. I wouldn't bat an eyelid if they rounded up the boss himself. She was sure now that some stupid mistake had been made. At any rate, she no longer dreaded

Starting point is 00:53:49 dismissal, and the first intuition of impending calamity yielded to a nervous curiosity as she pushed open a door leading to the general office. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of the Bartlett Mystery by Lewis Tracy This Librevox recording is in the public domain Further surprises A clerk, one of the would-be swains Who had met with chilling discouragement

Starting point is 00:54:21 After working hours, Was evidently on the lookout for her An ignoble soul prompted a smirk of triumph now Go straight in, he said, jerking a thumb, a copse waiting for you. Winifred did not vouchsafe him even an indignant glance. Holding her head high, she passed through the main office and made for a door-marked manager.

Starting point is 00:54:46 She knocked, and was admitted by Mr. Fowell. Grouped around a table, she saw one of the members of the firm, the manager, a policeman, and a dapper little man, slight of figure who held himself very erect. He was dressed in blue serge and had the ivory white face and wrinkled skin of an actor. She was conscious at once of the penetration of his glance. His eyes were black and luminous. They seemed to pierce her with an x-ray quality of comprehension. This is the girl, announced Mr. Fowle deferentially. The little man in the blue suit took the lead forthwith.

Starting point is 00:55:32 You are Winiford Bartlett, he said, and by some subtle interflow of magnetism, Winiford knew instantly that she had nothing to fear from this diminutive stranger. Yes, she replied, looking at him squarely. You live in East 112th Street, yes, with a woman described as your aunt, and known as Miss Rachel Crake? Yes. Each affirmative marked a musical crescendo, especially was Winifred surprised by the skeptical description of her only recognized relative. Well, went on Clancy, suppressing a smile at the girl's naive astonishment, don't be alarmed, but I want you to come with me to Mulberry Street.

Starting point is 00:56:20 Now, Winifred had just been reading about certain activities in Mulberry, St. Mulberry Street, and her eyebrows rounded in real amazement. Isn't that the police headquarters? She asked. Fowl chuckled, whereupon Clancy said, pleasantly, yes, one man here seems to know the address quite intimately, but that fact need not set your heart fluttering. The chief of the Detective Bureau wishes to put a few questions. That is all. The questions about what? Winiford's now. dignity came to her aid. She refused to have this grave matter treated as a joke. Take my advice, Miss Bartlett, and don't discuss things further until you have met Mr. Steingall,

Starting point is 00:57:09 said Glancy. But I have never even heard of Mr. Steingall, she protested. What right have you or he to take me away from my work to a police station? What wrong have I done to anyone? None, I believe. Surely I have a right to some explanation. If you insist I am bound to answer, then I do insist that Winifred's heightened color and wrathful eyes only enhanced her beauty. Clancy spread his hands in a gesture inherited from a French mother. Very well, he said, you are required to give evidence concerning the death of Mr. Ronald Thurton. tower. Now, I cannot say any more. I have a car outside. You will be detained less than an hour.

Starting point is 00:58:01 The same car will bring you back, and I think I can guarantee that your employers will raise no difficulty. The head of the firm growled agreement. As a matter of fact, the staid respectability of Brown, son, and Brown had sustained a shock by the mere presence of the police. murder has an ugly aspect. It was often bound up in the firm's products, but never before had it entered that temple of efficiency in other guise. Clancy sensed the slow fermentation of the pharazaical mind. If I had known what sort of girl this was, I would never have brought a policeman. He muttered into the great man's ear. She has no more to do with this affair than you have. It's very annoying, very, was the peevish reply. What is assisting the police? Oh, no, I didn't mean that, of course. The detective thought he might do more harm than good

Starting point is 00:59:04 by pressing for a definition of the firm's annoyance. He turned to Winifred. Are you ready, Miss Bartlett? He said. The only reason the Bureau has for troubling you is the accident of your address. Almost before the girl realized the new and astounding conditions which had come into her life, she was seated in a closed automobile and speeding swiftly downtown. She was feminine enough, however, to ply Clancy with questions,

Starting point is 00:59:34 and he had to fence with her, as it was all important, at such information as she might be able to give, should be imparted when he and Stingall could observe her closely. The Bureau hugged no delusions, its vast experience of the criminal world, rendered misplaced sympathy with erring mortals, almost impossible. Young or old, rich or poor, beautiful or ugly, the strange procession, which passes in unending review before the police authorities, is subjected to impartial yet searching analysis. Few of the guilty ones escape suspicion, no matter how slight the connecting clue or scanty the evidence. On the other hand, Stingall and his trusty aide seldom made a mistake when they decided, as Clancy had already done in Winiford's case, that real innocence had come under the shadow of crime.

Starting point is 01:00:37 Zangall shared Clancy's opinion the instant he set eyes on the new witness. He gazed at her with a humorous dismay. That was wholly genuine. "'Is it there, Miss Bartlett,' he said, rising to place a chair for her. "'Please, don't feel nervous. I'm sure you understand that only those who have broken a law need to fear it. Now you haven't killed anybody, have you?'

Starting point is 01:01:04 Winifred smiled. She liked this big man's kindly manner. Really, the police were not such terrifying ogres when you came to close quarters with them? No, indeed, she said, little guessing, that Clancy had indulged in a Japanese grist behind her back,

Starting point is 01:01:23 thereby informing his chief that the yacht mystery was still maintaining its claim to figure as one of the most sensational crimes the Bureau had investigated during many a year. Stingall, wishing to put the girl wholly at ease, affected to consult some

Starting point is 01:01:42 notes on his desk, but Winifred was too wrought up to keep silent. The gentleman who brought me here told me that I would be required to give evidence concerning the murder of Mr. Ronald Tower, she said. Believe me, sir, that unfortunate gentleman's name was unknown to me, before I read it in this morning's paper. I have no knowledge of the manner of his death other than is contained in the account and printed here in the newspaper. She proffered the newspaper, purchased before lunch, which she still held in her left hand. The impulsive action broadened Steinbill's smile.

Starting point is 01:02:22 He was still utterly at a loss to account for this well-mannered girl's queer environment. Why, he cried, I quite understand that. Mr. Clancy didn't tell you, we regarded you as a desperate crook, did he? Winifred yielded to the chief's obvious desire to lift their talk out of the rut of formality. She could not help being interested in these two men, so dissimilar in their characteristics, yet each so utterly unlike the somewhat awesome personage she would have sketched, if asked to define her idea of a detective. Clancy, who had taken a chair at the side of the table, sat on it as though he were an automaton built of steel springs ready to bounce instantly in any given direction. Stingall's huge bulk lulled back indolently. He had been smoking when the

Starting point is 01:03:21 others entered and a half-consumed cigar lay on an ashtray. Winifred thought it would be rather amusing if she, in turn, made things comfortable. Please don't put away your cigar on my account, I like the smell of good tobacco. Ha! cackled Clancy. Thank you, said Steingold, tucking the havana into a corner of his mouth. The two men exchanged glances, and Winiford smiled. Steingold's look of tolerant intent at his assistant was distinctly amusing. That little shrimp can't smoke, Miss Bartlett, he explained.

Starting point is 01:04:01 So he is an anti-tobacco maniac. You wouldn't care to take poison, would you? And Clancy shot the words at Winifred so sharply that she was almost startled. No, of course not, she agreed. Yet that is what's that mountain of brawn does during 14 hours of the 24. Nicotine is one of the deadliest poisons known to science. Even when absorbed into the tissues in minute doses, it corrods the brain and atrophy. the intellect. Did you see how he grinned when you described that vile weed as good tobacco? Now, you don't know good, meaning real tobacco, from bad, do you? I know whether or not I like the scent of it, persisted Winifred. She began to think that officialdom in Mulberry Street affected the methods of the court

Starting point is 01:04:58 circles frequented by Alice and the Mad Hatter. Don't mind him, put in Steingall, genially. He's a living example of the close alliance between insanity and genius. On the tobacco question, he's simply cracked, and that's all there is to it. Now, we are wasting your time by this chatter. I'll come to serious business by asking a question which you will not find embarrassing for a good many years yet. How old are you?

Starting point is 01:05:30 a 19 last birthday. When were you born? On June 6, 1894. And where? Winifred reddened slightly. I don't know, she said. What? Steingall seemed to be immensely surprised,

Starting point is 01:05:49 and Winifred proceeded forthwith to throw light on this singular admission, which was exactly what he meant her to do. That is a very odd statement, But it is quite true, she said earnestly. My aunt would never tell me where I was born. I believe it was somewhere in the New England states, but I have only the vagus grounds for the opinion.

Starting point is 01:06:15 What I mean is that auntie occasionally reveals a close familiarity with Boston and Vermont. What is her full name? Rachel Crake. She has never been married? Winifred's sense of humor was keen. She laughed at the idea of Aunt Rachel having a husband. I don't think Auntie will ever marry anybody now, she said. She holds the opposite sex in detestation. No man is ever admitted to our house. It is a small, old-fashioned residence, but very large for

Starting point is 01:06:52 the requirements of two women, continued Steingall. He took no notes and might have been discussing the weather, now that the first whiff of wonderment, as to Winiford's lack of information about her birthplace and past. Yes, we have several rooms unoccupied, and unfurnished, say partly furnished, ever had any boarders? No. No servants, of course, no. And how long have you been employed in Messier Brown's son and Brown's bookbinding? about six months what do you earn eight dollars a week is that the average amount paid to the other girls a slightly above the average i am supposed to be quick and accurate well now miss bartlett you seem to be a very intelligent and well-educated young woman how comes it that you are employed in such work it was the best i could find she volunteered no doubt but you must be well aware that few, if any, among the girls in the book-binding business,

Starting point is 01:08:05 can be your equal in education, and may I add, in refinement. Now, if you were a bookkeeper, a cashier, or a typist, I could understand it, but it does seem odd to me that you should be engaged in this kind of job. It was my aunt's wish, said Winifred simply. Ah, Steingal dwelt on the monosyllable. What reason did she give for such a singular choice, he went on? I confess it has puzzled me, was the unaffected answer. Although Auntie is severe in her manner, she is well-educated,

Starting point is 01:08:46 and she taught me nearly all I know, except music and singing, for which I took lessons from Signor Peti, ever since I was a tiny mite until about two years ago. Then I believe Auntie lost a good deal of money, and it became necessary that I should earn something. Signor Petchi offered to get me a position in a theater, but she would not hear of it, nor would she allow me to enter a shop or a restaurant.

Starting point is 01:09:14 Really, it was Auntie who got me the work with Monsieur Brown, son, and Brown. In other words, said Steingall, you were deliberately reared to fill a higher social station, and then for no assignable reason, save a whim, compelled to sink to a much slower level? I do not know. I never disputed Auntie's right to do what she thought best. Well, well, it is odd. Do you ever entertain any visitors? None, whatever. We have no acquaintances and live very quietly. Do you mean to say that your aunt never sees anyone but yourself and casual callers such as tradespeople?

Starting point is 01:10:02 So far as I know, that is absolutely the case. Very curious, commented Steingall. Does your aunt go out much? She leaves the house occasionally, after I have gone to bed at ten o'clock, but that is seldom, and I have no idea where she goes. Every weekday, you know, I am away from home, between seven in the morning and half-past six at night, excepting Saturday afternoons.

Starting point is 01:10:29 If possible, I take a long walk before going to work. Do you go straight home? Winifred remembered Mr. Frowell's query and smiled again. Yes, she said. Now last night, for instance, was your aunt at home when you reached the house? No, she was out. She did not come in until half-past nine. Did she go out again last night?

Starting point is 01:10:54 I do not know. I was tired. I went to bed rather early. Steingall bent over his notes. For the first time since Winifred appeared, his lips were pursed, and he seemed to be weighing certain facts gravely. I think, he said at last, that I need not detain you any longer, Miss Bartlett. By the way, I'll give you a note to your employers to say that you will, are in no way connected with the crime we have under investigation. It may perhaps save you needless annoyance. Thank you, sir, said the girl. But won't you tell me why you have asked me so many questions about my aunt and her ways? Steingall looked at her thoughtfully before he answered.

Starting point is 01:11:42 In the first place, Miss Bartlett, tell me this. I assume Miss Craig is your mother's sister. When did your mother die? Winifred blushed with almost childish discomfiture. It may seem very stupid to say such a thing, she admitted, but I have never known either a father or a mother. My aunt has always refused to discuss our family affairs in any way whatever. I fear her view is that I am somewhat lucky to be alive at all. Few people would be found to agree with her, said the chief gallantly. Now I want you to be brave. A very extraordinary crime has been committed, and the police occasionally find clues in the most unexpected quarters. I regret to tell you that Miss Greke is believed to be in some way

Starting point is 01:12:34 connected with the mysterious disappearance, if not the death of Mr. Ronald Tower, and she is being held for further inquiries. Winiford's face blanched. Do you mean that she'll be kept in prison, she said with a break in her voice. She must be detained for a while, but you need not be so alarmed. Her connection with this outrage may be as harmless as your own, though I can inform you that, without your knowledge, your house last night certainly sheltered two men under grave suspicion

Starting point is 01:13:10 and for whom we are now searching. Two men? In our house, cried the amazed girl. yes i tell you this to show you the necessity there is for calmness and reticence on your part don't speak to anyone concerning your visit here above all else don't be afraid have you any one with whom you can go to live until miss crick is he corrected himself until matters are cleared up a bit no wailed winnifred her pent-up feelings breaking through all restraint I'm quite alone in the world now. Come, come, cheer up, said Steingall, rising and patting her on the shoulder. This disagreeable business may only last a day or two. If you are in any trouble, let me know.

Starting point is 01:14:05 Moreover, to save you from being afraid of remaining alone in the house at night, I'll give special instructions to the police in your precinct to watch the place closely. Now make the best of it. The house in 112th Street would, of course, be an object of special interest to the police for other reasons, apart from those suggested by the chief. Nevertheless, his kindness had the desired effect, and Winifred strove to repress her tears. Here's your note, he said, and I advise you to forget this temporary trouble in your work. Mr. Clancy will accompany you in the car, if you wish. Please, I would rather be alone, she faltered.

Starting point is 01:14:53 She was far from Mulberry Street before she remembered that she had said nothing about seeing the boat that morning. End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Persecutors During the brief run of town, Winifred managed to dry her tears. yet the mystery and terror of the circumstances into which she was so suddenly plunged seemed to become more distressful the longer she puzzled over them. She could not find any outlet from a labyrinth of doubt and uncertainty.

Starting point is 01:15:43 She strove again to read the printed account of the crime in order to rest from them some explanation of the extraordinary charge brought against her aunt. but the words danced before her eyes. At last, with an effort, she threw the paper away and bravely resolved to Farrow Steingall's parting advice. When she reached the warehouse, she was naturally the object of much covert observation. Neither Miss Tsug nor Mr. Fowell spoke to her, but Winifred thought she saw a malicious smile on the four-woman's face,

Starting point is 01:16:23 The hours passed wearily until six o'clock. She was about to quit the building with her companions, many of whom meant bombarding her with questions at the first opportunity when she was again requested to report at the office. A clerk handed her one of the firm's pay envelopes. What's coming to you up to date? He blurted out and a week's salary instead of notice. She was dismissed.

Starting point is 01:16:53 Some girls might have collapsed under this final blow, but not so Winifred Bartlett. Knowing it was useless to say anything to the clerk, she spiritedly demanded an interview with the manager. This was refused. She insisted and sent Stingall's letter to the Inner Sanctum, having concluded that the dismissal was in some way due to her visit to the Detective Bureau. The clerk came back with the note and a message, The firm desire me to tell you, he said, that they quite accept your explanation,

Starting point is 01:17:33 but they have no further need of your services. Explanation, how could a humble employee explain away the unsavory fact that the smug respectability of Brown's son and Brown had been outraged by the name of the firm appearing in the evening papers, as connected even in the remotest way, with the sensational crime now engaging the attention of all New York. Winifred walked into the street, something in her face mourned even the most inquisitive of her fellow workers to leave her alone. Besides, the poor always evinced a lively sympathy with others in misfortune. These working-class girls were consumed with curiosity, yet

Starting point is 01:18:21 they respected Winifred's feelings and did not seek to intrude on her very apparent misery by inquiry or sympathetic condolence. A few among them watched and even followed her a little way as she turned the corner into 14th Street. She goes home by the 3rd Avenue L, said Carlotta. Sometimes I've walked with her that far.

Starting point is 01:18:47 Hello, why, foul, going east in a taxi. He lives on West 17th. I bet you're a dime he's after Winnie. What do you mean after her? cried another girl. Why didn't you hear how he spoke up for her this morning? When old mother Sugg handed her the lemon about being late. But he got her fired.

Starting point is 01:19:09 Go on. He did, I tell you. I heard him phone in a newspaper. He made him wise about Winnie's being pinched and then took the paper to the boss. was below with a pack-and-check when he went in. So I saw that in my own eyes, and that's just as far as I'd trust Fowell. The cynic's shrewd surmise was strictly accurate. Fowell had, indeed, secured Winifred's dismissal. Her beauty and disdain had stirred his lewd impulses to their

Starting point is 01:19:42 depths. His plan now was to intercept her before she reached her home, and pose as the friend in need who is the most welcome of all friends. Knowing nothing whatsoever of her domestic surroundings, he deemed it advisable to make inquiries on the spot. His crafty and vulpine nature warned him against running his head into a noose, since Winifred might own a strong-armed father or brother, but no one could possibly present a well-met effort at assistance.

Starting point is 01:20:18 The mere sight of her graceful figure, as she hurried along with pale face and downcast eyes, inflamed him anew when his taxis sped by. She could not avoid him now. He would go uptown by an earlier train and await her at the corner of 112th Street. But the warriest fox is apt to find his paw in a trap, and Fowell, though Foxy, was by no means so astute as he imagined himself. Once again that day, fate was preparing a surprise for Winifred, and not the least dramatic feature thereof,

Starting point is 01:21:02 connoted the utter frustration and undoing of Fowl. About the time that Winiford caught her train, it befell that Rex Karshaugh, gentlemen of leisure, the most industrious idler, whoever extracted dividends from a business he cared little about, drove a high-powered car across the Harlem River by the Willis Avenue Bridge, and entered that part of Manhattan, which lies opposite Randall's Island. This was a new world to the eyes of the young millionaire, nor was it much to his liking. The mixed citizenry of New York must live,

Starting point is 01:21:44 somewhere, but Karshaw saw no reason why he and his dainty car should loiter in a district which seemed highly popular with all sorts of undesirable folks. So, after skirting Thomas Jefferson Park, he turned west, meaning to reach the better roadway and more open stretches of Fifth Avenue. A too hasty express wagon, however, heedless of the convenience of wealthy automobilists, bore down on Karsha like a juggernaut car, and straightway smashed the differential besides inflicting other grievous injuries on a complex mechanism.

Starting point is 01:22:27 A policeman, the proprietor of a neighboring garage, and a greatly interested crowd, provided an imprompt jury for the dispute between Karsha and the expressman. the latter put up a poor case it consisted almost entirely of the bitter and oft-repeated plaint what was a car like that doing here anyhow the question sounded foolish it was nothing of the kind only the goodness of wisdom could have answered it and she being invisible was necessarily dumb at last when the damaged car was housed for the night car Karsha set out to walk a couple of blocks to the elevated railway, his main objective being dinner with his mother in their apartment on Madison Avenue.

Starting point is 01:23:20 He found himself in a comparatively quiet street, wherein blocks of modern flats alternated with the dingy middle-class houses of a bygone generation. He halted to light a cigarette, and at that moment, A girl of remarkable beauty passed, walking quickly, yet without apparent effort. She was pallid and agitated, and her eyes were swimming with ill-repressed tears. As a matter of fact, Winifred nearly broke down at sight of her empty abode. It was a cheerless place at best, and now the thought of being left there alone had induced a sense of feminine helplessness, which overcame her,

Starting point is 01:24:07 Carterly. Carshaw was distinctly impressed. In the first place, he was young and good-looking, and human enough to try and steal a second glance at such a lovely face, though the steadily decreasing light was not altogether favorable. Secondly, he thought he had never seen any girl who carried herself with such rhythmic grace. Thirdly, here was a woman in distress, and, to one of Karsha's temperament and upbringing, that in itself formed a convincing reason why he should wish to help her. He racked his brain for a fitting excuse to offer his services. He could find none.

Starting point is 01:24:51 Above all else, Rex Karsha was a gentleman. Of course, he could not tell that the way was being made smooth for knight-errantry by a certain dragon named Fowl. he did not even quicken his pace, and was musing on the curious incongruity of the maid in distress, with the rather squalid district in which she had her being, when he saw a man bar her path. This was fowl, who, with lifted hat, was saying, deferentially, Miss Bartlett, may I have a word. Winifred stopped, as though she had run into an unseen obstruction,

Starting point is 01:25:34 She even recoiled a step or two. What do you want, she said, and there was a quality of scorn, perhaps of fear in her voice, that sent Karsha, now five yards away, into the open doorway of a block of flaps. He was an impulsive young man. He liked the girl's face, and quite as fixedly disliked fowls. So he adopted the now-world famous policy of watchful waiting. being not devoid of a dim belief that the situation might evolve an overt act. I want to tell you how sorry I am for what happened today, said Fowl, trying to speak

Starting point is 01:26:18 sympathetically, but not troubling to veil the bold admiration of his stare. I tried hard to stop unpleasantness, and even risked a row with the boss, but it was no use why I couldn't do a thing. But "'Why aren't you here?' demanded Winifred, and those sorrow-laden eyes of hers "'might have won pity from any but one of Fowell's order. "'To help, of course,' came the ready assurance. "'I can get you a far better job than stitch in octavos at Browns. "'You're not meaning to stay home with your folks, I suppose.'

Starting point is 01:26:58 "'That is kind of you,' said Winifred. "'I may have to depend altogether on my own effort.' so I shall need to work. I'll write to you for a reference and perhaps for advice. She had unwittingly told Fowl just what he was eager to know, that she was friendless and alone. He prided himself on understanding the ways of women, and lost no more time in coming to the point. Listen now, Winnie, he said, drawing mirror. I'd like to see you through this worry. Forget it. You can never. You can. draw down twice or three times the money as a model in Goldberg's store. I know Goldberg and

Starting point is 01:27:41 can fix things, and say, why, mope at home evenings? I often get orders for two for the theaters and vaudeville shows. What about coming along downtown tonight? Bit of dinner and a cabaret to cheer you up after today's unpleasantness. Winifred grew scarlet with vexation. The man had always been a repulsive person in her eyes, and unversed though she was in the world's wiles, she knew instinctively that his present pretensions were merely a cloak for rascality. One should be fair to Winifred, too, like every other girl, she had pictured the Prince Charming, who would come into her life some day, but foul? Her gorge rose. How dare you follow me here and say such vile things?

Starting point is 01:28:33 She cried, hysterically. What's up now? said Fowl in mock surprise. What have I said that you should fly off the trolley in that way? I take it that this young lady is telling you to quit, broke in another voice. Go now, go while the going is good. Quietly, but firmly, elbowing foul aside, Rex Karsha raised his hat and spoke to Winiford.

Starting point is 01:29:01 If this fellow is annoying, he can soon be dealt with. He said, Do you live near? If so, he can stop right here. I'll occupy his mind till you're out of sight. The discomfited masher was snarling like a vicious cur. The first swift glance that measured the intruders' proportions did not warrant any display of active resentment on his part. Out of the tail of his eye, however,

Starting point is 01:29:29 he noticed a policeman approaching on the opposite side of the street. the sight lent a confidence which might have been lacking otherwise why are you button in he cried furiously this young lady is a friend of mine i'm trying to pull her out of a difficulty but she's got me all wrong anyhow what business is it of yours fowl's anger was wasted since karsha seemed not to hear indeed why should a chivalrous young man pay heed to fowl when he could gaze into winnifred's limpid eyes and listen to her tuneful voice i am very greatly obliged to you she was saying but i hope mr fowl understands now that i do not desire his company and will not seek to force it on me sure he understands don't You foul, and Karsha, gave the disappointed war a look of such manifest purpose that something had to happen quickly. Something did happen. Fowl knew the game was up and behaved after the manner of his kind. You're a cute little thing, Winifred Bartlett, he sneered, with a malicious glance from the girl to Karshaugh, while a coarse guffaw imparted venom to his utterance.

Starting point is 01:30:51 think you're taking an easier road to the white lights, I guess. A guess again, Fowl, said Karsha. He spoke so quietly that Fowl was misled because the pavement rose and struck him violently on the back of his head. At least that was his first impression. The second, and more lasting one, was even more disagreeable. When he sat up and fumbled to recover his hat, he was compelled to apply a handkerchief to his nose, which seemed to have been reduced to a pulp.

Starting point is 01:31:27 Too bad you should be mixed up in this disturbance. Karsha was assuring Winifred, but a pup of the fowl species can be taught manners in only one way. Now, suppose you hurry home. The advice was well meant, and Winifred acted on it at once. Fowle had scrambled to his feet, and the policeman was running up. From east and west, a crowd came on the scene, like a well-trained stage chorus rushing in from the wings. Now then, what's the trouble? demanded the law with gruff insistency. Nothing. A friend of mine met with a slight accident. That's all, said Kosh.

Starting point is 01:32:10 It's all right, agreed Fowl, thickly. Some glimmer of reason. warned him that an expose in the newspapers would cost him his job with Brown's son and Brown. The policeman eyed the damaged nose. He grinned. If you care to take a wallop like that as a friendly tap, it's your affair, not mine, he said. Anyhow, beat it, both of you. Carshaw was not interested in foul for the policeman. He had been vouchsafed one expressive look by Winifred, as she could. hurried away, and he watched the slim figure darting up half a dozen steps to a small brownstone house, and opening the door with a latchkey. Oddly enough, the policeman's attention

Starting point is 01:32:59 was drawn by the girl's movements, his air changed instantly. Hello, he said, evidently picking on foul, as the doubtful one of these two, this must be inquired into, what's your name? and no matter, I make no charge. Fowl was turning away, but the policeman grabbed him. You come with me to the station house, he said determinedly, and you too, he added, jerking his head at Carshop. Have you gone crazy with the heat, inquired Carshop? I hold you for fighting in the public street,

Starting point is 01:33:36 and that's all there is to it, was the firm reply? You can come quietly, or he cuffed, just as you like. Clear off the rest of you. An awe-stricken mob backed hastily. Fowl was two days even to protest, and Karsha sensed some hidden, but definite motive behind the policeman's strange alteration of mood. He looked again at the Brownstone House,

Starting point is 01:34:02 but night was closing in so rapidly that he could not distinguish a face at any of the windows. Let us get there quickly. I'll be late for dinner, he said. and the three returned by the way Karsha had come. Thus it was that Rex Karsha, eligible young society bachelor, was drawn into the ever-widening vortex of the yacht mystery.

Starting point is 01:34:29 He did not recognize it yet, that was destined soon to feel the force of its swirling currents. Gazing from a window of the otherwise deserted house, Winifred saw both her assailant and her protector marched off by the policeman. It was patent, even to her be numbed wits, that they had been arrested. The tailing in of the mob behind the trio

Starting point is 01:34:55 told her so much. She was too stunned to do other than sink into a chair. For a while, she feared she was going to faint. With lacklustre eyes, she peered into a gulf of loneliness and despair. Then outraged nature came to her aid, and she burst into a storm of tears. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy.

Starting point is 01:35:32 This livery-box recording is in the public domain. Brother Ralph Clancy forced Senator Michael John's hand early in the fray. He was at the Senator's flat within an hour of the time Ronald Tower was dragged into the Hudson, but a smooth-spoken English man-servant assured the detective that his master was out and not expected home

Starting point is 01:35:59 until two or three in the morning. This arrangement obviously referred to the Vanhofen festivity, so Clancy contented himself with asking the ballot to give the center a card on which he scribbled a telephone number and words, please bring up when you get this. Now, he knew, and Senator Michael John knew, the theatre at which Mrs. Tower was enjoying herself.

Starting point is 01:36:29 He did not imagine for an instant that the senator was discharging the mournful duty of announcing to his friend's wife the lamentable fate which had overtaken her husband, merely as a perfunctory duty, he went to his friend's wife, he went to the theater and sought the manager. You know Mrs. Ronald Tower, he said. Sure I do, said the official. She's inside now.

Starting point is 01:36:55 Came here with Bobby Forrest. Anybody called for her recently? I think not, but I'll soon find out. No. Mrs. Tower's appreciation of Belasco's genius had not been disturbed that evening. Anything wrong? inquired the manager. Clancy's answer was ready. If Senator Michael John comes here within half an hour,

Starting point is 01:37:24 see that the lady is told at once, he said. If he doesn't show up in that time, send for Mr. Forrest, tell him that Mr. Tower has met with an accident, and leave him to look after the lady. Wow, is it serious? Why wait? The slight delay won't matter, and the senator can handle the situation better than Forrest. Clancy gave some telephonic instruction to the man on night duty at headquarters. He even dictated a paragraph for the press. Then he went straight to bed, for the hardiest detectives must sleep, and he had a full day's work before him when next the sun rose over New York.

Starting point is 01:38:13 He summed up Michael John's action correctly. The senator did not communicate with Mulberry Street during the night, so Clancy was an early visitor at his apartment. The senator is ill and can see no one, said the ballot. No matter how ill he may be, he must see me, retorted Clancy. But he mustn't be disturbed. I have my orders. Take a fresh. set. He's going to be disturbed right now by you or me. Choose quick.

Starting point is 01:38:50 The law prevailed. A few minutes later, Senator Michael John entered the library sitting room, where the little detective awaited him. He looked wretchedly ill, but his sufferings were mental, not physical. Examined critically now, in the cold light of day, he was a very different man from the spruce, dandified politician and financier, who figured so prominently among Van Hoffen's guests the previous evening, yet Clancy saw at a glance that the senator was armed at all points. Diplomacy would be useless. The situation demanded a bludgeon.

Starting point is 01:39:33 He began the attack at once. Oh, why didn't you ring up Mulberry Street last night, Senator, he said. I was too upset. My nerves were all in. You told the patrolman at 86th Street that you were hurrying away to break the news to Mrs. Tower, yet you did not go near her. Michael John affected to consult Clancy's guard to ascertain the detective's name. Perhaps I had better get in touch with the Bureau now, he said, and a flush of anger darkened his haggard face. No need. The Bureau is right here. Let us get down to brass tax, Senator.

Starting point is 01:40:21 A woman named Rachel met you outside the 400 Club at 8 o'clock as you were coming out. You had just spoken to Mrs. Tower when this woman told you that you must meet you. two men, who would await you at the 86th landing stage at nine. You were to bring $500. At nine o'clock, these same men killed Mr. Tower, and you yourself admitted to me that they mistook him for you. Now, will you be good enough to fill in the blanks? Who is Rachel? Where does she live? Who were the two men? Why should you give them $500? apparently as blackmail. Clancy was exceedingly disappointed by the result of this thunderbolt.

Starting point is 01:41:13 An ordinary man would have shriveled under its crushing impact, if the police knew so much that might reasonably be regarded as secret, of what a veil was further concealment. Yet, Senator Michael John bore up wonderfully. He showed surprise, as, well, he might, but was by no means pulverized. All this is rather marvelous, he said slowly, after a long pause. He had avoided Clancy's gaze after the first few words

Starting point is 01:41:46 and sank into an armchair with an air of weariness that was not assumed. Simple enough, commented the detective readily. Above all else, he wanted Michael John to talk. I was on duty outside the club and heard almost every word that passed between you and Rachel. Well, well! The senator arose and pressed an electric bell. If you don't mind, he explained suably,

Starting point is 01:42:21 I'll order some coffee and rolls. Will you join me? This was the parry of a skilled duelist to divert an attack. and gain breathing time. Clancy rather admired such adroitness. Sorry, I can't on principle, he countered. How on principle? You see, Senator, I may have to arrest you, and I never eat with any man, with whom I may clash professionally. You take risks, Mr. Clancy. I love them. I'd cut my job today, if it wasn't for the occasion.

Starting point is 01:43:01 excitement. The ballot appeared. Coffee and rolls for two, Phillips, said Michael John. He turned to Clancy. Perhaps you would prefer toast and an egg. I have breakfasted already, Senator, smiled the detective, but I may dally with the coffee. When the door was closed on Phillips, his master glanced at a clock on the mantelpiece. The hour was eight, Some days elapsed before Clancy interpreted that incident correctly. You rose early, said the senator. Yes, but worms are coy this morning. A meaning that you still await answers to your questions.

Starting point is 01:43:51 I'll deal with you fully and frankly, but I'm curious to know on what conceivable ground you could arrest me for the murder of my friend Ronald. tower. As an accessory before the act. But consider, you have brains, Mr. Clancy. I am glad the Bureau sent such a man. How can a bit of unthinking generosity on my part

Starting point is 01:44:17 be construed as participation in a crime? If you explain matters, Senator, the absurdity of the notion may become clear. Ah, that's better. Let me assure you that my coffee will not affect your fine sensibilities. Miss Rachel Craig is a lady I have known nearly all my life. I have assisted her within my means. She resides in East 112th Street,

Starting point is 01:44:49 and the man about whom she was so concerned last night is her brother. He committed some technical offence years ago, and has always been a near-do-well. to please his sister and for no other reason i undertook to provide him with five hundred dollars and thus enabled him to start life anew i have never met the man i would not recognize him if i saw him i believe he is a desperate character his maniacal behaviour last night seems to leave no room for doubt in that respect don't you see mr clancy that it was i and not poor Tower, whom he meant attacking. But for idle chance, it is my corpse, not towers, that would now be floating in the Hudson. You heard what Tower said, I did not. I assume, however, that some allusion was made to the money, which, by the way, is still in my pocketbook,

Starting point is 01:45:55 and Tower scoffed at the notion that he had come there to hand over $500. There you have the whole story insofar as I can tell it. For the present, Senator. How? It should yield many more chapters. Is that all you're going to say? For instance, did you call on Rachel Craig after leaving 86th Street? Michael John's jaws closed like a steel trap.

Starting point is 01:46:29 He almost lost his temper. No, he said, seemingly conquering the desire to blaze into anger at this gadfly of a detective. Sure? I said no. That is not, yes. I was so overcome by Tower's miserable fate that I dismissed my car and walked home. I could not face anyone, least of all, Helen, Mrs. Tower. Or the Bureau?

Starting point is 01:47:02 Mr. Clancy, you annoy me. Clancy stood up. I must duck your coffee, Senator, he said cheerfully. Is Miss Crake on the phone? No, she is poor and lives alone, or to be correct with a niece, I believe. well think matters over i'll see you again soon then you may be able to tell me more i have told you everything perhaps i may do the telling now as to this poor woman miss crake you will not adopt harsh measures i trust we are never harsh senator if she speaks the truth and all the truth she need not fear in the hall glancy met the valet carrying a laden tray do you make good coffee phillips he inquired i try to smiled the other ah that's modest that's the way real genius speaks

Starting point is 01:48:10 sorry i can't sample your brew to-day so few englishmen know the first thing about coffee nice friendly little chap was philip's opinion of the detective Senator Michael John's description of the same person was widely different. When Clancy went out, he too rose and stretched his stiff limbs. I got rid of that little rat more easily than I expected, he mused. That is to say, the senator's thoughts may be estimated in some such phrase, but he was grievously mistaken in his belief. Clancy was no rat, but a most stubborn terrier when there were rats around. While Michael John was drinking his coffee, the telephone rang.

Starting point is 01:49:05 It was Mrs. Tower. She was heartbroken, or professed to be, since no more selfish woman existed in New York. Are you coming to see me? She wailed. Yes, yes, later in the day. At present I dare not. I am too unhinged. Oh, Helen, what a tragedy. Have you any news? News, my God. What news can I hope for,

Starting point is 01:49:36 except that Ronald's poor maimed body has been found? Helen, this is terrible. Bear up. I'm doing my best. I can hardly believe that this thing has really happened. Help me in one small, way, Senator, telephone Mr. Jacob, and explain why our luncheon is postponed. Yes, I'll do that.

Starting point is 01:50:02 Michael John smiled grimly as he hung up the receiver. In the midst of her tribulations, Helen Tower had not forgotten Jacob and the little business of the Costa Rica cotton concession. The luncheon was only postponed. An inquiry came from a newspaper, whereupon he gave a curt border that no more calls were to be made that day, as the apartment would be empty. He dressed and devoted himself forthwith to the task of overhauling papers. He had a fire kindled in the library. Hour after hour he worked, until the grate was littered with the ashes of destroyed,

Starting point is 01:50:49 documents. Sending for newspapers, he read of Rachel Craig's arrest. At last, when the light waned, he looked at his watch. Should he not face his fellow members at the 400 Club? Would it not betray weakness to shirk the ordeal of inquiry, of friendly scrutiny, and have spoken wonder that he, the irreproachable, should be mixed up in such a weird tragedy? once he sought support from a decanter of brandy confound it he muttered why am i so shaky i didn't murder tower my whole life may be ruined by one false step he was pondering irresolutely a visit to the club when phillips came the valet seemed flurried there's a gentleman outside sir who insisting on seeing you, he said nervously. He's a very violent, gentlemen, sir.

Starting point is 01:51:56 He said, if I didn't announce him, he... What name? Interrupted Michael John. Name of Vols, sir. Voles? Yes, sir, but he says you'll recognize him better by the initials, R-V-V. Men of Michael John's physique, big, fleshy, with the stamp of success on them, are rare subjects for nervous attacks. They seem to defy events which will shock the color out of ordinary men's cheeks.

Starting point is 01:52:31 Yet Michael John felt that if he dared encounter the eyes of his discreet servant, he would do something outrageous, shriek, or jump, or tear his hair. He bent over some papers on the table. "'Send Mr. Vold in,' he murmured. "'If any other person calls, say I'm engaged.' "'The man who was ushered into the room "'was of a stature and demeanour, "'which might well have cowed the valet.

Starting point is 01:53:03 "'Tal, strongly built, "'altogether fitter and more muscular "'than the stalwart senator. "'He carried with him an impression of truculence, "'of a savage forcefulness, not often clothed in the staid garments of city life. Were his skin bronze, were he decked in the barbaric trappings of a ponny chief,

Starting point is 01:53:29 his appearance would be more in accord with the chill and repellent significance of his personality. His square hard features might have been chiseled out of granite, A pair of singularly dark eyes blazed beneath heavy and prominent eyebrows. A high forehead, a massive chin, and a well-shaped nose lent a certain intellectuality to the face, but this attribute was negated by the coarse lines of a brutal mouth. From any point of view, the visitor must invite attention, while compelling this, dislike, even fear. In a smaller frame, such qualities might escape recognition, but this man's

Starting point is 01:54:21 giant physique accentuated the evil aspect of eyes and mouth. Hardly waiting till the door was closed, he laughed sarcastically. "'You are well fixed here, brother o' mine,' he said. The man whom he addressed as brother leaned with his head. on the table that separated them. His face was quite ghastly. All his self-control seemed to have deserted him. You, he gasped, to come here, are you mad? Need you ask? It will not be the first time you have called me a lunatic, nor will it be the last, I reckon. But the risk, the infernal risk, the police know of you. Rachel is arrested. A detective was here a few hours ago.

Starting point is 01:55:18 They are probably watching outside. Bosch was the uncompromising answer. I'm sick of being hunted. Just for a change, I turn hunter. Where's the Mazuma, you promised Rachel? Michael John, using a hand, like one in a palsy, produced a pocketbook and took from it a bundle of notes. here he quavered now for heaven's sake just the same old william cried the stranger seating himself unceremoniously always ready to do a steal but terrified lest the law should grab him

Starting point is 01:56:00 no i'm not going to it will be a good nerve tonic for you to sit down and talk while you strain your ears to hear the tramp of half a dozen cops in the hall. What a poor fish you are, he continued voice and manner, revealing a candid contempt, as Michael John did indeed start at the slamming of a door somewhere in the building. Do you think I'd risk my neck if I were likely to be pinched? Gad, I know my way around too well for that. But you didn't understand, whispered the other in mortal. terror. By some means, the Detective Bureau may know of your existence. Rachel promised to be closed-lipped, but, oh, take a bracer out of that decanter.

Starting point is 01:56:56 At the present moment, I am registered in a big Fifth Avenue hotel, a swell joint, which they wouldn't suspect in 20 years. How can that be? Rachel said, you were in desperate need. So I was, until I went through the idiot's pockets. He had $200 in bills and chicken feed. I knew I'd get another wand from you tonight. Why did you want to murder me, Ralph? Murder? Oh, shucks.

Starting point is 01:57:33 I didn't want to kill anybody, but I don't trust you, William. I'm always expecting you to double-cross me. Last night it was a lasso. Tonight it is this, and he suddenly whipped out a revolver. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Still mere mystery.

Starting point is 01:58:13 Michael John pushed his chair back so quickly, that it caught the fender and brought down some fire-irons with a crash. More nerves croaked his grim-visaged relative, but the revolver disappeared. Tell me, said the tortured Michael John, why have you returned to New York? Above all, why did you straightway commit a crime that cannot fail to stir the whole country? That's better you are showing some sort of brotherly interest. I came back because I was sick of mining camps and boundless sierras.

Starting point is 01:58:55 I had a hankering after the old life, the theatres, dinners, race meetings, wine, and women. As to the crime, I thought that fool was you. He called for the cops. For the police, why? Because my line of talk was a trifle too rough, I suppose. Did he know you were there to meet me? Can't say. The whole thing was over like a flash.

Starting point is 01:59:27 I am quick on the trigger. But if you had killed me, what other goose would lay golden eggs? You forget that the goose was unwilling to lay any more eggs. I only meant scaring. you, to haul you neck and crop into the river, was a good scheme. You see, we haven't met for some years. Then why, why murder Ronald Tower? There you go again. Murder, how you too, on the word. I never touched the man, only to haul him into the boat and go through his pockets. I guess he had a weak heart due to overeating, and the cold water upset him. But you left him in the river?

Starting point is 02:00:17 Wrong every time. I chucked him into a barge and covered him tenderly with a tarpaulin. Michael John sprang upright. Good God, he cried, he may be alive. Sit down, William, sit down, was the cool response. If he's alive, he'll turn. up. In any case, he'll be found sooner or later. Shout the glad news now, and you go straight to the tombs. This was obviously so true that the senator collapsed into his chair again, and in so doing disturbed the fire irons a second time. The incident amused the unbidden guest. I see you won't be happy till I leave you, he laughed. So let's go on with the knitting. That girl, she is becoming a woman, what is to be done with her?

Starting point is 02:01:17 Rachel takes every care. Rachel is excellent in her way, but she's growing old. She may die. The girl is the living image of her mother. It's a queer world and a small one at times. For instance, who would have expected your double to walk onto the terrace at the landing stage at 9 o'clock precisely last night? Well, someone may recognize the likeness. Inquiries might be instituted. That would be very awkward for you. Far more awkward for you. Not a bit of it. I've lived with my neck in the loop for 18 years. I'm getting used to it. But you, William, with your senatorship and high record in Wall Street, really the downfall would be terrible. What can we do with her? Murder her, as you—the devil take you and your parrot-like repetition of one word, roared brother Ralph, bringing his clenched fist down on the table with a bang. I never laid violent hands on a woman yet.

Starting point is 02:02:32 whatever I may have done to men. Who has reached the reward of my misdeeds I'd like to know? I, an outcast and a wanderer, or you, living here like Lord Tom Nottie? None of your preaching to me, you smug Pharisee. We're six of one and half-dozen of the other. When this self-proclaimed adventurer was really aroused, he dropped the rough argo of the plains. His diction showed even some measure of culture. Michael John walked unsteadily to the door. He opened it. There was no one in the passage without.

Starting point is 02:03:16 I'm sorry, he said in a strangely subdued voice, What do you want? What do you suggest? This came the instant reply. It was a piece. of folly on Rachel's part to educate the girl the way she did. You stopped the process too late. In a year or two, Miss Winifred will begin to think and ask questions, if she hasn't done so already. She must leave the East. Better quit America altogether. Very well. When this affair of towers blows over, I'll arrange it. The other man seemed to to be somewhat mollified, he lighted a cigarette. That rope play was sure a mad trick,

Starting point is 02:04:07 he conceded sullenly, but I thought you were putting the cops on my trail. A bell rang, and the senator started. Many callers, mostly reporters, had been turned away by Phillips already that day, but Brother Ralph's untimely visit had made the position peculiarly dangerous. Moreover, the valet's protests had proved unavailing this time. The two heard his approaching footsteps. Michael John's careworn face turned almost green with fright, and even his heartier companion yielded to a sense of peril. He leaped up, moving cat-like on his toes.

Starting point is 02:04:55 Where does that door lead to? He hissed, pointing. A bedroom. but I've given orders. You do-faced dub, don't you see you create suspicion by refusing to meet people? And listen, if this is a cop, bluff hard. I'll shoot up the whole bureau before they get me. He vanished, moving with a silence and celerity that were almost uncanny,

Starting point is 02:05:22 in so huge a man. Phillips knocked and thrust his head in. He looked scared, yet. profoundly relieved. Mr. Tower to see you, sir, he said breathlessly. What? shrieked the senator in a shrill falsetto. Yes, sir, it's Mr. Tower himself, sir. Hello, Bill, came a familiar voice. Here I am. No spook yet, thank goodness. Michael John literally staggered to the door and nearly fell into Ronald Tower's arms. the two men, Senator seemed nearer death at that moment. He blubbered something incoherent and had to be

Starting point is 02:06:08 assisted to a chair. Even Tower was astonished at the evident depth of his friend's emotion. Cheer up, old sport, he cried affectionately. I had no notion you felt so badly about my untimely end, as the newspapers call it. I tried to get you on the phone, but you were closed down, the exchange said. So Helen packed me off here when she was able to sit up and take nourishment. Gad, even my wife seems to have missed me. Many minutes elapsed before Senator Michael John's benumbing brain could assimilate the facts of a truly extraordinary story. Tower, after being whisked so unceremoniously into the Hudson, remembered nothing further until he opened his eyes in numb semi-consciousness in the cubbyhole of a tug plodding through the long Atlantic rollers

Starting point is 02:07:06 off the New Jersey coast. When able to talk, he learned that the captain of the tug, Signet, having received orders to tow three loaded barges from a wehawk and pier to Barngate City, picked up his job at 9.30 the previous night, and dropped down the river with the tide. In the early morning he was amazed by the sight of a man crawling from under the heavy tarpaulin that cheated one of the barges, a man so dazed and weak that he nearly fell into the sea. Cap Rickards slowed up and took me aboard, explained Tower, volubly. Then he filled me with rock and rye and packed me in blankets. Gee, how they smelt! But how grateful they were!

Starting point is 02:07:59 What between prime old whiskey inside and greasy wool outside, I dodged a probable attack of pneumonia. When the signet tied up at Barngate at noon today, I was fit as a fiddle. Cap Rickards rigged me out in his shore-going suit and lent me $20, as that pair of blackards in the launch had robbed me of every cent. They even took a crooked sixpence I found in London 20 years ago, darnum. I phoned Helen, of course, but didn't realize what a hubbub my sad fate had created until I read a newspaper in the train. When I reached home, poor Helen was so out of gear that she hadn't told a soul about my escape. I do believe she hardly accepted my own assurance that I was still on the map.

Starting point is 02:08:53 However, when I got her calmed down a bit, she remembered you and the rest of the excitement, so I phoned the detective bureau and the club, and came straight here. That is very good of you, Tower, murmured Michael John, brokenly. He looked in far worse plight than the man who had survived such a desperate adventure. Well, my dear chap, I was naturally anxious to see you because, but perhaps you don't know that those scoundrels meant to attack you, not me. Michael John smiled wanly. Oh, yes, he said.

Starting point is 02:09:35 The police found that out by some means. I believe the authorities actually suspected me of being concerned in the affair. Tower laughed boisterously. That's the limit, he roared. Come with me to the club. We'll soon spoil that yarn. What a fuss that. papers made. I'm quite a celebrity. I'll follow you in half an hour. And look here, Tower,

Starting point is 02:10:03 this matter did really affect me. There was a woman in the case. I butted into an old feud, merely as a friend. I think matters will now be settled amicably. Allow me to make good your loss in every way. If you can persuade the police that the whole thing was a hoax, before the first time Tower looked nonplussed. He was enjoying the notoriety thrust on him so unexpectedly. "'Well, I can hardly do that,' he said. "'But if I can get them to drop further inquiries, I'll do it, Michael John, for your sake.' "'Gee, come to look at you. You must have had a bad time.'

Starting point is 02:10:47 "'Well, good-bye, old top. See you later. Suppose we dine together. That will help dissipate this queerer. story as to you being mixed up in the attack on me. Now I must be off and play ghost in the club's smoking room. Michael John heard his fluttering man-servant let Tower out. He tottered to a chair, and Ralph Voles came in noiselessly. Well, what about it? Chuckled the reprobate.

Starting point is 02:11:19 We seem to have struck it lucky. Go away, snarled the sense. senator goaded to a sudden rage by the other man's cynical humor. I can stand no more today. Oh, take a pull at this, and the decanter was pushed across the table. Didn't Dr. Johnson once say that claret is the liquor for boys, port for men, but he who aspires to be a hero should drink brandy? And you must be a hero tonight.

Starting point is 02:11:52 Get into the bureau and use the same. soft pedal, then beat it to the club. You and Tower ought to be well-soused in an hour. He's a good sport, all right. I'll mail him that sixpence if it's still in my pants. Do nothing of the sort, snapped Michael John. You're a-cut it out. Tower wants plenty to talk about. His crooked sixpence will fill many an eye, and the more he spills, the better it is for you. Gee, but you're yellow for a 200-pounder. Now listen, make those cops drop all charges against Rachel. Then, in a week or less, I'll come along and fix things about the girl.

Starting point is 02:12:38 She's the fly in the amber now. Mind she doesn't get out, or the howl about Mr. Ronald Tower's trip to Barngate won't amount to a row of beans against the troubled pretty Winifred can give you. "'Dios, it's a pity. "'She's a real beauty, "'and that's more than anyone can say for you, brother, William. "'You go to—' "'That's better.

Starting point is 02:13:05 "'You're reviving. "'Well, good-bye, Senator. "'Orovo, sans adieu.' "'The big man swaggered out. "'Michael John drank no spirits. "'He needed a clear brain that evening. "'After deep self-commuting, He rang up police headquarters and inquired for Mr. Clancy.

Starting point is 02:13:27 Mr. Clancy is out. He was told by someone with a strong resonant voice, Anything we can do, Senator? About that poor woman, Rachel Crake. Oh, she's all right. She gave us a farewell smile two hours ago. You mean she's at liberty? Certainly, Senator.

Starting point is 02:13:48 May I ask, whom I'm speaking to? Steingaw. of the Bureau. This wretched affair, it's merely a family's squabble between Miss Craig and a relative, might well end now, Mr. Steingall. That is for Mr. Tower and Mr. Vanhofen to decide. Yes, I quite understand. I have seen Mr. Tower, and he shares my opinion. Just so, Senator, at any rate, the yacht mystery is almost cleared up. I agree with you, most heartily. For the first time in nearly 24 hours, Senator Michael John looked contented with life when he hung up the receiver. Therefore, it was well for his peace of mind that he could not

Starting point is 02:14:37 hear Steingall's silent comment, as he, in turn, disconnected the phone. That old fox agreed with me too heartily, he thought, the yacht mystery was only just beginning. or I'm a Dutchman. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Bartlett mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The Dream Face That evening of her dismissal from Browns

Starting point is 02:15:20 and her meeting with Rex Karsha, Winifred opened the door of the Dunn House in 112th Street, the most downhearted girl in New York. Suddenly, mystery had gathered round her. Something threatened. She knew not what. When the door slammed behind her, her heart sank.

Starting point is 02:15:42 She was alone, not only in the house, but in the world. This thought possessed her utterly when the excitement caused by Carshaw and Fowl and their speedy arrest had passed. That her unethed, the hum-drum, Rachel Crake, should have any sort of connection with the murder of Ronald Tower, of which Winifred had chanced first to hear on Riverside Drive that morning, seemed the wildest

Starting point is 02:16:12 nonsense. Then Winifred was overwhelmed afresh, and breathed to herself, I must be dreaming. And yet the house was empty. Her aunt was not there. Her aunt was held, as a criminal. It was not a dream, but only like one, a waking nightmare, far more terrifying. Most of the rooms in the house had nothing but dust in them. Rachel Craig had preferred to live as solitary in teeming Manhattan as a castaway on a rock in the midst of the sea. Winifred's mind was accustomed now to the thoughts of that solitude shared by two. This, This night, when there were no longer two, but only one, the question arose strongly in her mind,

Starting point is 02:17:06 why had there never been more than two? Certainly her aunt was not rich, and might well have let out some of the rooms. Yet even the suggestion of such a thing had made Rachel Crake angry. This, for the first time, struck Winifred as odd. Everything was puzzling, And all sorts of doubts peeped up in her like ghosts.

Starting point is 02:17:32 When the storm of tears had spent its force, she had just enough interest in her usual self to lay the table and make ready a meal, but not enough interest to eat it. She sat by a window of her bedroom, her hat still on her head, looking down. The street lamps were lit, it grew darker and darker.

Starting point is 02:17:55 Down there, below, feet, passed and repassed in multitudes, like drops of the eternal cataract of life. Winiford's eyes rested often on the spot where Rex Karshaw had spoken to her and had knocked down foul, her tormentor. In hours of trouble, when the mind is stunned, it will often go off into musings on trivial things. So this young girl, sitting at the window of the dark and empty house let her thoughts wander to her rescuer. He was well-built and poised

Starting point is 02:18:34 like an athlete. He had a quick step, a quick way of talking, was used to command, his brow was square and could threaten, he had the deepest blue eyes and glossy brown hair, he was a tower of strength to protect a girl, and his wife, if he had one, must have a feeling of safety. Thoughts or half-thoughts like these passed through her mind.

Starting point is 02:19:05 She had never before met any young man of Karsha's type. It became ten o'clock. She was tired after the day's work and trouble of mind. The blow of her dismissal, the fright of her interview with the police, the arrest of her aunt, this sudden influx of mystery and care formed a burden from which there was no escape for exhausted nature but in sleep. Her eyes grew weary at last, and getting up she discarded her hat and some of her clothes, then threw herself on the bed, still half-dressed, and was soon asleep. The hours of darkness rolled on. That tramp of feet in the street grew thin and scattered, as if the army of life had undergone a repulse. Then there was a rally when the theatres and picture houses

Starting point is 02:20:05 poured out their crowds, but it was short. The powers of night were in the ascendant, and soon the last stragglers retreated under cover. Of all this, Winiford heard nothing. She slept soundly. but was it in a dream that voice which she heard something somewhere seemed to whisper she must be taken out of new york she is the image of her mother it was a hushed grim voice the room the whole house had been in darkness when she had thrown herself on the bed but somewhere had she not been conscious of a light at some moment. Had she dreamed this, or had she seen it? She sat up in bed, staring, and startled. The room was in darkness. In her ears were the words, she is the image of her mother. She heard them in some world, she did not know in which. She listened with the keen ears of fear. Not a wagon nor a taxi any longer moved in the street.

Starting point is 02:21:23 No step passed. The house was silent. But after a long ten minutes, the darkness seemed to become pregnant with a sound, a steady murmur. It was as if it came from far away, as if a brook had spurted out of the granite of Manhattan, and was even more like a dream sound than those words which still buzzed in Winifred's ear.

Starting point is 02:21:53 Somehow that murmur as of water in the night made Winiford think of a face, one which, as far as she could remember, she had never consciously seen. A man's face, brown, hard and menacing, which had looked once into her eyes, in some state of semi-conscious being, and then had vanished. And now this question arose in her mind. Was it not that face, hard and brown, which she had never seen and yet once had seen, or not those the cruel lips which somewhere had whispered, She is the image of her mother?

Starting point is 02:22:41 Winifred, sitting up in bed, listened to the steady, dull murmuring, a long time, till there came a moment when she said, definitely, it is in the house. For as her ears grew accustomed to its tone, it seemed to lose some of its remoteness, to become more local and earthy. Presently, this sound, which the darkness was giving out, became the voices of people talking, in subdued undertones, not far off. nor was it long before the murmur was broken by a word sharply uttered and clearly heard by her a gruff and unmistakable oath she started with fright at this it sounded so near she was certain now that there were others in the house with her she had gone to bed alone waking up in the dead of the small hours to find men or ghosts with her her her heart beat horribly. But ghosts do not swear, at least such was Winifred's ideal of the spirit

Starting point is 02:23:54 world, and she was brave. Nerving herself for the ordeal, she found the courage to steal out of bed and make her way out of the room into a passage, and she had not stood there listening to minutes when she was able to be certain that the murmur was going on in a back room. how earnest that talk was how low in pitch it could hardly be burglars there for burglars do not enter a house in order to lay their heads together in long conferences it could not be ghosts for a light came out from under the rim of the door "'After a time, Winifred stole forward, "'tapped on a panel, "'and her heart jumped into her mouth "'as she lifted her voice,

Starting point is 02:24:45 "'saying, Auntie, is it you?' "'There was silence at this, "'as though they had been ghosts indeed "'and had taken to flight at the breath of the living. "'Speak! Who is it?' cried Winifred, "'with a fearful shrillness now. A chair grated on the floor inside. Hurried steps were heard.

Starting point is 02:25:11 A key turned. The door opened a very little, and Winifred saw the gaunt face of Rachel Crake, looking dowerly at her, for she had frightened this masterful woman very thoroughly. "'Oh, aunt, it is you,' gasped Winifred, with a flutter of relief. "'You are to go to bed, Winnie,' said Rachel.

Starting point is 02:25:34 "'It is you. They have let you out, then?' "'Yes. Tell me what happened. Let me come in.' "'Go back to bed. There's a good girl. I'll tell you everything in the morning.' "'Oh, but I am glad. I was so lonely and frightened. "'Aunt, what was it all about?' "'About nothing, as far as I can discover,' said Rachel Crake, "'a mere mare's nest, found by a set of stupid police. Some man, a Mr. Ronald Tower, was supposed to have been murdered, and I was supposed to have some

Starting point is 02:26:12 connection with it, though I had never seen the creature in my life. Now the man is turned up safe and sound, and a pack of noodles have at last thought fit to allow a respectable woman to come home to her bed. Oh, how good, thank heaven, but you have someone in there with you? in here where why in the room aunt i no one i'm sure i heard now really you must go to bed winnifred what are you doing awake at this hour of the morning roaming about the house you were asleep half an hour ago oh then it was your light i saw in my sleep i thought i heard a man say she is the image just think of troubling me with your dreams. At this unearthly hour, I'm tired, child, go to bed. Yes, but, Auntie, this day's work has cost me my situation. I am dismissed. Well, a holiday will do you good. Good gracious, you take it coolly. Go to bed. A sudden din of tumbling weights and splintering wood broke out behind the half-open door, for within the room a man had been sitting on a chair,

Starting point is 02:27:35 tilted back on its two hind legs. The chair was old and slender, the man huge, and one of the chair-legs had collapsed under the weight and landed the man on the floor. "'Oh, aunt, didn't you say that no one began Winifred?' The sentence was never finished. Rachel Crake, her features, twisted in anger, pushed the young girl with a force which sent her staggering, and then immediately shut the door. Winifred was left outside in the darkness. She returned to her bed, but not to sleep. It was certain that her aunt had lied to her. There was more in the air than Winifred's quick wits could fathom. The fact of Rachel Crake's release did not clear up the mystery. of the fact that she had been arrested. Winifred lay, spurring her fancy to account for all that

Starting point is 02:28:35 puzzled her, and underlying her thoughts, was the man's face, and those strange words, which she had heard somewhere on the borders of sleep. She fancied she had seen the man somewhere before. At last, she recalled the occasion, and almost laughed at the conceit. It was a picture of sitting bull, and that eminent warrior had long since gone to happy hunting grounds. Meantime, the murmur of voices in the back room had recommenced and was going on. Then, towards morning, Winifred became aware that the murmur had stopped, and soon afterward she heard the click of the lock on the front door, and a foot going down the front steps. Rising quickly, she crept to the window and looked out.

Starting point is 02:29:27 Going from the door down the utterly empty street, she saw a man, a big swaggerer with something of the overseas and the adventurer in his air. It was Ralph Vould's, the brother of Senator William Michael John, but Winifred could not distinguishes features, or she might have recognized the man she had seen in her half-dreams, and who had said, she must be taken out of New York. She is the image of her mother. Volz had hardly quitted the place before a streetcar conductor, who had taken temporary lodgings the previous evening in a house opposite, hurried out into the coldness of the hour before dawn. He seemed pleased at the necessity of going to work thus early.

Starting point is 02:30:23 Oh, boy, he said softly, I'm glad there's something doing at last. I was getting that sleepy. I could hardly keep me eyes open. When Detective Clancy came to the bureau a few hours later, he found a memorandum to the effect that Mr. Ralph V. Volz of Chicago, stopping at a high-grade hotel in Fifth Avenue, had dined with Rachel Crake in a quiet restaurant,

Starting point is 02:30:55 had parted from her, and met her again, evidently by appointment. The two had entered the house in 112th Street, separately, shortly before midnight, and Vold returned to his hotel at four o'clock in the morning. Clancy shook his head waggishly. Who'd have thought it of you, Rachel? He cackled, and now that I've seen you,

Starting point is 02:31:24 what sort of weird specimen can Mr. Ralph V. V. Volz of Chicago be? I'll look him up. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. flight. Carshaw and Fowl enjoyed, let us say, a short but almost triumphal march to the nearest police station. Their escort of loafers and small boys grew quickly in numbers and enthusiasm. It became known that the arrest was made in East 112th Street, and that street had suddenly

Starting point is 02:32:20 become famous. The lively inhabitants of the east side do not bother their hands about grammatical iceties, so the gulf between the yacht murder and the yacht murders was easily bridged. The connection was clear. Two men in a boat and two men in the grip of the law. It needed only fowls and sanguine visage. to complete the circle of reasoning. Consciousness of this ill-omened popularity, infuriated Karsha, and alarmed foul. When they arrived at the precinct station house,

Starting point is 02:33:06 each was inclined to wish she had never seen or heard of Winifred Bartlett. Their treatment by the official in charge only added fuel to the flame. The patrolman, explained that these two were fighting about the girl who lives in that house in East 112th. And this vague statement seemed all-sufficient. The sergeant entered their names and addresses. He went to the telephone and came back. Sit there, he said authoritatively, and they sat there. Karsha trying to take an interest in a drunk who was brought in, and foul, alternately feeling the sore lump at the back of his head

Starting point is 02:33:55 and the soarer cartilage of his nose. After waiting half an hour, Karshaugh protested, but the sergeant assured him that a man from the bureau was on route and would appear presently. At last, Clancy came in. This is why he was out when Senator Michael John inquired. for him. Hello, he cried when he set eyes on Fowl.

Starting point is 02:34:26 My foreman bookbinder, your folio looks somewhat battered. Glad it's you, Mr. Clancy, snuffled Fowl. You can tell these cops. Suppose you tell me, broke in the detective with a glance at Karshaw. Yes, foul, speak up, said Karsha. you've a ready tongue. Explain your fall from grace. There's nothing to it, growled foul. I know the girl and asked her to come with me this evening. She'd been fired by the firm, and—ah! Who fired her? Clancy's inquiry sounded most, matter of fact.

Starting point is 02:35:10 The boss, of course. Why? Well, this newspaper stuff. He didn't like it. He told you, So, yes, that is, the department is a bit crowded. He asked me, well, we reckoned we could do without her. I see, go on. So I just came up town, meaning to talk things over and find her a new job, but she took it all wrong. Clancy whirled around on Karsha. Evidently, he had heard enough from foul.

Starting point is 02:35:47 And you? he snapped. I know nothing of either party, was the calm answer. I couldn't help overhearing this fellow insulting a lady, so put him where he belongs in the gutter. Mr. Clancy, interrupted the sergeant, you're wanted on the phone. The detective was detained a good five minutes.

Starting point is 02:36:12 When he returned, he walked straight up to foul. Quit, he said, with a... scornful and sidelong jerk of the head. You got what you wanted. Get out and leave Miss Bartlett alone in the future. Fowl needed no second bidding. As for me, inquired Karshaugh with arched eyebrows. May I drop you in Madison Avenue, said Clancy.

Starting point is 02:36:42 Once the police car was speeding down, he grew chatty. Wish I had seen you trimming fowl, he said pleasantly. I have a notion he had a finger in the pie of Winifred Bartlett's dismissal. It may be. Karsha's tone was indifferent. Just then he was aware only of a very definite resentment. His mother would be waiting for dinner, and alarmed, like all mothers, who own motoring sons. The detective looked surprised.

Starting point is 02:37:16 but made his point for all that. I suppose you'll be meeting that very charming young lady again one of these days, he said. I? Why? Most unlikely. Not so. Do you floor every man you see annoying a woman in the streets? Well, er, just so. Winifred interested you. She interests me. I mean to keep an eye on her, a friendly eye. If you and she come together again, let me know.

Starting point is 02:37:50 Really? No wonder you are ready with a punch. You won't let a man speak. Listen, now, the patrolman held you and foul because he had orders to arrest on any pretext or none, anyone who seemed to have the remotest connection with the house in 112th Street, where Winifred Bartlett lives with her aunt. You've read of the yacht mystery and the lassoing of Ronald Tower? Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Tower are my close friends. Exactly. Now, Rachel Crake, Winifred's aunt, was released from custody an hour ago.

Starting point is 02:38:36 She would have been charged with complicity in the supposed murder of Tower. I say supposed because there was no murder. Mr. Tower has returned home, safe and sound. By Jove, that's good news. But what a strange business it is. My mother was with Helen Tower this morning, trying to console her. Good. Now, perhaps, you'll sit up and take notice.

Starting point is 02:39:04 The truth is that the mystery of this outrage on Tower is not, cannot be, of recent origin. I'm sure it is bad. found up with some long-forgotten occurrence, possibly a crime, in which the secret of the birth and parentage of Winifred Bartlett is involved. The girl is no more the niece of her aunt than I am her nephew. But one is usually the niece of one's aunt? I think you need a cigarette, said Clancy, dryly. Organisms accustomed to poisonous stimulants often wilt, when deprived to suddenly of such harmful tonics. Carjah edged around slightly and looked at this

Starting point is 02:39:55 quaint detective. I apologize, he said contritely, but the crowd got my goat when it jeered at me as a murderer, and the long wait was annoying, too. Lancy, however, was not accustomed to having his confidences slighted. He was ruffled. Perhaps what I was going to say is hardly worthwhile, he snapped. It was this. If, by chance, your acquaintance with Winifred Bartlett goes beyond today's meeting, and you learn anything of her life and history, which sounds strange in your ears, you may be rendering her a far greater service than by flattening fowl's nose if you bring your knowledge straight to the bureau. I'll not forget, Mr. Clancy, but let me explain. It will be a miracle if I meet Miss Bartlett again.

Starting point is 02:40:54 It'll be a miracle if you don't, retorted the other. So there was a passing whiff of misunderstanding between these two, and like every other trivial phase of a strange record, it was destined to bulk large in the imminent hazards, threatening one lone girl. Thus Clancy ceased being communicative. He might have referred guardedly to Senator Michael John, but he did not. Oddly enough, his temperament was singularly alike to Karshaws, and that is why Sparks flew. The heart, however, is deceitful. The heart, however, is deceitful. and fate is stronger than an irritated young man whose conventional ideas have been besmirched

Starting point is 02:41:46 by being marched through the streets in custody. The garage in which Karsha's automobile was housed temporarily was located near 112th Street. He went there on the following afternoon to see the machine stripped and find out the exact extent of the damage. yet he passed Winifred's house resolutely without even looking at it. He returned that way at half-past six, and there, on the corner, was posted, Fowl, Fowl, with a swollen nose.

Starting point is 02:42:23 There also was their special patrolman, with an eye for both. The mere sight of Fowl, prowling in unwholesome quest stirred up wrath in Karsha's mind, And the heart, always subtle and self-deceiving, whispered elatedly, here you have an excuse for renewing an acquaintance, which you wished to make yourself believe you did not care to renew. He walked straight to the door of the brownstone house and rang. Then he rapped. There was no answer.

Starting point is 02:43:02 When he had wrapped a second time, he walked away, but he had not gone far when he was almost startled to find himself face to face with Winifred coming home from making some purchases with a bag on her arm. He lifted his hat. Winifred, with a vivid blush, hesitated and stopped. From the corner, Fowl stared at the meeting and made up his mind that it was really a rendezvous. The patrolman thought so, too, but he had new orders as to these two. Pardon me, Miss Bartlett, said Karsha. Ah, you see, I know your name better than you know mine. Mine is Karshaa, Rex Karsha, if I may introduce myself. I have this moment tapped at your door in the hope of seeing you.

Starting point is 02:43:59 Why so, asked Winifred. Do you wish to forget the incident of yesterday? yesterday evening? No, hence my stopping, to hear what you have to say. Well, then, I am here to see to the repairing of my car, not in the hope of seeing you, you know. Karsaw said this with a twinkle in his eye, though perhaps, if the truth were known, a little in that hope, too. Then, there at the corner, I find the very man who molested you last night looking at your house, and this spurred me to knock in order to ask a favor. Was I wrong? What favor, sir? That if ever you have the least cause to be displeased with the conduct of that

Starting point is 02:44:51 man in the future, you will consider it as my business, and as an insult offered it to me, as it will be after the trouble of last night, and that you will let me know of the matter by letter. Here is my address. Winifred hesitated, then took the proffered card. But, she faltered. No, promise me that. It really is my business now, you know. I cannot write to you. I don't know you. Then I shall only have to stand Sentinel a certain number of hours every day before your house to see that all goes well. You can't prevent me doing that, can you? The streets are free to everybody. You're only making fun. That I am not. See how stern and solemn I look. I shall stand sentinel and gaze up at your window on the chance of seeing

Starting point is 02:45:56 your face. Will you show yourself sometimes to comfort me? No. I'm sure you will. I'd better promise to write the letter. There now, that's a point for me. Oh, don't make me laugh. Point number two, for you have been crying, Miss Winifred. I? Yes, I'm sorry to say.

Starting point is 02:46:22 Oh, I only wish. How do you know my name? What, the Winifred and the Bartlett? Winifred was always one of my first. favorite names for a girl, and you look the name all through. Well, Fowell and I were taken to the station house last night, and in the course of the inquiry, I heard your name, of course. Did they do anything to you for knocking down, Mr. Fowell? No, no. Of course they didn't do anything to me. In fact, they seemed rather pleased. Were you anxious then about me?

Starting point is 02:47:02 I was naturally anxious, since it was I who, uh, now don't spoil it by giving a reason. You were anxious, that is enough. Let me be proud as a recompense. And now I want to ask you two favors, one of them a great favor. The first is to tell me all you know about this foul, and the second, why you look so sad and have been crying. May we walk on a little way together, and then you will tell me?

Starting point is 02:47:39 They walked on together, and for a longer time than either of them realized. Winifred was rather bewitched. Karsha was something of a revelation to her in an elusive quality of mind or manner, which she in her heart could only call charming. She spoke of life at Bram. Sun and Browns in Greenwich Village. She even revealed that she had been crying because of dark

Starting point is 02:48:11 clouds which had gathered round her of a sudden doubts and fears for which she had no name, and because of a sort of dream the previous night in which she had seen a man's Indian face and heard a hushed grim voice say, she must be taken out of New York. She is the image of her mother. Ah, and your mother, who and where is she? asked Karsha. I don't know. I can't tell. I never knew her, answered Winiford, droopingly, with a shake of her head. And as to your father? I have no father. I have only my aunt. "'Winifred,' said Karsha solemnly, "'will you consider me your friend from this night?'

Starting point is 02:49:06 "'You are kind. I trust you,' she murmured. "'A friend is a person who acts for another "'with the same zeal as for himself, "'and who has the privilege of doing whatever seems good to him for that other. "'Am I to regard myself as thus? privileged. Winifred, who had never flirted with any young man in her life, fancied she knew nothing about the rules of the game. She was confused. She veiled her eyes. I don't know, perhaps. We shall see. She stammered. Which was not so bad for a novice.

Starting point is 02:49:51 They parted with a warm handshake. Ten minutes later, Karsha was in a telephone booth with Clancy's ear at the other end of the wire. I have just had a chat with Miss Bartlett, he began. Tut-t-tut, how passing strange, cackled the detective. The merest chance in the world, I'm sure. Yes, the miracle came off, so you're entitled to your jib, but I have news for you. It's about a dream and a face. Gee, throw the picture on the screen, Mr. Karsha.

Starting point is 02:50:30 Then Karsha spoke, and Clancy listened and bade him work more miracles, even though he might have to report such phenomena to the Psychical Research Society. Next morning, Karsha, a hard man when offended, visited Brown, son and Brown, who had executed a large rebinding order for his father's library, and Fowl was speedily out of a job. The ex- Foreman knew the source of his misfortune and vowed vengeance. In the evening, about half-past six, Karsha was back in 112th Street. There had been no promise of a meeting between him and Winifred.

Starting point is 02:51:20 No promise, but by those roundabout means by which people, in sympathy understand each other, it was perfectly well understood that they would happen to meet again that night. He waited in the street, but Winifred did not appear. The Brownstone house was in total darkness. An hour passed, and the waiting was weary, for it was drizzling. But Karsha waited, being a persistent young man. At last, after seven, a pang of fear shot through his breast, he remembered the girl's curious account of the dream man. He determined do knock at the door, relying on his wits to invent some excuse, if any stranger opened. But to his repeated loud knockings, there came no answer. The house seemed abandoned.

Starting point is 02:52:17 Winifred was gone. Even a friendly patrolman took pity on his drawn face and drew near. No use, sir, he confided. They've skipped. But don't let on I told you. Call up the Detective Bureau. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Karshaa takes up the case. Busy, Mr. Karshaugh, inquired someone when an impatient young man got in touch with Mulberry Street, after an exasperating delay. Not too busy to try and defeat the scoundrels who are plotting against a defenseless girl, he cried.

Starting point is 02:53:17 Well, come downtown. We'll expect you in a half an hour. But Mr. Clancy asked me, better come, send the voice, and Karsha, though fuming, bowed to authority. It is good for the idle rich that they should be brought, occasionally, into sharp contact with life's realities. During his 27 years, Rex Karsha had hardly ever known what it meant to have a purpose balked. Luckily for him, he was of good stock and had been well reared. The instinct of sport, fostered by triumphs at Harvard, had developed an innate quality of some. self-reliance, and given him a physical hardihood, which reveled in conquest over difficulties. Each winter, instead of lounging in flannels at the Poinsiana, he was out with guides and

Starting point is 02:54:18 dogs in the northwest after moose and caribou. He preferred polo to tennis. He would rather pass a fortnight in oil skins with the rough and ready fisher folk of the main crows. coast, than don the white ducks and smart caps of his wealthy yachting friends. In a word, society and riches had not spoiled him. But he did like to have his own way, and the suspicion that he might be thwarted in his desire to help Winifred Bartlett cut him now like a sword. So he chafed against the seeming slowness of the subway, and fuel was added to the when he was kept waiting five minutes on arriving at police headquarters.

Starting point is 02:55:08 He found Clancy closeted with a big man, who had just lighted a fat cigar, and this fact in itself betokened official callousness as to Winford's fate. Hot words leaped from his lips. Why have you allowed Miss Bartlett to be spirited away? Is there no law in this state, nor are you, anyone who cares whether or not the law is obeyed, she's gone, taken by force. I'm certain of it. And we also are certain of it, Mr. Karshaugh, said Steingall placidly. Sit down. Do you smoke? You'll find these down and took a cigar. He had sufficient sense

Starting point is 02:55:54 to see that bluster was useless and only meant loss of dignity. Sure, that's why I asked you to come along. You see, put in Clancy, you short-circuited the connection the night before last, so we let you cool your heels in the rain this evening. We want no, first I will and then I won't, helpers, in this business. Karsha met those beady brown eyes steadily. I deserve that, he said. now perhaps you'll forgive a passing mood. I have come to like Winifred.

Starting point is 02:56:34 Clancy stared suddenly at a clock. Tick, tick, he said 8.15. Noda peep. Now I understand. For the first time, the true explanation of Senator Michael John's covert glance at the clock the previous morning had occurred to him. that wily gentleman wanted Winifred out of the house for her day's work before the police interviewed Rachel Craig. He had fought hard to gain even a few hours in the effort to hinder inquiry. What's bitten you, Frog? inquired the chief.

Starting point is 02:57:16 Probably, who knows, but there was some reasonable likelihood that the senator's name might have reached Karshaw's ears, had not the telephone bell jangled. Steingall picked up the receiver. Long-distance call. This is it, I guess. And his free hand and joined silence. The talk was brief and one-sided. Steingall smiled as he replaced the instrument.

Starting point is 02:57:43 Now we're ready for you, Mr. Karsha, he said, lolling back in his chair again. The Mrs. Craig and Bartlett have arrived for the night. at the Maples in Fairfield, Connecticut. Thanks to you, we knew that someone was desperately anxious that Winifred should leave New York. Thanks to you, too, she has gone. Neither her aunt nor the other interested people

Starting point is 02:58:11 cared to have her strolling in Central Park with an eligible and fairly intelligent bachelor like Mr. Rex Karshaw. Yes, of course, I know your straining at the leash, but please don't go off on false trails. This is the actual position of affairs. A man called Ralph V. V. Voles. assisted by an amiable person named Mick the Wolf. He was so christened in Leadville, where they sum up a tough accurately, hauled Mr. Ronald Tower into the river. For some reason, best known to himself, Mr. Tower treats the matter rather as a

Starting point is 02:58:54 joke, so the police carry it no further. But Volz is associated with Rachel Craig, and was in her house during several hours on the night of the river incident and the night following. It is almost safe to assume that he counseled the girl's removal from New York because she is the image of her mother. One asks why this very natural fact should render Winifred Bartlett, an undesirable resident of New York. There is a ready answer. She might be recognized. Such recognition would be awkward for somebody. But the girl has lived in almost total seclusion. She is 19. If she is so like her mother as to be recognized, her mother must have been a person of no small consequence, a lady known to and admired by a very large circle of friends.

Starting point is 02:59:56 The daughter of any other woman, presumably long since dead, who was not of social importance, could hardly be recognized. You follow this. Perfectly, Kasha was beginning to remodel his opinion of the Bureau generally, and of its easy-going, genial-looking chief in particular. This fear of recognition with its certain consequences went on Steingall, pausing to flick the ash off his cigar, is the dominant factor in Winifred's career as directed by Rachel Craig. This woman, swayed by some lingering shreds of decent thought, had the child well-educated, but the instant she approaches maturity, Winifred is sent to burn a living, in a book-binding factory.

Starting point is 03:00:52 Why? Social New York does not visit wholesale trade houses, nor travel on the elevated during rush hours. But it does go to the big stores and fashionable milliners where a pretty, well-propotioned girl can obtain employment readily. Moreover, Rachel Crake would never hear of the stage, though Winifred can sing and believe,

Starting point is 03:01:19 she could dance, and how prompt recognition might be in a theatre. It all comes to this, Mr. Karshaw. The Bureau's hands are tied, but it can and will assist an outsider whom it trusts, who means rescuing Miss Bartlett from the exile which threatens her. We have looked you over carefully and think you are trustworthy. The Lord help you if you're not, broke in Clancy. I like the girl. It will be a bad day for the man who works her evil. Karsha's eyes clashed with Clancy's as rapiers rasp in thrust and parry.

Starting point is 03:02:04 From that instant the two men became firm friends. For the young millionaire said quietly, I have her promise to call for help on me first, Mr. Clancy. you'll follow her to Fairfield then and Steingall sat up suddenly yes please advise me that's the way to talk i wish there was a heap more boys like you among the four hundred but i can't advise you i'm an official suppose however i were a young gentleman of leisure who wanted to befriend a deserving young lady in winnifred bartlett's very peculiar circumstances, I'd persuade her to leave a highly undesirable aunt and strike out for herself. I'd ask my mother or some other lady of good standing to take the girl under her wing and see that she was cared for until a place was found in some business or profession suited to her talents. And that's as far as I care to go at this sitting. As for,

Starting point is 03:03:16 the ways and means, in these days of fast cars and dare-devil drivers, who are in daily danger of losing their licenses, by gad, I'll do it, and Karsha's emphatic fist thumped the table. Steady, this vols is a tremendous fellow. In a personal encounter, you would stand no chance, and he's the sort that shoots at sight. Mick the Wolf, too, is a bad man from the wild and woolly west. The type exists even today. We have gunmen here in New York who'd clean up a whole saloonful of modern cowboys. Vols and Mick are in Fairfield, but I've a notion they'll not stay in the same hotel as Winifred and her aunt. I think, too, that they may lie low for a day or two. You'll observe.

Starting point is 03:04:15 of course, that Rachel Craig, so poverty-stricken that Winifred had to earn $8 a week to eke out the housekeeping, can now afford to travel and live in expensive hotels. All this means that Winifred ought to be urged to break loose and come back to New York. The police will protect her if she gives them the opportunity, but the law won't let us butt in between relatives, even supposed ones, without sufficient justification. One last word, you must forget everything I've said. And another last word, cried Clancy. The Bureau is a regular old woman for Tittle-Taddle. We listen to all sorts of gossip. Some of it is real news. And, by Jing, I was nearly omitting one bit of scandal, said Stingall. It seems that Make the Wolf and a

Starting point is 03:05:15 fellow named Fowl met in a corner saloon round about 112th Street the night before last. They soon grew thick as thieves, and Fowl, it appears, watched a certain young couple stroll off into the gloaming last night. Next time I happen on Fowl, growled Karsha. You'll leave him alone. Brains are better than brawn. ask Clancy. Sure thing, chuckled the little man.

Starting point is 03:05:48 Look at us, too. Anyhow, I'd hate to have the combination working against me. And with this deft rejoinder, Karsha hurried away to a garage where he was known. At dawn, he was hooting an open passage along the Boston Post Road, in a car which temporarily replaced his own damaged cruiser. Within three hours he was seated in the dining room of the Maples Inn and reading a newspaper.

Starting point is 03:06:20 It was the off-season and a hotel contained hardly any guests, but he had ascertained that Winifred and her aunt were certainly there. For a long time, however, none but a couple of German waiters broke his vigil, for this thing happened before the war. One stout fellow went away, the other, a mere boy, remained and flecked dust with a napkin, wondering, no doubt, why the motorist sat hours at the table. At last, near noon, Rachel Crake, with a plaid shawl draped around her angular shoulders,

Starting point is 03:06:58 and Winifred, in a new dress of French Grey, came in. Winifred started and cast down her eyes on seeing who was there. Karshaw, on his part, apparently had no eyes for her, but kept a look over the top of his newspaper at Rachel Craig to see whether she recognized him, supposing it to be a fact that he had been seen with Winiford. She seemed, however, hardly to be aware of his presence. The girl and the woman sat at some distance from him, the room was large, near a window looking out, and a non-exchange, a remark in quiet voices. Then a lunch was brought in to them, Karsha, meantime, buried in the newspaper, except when he stole a glance at Winifred. His hope was that the woman would leave the girl alone, if only for one minute, for he had a note ready to slip into Winifred's hand,

Starting point is 03:08:01 beseeching her to meet him that evening at seven in the lane behind the church for some talk on a matter of high importance. But fortune was against him. Rachel Crake, after her meal, sat again at the window, took up some knitting, and plied needles like a slow machine. The afternoon wore on. Finally, Karsha rang to order his own late lunch, and the German boy brought it in. He rose to go to table, but as if the mere act of rising spurred him to further action, he walked straight to Winifred. The hours left him were few,

Starting point is 03:08:46 and his impatience had grown to the point of desperateness. Now, he bowed and held out the paper, saying, Perhaps you have not seen this morning's newspaper. At the same time, he presented her the note. Miss Crake was sitting two yards away, half turned from Winifred, but at this afternoon offer of the morning's paper, she glanced round fully at Winifred,

Starting point is 03:09:14 and saw that as Winifred took the newspaper, she tried to grasp it with a note also, which lay on it, tried but failed for the note escaped, slipped down on Winifred's lap, and lay there exposed. Miss Craig's eyebrows lifted a little, but she did not cease her knitting. Winifred's face was painfully red,

Starting point is 03:09:41 and in another moment pale. Karsha was not often at his wits' end, but now for some seconds he stood embarrassed. Rachel Craig, however, saved him by saying quickly, the gentleman has dropped something in your lap, Winifred, whereupon Winifred handed back the unfortunate note. What was he to do now? If he wrote to Winifred through the ordinary channels of the hotel,

Starting point is 03:10:10 she might indeed soon receive the letter, but the risks of this course were many and obvious. He ate, puzzling his brains, spurring all his power of invention. The time for action was growing short. Suddenly he noticed the German boy, and had a thought. He could speak German well, and, guessing that Rachel Craig probably did not understand a word of it, he said in a natural voice to the boy in German,

Starting point is 03:10:42 fond of American dollars, boy? Yeah, mein ha, answered the boy. I'm going to give you five. You are very good, mein ha, said the boy. Beautiful, thanks. But you have to earn them. Will you do do, just what I tell you without asking for any reason. If I can, Mein He. Nothing very difficult. You have only to go over yonder by that chair where I was sitting.

Starting point is 03:11:11 Throw yourself suddenly on the floor and begin to kick and wriggle as though you had a fit. Keep it up for two minutes, and I will give you not five, but ten. Will you do this? from the heart willingly, Mein Hear answered the boy, who had a solemn face and a complete lack of humor. Wait, then, three minutes, and then suddenly do it. The three minutes passed in silence. No sound in the room, save the clicking of Karsha's knife and fork, and the ply of Rachel Craig's knitting needles. Then the boy lounged away to the farther end of the room, and suddenly, with a bump, he was on the floor and in the promised fit.

Starting point is 03:12:02 "'Halloo!' cried Karshaugh, while from both Winifred and Rachel came little cries of alarm, for a fit has the same effect as a mouse on the nerves of women. "'He's in a fit!' screamed the aunt. "'Please do something for him,' cried Winifred to Karsha, with a face of distress. he would not stir from his seat. The boy still kicked and writhed, lying on his face and uttering blood-curdling sounds. This was easy, he had only to make bitter plaint in the German tongue. Winifred went after her, and Karshaw went after Winifred. The older woman turned the boy over, bent down, dipped her fingers in the water, and sprinkled his forehead. Winifred stood a little behind her,

Starting point is 03:12:53 bending also. Near her, too, Karsha bent over the now quiet form of the boy. A piece of paper touched Winifred's palm, the note again. This time her fingers closed on it and quickly stole into her pocket. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The two cars. Is it highly improper on my part to come here and meet you, said Winneford? What can it be that you have to say to me of such high importance? The two were in the lane behind the church at seven that same evening.

Starting point is 03:13:52 Winifred, on some pretext, had escaped the watchful eyes of Rachel Crick, or fancied that she had, and came hurriedly to the waiting carshaw. She was all a flutter with expectancy not untinged by fear. She knew not of what. The nights were beginning to darken early, and it was gloomy that evening, for the sky was covered with clouds, and a little drizzle was falling. You are not to think that there is the least hint of impropriety about the matter.

Starting point is 03:14:30 Karsha assured her. Understand, please, Winfred, that this is not a lover's meeting, but a business one, on which your whole future life depends. You cannot suppose I have followed you to Fairfield for nothing. How could you possibly know that I was here? From the police. The police again. What a strange thing!

Starting point is 03:14:58 yes a strange thing and yet not so strange they are keenly interested in you and your movements for your good and i of course still more so you are wonderfully good to care but tell me quick i cannot stay ten minutes i think my aunt suspects something she already knows about the note dropped to-day into my lap "'And about the boy in the fit, does she suspect that, too?' "'What, was that a ruse? "'Good gracious, how artful you must be. "'I'm afraid of you.' "'Endlessly artful for your sake, Winifred. "'You are kind, but tell me quickly.'

Starting point is 03:15:45 "'Winterford, you are in danger, "'from which there is only one way of escape for you, "'namely absolute trust in means.' pray understand that the dream in which you heard someone say she must be taken away from New York was no dream you are here in order to be taken this may be the first stage of a long journey understand also that there is no bond of duty which forces you to go against your will for the shrewdest men in New York in the police have reason to think you are not what you imagine you are, and that the woman you call your aunt is no relative of yours.

Starting point is 03:16:31 What reason have they? asked Winifred. I don't care. I don't know. They have not told me. But I believe them, and I want you to believe me. The persons who have charge of your destiny are not normal persons, more or less they have done or are connected with wrong. There is no doubt, about that. The police know it, though they cannot yet drag that wrong into the light. Do you credit what I say? It is all very strange. It is true. That is the point. Have you, by the way, ever seen a man called Volz? Voles? No. Yet that man at this moment is somewhere near you. He came in the same train with you from New York. He is always near you. He is the most intimate associate of your aunt. Think now and tell me whether it is not a disturbing thing that you never saw this man

Starting point is 03:17:37 face to face. Most disturbing, if what you say is so. But suppose I tell you what I firmly believe that you have seen him, that it was his face, which bent over. you in your half-sleep the other night, and his voice which you heard. "'I always thought that it was no dream,' said Winifred. "'It was not a nice face.' "'And remember, Winifred urged Karsha earnestly that today and tomorrow are your last chances. You are about to be taken far away, possibly to France or England, as surely as you see those clouds. True, if you go, I shall go after you. You? Yes, I. But if you go, I cannot be certain

Starting point is 03:18:33 how far I may be able to defend and rescue you there as I can in America. I know nothing of foreign laws, and those who have you in their power do. On that field, they may easily beat me. So now is your chance, Winfred. "'But what am I to do?' she asked in a scared tone, frightened at last by the sincerity blazing from his eyes. Necessity has no rules of propriety, he answered, "'I have a car here. You should come with me this very night to New York. Once back there, it is only what my interest in you gives me the right to expect,

Starting point is 03:19:18 that you will consent to use my purse for a short while. till you find suitable employment. Winifred covered her face and began to cry. Oh, I couldn't, she sobbed. Don't cry, said Carshaw tenderly. You must, you know, since it is the only way. You cry because you do not trust me. Oh, I do.

Starting point is 03:19:44 But what a thing it is that you propose. To break with all my past on a sudden. I hardly even know you. Last week I had not seen you. There, that is mistrust. I know you as well as if I had always known you. In fact, I always did, in a sense. Please don't cry. Say that you will come with me tonight. It will be the best piece of work that you ever did for yourself, and you will always thank me for having persuaded you. But not tonight. I must have time to reflect at least. Then when? Perhaps tomorrow night? I don't know. I must think it over first in all its bearings. Tomorrow morning I will leave a letter in the office telling you, well, if you insist on the delay, but it is dangerous, Winifred, it is horribly dangerous.

Starting point is 03:20:45 I can't help that. How could a girl run away in that fashion? Well, then, tomorrow night, at eleven precisely. I shall be at the end of this lane in my car, if your letter in the morning says yes. Is that understood? Yes. Let me warn you against breaking anything with you.

Starting point is 03:21:09 Any clothes or a grip, just steal out of the inn as you are, and I shall be just there at the corner, at 11. Yes. I may not have the chance of speaking to you again before, but Karsha's pleading stopped short. From the near end of the lane, a tall form entered it, Rachel Craig. She had followed Winifred from the hotel, suspecting that all was not well, had followed her, lost her and now had re-found her. She walked sedately, with an inscrutable face, toward the spot where the two were talking.

Starting point is 03:21:52 The moment Karsha saw this woman of ill-omen, he understood that all was lost, unless he acted with bewildering promptness, and quickly he whispered into Winifred's ear, It must be tonight or never, decide now, yes or no. Yes, said Winnerford. in a voice so low that he could hardly hear. At eleven tonight, yes, she murmured.

Starting point is 03:22:20 Rachel Crake was now up to them. She was in a vile temper, but contrived to curb it. What is the meaning of this, Winford, and who is this gentleman? She said. Winifred, from the habit of a lifetime, stood in no small awe of that austere woman. all the blood fled from the girl's face. She could only say, brokenly,

Starting point is 03:22:45 I am coming out, and went, following with a dejected air, a yard behind her captor. In this order, they walked till they arrived at the door of the Maples Inn, neither having uttered a single word to the other. There, Miss Craig halted abruptly. Go to your room, she muttered.

Starting point is 03:23:08 I'm ashamed of you. you, sneaking out at night to meet a strange man, no kitchen wench would have behaved worse. Winifred had no answer to that haunt. She could not explain her motives. Indeed, she would have failed lamentably, and she attempted it. All she knew was that life had suddenly turned topsy-turvy. She distrusted her aunt, the woman to whom she seemed to owe duty and respect, and was inclined to trust a young man whom she had met three times in all. But she was gentle and soft-hearted. Perhaps if this Mr. Rex Karsha,

Starting point is 03:23:50 with his earnest eyes and wheedling voice, could have a talk with Auntie, his queer suspicions, so oddly borne out by events, might be dissipated. I'm sorry if I seem to have done wrong, she said, laying a timid hand on Rachel Craig's arm.

Starting point is 03:24:11 If you would only tell me a little, dear, why have we left New York? Why, do you want to see me in jail? Came the harsh whisper. No, oh, no, but obey me then. Remain in your room till I send for you. I'm in danger, and you, you foolish girl, are actually in league with my enemies. Go. Winifred sped through the.

Starting point is 03:24:39 porch and hide her to a window in her room on the first floor which commanded a view of the main street. She could see neither Carshaw nor a Rachel, the one having determined to lie low for a few hours, and the other being hidden from sight already, as she hastened through the rain to the small inn, where Voles and Mick the Wolf were located. These worthies were out. The proprietor said they had hired a car, and gone to Bridgeport. Miss Crick could only wait, and she sat in the lobby,

Starting point is 03:25:15 prim and quiet, the picture of resignation, not betraying by a look or gesture, the passions of anger, apprehension, and impatience, which raged in her breast. Vols did not come. An hour passed,

Starting point is 03:25:35 eight struck, then nine. Once the word carousing, past Miss Rachel's lips with an intense bitterness, but on the whole she sat with a stiff back, patient as a stone. Then after ten, there came the hum and whir of an automobile driven at high speed through the rain-soughton Main Street. It stopped outside the inn. A minute later, the gallant body of voles entered,

Starting point is 03:26:07 cigar in his mouth, and a look of much champagne in his eyes. Well, Rachel, girl, you hear, he said in his off-and way. Are you sober? asked Rachel, rising quickly. Sober, never been really soused in my life. What's up? He dropped a huge paw roughly on her shoulder, and her hard eyes softened as she looked at his face and splendid frame, for Ralph Voles was Rachel Crake's one weakness.

Starting point is 03:26:43 What's the trouble, he went on, seeing that her lips were twitching? Who should have been here, she snapped. Everything may be lost. A man is down here after Winifred, and I've caught her talking to him in secret. A cop, and Volz glanced around the otherwise deserted lobby. I don't know most probably, or he may be that same man who was walking with her on Wednesday night in Central Park. Anyway, this afternoon he tried to hand her a note in offering her a newspaper. The note fell, and I saw it. Afterward, he managed to get it to her some way, though I never for a moment let her out of my sight,

Starting point is 03:27:29 and they met about seven o'clock behind the church. The little cat. She beat you to it, Rachel. There is no time for talk, Ralph. The man will take her from us, and then, woe to you, to William, to all of us. Things come out. They do, they do, the deepest secrets. Man, man, oh, rouse yourself, sober yourself, and act. We must be far from this place before morning. "'No more trains from here. "'You could hire a car, for your own amusement. "'Rush her off in that. "'S snatch her away to Boston. "'We may catch a liner tomorrow.

Starting point is 03:28:16 "'But we can't have her seeing us. "'We can't help that. "'It is dark. "'She won't see your face. "'Let us be gone. "'We must have been watched. "'Or how could that man have found us out? "'Ralph, don't you understand?

Starting point is 03:28:31 And you must do something. Where's this spy, you gab off? I'll... This is not the Mexican border. You can't shoot here. The man is not the point, but the girl. She must be gotten away at once. Nothing easier.

Starting point is 03:28:51 Off now to the hotel, and be ready in half an hour. I'll bring the car around. Rachel Craig wanted no further discussion. She reached the Maples Inn, in a flurry of little runs. Before the door, she saw two glaring lights, the lamps of Karsha's automobile. It was not far from eleven. Even as she approached the hotel, Karsha got in and drove down the street.

Starting point is 03:29:22 He drew up on a patch of grass by the roadside at the end of the lane behind the church. Soon after this, he heard a clock. Strike 11. His eyes peered down the darkness of the lane to see Winifred coming, as she had promised. It was still drizzling slightly. The night was heavy, stagnant, and silent. Winifred did not come, and Karshaw's brows puckered with care and foreboding. A quarter of an hour passed, but no light tread gladdened his ear. Fairfield lay fast asleep. Karsha could no longer sit still. He paced restlessly about the wet grass, to ease his anxious heart, and so another quarter of an hour wore slowly. Then the sound of a fast-moving car broke the silence.

Starting point is 03:30:17 Down the road a pair of dragon eyes blazed. The car came like the chariots of Senaerib in reckless flight. Soon it was upon him. He drew back out of the road toward his own racer. Though rather surprised at this urgent flight, he had no suspicion that Winifred might be the cause of it. As the car dashed past, he clearly saw on the front seat two men, and in the tonneau he made out the forms of two women. The faces of any of the quartet were wholly merged in speed and the night, but some white object fluttered in the swirl of air and fell forlornly in the road. dropping swiftly in its final plunge like a stricken bird. He darted forward and picked up a lady's handkerchief.

Starting point is 03:31:10 Then he knew. Winifred was being reft from him again. He leaped to his own car, started the engine, turned with reckless haste, and in a few seconds was hot in chase. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. The pursuit.

Starting point is 03:31:44 The two automobiles rushed along the Boston Post Road, heading for Bridgeport. The loud rivalry of their straining engines awoke many awayside dweller, and brought down maledictions on the heads of all midnight joyriders. Karsha knew the road well, and his carshaw was slightly stuously. superior to the others in speed. His hastily evolved plan was to hold the kidnappers until they were in the main street of Bridgeport. There, he could dash ahead, block further progress,

Starting point is 03:32:24 risking a partial collision if necessary, and refer the instant quarrel to the police, bidding them verify his version of the dispute by telephoning New York. He could only hovered. that Winifred would bear him out, as against her aunt, and he felt sure that Voles and his fellow adventurer there not risk close investigation by law. At any rate, his main object at present was to overtake the car in front, which had gained a flying start, and thus spoil any maneuvering for escape, such as turning into a side road. In his enthusiasm,

Starting point is 03:33:07 him he pressed on too rapidly. He was seen and his intent guessed. The leading car slowed a trifle in rounding a bend. As Karsha careened into view, a revolver shot rang out, and a bullet drilled a neat hole in the windscreen, making a noise like the sharp crack of a whip. Simultaneously there came a scream.

Starting point is 03:33:35 That must be Winifred's cry of terror in his behalf. The sound nerved him anew. He saw red. A second shot followed by a wilder shriek, spat lead somewhere in the bonnet. Carshaw

Starting point is 03:33:51 set his teeth, gave the engine every ounce of power, and the two chariots of steel went raging, reckless of consequence, along the road. There must be a special providence that looks after chauffeurs, as well as after children and drunkards,

Starting point is 03:34:11 for at some places the road, though wide enough, was so dismal with shadow, that if any danger lurked within the darkness, it would not have been seen in time to be avoided. Darkness is indeed the word to describe the state of mind of the two drivers by this time, a heat to be on, a wrath against obstacles, a storm in the blood, and a light in the eyes.

Starting point is 03:34:43 Vols would have whirled through a battalion of soldiers on the march, if he had met them, and would have hissed curses at them as he pitched over their bodies. He knew how to handle an automobile, having driven one over the rough tracks of the Rockies, so this well-kept road offered no difficulties. For five minutes the cars raged ahead, passed through a sleeping village street, and down a hill into open country beyond. No sound was made by their occupants, whose minds and purposes remained dark, one to the other. Voles might have fancied himself chased by the flight of witches who harried Tamashanter, while Kar Shah might have been hunting a cargo of ghosts.

Starting point is 03:35:34 Only the running hum of the cars droned its music along the highway, with a staccato accompaniment of revolver shots, and Winifred's appeals to heaven for aid. Meantime, the rear car still gained on the one in front, and on a sudden, Karsha was aware of a shouting, though he could not make out the words, it was Mick the Wolf, who had clambered into the tonneau, and was bellowing,

Starting point is 03:36:06 pull up you, pull up, or I'll get you sure. Nor was the threat a waste of words, for he had hardly shouted when again a bullet flicked past Carshaw's head. Just then, a bend of the road

Starting point is 03:36:24 and a patch of woodland hid the two cars from each other, but they had hardly come out upon a reach of straight road again when another shall. was fired. Carshaw, however, was now crouched low over the steering wheel, and using the hood of the car as a breastwork, though since he was obliged to look out, his head was still more or less exposed. He baited no whit of speed on this account, but raced on. Still, that firing in the dark

Starting point is 03:36:58 had an effect upon his nerves, making him feel rather queer and small, for even now and again at intervals or a few seconds, it was sure to come. The desperado taking slow, cool aim, with the perseverance of a man, plying his day's work, of a man repeating to himself the motto, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Those shots, moreover, were coming from a hand whose aim seldom failed, a dead shot, baffled only by the unconquerable vibration.

Starting point is 03:37:39 And yet, Gorsha was untouched. He could not even think. He was conscious only of the thrum of the car, the spurts of flame, the whistle of lead, the hysterical frenzy of Winifred's plaints. The darkness alone saved him. But the more he caught up with the fugitive, the less was this advantage.

Starting point is 03:38:02 likely to stand him in good stead. And when he should actually catch them up, what then? This question presented itself now to his heated mind. He had no plan of action. None was bothable. Even in Bridgeport, what could he do? There were two against one. He would simply be shot as he passed the other car. It was only the heat of the hunt that had created in him the feeling that he must overtake them, though he died for it. But when he was within thirty yards of the front car, and two shots had come dangerously near in swift succession, a flash of reason warned him,

Starting point is 03:38:49 and he determined to slacken speed a little. He was not given time to do this. There was an outcry on the car in front from three throats in it. A mob of oxen, being driven to some market, blocked the road just beyond a bend. The men in charge had heard the thunder of the oncoming racers, with its ominous obligato of screams and shooting. They had striven desperately to whack the animals to the hedge on either side,

Starting point is 03:39:25 and were bawling loud warnings to those thrice-a-cursed gunmen whom they imagined, chased by a police car, their efforts, their yells, were useless. Sixty miles an hour demands at least 60 yards for safety. When Volz put hand and foot to the brakes, he had hardly a clear space of ten. An obstreperous bullock was the immediate cause of danger. Facing the dragon eyes, it charged valiantly.

Starting point is 03:40:00 Mick the wolf, running short of cartridges, was about to ask Volz to slow down until he got the reckless pursuer when he found himself describing a parabola backward through the air. He landed in the roadway, breaking his left arm.

Starting point is 03:40:21 Volz had an extraordinarily lurid oath squeezed out of his vast bulk as he was forced onto the steering wheel, the pillar snapping like a carrot. Winifred and Rachel Craig were flung against the padded back of the driving seat, but saved from real injury because of their crouching to avoid Mick the wolf.

Starting point is 03:40:47 Volz was as quick as a wildcat in an emergency like this. He was on his feet in a second with a leg over the door, meaning to shoot car shop there the ladder could do anything to protect, himself, but luck, dead against honesty thus far, suddenly veered against crime. Karsha's car smashed into the rear of the heavy mask composed of crushed bullock and automobile,

Starting point is 03:41:16 no longer mobile, and dislocated its own engine, and the jerk through voles heavily and nearly, not quite, sprained his ankle. So during a precious second or two, he lay almost stunned on the left side of the road. Carjard, given a hint of disaster by the slightest fraction of time, and already braced low in the body of his car, was able to jump unobserved from the wreck. As though his brain were illuminated by a flash of lightning, he remembered that the signal handkerchief had fluttered from the off side of the flying car, so he ran to the right and grabbed a breathless bundle of soft femininity

Starting point is 03:42:03 out of the ruin. Winifred, he gasped. Oh, aren't you safe? came the strangled sob. So that was her first thought, his safety. It is a thrilling moment in a man's life when he learns that his well-being provides an all-sufficing content for some dear woman.

Starting point is 03:42:28 Come wheel, come woe, Kasha knew then that he was clasping his future wife in his arms. He ran with her through a mob of frightened cattle and discovered a gate leading into a field. Can you stand if I lift you over? He said, leaning against the bars. Of course, I can run, too. and, in maidenly effort to free herself, she hugged him closer.

Starting point is 03:42:57 They crossed the gate, and together, breasted a slight rise through scattered sheaves of corn chucks. Meanwhile, Voles and the cattlemen were engaged in a cursing match until Rachel Craig, recovering her wind, screamed an Eldridge command. Stop, you fool, they're getting away. He has taken her down the road. Voles limped off in pursuit, and Make the Wolf took up the fierce argument with the drivers. At that instant the wreck blazed into flame. Rachel had to move quickly to avoid a holocaust in which a hapless bullock provided the burnt offering. The light of this pyre revealed the distant figures of Winifred and Karsha,

Starting point is 03:43:47 whereupon the maddened voles, tried Potshaw, at a hundred yards. Bullets came close, too. One cut the heel of Karshan's toe. Another plowed a ridge through his motoring cap. Realizing that Bulls would aim only at him, he told Winifred to run wide. She caught his hand. Please help, she breathed. I cannot run far. He smothered a laugh of sheer joy. Winifred's legs were supple as his. She was probably the the fleeter of the two. It was the mother instinct that spoke in her. This was her man, and she must protect him, cover him from enemies with her own slim body. Soon they were safe from even a chance shot. On climbing a rail fence, Karsha led the girl clearly into view until a fold in the ground offered.

Starting point is 03:44:48 Then they doubled and zigzagged. They saw some house. but Karsha wanted no explanation or parleying then, and pressed on. They entered a lane or driveway and followed it. There came a murmuring of mighty waters, the voice of the sea. They were on the beach of Long Island Sound. Far behind, in the gloom, shone a lurid redness, marking the spot where the two cars and the bullock were being converted into ardent gases. Karsha halted and surveyed a long low line of blackness,

Starting point is 03:45:29 breaking into the deep blue plain of the sea to the right. I know where we are, he said. There's a hotel on that point. It's about two miles. You could walk twenty, couldn't you? Oh, yes, said Winifred unthinkingly. Or run five at a jog-trot, he teased her. Well, her...

Starting point is 03:45:54 And thank the night that hid her from his eyes. No maid wishes a man to think she is in love with him before she has uttered the word of love. When next she spoke, Winifred's tone was reserved, almost distant. Now, tell me what has caused this tornado, she said. I have been acting on impulse. Please give me some reasonable theory of tonight's madness. It was on the tip of Karsha's tongue to assure her that they were going to New York by the first train

Starting point is 03:46:29 and would hide themselves straight to the City Hall for a marriage license. But he had a mother, a prized and deeply reverenced mother, ought he to break in on her placid and well-balanced existence with the curt announcement that he was married, even to a wife like Winifred? Would he be playing the game with those good fellows in the detective bureau? Was it fair even to Winifred

Starting point is 03:47:00 that she should be asked to pay the immediate price, as it were, of her rescue? So the fateful words were not uttered, and the two trudged on, talking with much common sense, probing the doubtful things in Winiford's past life,

Starting point is 03:47:19 and ever avoiding the tumult of passion which must have followed their first kiss. In due course, an innkeeper was aroused, and the mishap of a car explained. The man took them for husband and wife. Happily, Winfred did not overhear Gaw's smothered, not yet. The girl soon went to her room. They parted with a formal handshake, but, to still the ready lips of scandal, Karsha discovered the landlord's favorite brand of wine, and sat up all night in his company. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:48:19 The New Link Steingall and Clancy were highly amused by Karsha's account of the second burning of Fairfield, as the little man described the struggle between Winifred's abductors and her rescuer. The latter, not so well-versed in his country's history as every young American ought to be, had to consult a history of the revolution to learn that Fairfield was burned by the British in 1777. The later burning, by the way, created a pretty quarrel between two insurance companies, the proprietors of two garages, and the owner of a certain Bullock, with Karshaugh's lawyer and a Bridgeport lawyer,

Starting point is 03:49:09 instructed by Mr. Ralph Vowles as interveners. And where is the young lady now? Inquired Stingall, when Karsha's story reached its end. living in rooms in a house in East 27th Street, a quiet place kept by a Miss Goodman. Ah, too soon for any planning as to the future, I suppose. We talked of that in the train. Winifred has a voice, so the stage offers an immediate opening, but I don't like the notion of musical comedy,

Starting point is 03:49:50 and the concert platform demands a good deal of things. training, since a girl starts there practically as a principal. There is no urgency. Winifred might well enjoy a fortnight's rest. I have cancelled that. A stage wait, in fact, put in Clancy sarcastically. By this time, Karsha was beginning to understand the peculiar quality of the small detective's wit. Yes, he said, there are periods in a man's life, when he ought to submit his desires to the acid test. Such a time has come now for me. But Aunt Rachel may find her. Is she strong-willed enough to resist cajoling and seek the aid of the law if force is threatened? Yes, I am sure now. What she heard and saw of those two men during the

Starting point is 03:50:50 mad run along the post road supplied good and convincing reason why she should refuse to return to Miss Craig. Why are you unwilling to charge them with attempted murder, said Steingau, for Carshaw had stipulated there should be no legal proceedings? My lawyers advise it, he said simply. You've consulted them. Yes, I called in on. On my way here, when I reached home after seeing Winifred fixed comfortably in Mrs. Goodman's, I opened a letter from my lawyers requesting an interview on another matter, of course, meaning to marry Winiford, if she'll take me, I thought it wise to tell them something about recent events. Stingall carefully chose a cigar from a box of fifty, all exactly alike,

Starting point is 03:51:48 nipped the end off and lighted it. Clancy's fingers drummed impatiently on the table at which the three were seated. Evidently he expected the chief to play Sir Oracle. But the head of the Bureau contented himself with the comment that he was still interested in Winifred Bartlett's history and would be glad to have any definite particulars which Carshaw might gather. Clancy saw, so heavily on hearing this departmental utterance that Karsha was surprised. If I could please myself, I'd rush Winifred to the City Hall for a marriage license today, he said, believing he had fathomed the others thought. I'm a bit of a selt on the French and Irish sides snapped Clancy,

Starting point is 03:52:43 and that means an ineradicable vein of romance in my mind. make up, but I'm a New York policeman, too, a guy who has to mind his own business far more frequently than the public suspects. And there, the subject dropped. Truth to tell, the department had to tread warily in stalking such big game as a senator. Gasha was a friend of the towers, and the yacht mystery had been deliberately squelched, by the highly influential persons most concerned. It was impolitic, it might be disastrous, if Senator Michael John's name were dragged into connection

Starting point is 03:53:30 with that of the unsavory voles on the flinzy eminence, or rather mere doubt, affecting Winifred Bartlett's early life. Winifred herself lived in a passive but blissful state of dreams during the three weeks. Perhaps in her heart of hearts, she wondered if every young man who might be in love with a girl

Starting point is 03:53:56 imposed such rigid restraint on himself as Rex Karsha when he was in her company. The unspoken language of love was plain in every gesture, in every tone, in the merest touch of their hands. But he spoke no definite word and their lips had never met.

Starting point is 03:54:20 Miss Goodman, who took an interest in the pretty and amiable girl, spent many an hour of chat with her. Every morning there arrived a present of flowers from Karsha. Every afternoon Karsha himself appeared, as regularly as the clock, and drank Miss Goodman's tea. Well, any news, was always Karshaar's first. question as he placed his hat over his stick on a chair. And Winifred might reply, Not much. I saw such and such a stage manager and went from such and such an agent to another

Starting point is 03:55:02 and had my voice tried with the usual promises. I'm afraid that even your patience will soon be worn out. I'm sorry now that I thought of singing instead of something else, for there are plenty of girls who can sing much better than I. But don't be so eager about the matter, Winifred, he would say. It is an anxious little heart that eats itself out and will not learn repose, isn't it? And it shapes at being dependent on someone who is growing weary of the duty, doesn't it? No, I didn't mean that, said Winifred with a rueful and tender smile. you are infinitely good, Rex.

Starting point is 03:55:48 They had soon come to use Christian names. Outwardly, they were just good friends, while inwardly they resembled to active volcanoes. Now, I am infinitely good, which is really more than human. If you think it out, he laughed. See how you run to extremes with nerves and things. No, you are not to care.

Starting point is 03:56:15 at all, Winnie. You have a more or less good voice. You know more music than is good for you, and sooner or later, since you insist on it, you will get what you want. Where's the hurry? You don't or won't understand, said Winifred. I know what I want, and must get some work without delay. Well, then, since it upsets you, you shall. I am not much of a lot of you. I am not much of an authority about professional matters myself, but I know a lady who understands these things, and I'll speak to her. Who is the lady? asked Winifred. Mrs. Ronald Tower. Young, nice looking, asked Winifred, looking down at the crochet work in her lap.

Starting point is 03:57:06 She was so taken up with the purely feminine aspect of affairs that she gave slight heed to a remarkable coincidence. Or so-so, said Karsha, with a smile born of memories, which Winifred's downcast eyes just noticed under their raised lids. What is she like? she went on. Let me see. How can I describe her? Well, you know Gainesborough's picture of the Duchess of Devonshire? She's like that.

Starting point is 03:57:40 full-busted, with preposterous hats, dashing rather a beauty. Indeed, said Winifred coldly. She must be awfully attractive, a very old friend. Oh, rather, I knew her when I was eighteen, and she was elen-se then. What does elance mean? On the loose. What does that mean? "'Well, a bit free and easy, doesn't it?

Starting point is 03:58:15 "'Something of that sort? "'Smart set, you know?' "'I see. "'Do you that belong to the smart set?' "'I, no. "'I dislike it, rather, "'but one rubs with all sorts "'in the grinding of the mill.

Starting point is 03:58:32 "'And this Mrs. Ronald Tower, "'whom you knew at 18, "'how old was she then?' "'Oh, about twenty-two or so. And she was gay, then? As far as ever society would let her. How did you know?

Starting point is 03:58:54 I, well, weren't we almost boy and girl together? I wonder you can give yourself the pains to come to spend your precious minutes with me when that sort of woman is within "'What, not jealous!' he cried joyously. "'And of that, passe-c creature, "'why, she isn't worthy to stoop "'and tie the latchets of your shoes.'

Starting point is 03:59:20 "'Still, I'd rather not be indebted to that lady for anything,' said Winiford. "'But why not? Don't be excessive, little one. There is no reason, you know.' "'How does she come to know about singing and theatrical people?' I don't know that she does. I only assume it. A woman of the world, cutting a great dash, yet hard up. That kind knows all sorts and conditions of men. I am sure she could help you, and I'll have a try. But is she the wife of the Ronald Tower, who was dragged by the lasso into the river? The same. It is odd how that name keeps on occurring in my life, said Winiford musingly.

Starting point is 04:00:13 A month ago, I first heard it on Riverside Drive, and since then I hear it always. I prefer Rex that you do not say anything to that woman about me. I shall, said Rex playfully. You mustn't start at shadows. "'Winifred was silent. "'After a time she asked, "'Have you seen Mr. Steingall or Mr. Clancy lately?' "'Yes, a couple of days ago. "'We are always more or less in communication,

Starting point is 04:00:48 "'but I have nothing to report. "'They're keeping track of voles and Mick the wolf, "'but those are birds who don't like salt on their tails. "'You know already that the Bureau never, ceases to work at the mystery of your relation with that impossible aunt, and I think they have information which they have not passed on to me. Is my auntie still searching for me, I wonder? asked Winifred. Oh, don't call her auntie. Call her your antipides. It is more than that woman knows how to be

Starting point is 04:01:27 your aunt. Of course, the whole crew of them are moving heaven and earth to find you, Clancy knows it, but let them try. They won't succeed. And even if they do, please don't forget that. I'm here now. But why should they be so terribly anxious to find me? My auntie always treated me fairly well, but in a cold sort of way, which did not betray much love. So love can't be their motive. Love, and Karsha breathed the word softly, as though it were pleasing to his ear. No, they have some deep reason, but what that is is more than anyone guesses. The same reason made them wish to take you far from New York, though what it all means is not very clear. Time perhaps will show. The same night, Rex Karsha sat among a set, which he had,

Starting point is 04:02:30 had not frequented much of late in Mrs. Tower's drawing room. There were several tables surrounded with people of various American and foreign types playing bridge. The whole atmosphere was that of Mammon. One might have fancied oneself in the halls of a Florentine money-changer. At the same table with Carrshaw were Mrs. Tower, another society dame, and Senator Michael John, who ought to have been making laws at Washington. Tower stood looking on, the most unimportant person present, and Anon ran to do some bidding of his wife's. Karsha's only relation with Helen Tower of late had been to allow himself to be cheated by her at Bridge, for she did not often pay, even if she lost to one who had been something more

Starting point is 04:03:29 than a friend. When he did present himself at her house, she felt a certain gladness, apart from the money which he would lose. Women ever keep some fragment of the heart, which the world is not permitted to scar and harden wholly. She grew pensive, therefore, when he told her that he wished to place a girl on the concert stage and wished to know from her how best to succeed. She thought dreamily of other days, and the slightest pinprick of jealousy touched her, for Karsha had suddenly become earnest in broaching this matter, and the other pair of players wondered why the game was interrupted for so trivial a cause. What's the girl's name? she asked.

Starting point is 04:04:22 Her name is of no importance, but, if you must know, it is Winifred Bartlett, he answered. senator michael john laid his thirteen cards face upward on the table there had been no bidding and his partner screamed in protest senator what are you doing he had revealed three aces and a long suit of spades we must have a fresh deal smirked mrs tower well of all the wretched luck sighed the other woman michael john pleaded a sudden indisposition yet lingered while a servant summoned Ronald Tower to play in his stead. Karshaw knew Winifred. That same Winifred, whom he and his secret inmates, had sought so vainly during three long weeks. Vols and his arm-fractured henchmen were recuperating in Boston,

Starting point is 04:05:20 but Rachel Crake and Fowl were hunting New York high and low for sight of the girl. Fowell, though skilled in his trade, found well-paid loafing more to his choice, for Volz had sent Rachel to Fowell, guessing this man to be of the right kidney for underhanded dealings. Moreover, he knew Winifred and would recognize her anywhere. Fowell, therefore, suddenly blossomed into a private detective, and had reported steady failure day after day. Rachel Crake had never ascertained Carrshaw's name,

Starting point is 04:05:59 as it was not necessary that he should register in the Fairfield Inn, and foul, with a nose still rather tender to the touch, never spoke to her of the man who had smashed it. So these associates in evil remained at cross-purposes, until Senator Michael John, when the bridge game was renewed and no further information was likely to ooze out, went away from Mrs. Tower's house to nigh, nurse his sickness. He recovered speedily. A note was sent to Rachel by special messenger,

Starting point is 04:06:38 and she in turn sought foul, whose mean face showed a blotchy red when he learned that Winifred could be traced by watching Carrshaw. "'I'll get her now, madam,' he chiggled. "'It'll be dead easy. I can make up as a Parson. Did that once before when, well, just to fool a bunch of people. No one suspect the Parson, see. I'll get her, sure. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public dummy. A subtle attack. Vowles was brought from Boston. Though Michael John dreaded the man, condition might arise, which would call for a bold and ruthless rascality, not quite practicable for a senator. The lapse of time, too, had lulled the politicians' suspicions of the police. They seemed to have ceased prying. He ascertained, almost by chance, that Clancy was hot on the trail of a gang of

Starting point is 04:07:56 counterfeiters. The yacht mystery had apparently become a mere memory in the Bureau. So Voles came, with him Mick the Wolf, carrying a left arm in splits, and the senator thought he was taking no risk in calling at the Uptown Hotel, where the pair occupied rooms the day after Karshaugh blurted out Winifred's name to Helen Tower. He meant paying another visit that day, so was a tired de rigour, a fact at which Voles, pipe in mouth, and lounging in pajamas, promptly scoffed. Gee, he cried, here's the senator mooch and round again, dressed up to the nines,

Starting point is 04:08:44 dustcoat morning suit, boots shining, all the frills, but visiting low companions all the same. Why doesn't the man turn over a new leaf and become good? Oh, hold your tongue, said William. We've got the girl. Ralph. Got the girl, have we? Not the first girl, you've said that about. Is it, my Wiley, William? Listen, and drop that tone when you're speaking to me, or I'll cut you out for good and all, said Michael John in deadly earnest. If ever you had need to be serious, it is now. I said we've got her, but that only means that we are about to get her a dress, and the trouble will be to get

Starting point is 04:09:30 herself afterward. Tosh. As to that, only tell me where she is, and I'll go and grab her by the neck. Don't be such a fool. This is New York and not Mexico, though you insist on confounding the two. Even if the girl were without friends, you can't go and seize people in that fashion over here, and she has at least one powerful friend for the man who beat you hollow that night, and carry her off under your very nose is Rex Karshaa, a determined youngster and rich, though not so rich as he thinks he is. There must be no failure a second time, Ralph. Remember that. Just listen to me carefully. This girl is thinking of going on stage. Do you realize what that means if she ever gets there? You have yourself said she is the living image of her mother. You know that her mother

Starting point is 04:10:30 was well known in society. Think, then, of her appearing before the public, and of the certainty of her being recognized by someone, or by many, if she does. Fall down this time, and the game's up. The thing seems to be, then, to let daylight into Karsha, said Volz. Oh, listen, man, listen, what we have to do is place her in a lonely house in a country where, if she's screams, her screams will not be heard, and the only possibility of bringing her there is by ruse, not by violence. Well, and how get her there? That has to be carefully planned, and even more carefully executed. It seems to me that the mere fact of her wishing to go on the stage may be made a handle to serve our ends. If we can find a dramatic agent with whom she's

Starting point is 04:11:27 in treaty, we must obtain a sheet of his own. office paper, and write her a letter in his name, making an appointment with her, at an empty house in the country, some little distance from New York. None of the steps presents any great difficulty. In fact, all that part I undertake myself. It will be for you, your friend Mick, and Rachel Crake, to receive her and keep her eternally, when once you have got her. You may then be able, so to work upon her, as to persuade her, to go quite, with you, to South America or England. In any case, we shall have shut her away from the world, which is our object.

Starting point is 04:12:09 Poor stuff. How about this, Karsha? Suppose he goes with her to keep the appointment, or learns from her beforehand of it. Karsha must be wiped out. He must certainly be dealt with, yes, said Michael John, but in another manner, I think I think I see my way. Leave him to me. I want this girl out of New York State in the first instance. Suppose you go to the oranges in New Jersey, pick out a suitable house and rent it. Go today. Volz raised his shaggy eyebrows. What's the rush? he said amusedly. After 18 years, will you never learn reason?

Starting point is 04:12:55 Every hour, every minute may bring disaster. Oh, have it your way. I'll fix Karshaugh if he keeps on my trail a second time. Michael John returned to his car with a care-seemed brow. He was bound now for Mrs. Karsha's apartment. If he was fortunate enough to find her in and alone, he would take that first step in dealing with her son, which he had spoken of, to Vowles. He made no prior appointment by phone, He meant catching her unawares, so that Rex could have no notion of his presence. Mrs. Karsha was a substantial lady of fifty, a society woman, of the type to whom the changing seasons, supply the whole duty of man and woman, and the world outside the orbit of the 400 is a rumor of no importance.

Starting point is 04:13:52 She had met Senator Michael John in so many places for so many years that they might be called Commer. in the task of dining and making New York look elegant. She was pleased to see him. Their common fund of scandal and epigram would carry them safely over a cheerful hour. And, as to the good old firm of Karsha, prosperous as usual, I hope, said Michael John, balancing an egg-shell deacup. Mrs. Karsha shrugged. I don't know much about it, she said. but I sometimes hear talk of bad times and lack of capital.

Starting point is 04:14:33 I suppose it is all right. Rex does seem concerned. Ah, but the mischief may be just there, said Michael John. The rogue may be throwing it all on the shoulders of his managers and letting things slide. He may. He probably is. I see very little of him, really, especially just lately.

Starting point is 04:14:57 Is it the same little information? influence at work upon him as some months ago asked michael john bending nearer a real confidential crony which little influence asked the lady agog with a sense of secrecy and genuinely anxious as to anything affecting her son why the girl winifred bartlett bartlett as far as i know i have never even heard her name extraordinary Why, it's the dock of the club. But tell me what's it all about. I must not be indiscreet. When I mentioned her, I took it for granted that you knew all about it, or I should not have told Tales out of school.

Starting point is 04:15:43 Yes, but you and I are of a different generation, Van Wrex. He belongs to this spring, we, to the autumn. There is no question of telling tales out of school, as between you and him. So now, please, you are not. going to tell me all. Well, the usual story. A girl of lower social class, a young man's head turned by her wiles, the conventions more or less defied, business yawned at, mother, friends, everything shelved for the time being, and nothing important but the one thing. It's not serious, perhaps, so long as business is not too much neglected, and no final

Starting point is 04:16:29 financial consequences follow. Society thinks not a whit the worse of a young man on that account. On one condition, mark you, there must be no question of marriage. But in this case, there is that question. But this is merely ridiculous, laughed Mrs. Karshaw, truly. Marriage, can a son of mine be so exotic? It is commonly believed that he is about to marry her. but how on earth has it happened that I never heard a whisper of this preposterous thing? It is extraordinary. Sometimes the one interested is the last to hear what everyone else is talking about. Well, I never was so amused.

Starting point is 04:17:17 Yet Mrs. Carrshaw's wintry smile was not joyous. Rex, I must laugh him out of it if I meet him anywhere. that you will not succeed in doing, I think. Well, then I'll frown him out of it. This is why I see all now. There you are hardly wise to think of either laughing or frowning him out of it, said Michael John, offering her worldly wisdom. No, in such cases there is a better way. Take my word for it.

Starting point is 04:17:52 And that is, approach the girl. Avoid carefully saying one word to the young man, but approach the girl. That does it, if the girl is at all decent and has any sensibility. Lay the facts plainly before her. Take her into your confidence. This flatters her. Invoke her love for the young man whom she is hurting by her intimacy with him. This puts her on her honor.

Starting point is 04:18:22 Urge her to fly from him. this makes her feel herself a martyr, and turns her on the heroic tack. That is certainly what I should do if I were you, and I should do it without delay. You're right, I'll do it, said Mrs. Karsha. Do you happen to know where this girl is to be found? No, I think I can tell, though, from whom you might get the address, Helen Tower. I heard your son talking to her last night, the girl he was wanting to know whether helen could put him in the way of placing her on the stage what is she one of those scheming chorus girls it appears so

Starting point is 04:19:06 but has he had the effrontery to mention her in this way to other ladies it is rather amusing why it used to be said that helen tower was his belle amy all the more reason perhaps why she may be willing to give you the address if she knows it i'll see her this very afternoon then i must leave you at leisure now said michael john sympathetically an hour later mrs carshaw was with helen tower and the name of winifred bartlett arose between them but he did not give me her address said mrs tower do you want it "'Pressingly? Why, a yes. Have you not heard that there is a question of marriage? "'Good gracious, marriage!' "'The two women laid their heads nearer together, enjoying the awfulness of the thing, "'though one was a mother, and the other was pricked with jealousy in some secret part of her nature. "'Yes, marriage repeated the mother. Such an enormity was dreadful.

Starting point is 04:20:17 It sounds too far-fetched. What will you do? Senator Michael John recommends me to approach the girl. Well, perhaps that is the best, but how to get her address. Perhaps if I asked Rex, he would tell it me without suspecting anything. On the other hand, he might take alarm. Couldn't you say you had secured her a place on the stage and make him send her to you to test her voice?

Starting point is 04:20:47 or something, and then you could send her on to me, said the elder woman. Yes, that might be done, answered Helen Tower. I'd like to see her, too. She must be extraordinarily pretty to capture Rex. Some of those common girls are, you know. It is a caprice of Providence. Anyway, I shall find her out, or have her here somehow, within the next few days, and we'll let you know. First of all, I'll write for you. Rex, and ask him to come for Bridge tonight. She did this, but without effect, for Karsha was engaged elsewhere, having taken Winifred to a theatre.

Starting point is 04:21:32 However, Michael John was again at the bridge party, and when he asked whether Mrs. Karsha had paid a visit that afternoon, and the address the girl had been given, Helen Tower answered, I don't know it, I am now trying to find out. the senator seemed to take thought. I hate interfering, he said at last, but I like young Carrshaw, and have known his mother many a year. It's a pity he should throw himself away

Starting point is 04:22:04 on some chit of a girl, merely because she has a fetching pair of eyes or a slim ankle, or heaven alone knows what else it is that first turns a young man's mind to a young woman. I happen to have heard, however, that Winifred Bartlett lives in a boarding-house, kept by Miss Goodman, in East 27th Street. Now, my name must not—Hellantower laughed in that dry way, which often annoyed him.

Starting point is 04:22:35 Surely by this time you regard me as a trustworthy person, she said. So Fowell had proven himself a capable tracker, and Winifred's persecutors were again closing in on her. but who would have imagined that the worst and most deadly of them might be the mother of her wrecks. That, surely, was something akin to steeping in poison the assassin's dagger. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The Visitor

Starting point is 04:23:23 Are you, Miss Lest, Winifred Bartlett, asked Mrs. Carshaw the next afternoon, in that remote part of East 27th Street, which, for the first time, bore the rubber tires of her limousine. "'Yes, madam,' said Winifred, "'who stood rather pale before that large and elegant presence. It was in the front room of the two which Winifred occupied. "'But where have I seen you before?' asked Mrs. Karshaugh suddenly, making play with a pair of mounted eyeglasses.

Starting point is 04:24:05 I cannot say, madam, will you be seated? What a pretty girl you are! exclaimed the visitor, wholly unconscious, of the calm insolence, which society uses to its inferiors. I'm certain I have seen you somewhere, for your face is perfectly familiar, but for the life of me I cannot recall the occasion. Mrs. Karsha was not mistaken. Some dim cell of memory was stirred by the girl's likeness to her mother. For once, Senator Michael John's scheming had brought him to the edge of the precipice.

Starting point is 04:24:46 But the dangerous moment passed, Rex's mother was thinking of other and more immediate matters. Winifred stood, silent, scared, with a foreboding of the meaning. of this tremendous visit. Now, I am come to have a quiet chat with you, said Mrs. Karsha, and I only hope that you will look on me as a friend, and be perfectly at your ease. I am sorry the nature of my visit is not of a quite pleasant nature, but no doubt we shall be able to understand each other, for you look good and sweet. "'Where have I seen you before?'

Starting point is 04:25:29 "'You are a sweetly pretty girl, do you know? "'I can't altogether blame poor wrecks. "'For men are not very rational creatures, are they? "'Come now and sit quite near beside me on this chair "'and let me talk to you.' "'Winiford came and sat, with tremulous lip, not saying a word, "'first I wish to know something about your same. said Mrs. Karsha, trying honestly to adopt a motherly tone.

Starting point is 04:26:04 Do you live here all alone? Where are your parents? I have none, as far as I know. Yes, I live here alone, for the present. But no relatives? I have an aunt, a sort of aunt, but you are mysterious, a sort of aunt. and is this sort of aunt with you here? No, I used to live with her, but within the last month we have separated. Is that my son's doing? No, that is no.

Starting point is 04:26:44 So you are quite alone? Yes. And my son comes to see you? He comes, yes, he comes. But that is rather different. "'I'm defiant of everything, is it not?' "'A blush of almost intense carmine "'washed Winifred's face and neck.

Starting point is 04:27:05 "'Mrs. Karsha knew how to strike hard. "'Every woman knows how to hurt another woman. "'And Miss Goodman, my landlady, "'usually stays in here when he comes,' said she. "'All the time? "'Most of the time.' "'Well, I must not catechise you. No one woman has the right to do that to another, and you are sweet to have answered me at all.

Starting point is 04:27:34 I think you are good and true, and you will therefore find it all the easier to sympathize with my motives, which have your own good at heart, as well as my sons. First of all, do you understand that my son is very much in love with you? I You should not ask me I may have thought that he liked me Has he told you so He has never mentioned your name to me

Starting point is 04:28:06 I never knew of your existence till yesterday But it is so He is fond of you To such an unusual extent That quite a scandal has arisen in his social set Not about me "'Yes. But there is nothing. Yes. It is reported that he intends to marry you. And is that what the scandal is about? I thought the scandal was when you did not marry,

Starting point is 04:28:37 not when you did.' Mrs. Karzah permitted herself to be surprised. She had not looked for such weapons in Winifred's armory, but she was there to carry out what she deemed an almost sacred mission, and the righteous can be horribly unjust. Yes, in the middle classes, but not in the upper, which has its own moral code, not a strictly biblical one, perhaps, she retorted glibly. With us, the scandal is not that you and my son are friends, but that he should seriously think of marrying you, since you are on such different levels. You see, I speak plainly. Winifred suddenly covered her face with her hands. For the first time, she measured the great gulf yawning between her and that dear hope growing up in her heart. That is how the matter

Starting point is 04:29:39 stands before marriage went on Mrs. Casha, sure that she was kind in being merciless. You can conceive how it would be afterwards, and society is all nature. It never forgives, or, if it forgives, it may condone sins, but never an indiscretion. Nor must you think that your love would console my son for the great social loss, which his connection with you threatens to bring on him, it will console him for a month. But a wife is not a world, nor, however, beloved, does she compensate for the loss of the world. If, therefore, you love my son, as I take it that you do, do you? Winifred's face was covered. She did not answer.

Starting point is 04:30:36 Tell me in confidence, I am a woman to-you. and no. A sob escaped from the poor bowed head. Mrs. Karsha was moved. She had not counted on so hard a task. She had even thought of money. Poor thing. That will make your duty very hard.

Starting point is 04:30:58 I wish. But there is no use in wishing. Necessity knows no pity. Winifred you must summon all your strength of mind. and get out of this false position. "'What am I to do? What can I do?' wailed Winifred. She was without means or occupation, and could not fly from the house. "'You can go away,' said Mrs. Karsha,

Starting point is 04:31:26 without letting him know whether you have gone, and till you go you can throw cold water on his passion by pretending dislike or indifference. But could I do such a thing even if I tried? Came the despairing cry. It will be hard, certainly. But a woman should be able to accomplish everything for the man she loves.

Starting point is 04:31:52 Remember for whose sake you will be doing it, and promise me before I leave you. Oh, you should give me time to think before I promise anything. sobbed Winifred. "'I believe I shall go mad. I am the most unfortunate girl that ever lived. I did not seek him.

Starting point is 04:32:12 He sought me. And now, when I— Have you no pity? You see that I have, not only pity, but confidence. It is hard, but I feel that you will rise to it. I and you are acting for Rex's sake, and I hope, I believe, you will do your share in saving him. And now I must go, leaving my sting behind me.

Starting point is 04:32:42 I am so sorry. I never dreamed that I should like you so well. I have seen you before somewhere, it seems to me, in an old dream. Goodbye, goodbye. It had to be done, and I have done it, but not gladly. Heaven help us women. and especially all mothers. Winifred could not answer.

Starting point is 04:33:08 She was choked with sobs, so Mrs. Carrshaw took her departure in a kind of stealthy haste. She was far more unhappy now than when she entered the quiet house. She came in bristling with resolution. She went out, seemingly victorious, but feeling small and mean.

Starting point is 04:33:30 When she was gone, Winifred threw herself on a couch with buried head, and was still there an hour later when Miss Goodman brought up a letter. It was from a dramatic agent, whom she had often haunted for work, or rather it was a letter on his office paper, making an appointment between her and a manager at some high-sounding address in East Orange, New Jersey, when the writer said business might result. She had hardly read it when Rex Karshaas' tap came to the door. About that same time, Steingall threw a note across his office table to Clancy,

Starting point is 04:34:15 who was there to announce that, in a house in Brooklyn, a fine hall of coiners, Dyer's presses, and other illicit articles, human and inanimate, had just been made. Ralph V. V. V. Voles and his bad man from the West have come back to New York again, said the chief. You might give him an eye. My on earth doesn't Karsha marry the girl, said Clancy. I don't know. He's straight, isn't he? Strikes me that way. Me too.

Starting point is 04:34:51 Anyhow, let's pick up a few threads. I have a notion that Senator Michael Johns thinks he has sidestepped the bureau. Clancy laughed. His mirth was grotesque as the grin of one of those carved ivories of Japan, and to the effect of the crinkled features was added a shrill cackle. The chief glanced up. Don't do that, he said sharply, you get my goat when you make that beastly noise. These two were beginning again to snap at each other about the senator and his affairs, and their official quarrels usually ended badly for the other fellow. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy.

Starting point is 04:35:49 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Winifred Drifts. Winifred, pale as death, rose to receive her lover with that letter in her hand, which made an appointment with her at a house in East Orange, a letter which she believed to have been written by a dramatic agent, but which was actually inspired by Senator Michael John. It was the bait of the trap, which should put her once more in the power of Michael John and his accomplices.

Starting point is 04:36:27 During a few tense seconds, the girl prayed for power to play the bitter part which had been thrust upon her, to play it well for the sake of the man who loved her and whom she loved. The words of his mother were still in her ears. She had to make him think that she did not care for him. In the last resort, she had to fly from him. She had tacitly promised to do this woeful thing.

Starting point is 04:36:56 Far enough from her innocent mind was it to dream that the visit of Rex's mother had been brought about by her enemies in order to deprive her of a protector and separate her from a lover at the very time when he was most necessary to save her. Karsha entered in high spirits. Well, I have news, he began. But, hello, what's the matter? With whom? asked Winifred, you look pale.

Starting point is 04:37:30 Do I? "'It is nothing.' "'You have been crying, surely. "'Have I? Tell me, what is wrong?' "'Why should I tell you, if anything is wrong?' He stood amazed at this speech. "' Odd words,' said he, looking at her in a stupor of surprise, almost of anger. "'Whom should you tell but me?'

Starting point is 04:37:56 "'This touched Winifred, and, struggling with the lump in her throat, she said, unsteady, I'm not very well today. If you will leave me now and come back, perhaps some other time you will oblige me. Kasha strode nearer and caught her shoulder. But what a tone to me. Have I done something wrong?

Starting point is 04:38:22 I wonder. Winnie, what is it? I have told you I am not very well. I do not desire your coming. company today. "'Phew! What majesty! It must be something outrageous. But what? Won't you be dear and kind and tell me?' "'You have done nothing?' "'Yes, I have. I think I can guess. I spoke of Helen Tower yesterday as an old sweetheart.

Starting point is 04:38:53 Was that it? And it is all jealousy. Surely I didn't say much. What on earth did I say?' that she was like a Gainsborough, that she was rather a beauty, that she was elencet at 22, but I didn't mean any harm, why, it's jealousy. At this, Winifred drew herself up to discharge a thunderbolt, and though she winced at the Olympian effort, managed to say distinctly, there can be no jealousy where there is no love. Karsha stood silent, momentarily stunned, like one before whom a thunderbolt has really exploded. At last, looking at the pattern of a frayed carpet, he said, humbly enough,

Starting point is 04:39:44 Well, then, I must be a very unfortunate sort of man, Winifred. Don't believe me, Winifred wished to cry out, but the words were checked on her white lips. The thought arose in her. He that puteth his hand to the plough and looketh back. It is sudden this truth that you tell me, went on Karsha. Is it a truth? Yes. You are not fond of me, Winnie?

Starting point is 04:40:16 I have a liking for you. That's all? That is all. Don't say it, dear. I suffer. Do you? No, don't suffer. I can't help myself.

Starting point is 04:40:31 You are sorry for me, then? Oh, yes. But how came I then to have the opposite impression so strongly? I think I can't help thinking that it was your fault, dear. You made me hope, perhaps without meaning me to, that that life was to be happy for me. When I entered that door just now, no man in New York had a lighter step than I, or a more careless heart. I shall go out of it different, dear. You should not have allowed me to think what I did. And you should not have told me the truth so, quite so suddenly. Sit down,

Starting point is 04:41:15 you are not fair to me. I did not know you cared. You, you did not know that I cared? Come, that's not true, girl. Not so much. I mean, not quite so much. I thought that you were flirting with me, as I perhaps was flirting with you. Who is that I hear speaking? Is it Winifred? The very sound of her voice seems different. Am I dreaming? She, flirting, with me?

Starting point is 04:41:45 I don't realize her. It is a different girl. Oh, this thing comes to me like a falling steeple. It had no right to happen. You should sit down. or you should go. Better go, better go. And Winifred clutched wildly at her throat. Let us part now, and let us never beat. If you like, if you wish it, said Karsha, still humbly, for he was quite dazed.

Starting point is 04:42:18 It seems sudden, I am not sure if it is a dream or not. It isn't a happy one if it is. but have we no business to discuss before you send me away in this fashion? Do you mean to throw off my help as well as myself? I shall manage. I have an offer of work here in my hands. I shall soon be at work, and will then send the amount of the debt which I owe you, though you care nothing about that, and I know that I can never repay you for all. Yes, that is true.

Starting point is 04:42:55 too, in a way. Am I then actually to go? Yes. But you are not serious. Think of my living on days and years and not seeing you anymore. It seems a pitiable thing, too. Even you must be sorry for me. Yes, it seems a pitiable thing. So what do you say? Goodbye. Go, go. Go. But will you at least let me know where you are? Don't be quite lost to me. I shall be here for some time, but you won't come. I mustn't see you. I demand that much.

Starting point is 04:43:39 No, no, I won't come, you may be sure. And you, on your part, promise that if you have need of money, you will let me know. That is the least I can expect of you. I will. But go. I will have you in my memory. Only go from me now if you love. Goodbye, then. I do not understand, but goodbye. I am all in, Winnie. But still, goodbye. God bless you. He kissed her hand and went away. Her skin was cold to his lips, and in a numb way he wondered why.

Starting point is 04:44:25 A moment after he had disappeared, she called his name, but in an awful, hushed voice, which he could not hear, and she fell at length on the couch. Rex, my love, my dear love, she moaned, and yet he did not hear, for the sky had dropped on him. There she lay a little while, yet it was not all pain with her. there is one sweetest sweet to the heart, one drop of intensest honey sweeter to it than any wormwood is bitter, which consoled her, the consciousness of self-sacrifice, of duty done, of love lost for love's sake. Mrs. Carrshaw had put the girl on what Senator Michael John cynically called the heroic tack. And having gone on that tack, Winifred deeply understood that

Starting point is 04:45:24 there was a secret smile in it and a surprising light. She lay catching her breath till Miss Goodman brought up the tea-tray, expecting to find the cheery carshaw there as usual, for she had not heard him go out. Instead, she found Winifred sobbing on the couch, for, Winifred's grief was of that depth which ceases to care if it is witnessed by others. The good landlady came, therefore, and knelt by Winifred's side, put her arm about her, and began to console and question her. The consolation did no good, but the questions did, for if one is persistently questioned, one must answer something sooner or later, and the mind's effort to answer breaks the thread of grief, and so the commonplace acts as a medicine to

Starting point is 04:46:22 tragedy. In the end, Winifred was obliged to sit up and go to the table where the tea things were. This was in itself a triumph, and her effort to secure solitude and get rid of Miss Goodman was a further help toward throwing off her mood of despair. By the time Miss Goodman was gone, the storm was somewhat calmed. During that sad evening, which she spent alone, she read once more the letter, making the appointment with her at East Orange. Now, reading it a second time, she felt a twinge of doubt. Who could it be, she wondered, whom she would have to see there. East Orange was some way off. A meeting of this sort usually took place in New York at an office. Her mind was not at all given to suspicions, but on reading over the letter for the third time,

Starting point is 04:47:21 she now noticed that the signature was not in the handwriting of the agent. She knew his writing quite well, for he had sent her other letters. This writing was, indeed, something like his, but certainly not his. It might be a clerk's. The letter was typed on his office paper. to say that she was actually disturbed by these little rills of doubt would not be quite true. Still, they did arise in her mind and left her not perfectly at ease. The touch of uneasiness, however, made her ask herself why she should now become a singer at all.

Starting point is 04:48:05 It was Karsha who had pressed it upon her, because she had insisted on the vital necessity of doing something, quickly, and he had not wished her to work again with her hands. In reality, he was scheming to gain time. Now that they were parted, she saw no reason why she should not throw off all this stage ambition and toil like other girls as good as she. She had done it. She was skilled in the book-binding craft. She might do it again. She counted her money and saw that she had enough to carry her on over a week, even two, with economy. Therefore, she had time in which to seek other work. Even if she did not find it, she would have not the slightest hesitation in borrowing from Rex.

Starting point is 04:48:59 For, after all, all that he had was hers. She knew it, and he knew it. Before she went to bed, she decided to throw up the singing ambition, not to go to the appointment at East Orange, but to seek some other more modest occupation. About that same hour, Rex Karsha walked desolately to the apartment in Madison Avenue. He threw himself into a chair and propped his head on a hand, saying,

Starting point is 04:49:31 Well, mother, for Mrs. Karshaw was in the room. his mother glanced anxiously at him, for though Winifred had promised to keep secret the fact of her visit, she was in fear lest some hint of it might have crept out, nor had she foreseen quite so deadly an effect on her son, as was now manifest. He looked careworn and weary, and the maternal heart throbbed. She came and stood over him. Rex, you don't look well. said she. No. Perhaps I'm not very well, Mother, he said listlessly. Can I do anything? No, I'm rather afraid that the mischief is beyond you, mother. Poor boy, it is some trouble I know.

Starting point is 04:50:23 Perhaps it would do you good to tell me. No, don't worry, mother. I'd rather be left alone. There's a dear. Only tell me this. Is it very bad? Does it hurt much? Where's the use of talking? What cannot be cured must be endured. Life isn't all a smooth run on rubber tires. But it will pass, whatever it is. Bear up and be brave.

Starting point is 04:50:52 Yes, I suppose it will pass when I am dead. She tried to smile. Only the young dream of death as a relief, she said. But such wild words have. hurt, Rex? That's all right. Only leave me alone. You can't help. Give me a kiss and then go. A tear wet his forehead when Mrs. Carshaul laid her lips there. End of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. All roads lead to East Orange.

Starting point is 04:51:40 The next day, Winifred said about her new purpose of finding some other occupation than that connected with the stage, though she rose from bed that morning feeling ill, having hardly slept throughout the night. First, she read over once more the agent's letter and was again conscious of an extremely vague feeling of something queer in it, when she reflected on the lateness of the hour of the rendezvous, eight in the evening. She decided to write, explaining her change of purpose, and declining the interview with this nebulous client. She did not write at once.

Starting point is 04:52:29 She thought that she would wait and see first the result of the day's search for other employment. Soon after breakfast, she went out, heading for Brown. her old employers in Greenwich Village, who had turned her away after the yacht affair and the arrest of her aunt. As she waited at the crossing where the cars pass, her eyes rested on a man, a clergyman, apparently,

Starting point is 04:52:57 standing on the opposite pavement. He was not, at the moment, looking that way, and she took little notice of him, though her subconsciousness may have recognized something familiar in the lines of his body. It was foul in a saintly garb. Fowl in a shovel hat. Fowl interested in the comings and goings of Winifred.

Starting point is 04:53:25 Fowl, moreover, in those days, floated on the high tide of ease and had plenty of money in his pocket. He not only looked, but felt like a person of importance, and when Winiford entered a streetcar, Fowl followed in a taxi. There was a new foreman at Browns now, and he received the girl kindly. She laid her case before him. She had been employed there and had given satisfaction.

Starting point is 04:53:57 Then, all at once, an event with which she had nothing more to do than people in China, had caused her to be dismissed. would not the firm, now that the whole business had blown over, reinstate her? The man heard her attentively and said, Hold on, I'll have to talk with the boss. He left her and was gone ten minutes. Then he returned with a shaking head. No, Browns never take anyone back, said he,

Starting point is 04:54:31 but here's a list of bookbinding firms, which he's written out for you, and he says he'll give you a recommendation if any of them give you a job. With this list, Winifred went out and determined to lose no time, started on the round, taking nearest first, one in 19th Street. She walked that way and slowly behind her followed a clergyman. The firm in 19th Street wanted no new hand. Winifred got into a 23rd Street cross-town.

Starting point is 04:55:05 car after her sped a taxi. And now, when she stopped at the third bookbinders, Fowell knew her motive. She was seeking work at the old trade. He was puzzled, knowing that she had wished to become a singer, and being aware too of the appointment for the next night at East Orange. Had she then changed her purpose? Perhaps she was seeking both kinds of employment. meaning to accept the one which came first. If the book-binding won out, that might be dangerous to the rendezvous. In any case, Fowell resolved to nip the project in the bud. He would go later in the day to all the firms she had visited,

Starting point is 04:55:54 ask if they had engaged her, and, if so, drop a hint that she had been dismissed from Browns for being connected with the crime committed against Mr. Ronald Tower. A bogus clergyman's word was good for something, anyhow. From 23rd Street, where there was no work, Winifred made her way to 29th Street, followed still by the taxi. Here, things turned out better for her. She was seen by a manager who told her that they would be short-handed in three or four days, and that, if she could really produce a reference from Browns, he would engage her permanently. Winiford left him her address, so that he might write and tell her when she should

Starting point is 04:56:42 come. She lunched in a cheap restaurant and walked to her lodgings. Color flooded her cheeks, but she was appalled by her loneliness, by the emptiness of her life. To bind books and to live for binding books. That was not living. She had peeped into paradise, but the gate had been shut in her face, and the book-binding world seemed an intolerably flat and stale rag-fair, in comparison. How was she to live it through, she asked herself. When she went up to her room, the once snug and homely place disgusted her. How was she to live? through the vast void of that afternoon, alone in that apartment. How bridge the vast void of tomorrow?

Starting point is 04:57:38 The salt had lost its savor. She tasted ashes. Life was all sand of the desert. She would not see him anymore. The resolution which had carried her through the interview with Karsha failed her now, and she blamed herself for the murder of herself. "'Oh, how could I have done such a thing?' she cried, bursting into tears with her hat still on her head, on the table.

Starting point is 04:58:09 She had to write a letter to the agent, telling him that she did not mean to keep the rendezvous at East Orange, since she had obtained other work, and, with difficulty, summoned the requisite energy. Every effort was nauseous to her. Her whole nature was absorbed in digesting her. her one great calamity. Next morning, it was the same. Her arms hung listlessly by her side. She evaded little domestic tasks.

Starting point is 04:58:41 Though her clothes were new, a girl can always find sewing and stitching. A certain shirt waist needed slight adjustment, but her fingers fumbled a simple task. She passed the time somehow, Phil half-past four. At that hour, there was a ring at the outer door. In the absorption of her grief, she did not hear it, though it was

Starting point is 04:59:05 his hour. A step sounded on the stairs, and as she heard, but she thought it was Miss Goodman bringing tea. Then, brusquely, without any knock, the door opened, and she saw before her, "'Carsha!' "'Oh!' she screamed, in an ecstasy of joy, and was in his arms. the rope which bound her had snapped thus suddenly for the simple reason that karsha had promised never to come again and was very strict as she knew in keeping his pledged word therefore until the moment when her distraught eyes took in the fact of his presence she had not the faintest hope or thought of seeing him for many a day to come if ever seeing him all at once in the midst of his presence her desert of despair, her reason swooned, all fixed principles capsized, and instinct swept her triumphantly as the whirlwind bears a feather to his ready embrace. He, for his part,

Starting point is 05:00:16 had broken his promise because he could not help it. He had to come, so he came. His dismissal had been too sudden to be credible to find room in his brain. It continued to have something of the character of a dream, and he was here now to convince himself that the dream was true. Moreover, in her manner of sending him away, in some of her words, there had been something unreal and unconvincing, with broken hints of love, even as she denied love, which haunted and puzzled his memory.

Starting point is 05:00:59 If he had made a thousand promises, he would still have to return to her. Well, said he, his face alight for joy as she moaned on his breast, what is it all about, you unreliable little half of a nerve, Winnie? I can't help it. Kiss me, only once, panted Winifred,

Starting point is 05:01:24 with tears streaming down. her upturned face. Karsha needed no bidding. Kiss her once. Well, a man should smile. What is it all about, then, he demanded, when Winifred was quite breathless. Am I loved, then? Her forehead was on his shoulder, and she did not answer. It seems so, he whispered. Silence is said to mean consent, but why, why, then was I not loved the day before yesterday. Still, Winiford dared not answer. The frenzy was passing, the moral nature re-arising,

Starting point is 05:02:07 stronger than ever, claiming its own. She had promised and failed. What she did was not well for him. Tell me, he urged, with a lover's eagerness. You'll have to, sometime, you know. You promised not to come. You promised definitely, said Winifred, disengaging herself from him. Could I help coming? cried he. I was in the greatest bewilderment and misery. So you will always come, even if you promise not to? But I won't promise not to. Where is the need now?

Starting point is 05:02:47 You love me, I love you. Winiford turned away from him, went to the window, and looked out, seeing nothing, for the eyes of the soul were busy. Her lips were now firmly set, and during the minute that she stood there, a rapid train of thought and purpose passed through her mind. She had promised to give him up, and she would go through with it. It was for him, and it was sweet, though bitter, to be a martyr, but she recognized clearly that, so long as he knew where to find her, the thing could never be done. She made up her mind to be gone from those lodgings by that hour the next day, and to be buried from him in some other part of the great city.

Starting point is 05:03:40 She would never, in that case, be able to ask him for help to keep going without giving her address, but in a few days she would have work at the new bookbinders, this well settled in her mind, she turned inward to him, saying, Miss Goodman will soon bring up tea. Come, let us be happy today. You want to know if I love you? Well, the answer is yes, yes. So now you know and can never doubt.

Starting point is 05:04:13 I want you to stay a long time this afternoon, and I invite you to be my dear, dear guest, on one condition, that you don't ask me why I told you that awful fib the day before yesterday, for I don't mean to tell you. Of course, Kar Shah took her again in his arms, and without breaking her conditions, stayed with her till nearly six. She was sedately gay all the time, but on kissing him goodbye, she wept quietly, and as quietly, and as quietly, She said to her landlady when he was gone, Miss Goodman, I am going away tomorrow, for always, I'm afraid.

Starting point is 05:05:01 Soon after this six o'clock struck, and at ten minutes past the hour, Miss Goodman brought up two letters. Without looking at the handwriting on the envelopes, Winifred tore open one, laying the other on a writing-desk, this latter being from the agent, in answer to. to the one she had written. She had told him that she did not mean to keep the appointment at East Orange, and he now assured her that he had certainly never made any appointment for her at East Orange. The thing was some blunder. New York impresarios did not make appointments in East Orange.

Starting point is 05:05:41 He asked her for an explanation. Pity that she did not open this letter before the other, for the other was of a nature to drive the existence of the agent's letter of any letter out of her head. For days afterward, that all-important message lay on the table unopened. The note which Winifred did read was from the book-binding manager, who had all but engaged her that day. He now informed her that he would have no use for her services. The clergyman in the taxi had followed very effectively on Winifred's trail. She was stunned by this final blow. Her eyes gazed into vacancy.

Starting point is 05:06:30 What she was to do now she did not know. The next day she had to go away into strange lodgings with hardly any money, without any possibility of her applying again to Rex, without support of any sort. She had never known real poverty, for her aunt had always, more or less, been in funds, and the prospect appalled her. She would face it, however, at all costs, and, the book-binding failing her, her mind naturally occurred with a grasp of hope to the singing. There was the appointment at East Orange at eight.

Starting point is 05:07:13 She looked at the clock. She might have time, though it would mean an instant rush, she would go. True, she had written the agent to say that she would not, and he might have so advised his client, but perhaps he had not had time to do this, since she had written him so late. In any case, there was a chance that she should meet the person in question, and then she could explain.

Starting point is 05:07:42 suddenly she leaped up, hurried on her hat and coat, and ran out of the house. In a few minutes she was bound for Hoboken and East Orange. Of course it was a mad thing to leave an unopened letter on the table, but just then poor Winifred was nearly out of her mind. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Crash When Karsha came, with lightsome step and heart,

Starting point is 05:08:28 freed from care, for in some respects he was irresponsible, as any sane man could be, to visit his beloved Winifred next day, he was met by a frightened and somewhat incoherent Miss Goodman. Not been home all night, "'Surely you can offer some explanation "'further than that maddening statement,'

Starting point is 05:08:51 "'cried he, when the shock of her news "'had sent the colour from his face "'and the joy from his eyes. "'Oh, sir, I don't know what to say. "'Indeed I am not to blame.' "'Miss Goodman, kind-hearted soul, "'was more flurried now by Karsha's manner "'than by Winifred's inexplicable disappearance.

Starting point is 05:09:15 "'Blaim, my good-hearted. good woman who is imputing blame, he blazed at her. But there's a hidden purpose, a convincing motive in her going out and not returning. Give me some clue, some reason. A clear thought now. The right word from you may save hours of useless search. How can I give any clues? cried the bewildered landlady. The dear young creature was crying all day, fit to break her heart after the lady called. The lady? What lady?

Starting point is 05:09:51 Your mother, sir, didn't she tell you? Miss Karsha was here the day before yesterday, and she must have spoken very cruelly to Winifred to make her so downcast for hours. I was that sorry for her. Now, Karsha had the rare faculty, rare, that is, in men of a happy-go-lucky temperament, of becoming a human iceberg in moments of danger or difficulty. The blank absurdity of Miss Goodman's implied assertion that Winifred had run away,

Starting point is 05:10:28 though indeed running away was uppermost in the girl's thoughts, had roused him to fiery wrath. But the haphazard mention of his mother's visit, the coincidence of Winiford's unexpectedly strange behavior and equally unexpected transition to a wildly declared love revealed some of the hidden sources of events, and over the volcano of his soul, he imposed a layer of ice. He even smiled pleasantly as he begged Miss Goodman to dry her eyes and be seated. We are at loggerheads, you see, he said, almost cheerfully.

Starting point is 05:11:15 Just let us sit down and have a quiet talk. Tell me everything you know, and in the order in which things happened, tell me facts, and if you are guessing at probabilities, tell me that you are guessing. Then we shall soon unravel the tangle of threads. Thus reassured Miss Goodman took him through the records of the past 48 hours, so far as she knew them. After the first few words, he required no explanations of his mother's presence in that middle-class section of Manhattan. She had gone there in her stately limousine to awe and bewilder, a poor little girl,

Starting point is 05:12:00 to frighten an innocent out of loving her son, and thus endangering her own grandiose projects for his future. It was pardonable, perhaps, from a woman's worldly point of view, that there were other aspects of it, which she should soon see, with a certain definiteness, the cold outlines of which already made his mouth stern,

Starting point is 05:12:28 and sent little lines to wrinkle his forehead. He had spared her hitherto, had hoped to keep on sparing her, yet she had not spared Winifred. But who had prompted her to this heartless deed? He loved his mother, her faults were those of society, her virtues were her own. She had lived too long in an atmosphere of artificiality, not to have lost, much of the fine American womanliness that was her birthright. That could be cured. He alone knew how. The puzzling query, for a little while, was the identity of the cruel, calculating ruthless enemy who struck by her hand. There was less light shed on Winiford's own behavior.

Starting point is 05:13:25 He recalled her words, you want to know if I love you? Yes, yes. I want you to stay a long time this afternoon. Don't ask me why I told you that awful fib. And then her confession to Miss Goodman. I'm going away tomorrow for always, I'm afraid. What did that portend? Ah, yes, she was going to some place where he did not find her, to bury herself away from his love, and because of her love for him. It was no new idea in woman's heart, this. For long ages in India, sorrowing wives burned themselves to death

Starting point is 05:14:12 on the funeral pyrus of their lords. Poor Winifred only reversed the method of the sacrifice. Its result would be the same. But, tomorrow, today, that is, you are quite sure of her words, he persisted. Oh, yes, sir, quite sure. Besides, she has left her clothes and letters and little knick-knacks of jewelry. Would you care to see them?

Starting point is 05:14:40 For an instant, he hesitated, for he was a man of refinement, and he hated the necessity of prying into the little secrets of his dear one. Then he agreed, and Miss Goodman took him from her own sitting-room to that tenanted by Winifred. Her presence seemed to linger in the air. His eyes travelled to the chair from which she rose with that glad, crooning cry,

Starting point is 05:15:07 when he came to her so few hours earlier. On the table lay her tiny writing-case, in it unopened, and, hidden by the discouraging missive from the bookbinders, rested the note from the dramatic agent with the thrice important clue of its plain statement, I have made no appointment for you at any house near East Orange.

Starting point is 05:15:34 But Miss Goodman had already thrown open the door, which led to Inference Bedroom. You can see for yourself, sir, she said. The room was not occupied last night, nor that she could be in the house without me knowing it, poor thing. There are her clothes. in the wardrobe, and the dressing-table is tidy. She's extraordinarily neat in her ways, is Miss Bartlett, quite different from the empty-headed creatures, girls mostly are nowadays.

Starting point is 05:16:07 Miss Goodman spoke bitterly. She was fifty, grey-haired, and a hopeless old maid. This point of view sours the appearance of saucy eighteen with the sun shining in its tresses. Carshassau's while something in his throat. The sanctity of this inner room of Winifred's overwhelmed him. He turned away hastily. All right, Mrs. Goodman, he said, we can learn nothing here. Let us go back to your apartment, and I'll tell you what I want you to do now. Passing the writing desk, he again looked more carefully at its contents. A small packet of bills caught his eye. There were the receipts. for such simple articles as Winiford had bought with his money. Somehow the mere act of examining

Starting point is 05:16:59 such a list struck him with a sense of profanation. He could not do it. His eyes glazed. Hardly knowing what the words meant, he glanced through the typed document from the bookbinder. It was obviously a business letter. He committed no breach of etiquette governing private correspondence by reading it. So great was his delicacy, in this respect, that he did not even lift the letter from the table, but noted the address and the curt phraseology. Here, then, was a little explanation. He would inquire at that place, I want you to telegraph me each morning and evening, he said to the landlady,

Starting point is 05:17:45 don't depend on the phone. If you have news, of course you will give it, but if nothing happens, say that there is no news. Here is my address, and a $5 bill for expenses. Did Miss Bartlett owe you anything? No, sir, she paid me yesterday when she gave me notice. Ah, kindly retain her rooms. I don't wish any other person to occupy them.

Starting point is 05:18:12 Do you think, sir, she will not come back today? I fear so. She is detained by force. She has been misled by someone. I am going now to find out who that someone else is. He drove his car, now rejuvenated, with the preoccupied gaze of one who seeks to pierce a dark and troubled future. From the garage, he called up the Long Island estate,

Starting point is 05:18:42 where his hacks and polo ponies were housed for the winter. He gave some instructions which caused the man in charge. charge to blink with astonishment. Selling everything, Mr. Karshaw? He said, do you really mean it? Does my voice sound as if I were joking, Bates? No, no, sir, I can't say it does, but start on the catalog now this evening. I'll look after you.

Starting point is 05:19:13 Mr. Van Hofen wants a good man. Stir yourself, and that place is yours. He found his mother at home. She glanced at him as he entered her boudoir. She saw, with her ready tact, that questions as to his state of worry would be useless. Will you be dining at home, Rex? she asked. Yes, and you? I have almost promised to dine en-famie with the towers.

Starting point is 05:19:46 Better stop here. We have a lot of things to arrange. Arrange? What sort of things? Business affairs, for the most part. Oh, business. Any discussion of... I said nothing about discussion, mother.

Starting point is 05:20:04 For some years past, I have been rather careless in my ways. Now I am going to stop all that. A good business maxim is to always choose the word that expresses one's meaning exactly. Rex, you speak queerly. "'That shows I'm doing well. Your ears have so long been accustomed to falsity, mother, that the truth sounds strangely. "'My son, do not be so bitter with me.

Starting point is 05:20:36 "'I have never in my life had other than the best of motives "'in any thought or action that concerned you.' He looked at her intently. He read in her words an admission and a defense. Let us avoid tragedy, Mother, at least in words. Who sent you to Winifred? Then she has told you? She has not told me.

Starting point is 05:21:04 Women are either angels or fiends. This harmless little angel has been driven out of her paradise in the hope that her butterfly wings may be soiled by the rain and mud of Manhattan. Who sent you to her? "'Senator Michael John,' said Mrs. Karsha defiantly. "'What, that smug Pharisee? What was his excuse?' "'He said you were the talk of the clubs, that Helen Tower. "'She, too, thank you. I see the drift of things now.

Starting point is 05:21:42 "'It was heartless of you, mother, did not Winifred's angel face, "'twisted into misery by your lies, cause you one pang of remorse? Mrs. Karsha rose unsteadily. Her face was ghastly in its whiteness. Rex, spare me, for heaven's sake, she faltered. I did it for the best. I have suffered more than you know.

Starting point is 05:22:10 I am glad to hear it. You have a good nature in its steps, but the canker of society has almost destroyed it. That is why you and I are about to talk business. I'm feeling faint. Let matters rest a few hours. He strode to the bell and summoned a servant. Bring some brandy and two glasses, he said when the man came. It was an unusual order at that hour. Silently the servant obeyed. Karsha looked out the window while his mother, true to her cast, affected no chalance before the domestic.

Starting point is 05:22:54 Now, said he when they were alone, drink this, it will steady your nerves. She was frightened at last. Her hand shook as it took the proffered glass. What has happened? She asked, with quavering voice. She had never seen her son like this before. there was a hint of inflexible purpose in him that terrified her. When he spoke, the new crispness in his voice shocked her ears. Mere business, I assure you, not another word about Winifred. I shall find her sooner or later, and we shall be married then at once. But by queer chance, I have been looking into affairs of late.

Starting point is 05:23:42 The manager of our Massachusetts Mills tells, me that trade is slack. We have been running at a loss for some years. Our machinery is antiquated, and we have not the accumulated reserves to replace it. We are in debt, and our credit begins to be shaky. Think of that, Mother, the name of Karsha, pondered over by bank managers and discounters of trade bills. The Senator Michael John mentioned this, Vaguely. Dear me, what an interest he takes in us. I wonder why.

Starting point is 05:24:24 But as a financial magnate, he understands things. Your father always said, Rex, that trade had its cycles, fat years and lean years, you know? Yes, he built up our prosperity by hard work, by spending less than half what he earned. not by living in a townhouse and gadding about in society. Do you remember, Mother, how he used to laugh at your pretty little affectations? I think I own my share of the family brains, though, so I shall act now, as he would have acted. Do you wish to goad me into hysteria?

Starting point is 05:25:09 What are you driving at? she shrieked. That is the way to reach the heart of the mystery. Get at the facts, eh? They're simple. The business needs $300,000 to give it solidity and staying power. Then, four or five years good and economical management will set it right. We have been living at the rate of $50,000 a year. For some time, we have been executing small mortgages to obtain this annual income, expecting the business to clear them. Now the estates must come to the help of the business. In what way, she gasped. They must be mortgaged up to the hilt to pay off the small sums and find the large one.

Starting point is 05:26:02 It will take ten years of nursing to relieve them of the burden. Not a penny must come from the mills. How shall we live? she demanded. I have arranged that. Your marriage settlement. of $2,500 a year is secured. That is all. How big it seemed in your eyes when you were a bride. How little now, though your real needs are less. I shall take a sufficient salary as assistant manager while I learn the business. It means $2,000 a year for housekeeping, and I have calculated that the sale of all

Starting point is 05:26:42 our goods, we'll pay our personal debts and leave you and me, five thousand each to set up small establishments. Mrs. Karshaw flounced into a chair. You must be quite mad, she cried. No, mother, sane, quite sane, for the first time. Don't you believe me? Go to your lawyers. The scheme is really theirs. They are good businessmen, and congratulated me, on taking a wise step. So you see, mother, I really cannot afford a fashionable wife. I am choking, she gasped. For the moment, anger filled her soul.

Starting point is 05:27:27 Now be reasonable, there's a good soul. 5,000 in the bank, 2,500 a year to live on. Why, when you get used to it, you will say you were never so happy. What about dinner? Shall we start economizing at once? Let's pay off half a dozen servants before we sit down to a chop.

Starting point is 05:27:50 Hey, tears? Well, they'll help. Sometimes they're good for women. Send for me when you're calmer. With a look of real pity in his eyes, he bent and kissed her forehead. She would have kept him with her, but he went away. No, he said, no discussion, you remember, and I must fix a whole heap of things before we

Starting point is 05:28:17 dying. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Clancy explains. Karsha phoned the bureau asking for Clancy or the chief. Both were out. Mr. Steingall will be here tomorrow, said the official in charge. Mr. Clancy asked me to tell you if you rang up that he would be away till Monday dext. This was Wednesday evening. Karshaf felt that fate was using him ill, for Clancy was the one man with whom he wanted to commune in that hour of agony. He dined with his mother, she, deeming him crazy,

Starting point is 05:29:17 after a severe attack of calf-love humored his mood. She was calm now, believing that a visit to the lawyers next day and her own influence with the mill manager and the estate superintendent would soon put a different aspect on affairs.

Starting point is 05:29:38 A telegram came late. No news. He sought Senator Michael John at his apartment, but the father scenting hounds, and broken covered. The senator will be in Washington next week, said the discreet Phillips. At present, sir, he is not in town.

Starting point is 05:30:02 Karsha made no further inquiry. He knew it was useless. In the morning, another telegram. No news. He set his teeth and smilingly agreed to accompany his mother to the lawyers. She came away in tears. Those serious men strongly approved of her son's project. Rex has all his father's grit, said the senior partner. In a little time, you will be convinced that he is acting rightly. I shall be dead, she snapped. The lawyer lifted his hands with a depreciating smile. You have no secrets from me, Mrs. Karsha, he said.

Starting point is 05:30:50 You are ten years my junior, and insurance actuaries give women longer lives than men when they have attained a certain age. Karsha visited Helen Tower. She was fluttered. By note, he had asked for a tete-a-tete interview, But his first words undeceived her. "'Where is Michael John?' "'Do you mean Senator Michael John?'

Starting point is 05:31:19 "'She corrected him.' "'Yes, the man who acted in collusion with you "'in kidnapping my intended wife. "'How dare you?' "'Sit down, Helen, no heroics, please. "'Or perhaps you would prefer that Ronald should be present?' "'This tone rex to me.' "'She was crimson with surprise.

Starting point is 05:31:43 you are right it is better that tower should not be here he might get a worse douche than his plunge into the river now about michael john why did he conspire with you and my mother to carry off winnifred bartlett i don't know surely there was some motive you are speaking in enigmas i heard of the girl from you I have never seen her. If your mother interfered, it was for your good. He smiled cynically. The cold, far-away look in his eyes was bitter to her soul. Yet he had never looked so handsome,

Starting point is 05:32:30 so distinguished, as in this moment when he was ruthlessly telling her that another woman absorbed him utterly. What hold has Michael John over you? he went on. She simulated tears. You have no right to address me in that manner, she protested.

Starting point is 05:32:54 There is a guilty bond somewhere, and I shall find it out, he said coldly. My mother was your cat's-bah. You, Helen, may have been spiteful, but Michael John, that sleek and smug politician, I cannot understand him. The story went that, owing to an accidental likeness to Michael John, your husband was nearly killed. His assailant was a man named Voles. Voles was an associate of Rachel Crake,

Starting point is 05:33:31 the woman who poses as Winifred's aunt. That is the line of inquiry. Do you know anything about it? Not a syllable. Then I must appeal to Ronald. Do so. He is as much in the dark as I am. I fancy you are speaking the truth, Helen. Is it manly to come here and insult me?

Starting point is 05:33:59 Was it womanly to place those hounds on the track of my poor Winifred? I shall spare no one, Helen. Be warned in time. If you can help me, do so. I may have pity on my friends. I shall have none for my enemies. He was gone. Mrs. Tower, biting her lips and clenching her hands in sheer rage, rushed to an espritro and unlocked it. A letter lay there. A letter from Michael John. It was dated from the Marlborough Blenheim Hotel, Atlantic City. Dear Mrs. Tower, it ran,

Starting point is 05:34:44 The Costa Rica Cotton Concession is almost secure. The president will sign it any day now. But secrecy is more than ever important. Tell none but Jacob. The market must be kept in the dark. He can begin operations quietly. The shares should be at par within a week and at five in a month.

Starting point is 05:35:10 Wire me, the one word settled, when Jacob says he is ready. At five in a month! Mrs. Tower was promised ten thousands of those shares. Their nominal value was one dollar. Today they stood at a few cents. Fifty thousand dollars. What a relief it would be. Threatening dressmakers,

Starting point is 05:35:36 impudent racing agents asking for unpaid bets, sneering friends who held her IOUs for bridge losses and spoke of asking her husband to settle. All these paid triumphantly and plenty in hand to battle in the whirlpool for years. It was a stake worth fighting for. And Michael John? As the price of his help in gaining a concession granted by a new competitor among the cotton-producing states, he would be given five shares to her one. Why did he dread this girl? That was a fruitful affair to probe, but he must be warned. Her lost lover might be troublesome at a critical

Starting point is 05:36:28 stage in the affairs of the cotton market. She wrote a telegram. Settled, but a wait letter. In the letter, she gave him some details, not all, of Karshaugh's visit. No woman will ever reveal that she has been discarded by a man whom she boasted was tied to her hatstrings. Karsha sought the detective bureau, but Stingall was away now, as well as Clancy. You'll be hearing from one of them was the enigmatic message he was given. eating his heart out in misery he arranged his affairs received those two daily telegrams from miss goodman with their dreadful words no news and haunted the bookbinders and michael john's door hoping to see some of the crew of winifred's persecutors at the bookbinders he learned of the visit of the supposed clergyman whose name however did not appease in the lists of any denomination.

Starting point is 05:37:41 At last, arrived a telegram from Burlington, Vermont. Come and see me, Clancy. Grown wary by experience, Karsha ascertained first that Clancy was really at Burlington. Then he instructed Miss Goodman to telegraph to him in the north and quitted New York by the night train. In the sporting columns of an... evening paper, he read of the sale of his polo ponies. The scribe regretted the suggested

Starting point is 05:38:17 disappearance from the game of one of the best number ones he had ever seen. The Long Island estate was let already, and Mrs. Karsha would leave her expensive flat when the lease expired. Early next day he was greeted by Clancy. Glad to see you, Mr. Karsha, said the little man. Been here before? No. Charming Town. None of the infernal racket of New York about life in Burlington. Anyone who got bitten by that bug here would be afflicted like the Gatarin Swine and Rush into Lake Champlain. Walk to the hotel. It's a fine morning, and you'll get some bully views of the Adirondacks as you climb the hill. Whittifred is gone. Hasn't the Bureau kept you informed? Clancy sighed.

Starting point is 05:39:16 Well, well, why didn't you ask her sooner? I had to arrange my affairs. I am poor now. How could I marry Winifred under false pretences? What then? Did she love you for your supposed wealth? Mr. Clancy, I am tortured. Why have you brought me here? To stop you from playing my John's game. I hear that you camp outside his apartment house. You and I are going back to New York this very day, and the Bureau will soon find your Winifid. By the way, how did you happen onto the senator's connection with the affair? Taking hope, Karsha told his story. Clancy listened while they breakfasted. Then he unfolded a record of local events. The Bureau has known for some time that Senator Michael John's past offered some rather remarkable problems, he said, dropping his bantering air and speaking seriously.

Starting point is 05:40:23 We have never ceased making guarded inquiries. I am here now for that very purpose. Some 30 years ago, on the death of his father, he and his brother, Ralph Vane, Michael John, inherited an old estate. Banking Business in Vermont. Ralph was a bit of a rake, but local opinion regarded William as a steady-going, domesticated man who would uphold the family traditions. There was no ink on the blotter

Starting point is 05:40:57 during upward of ten years, and William was already a candidate for Congress when Ralph was involved in a scandal which caused some talk at the time. the name of a governess and a local house was associated with his, and her name was Bartlett. Karsha glanced at the detective with a quick uneasiness, which Clancy pretended not to notice. I have no proof, but absolutely no doubt, he continued, that this woman is now known as Rachel Crick. She fell into Ralph Michael John's clutches then, and has remained his slave ever since.

Starting point is 05:41:45 Two years later, there was a terrific sensation here. A man named Marchbanks, who was found lying dead in a lakeside quarry, having fallen or been thrown into it. This quarry was situated near the Michael John house. Mrs. Marchbanks, a ward of Michael John. father died in childbirth as the result of shock when she heard of her husband's death, and inquiry showed that all her money had been swallowed up in loans to her husband for stock exchange speculation.

Starting point is 05:42:25 Mrs. Margebanks was a noted beauty, and her fortune was estimated at nearly half a million dollars. It was all the more amazing that her husband should have a lost such a great sum in reckless gambling, seeing that those who remember him say he was a nice mannered gentleman of the old type, devoted to his wife, and with a passion for cultivating orchids. Again, why should Mrs. Marchbunk's bankers and guardians allow her to be ruined by a thoughtless fool? Clancy seemed to be asking himself these questions, But Karsha, so far from New York, and with a mind ever dwelling on Winifred, said impatiently, You didn't bring me here to tell me about some long-forgotten mystery.

Starting point is 05:43:21 Ah, quit that hair-trigger business, snapped Clancy. You just listen, and maybe you'll hear something interesting. Ralph Vane, Michael John, left Vermont soon afterwards. twelve years ago a certain ralph voles was sentenced to five years in a penitentiary for swindling mrs marchbank's child lived it was a girl and baptized as winifred she was looked after as a matter of charity by william michael john and entrusted to the care of miss bartlett the ex-governess "'Carsha was certainly interested now. "'Winifred, my Winifred,' he cried, "'grasping the detective's shoulder in his excitement.

Starting point is 05:44:15 "'Tutts, grinned Clancy. "'Guess the story's beginning to grip. "'Yes, Winifred is the image of her mother,' said Volz. "'She must be taken away from New York.' "'Why?' "'Why did you? this same ralph vanish from vermont after her father's death by accident why does a wealthy and influential senator join in the plot against her invoking the aid of your mother and of mrs tower these are questions to be asked but not yet first you must get back your winifred karsha and take care that you take care that you

Starting point is 05:45:04 You keep her when you get her. But how? Tell me how, came the fierce demand. If you jump at me like that, I'll make you stop here another week, said Clancy. Man alive, I hate humbug as much as any man, but don't you see that the Bureau must make sure of its case before it acts? We can't go before a judge until we have better evidence than the vague hearsay of 20 years ago. But for goodness sake, next time you grab Winifred, rush her to the nearest clergyman and make her Mrs. Karshan, Jr. That'll help a lot.

Starting point is 05:45:46 Leave me to get the senator and the rest of the bunch. Now, if you'll be good, I'll show you the house where your Winifred was born. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of the Bartwood's Mystery by Louis. Tracy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. In the Toils. East Orange seemed to be a long way from New York, when Winifred hastened to the appointment at Gateway House, traveling thither by way of the tube and the Lacowna Railway. More and more did it seem strange that a theatrical agent should fix on such a such a

Starting point is 05:46:43 a rendezvous until a plausible reason suggested itself. Possibly some noted impresario had chosen this secluded retreat, and the agent had arranged a meeting there between his client and the great man whose Olympian nod gave success or failure to aspirants for the stage. The letter itself was reassuringly explicit as to the route she should, should follow. On leading the station, it said, turn to the right and walk a mile along the only road that presents itself until you see, on the left, a large green gate bearing the name Gateway House. Walk in. The house itself is hidden by trees and stands in spacious grounds.

Starting point is 05:47:40 If you follow these directions, you will have no need to passed the way. The description of the place betokened that it was of some local importance, and hoped revived somewhat in her sorrowing heart at the impression that, perhaps, after all, it was better she had failed in finding work at the bindery. Notwithstanding the charming simplicity of her nature, Winifred would not be a woman if she did not know she was good-looking. The stage offered a career. Work in the factory only yielded existence. Recent events had added a certain strength of character to her sweet face, and Miss Goodman, who happened to be an expert dressmaker, had used the girl's leisure in her lodgings to turn her nimble fingers to account. Hence, Winifred was dressed with neat elegance and the touch of Winne. The touch of Winnerford, her keenness in the air, gave her a splendid color as she hurried out of the station, many minutes late for her appointment.

Starting point is 05:48:53 Would she be asked to sing, she wondered? She had no music with her, and had never touched a piano since her music master's anxiety to train her voice had been so suddenly frustrated by Rachel Craig. but she knew many of the solos from Faust, Rigoletto, Carmen. Surely among musical people, there would be some appreciation of her skill, if tested by this class of composition, as compared with the latest ragtime melody or gushing cabaret ballad. Busy with such thoughts, she hastened along the road

Starting point is 05:49:36 until she awoke with a start to the knowledge. that she was opposite Gateway House. Certainly, the retreat was admirable from the point of view of a man surferited with life on the Great White Way. Indeed, it looked very like a private lunatic asylum, or home for inebriates, with its lofty walls studded with broken glass, and its solid gate crowned with iron spikes. Winifred tried the door, It opened readily. She was surprised that so pretentious an abode had no launch-keeper's cottage. There were signs of few vehicles passing over the weed-grown gravel drive,

Starting point is 05:50:23 and such marks as existed were quite recent. She was so late, however, that her confused mind did not trouble about these things, and she sped on gracefully, soon coming in full view of the house itself. It was now almost dark, and the grounds seemed very lonely. But the presence of lights in the secluded mansion gave earnest of someone awaiting her there. She fancied she heard a noise, like the snapping of a latch or lock behind her. She turned her head, but saw no one. Fowl, hiding among the evergreens, had run with nimble feet and,

Starting point is 05:51:09 sardomic smile to bolt the gate as soon as she was out of sight. And now Winifred was at the front door, timidly pulling a bell. A man strolled with a marked limb around the house from a conservatory. He was a tall, strongly built person, and something in the dimly seen outline sent a thrill of apprehension through her. But the door opened. I have come, she began. The words died away in sheer affright.

Starting point is 05:51:49 Glowering at her, with a queer look of gratified menace, was Rachel Craig. So I see, was the grim retort. Come in, Winnie, by all means. Where have you been all these weeks? There is some mistake. She faltered. White, with sudden terror and nameless suspicions. My agent told me to come here.

Starting point is 05:52:16 Quite right, be quick, or you'll miss the last train home, growled the voice of Vowl behind her. Roughly, though not violently, he pushed her inside, and the door closed. He snapped at Rachel. She'd be yelling for help in another second, and you never know. who may be passing. Now, Winifred was not of the order of women who faint in the presence of danger. Her love had given her a great strength, her suffering had deepened her fine nature, and her very soul rebelled against the cruel subterfuge, which had been practiced to separate her from her lover. She saw, with the magic intuition of her sex, that the very very very

Starting point is 05:53:07 very essence of a deep-laid plot was that Rex and she should be kept apart. The visit of Mrs. Karsha then was only a part of the same determined scheme. Rex's mother had been a puppet in the hands of those who carried her to Connecticut, who strove so determinedly to take her away when Karsha put in an appearance, and who had tricked her into keeping this bonus appointment. She would defy them, face death itself, rather than yield. In the America of today, nothing short of desperate crime could long keep her from Rex's arms.

Starting point is 05:53:56 What a weak, silly, romantic girl she had been not to trust in him, absolutely. The knowledge nerved her to a fine scorn. "'What right have you to treat me in this way?' she cried vehemently. "'You have lied to me, brought me here by a forged letter. Let me go instantly, and perhaps my just indignation may not lead me to tell my agent how you have dared to use his name with false pretense.' "'Ho-ho!' sang out voles, the little bird pipes and angry note.

Starting point is 05:54:37 Me pacified, my sweet Lynette. You were getting into bad company. It was the duty of your relatives to rescue you. My relatives, who are they who claim kinship? I see here one who posed as my aunt for many years. Posed, Winnie? Mrs. Craig affected a croak of regretful protest. Winnie's eyes shot lightning.

Starting point is 05:55:07 Yes, I am sure you are not, my aunt. Many things I can recall prove it to me. Why do you never mention my father and mother? What wrong have I done to any living soul that, ever since you were mixed up in the attack on Mr. Ronald Tower, you should deal with me as if I were a criminal or a lunatic, and seek to pardon me from those who would befriend me. Hush, little girl, interposed Bowles, with mock severity.

Starting point is 05:55:42 You don't know what you're saying. You are hurting your dear aunt's feelings. She is your aunt, I ought to know, considering that you are my daughter. Your daughter! Now, indeed, she felt ready to dare dragons. "'This coarse, brutal giant of a man, her father?' Her gorge rose at the suggestion.

Starting point is 05:56:09 Almost fiercely, she resolved to hold her own against these persecutors, who scrupled not to use any lying device that would suit their purpose. "'Yes,' he cried truculently, "'don't I come up to your expectations?' "'If you are my father, She said, with a strange self-possession that came to her aid in this trying moment, Where is my mother?

Starting point is 05:56:38 Sorry to say, she died long since. Did you murder her as you tried to murder Mr. Tower? The chance shot went home, though it hit her callous hearer in a way she could not then appreciate. He swore violently. You're my daughter, I tell you. you, evosiferated, and the first thing you have to learn is obedience. Your head has been turned, young lady, by your pretty rex and his nice ways. I'll have to teach you not to address me in that fashion. Take her to her room, Rachel. Let me go, she screamed. I will not accompany you. I do not

Starting point is 05:57:23 believe a word you say, if you touch me, I shall defend myself. A spitfire. A spitfire. A, she heard Volz say. There was something of a struggle. She never knew exactly what happened. She found herself clasped in his giant arms, and heard his half-gesting protest. Now, my butterfly, don't beat your little wings so furiously, or you'll hurt yourself.

Starting point is 05:57:51 He carried her, screaming, upstairs, and pushed her into a large room. Rachel Craig followed with a set face and angry words. Ungrateful girl, was her cry. After all I've done for you. You stole me from my mother, sobbed Winifred despairingly. I'm sure you did. You are afraid now, lest someone should recognize me. I am the image of my mother, that horrible man said, and I am to be taken away because, I resemble her. It is you who are frightened, not I. I defy you. Even Mrs. Karsha knew my face.

Starting point is 05:58:37 I scorn you, I say, and if you think your devices can deceive me or keep wrecks from me, you're mistaken. Before it is too late, let me go. Rachel Craig was, indeed, alarmed by the girl's hysterical outpouring. But Winifred's taunts worked harm in one way. They revealed most surely that the danger dreaded by both Bowles and Michael John did truly exist. From that instant, Rachel Crake, who felt beneath her rough exterior some real tenderness for the girl she had reared, became her implacable foe. you had better calm yourself she said quietly if you care to eat food will soon be brought for you and mr gray he is your fellow-boarder for a few days then winnifred saw for the first time that the spacious room held another occupant reclining in a big chair and scowling at her was mick the wolf whose arm carshaw had broken recently. Yes, growled that worthy. I'm not the most cheerful company, Missy,

Starting point is 06:00:01 but my other arm is strong enough to put that fellow of yours out of gear if he butts in on me again. So just cool your pretty little head. I'm boss here, and if you rile me, it'll be sort of awkward for you. How Winifred passed the next few hours she could scarcely remember afterward. She noted, in dull agony, that the windows of the sitting room she shared with Mick the wolf were barred with iron. So, too, was the window of her bedroom. The key and handle of the bedroom lock had been taken away. Rachel Crick was her jailer, a maimed scoundrel her companion, and assistant warder. But when the first paroxysms of helpless pain and rage had passed, her faith returned. She prayed long and earnestly, and help was vouchsafed.

Starting point is 06:01:08 Appeal to her captors was vain, she knew, so she sought the consolation that is never denied to all who are afflicted. Neither Rachel Crake, nor the sullen bandit, nor the loud-voiced rascal who had dared to say he was her father, could understand the cheerful patience with which she met them the next day. She's a puzzle, said Bowles in the privacy of the apartment beneath. I must dope out some way of fix and things. She'll never come to heal again.

Starting point is 06:01:45 and Rachel. That fool, Karsha, has turned her head. He trapped to and fro impatiently. His ankle had not yet forgotten the wrench it received on the Boston Post Road. Suddenly, he banged a huge fist on a sideboard. Gee, he cried, that should turn the trick. I'll marry her off to fowl. If it wasn't for other considerations I'd be almost tempted. He paused. Even his fierce spirit quailed at the venom that gleaned from Rachel Craig's eyes. End of Chapter 20. Chapter 21 of the Bartlett Mystery by Lewis Tracy. This Librevox reporting is in the public domain. Mother and Son

Starting point is 06:02:48 A telegram reached Karshaugh before he left Burlington with Clancy. He hoped it contained news of Winifred, but it was of a nature that imposed one more difficulty in his path. Quote, no later than the 20th, end quote, wired the manager of the Karshaw Mills in Massachusetts. Karshaw himself had inquired the latest date on which he would be expected to start work, and he could not, in honor, begin the new era by breaking his pledge. The day was Saturday, November 11th. On the following Monday week, he must begin to learn the

Starting point is 06:03:35 rudiments of cotton spinning. What's up? demanded Clancy, eyeing the telegram. For Caw's face had hardened at the thought that, perhaps, in the limited time at his disposal, his quest might fail. He passed the type slip to the detective. Meaning, said the latter, after a quick glance. Parsha explained, I'll find her, he added, with a catch of the breath. I must find her, God, in heaven, man.

Starting point is 06:04:12 I'll go mad if I don't. Cut out the stage stuff, said Clancy. by this day week the Bureau will find a bunch of girls who are not lost yet, only planning it. Touched by the misery in Karsha's eyes, he added, What you really want is a marriage license. The minute you set your eyes on Winifred rush her to City Hall. Once we meet, we'll not part again, came the earnest vow. somehow the first little man's overweening egotism was soothing, and Karsha allowed his mind to dwell on the happiness of holding Winifred in his arms once more, rather than the uncertain prospect of attaining such bliss.

Starting point is 06:05:04 Indeed, he was almost surprised by the ardor of his love for her. when he could see her each day and amuse himself by playing at the pretense that she was to earn her own living, there was a definite satisfaction in the thought that soon they would be married, when all this pleasant make-believe would vanish. But now that she was lost to him, and probably enduring no common misery, the complacency of life had suddenly given place to a fierce longing for, a glimpse of her, for the sound of her voice, for the shy glance of her beautiful eyes. Now, let's play ball, said Clancy, when they were in a train speeding south. Has any complete

Starting point is 06:05:55 search of Wendiford's rooms been made? How do you mean? Did you look in every hole and corner for a torn envelope, a twisted scrap of paper, a car transfer, any mortal thing that might reveal why she went out and did not return? I told you of the bookbinder's note. You sure did, broke in, Clancy. You also went to the bookbinder's esteemed times. Are you certain there was nothing else? No, I didn't like.

Starting point is 06:06:30 How could I peer and pry? You'd make a bum detective. Imagine that poor girl crying her eyes out in a cold, dark, all because you were too squeamish to give her belongings the once-over. Karsha was not misled by Clancy's manner. He knew that his thread was only consumed by impatience to be on the trail. You've fired plenty of questions at me, he said quietly, and now it's my turn. I understand why you came to Burlington, but where is Steingaw all this time?

Starting point is 06:07:07 That big stiff, pow do you? I know. In a word, Fancy was uncommunicative during a whole hour. When the moon passed, he spoke of other things, but, although it was ten at night when they reached New York, he raced Carrshaw straight to East 27th Street and Miss Goodman. There, in a few seconds, he was reading the agent's genuine note to Winifred, that containing the assurance that no appointment had been made for East Orange. The letter concluded, At first, I assume that a message intended for some other correspondent had been sent to me by error. Now, on re-perusal, I am almost convinced that you wrote me under some misapprehension.

Starting point is 06:07:59 Will you kindly explain how it arose? Lancy, great as ever on such occasions, refrained from saying, I told you so. We'll call up the agent Monday, just for the sake of thoroughness. He said, Meanwhile, be ready to come with me to East Orange tomorrow at 8 a.m. Why not tonight? urged Karsha, a fire with a rage to be up and doing. What, to sleep there? Young man, you don't know East Orange, run away home to your ma. "'Where have you been?' inquired Mrs. Casha, when her son entered.

Starting point is 06:08:45 Her heir was subdued. She had suffered a good deal these last days. "'But to Vermont.' "'Still pursuing that girl?' "'Yes, mother.' "'Have you found her?' "'No, mother.' "'Rex, have you driven me wholly from your heart?' "'No, that would be impossible.

Starting point is 06:09:07 "'Wittifred would not wish it, Calais. as you were to her. Don't be too hard on me. I am sore wounded. It is a great deal for a woman to be cast into the outer darkness. Nonsense, mother. You are emerging into light. If your friends are so ready to drop you,

Starting point is 06:09:27 because you are poor, with the exceeding poverty of 2,500 a year, of what value were they as friends? When you know Winifred, you will be glad. you will feel as dante felt when he emerged from the infernal so you are determined to marry her unquestionably and mark you mother when the clouds pass and we are rich again you will be proud of your daughter-in-law she will bear all your skill in dressing gad how the women of your set will envy her complexion mrs carshaw smiled wanly at that She knew her set, as Rex turned to the 400. Why is she called Bartlett, she inquired after a pause, and Rex looked at her in surprise.

Starting point is 06:10:22 I have a reason, she continued. Is that her real name? Now, he cried, I admit you are showing some of your wanted cleverness. Ah, then I am right. I have been thinking. Cessation from society duties is at least restful. Last night, lying awake and wondering where you were, my thoughts reverted to that girl. I remembered her face. All at once, a long-forgotten chord of memory hummed its note.

Starting point is 06:10:58 Twenty years ago, when you were a little boy, Rex, I met a Miss Marchbanks. She was a sweet singer. Does your Winifred sing? Karsha drew his chair closer to his mother and placed an arm around her shoulder. Yes, he said. Rex, she murmured, brokenly, hiding her face. Do you forgive me?

Starting point is 06:11:24 Mother, I ask you to forgive me if I said harsh things. There was silence for a while. Then she raised her eyes. They were wet, but smiling. This Mrs. Barchbanks, She went on bravely, had Your Winiford's face. She was wealthy and altogether charming. Her husband, too, was a gentleman.

Starting point is 06:11:49 He was a ward of the elder Michael John, the present Senator's father. My recollection of events is vague, but there was some scandal in Burlington. I know all, or nearly all, about it. That is why I was called to Vermont. mother in future you will work with me not against me i will i will i will indeed she sobbed then you must not drop your car i have money to pay for that keep in with helen tower and find out what hold she has on michael john you're good at that you know you understand your quarry you will be worth twenty detectives first discover where you'll be where you're good at that you know you understand your quarry you will be worth twenty detectives first discover where where Michael John is. He has bolted or shut himself up.

Starting point is 06:12:42 You must trust me fully, or I shall not see the pitfalls. Tell me everything. He obeyed. Before he had ended, Mrs. Karsha was weeping again, but this time it was out of sympathy with Winford. Next morning, although it was Sunday, her smart limousine took her to the Tower's house. Mrs. Tower was at home. i have heard dreadful things about you sarah she purred what on earth is the matter why have you given up your place in long island a whim of rexes my dear he is still infatuated over that girl She must have played her cards well. Yes, indeed. One does not look for such skill in the lower orders.

Starting point is 06:13:32 And how she deceived me. I went to see her, and she promised better behaviour. Now I find she has gone again, and Rex will not tell me where she is. Do you know? I. The creature never enters my mind. Of course not. She does not interest you.

Starting point is 06:13:53 But I am the boy's mother, and you cannot imagine, Helen, how this affair worries me. My poor, Sarah, it is too bad. Such a misfortune could not have happened had his father lived. We women are of no use where a headstrong man is concerned. I am thinking of consulting, Senator Michael John. He is discreet and experienced. I thought he is not in town. What a calamity. Do tell me where I can find him? I have reason to know that Rex would not

Starting point is 06:14:30 brook any interference from him. Oh, no, of course not. It would never do to permit his influence to appear. I was thinking that the senator might act with the girl, this wonderful Winifred. He might frighten her or bribe her or something of the sort. Now, have you Allen Tower was not in Michael John's confidence. He was compelled to trust her in the matter of the Costa Rica concession, but he was far too wise to let her into any secret where Winifred was concerned. Anxious to stab with another's hand, she thought that Mrs. Karsha might be used to punish her wayward son. I'm not sure, she paused, doubtfully. I do happen to know Mr. Michael John's whereabouts, but it is most important that he should not be trouble.

Starting point is 06:15:34 Helen, you used to like Rex more than a little. With an effort, I can save him still. But he may suspect you, have you watched your movements tracked? Mrs. Carshaw laughed. My dear, he is far too much taken up with his Winifred. Has he found her, then? Does he not see her daily? Here were cross-purposes.

Starting point is 06:16:03 Mrs. Tower was puzzled. If I tell you where the senator is, you are sure Rex will not follow you? Quite certain. His address, is the Marlborough Blenheim, Atlantic City. Helen, you're a dear. I shall go there tomorrow, if necessary,

Starting point is 06:16:28 but it would be best to write him first. Don't say I told you. Above all things, Helen, I am discreet. I fear he cannot do much. Your son is so willful. Don't you understand, Rex, is quite unethical. unmanageable. I depend wholly on the girl, and Senator Michael John is just a man to deal with her. They kissed farewell, alas, those Judas kisses of women. Both were satisfied, each believing she had hoodwinked the other.

Starting point is 06:17:07 Mrs. Karsha returned to her flat to await her son's arrival. If the trail at East Orange proved difficult, he promised to be home for dinner. There will be a row if Rex meets Michael John, she communed. Helen will be furious with me. What do I care? I have won back my son's love. I have not many years to live. What else have I to work for, if not for his happiness? So one woman in New York that night was fairly well content. There may be, as the Chinese proverb has it, 36 different kinds of mothers-in-law, but there is only one mother.

Starting point is 06:17:57 End of Chapter 21. Chapter 22 of the Bartlett mystery by Louis Tracy. This Liber Vox recording is in the public domain. The Hunt Steingall, not Clancy, presented his bulk at Karshaugh's apartment next morning, he contrived to have a few minutes private talk with mrs karsha while her son was dressing early as it was he lighted a second cigar as he stepped into the automobile poor karsha thought it an economy to retain a car surprised to see me he began well it's this way we may drop in for a rough house to-day between them voles and make the wool

Starting point is 06:18:52 owned three sound legs and three strong arms. I can't risk, Clancy. He's too precious. He kicked like a mule, of course, but I made it an order. What of the local police? Nicks on the cops, laughed the chief. You share the popular delusion that a policeman can arrest anyone at sight. He can do nothing of the sort. unless he and his superior officers care to face a whacking demand for damages and what charge can we bring against voles and company winnifred bolted of her own accord we must tread lightly mr carshaw really i shouldn't be there at all i came only to help to put you on the right trail to see that winnifred is not detained by force if she wishes to accompany you Do you get me? I believe there is a good authority for the statement that the law is an ass, grumbled the other.

Starting point is 06:20:03 Not the law. Personal liberty has to be safeguarded by the law. Millions of men have died to uphold that principle. Remember, too, that I may have to explain in court why I did so-and-so. Strange as it may sound, I've been taught with. wisdom by legal adversity. Now, let's talk of their business in hand. It's an odd thing, but people who wish to do evil often select secluded country places to live in. I don't mind betting a box of cigars that East Orange means a quiet, old-fashioned locality where there isn't a crime once in a generation. Some spot one would never suspect, eh?

Starting point is 06:20:54 Yes, in a sense, but if ever I set up as a crook, which is unlikely, as my pension is due in 18 months, I'll live in a Broadway flat. I thought the city police kept a very close eye on evildoers. Yes, when we know them, but your real expert is. not known. Once held, he's done for. Of course, he tries again, but he is a marked man. He has lost his confidence. Nevertheless, he will always try to be with the crowd. There is safety in numbers. Do you mean that East Orange is a place favorable to our search? Of course it is. The police, the letter carriers, the storekeepers, know everybody.

Starting point is 06:21:47 They can tell us at once of several hundred people who certainly had nothing to do with the abduction of a young lady. There will remain a few dozens who might possibly be concerned in such an affair. In Query, we'll soon riddle them down to three or four individuals. What a different job it would be, if we had to search a New York precinct, which, I take it, is about as populous as East Orange. This was a new point of view to Karsha, and it cheered him. He stepped on the gas, and a traffic policeman at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue cocked an eye at him. Steady, laughed Steingall. It would be a sad blow for Mother, if we were held for furious driving. These blessed machines jump from 12 to 40 miles an hour before you can wake twice.

Starting point is 06:22:44 Karsha abated his ardor, nevertheless they were in East Orange 40 minutes after crossing the ferry. Unhappily, from that hour, the pace slackened. Gateway House had been rented from a New York agent for Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, Westerners, who wished to reside in New Jersey a year or so. Its occupants had driven thither from New York. Rachel Crake, heavily bailed, and quietly attired, did her shopping in the nearest suburb, and had choice of more than one line of rail. So East Orange knew them not, nor had it ever seen them.

Starting point is 06:23:31 In no wise discourage, the man from the bureau set about his inquiry methodically. He interviewed policemen, railway officials, postmen, and cadmen. although the day was Sunday he tracked men to their homes and led them to talk empty houses recently let houses houses tenanted by people

Starting point is 06:23:54 who were not particular as to their means of getting a living divided his attention with persons who answered to the description of voles, foul Rachel or even the broken armed Nick the wolf

Starting point is 06:24:09 while he plied every man with a minutely accurate picture of Winifid. Hither and thither darted the motor, till East Orange was scoured and noted, and among twenty habitations jotted in the detective's notebook, the name of Gateway House figured. It was slow work, this task of elimination, but they persisted, meeting rebuff after rebuff,

Starting point is 06:24:40 especially in the one or two instances, where a couple of sharp-looking strangers in a car were distinctly not welcome. They had luncheon at a local hotel, and, by idle chance, were not pleased by the way in which the meal was served. So, when hungry again, and perhaps a trifle dispirited,

Starting point is 06:25:04 as the day waned to darkness with no result, they went to another inn to procure a meal. This time they were better looked after. Instead of a jaded German waiter, they were served by the landlord's daughter, a neat, be-frilled young damsel, who cheered them by her smile, though to be candid she was anxious

Starting point is 06:25:28 to get out for a walk with her young man. Have you travelled far, she asked, by way of a talk while laying the table. From New York, said Stingall. At this hour, in a car? Yes, is that a remarkable thing here? Not the car, but people in motors either whizzed through of a morning, going way down the coast, or whizz back again of an evening returning to New York. Ah, put in Karsha, here is a pretty head which holds brains. It goes in for

Starting point is 06:26:06 raciosinative reasoning. Now, I'll be bound to say that this pretty head which thinks can help us. The good deal of this was lost on the girl, but she caught the compliment and smiled. It all depends on what you want to know, she said. I really want to find a private prison of some sort, he said, the sort of place where a nice-looking young lady

Starting point is 06:26:34 like you might be kept in against her will by nasty, ill-disposed people. There is only one house of that kind in the town, and that is out of it, as an Irishman might say. And where is it? It's called Gateway House, about a mile along the road from the depot. Stingall, inclined at first to doubt the expediency of gossip with the girl. now picked up his ears. Who lives in Gateway House? he asked. No one that I know of at the moment, she answered. It used to belong to a mad doctor.

Starting point is 06:27:18 I don't mean a doctor who was mad, but no matter about his sanity, is he death? No, in prison. There was a trial two years ago. Oh, I remember the affair. A patient was beaten to death. So the house is empty. It is, unless someone has rented it recently. I was taken through the place months ago. The rooms are all right, and it has beautiful grounds, but the windows frightened me.

Starting point is 06:27:49 They were closely barred with iron, and the doors were covered with locks and chains. There were some old beds there, too, with straps on them. Oh, I quite shivered. "'After we have eaten, will you let us drive you in that direction in my car?' asked Karsha. She simpered and blushed slightly. "'I've an appointment with a friend,' she admitted, wondering if the swain would protest too loudly did she accepted the invitation. "'Bring him also,' said Karshaugh. "'I assume it's a he.' "'Oh, that'll be all right,' she cried.

Starting point is 06:28:30 so in the deepening gloom the automobile flared with fierce eyes along the quiet road to gateway house and in its seat of honour sat the hotel maid and her young man that is the place she said after the to her all too brief run is this the only entrance demanded the chief as he stepped out to try the gate yes the high wall runs right around the property. It's quite a big place. Locked, he announced. Probably empty, too. He tried squinting through the keyhole to catch a gleam of interior lights. No use in doing that, announced the young man. The house stands way back and is sitting by the trees. I mean having a look at it, wall or no wall, insisted Karshaw. But the gate is.

Starting point is 06:29:30 is spiked and the wall covered with broken glass, said the young man. Such obstacles can be surmounted by ladders and folded tarpaulants, or even thick overcoats, observed Stingall. I'm a plumber, said the East Orange Man. If you care to run back to my place, I can give you a telescope ladder and a tarpaulin, but perhaps we may but into trouble. Well, shame, Jim, I think. thought you'd do a little thing like that to help a girl in distress.

Starting point is 06:30:05 First, I've heard of any girl. My name is Karsha, came the prompt assurance. Here's my card. Read it by the lamp there. I'll guarantee you against any consequences, pay any damages, and reward you if our search yield results. Jim commenced the girl reproachfully, but he stayed her with a scoze.

Starting point is 06:30:29 Cut it out, Polly. He said, You don't wish me to start housebreaking, do you? But if there's a lady to be helped, and Mr. Carshaw says it's okay, I'm on. A fellow who was with Funston in the Philippines won't sidestep a little job of that sort. Polly, appeased and delighted with the adventure, giggled.

Starting point is 06:30:53 I'd think not, indeed. It is law-breaking. But I am inclined to back you up, confided Steingall to Car Shop, when the car was humming back to East Orange. At the worst, you can only be charged with trespass, as my evidence will be taken that you had no unlawful intent. Won't you come with me? Better not, you see, I am only helping you. You have an excuse, I, as an official, have none. if a rouse springs up and doors have to be kicked open, for instance.

Starting point is 06:31:33 Moreover, this is the state of New Jersey, and outside my bailiwick. Perhaps the joker behind us may be useful. He will be, or his girl will know the reason why. He may have fought in every battle in the Spanish War, but she has more pep in her. The soldierly plumber was as good as his word. He produced the ladder and the tarpaulin and a steel wrench as well. If you do a thing at all, do it thoroughly. That's what Funston taught us, he grinned.

Starting point is 06:32:09 Karzah thanked him, and in a few minutes they were again looking at the tall gate and the dark masses of the garden trees silhouetted against the sky. They had not encountered many wayfarers during their three journeys, the presence of a car at the entrance to such a pretentious place would not attract attention, and the scaling of the wall was only a matter of half a minute. No use in raising the dust by knocking. Go over, counseled Steingaw. Try to open the gate, then you can return the ladder and tarpaulin at once.

Starting point is 06:32:50 Otherwise, leave them in position. if satisfied that the house is inhabited by those with whom you have no concern come away unnoticed if possible. Karshok climbed the ladder, sat on the tarpa one, and dropped the ladder on the inner side of the wall. They heard him shaking the gate, his head reappeared over the wall, locked, he said, and the key gone. I'll come back and report quickly. Jim, who had been nudged earnestly several times by his companion, cried quickly, "'Isn't your friend going along, too, mister?' "'No, I may as well tell you all that I am a detective,' put in Steingall.

Starting point is 06:33:40 "'Gee whiz, why didn't you cough it up earlier? Hold on there. Lower that ladder. I'm with you. Good old U.S. Army, said Steingall, and Polly glowed with pride. Jim climbed rapidly to Karshaar's side, the latter being astride the wall, then they vanished. For a long time, the two in the car listened intently. A couple of cyclists passed, and a small boy prowling about, took an interest in the car, but was sternly mourned off by Steingall. At last, they caught the faint but easily discerned sound of heavy blows and broken woodwork. Things are happening, cried Steingall. I wish I had gone with them. Oh, I hope my gym won't get hurt, said Polly.

Starting point is 06:34:37 Somewhat pale now. They heard more furious blows and the crash of glass. Confound it, growled Steingall. Why didn't I go? if i stood on the back of the car against the gate and you climbed onto my shoulders you might manage to stand between the spikes and jump down cried polly desperately great scott but you're the right sort of girl the wall is too high but the gate is possible i'll try it he answered with difficulty having only slight knowledge of heavy cars he backed the machine against the gate then the girl caught the top with her hands, standing on the back cushions. Stengal was no lightweight for her soft shoulders,

Starting point is 06:35:29 but she uttered no word until she heard him drop heavily on the gravel drive within. Thank goodness, she whispered. There are three of them now. I only wish I was there, too. End of Chapter 22. Chapter 23 of the Brubeshoe of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librivox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:36:01 He who fights and runs away, I don't like the proposition and that's a fact, muttered Fowl, lifting a glass of whiskey and glancing furtively at voles when the domineering eyes of the superior scandal were averted for a moment. Whether you like it or not, you've got to love it, was the ready answer. I don't see that. I agreed to help you up to a certain point.

Starting point is 06:36:38 Volz swung around at him furiously, as a mastiff might turn on a wretched mongrel. Say, listen, if I'm up to the neck in this business, you're in it over your ears. You can't duck now, you won. white-livered cur. The cops know you. They had you in their hands once, and warned you to leave this girl alone. If I stand in the dock, you'll stand there too, and I'm not the man to say the word that'll save you. But she's with her aunt. She's underage. Her aunt is her legal guardian. I know a bit about law, you see. This notion of yours is a bird of another color. Sham weddings are no joke. It will mean ten years. Who wants you to go in for a sham wedding,

Starting point is 06:37:34 you swab? You do, or I haven't got the hang of things. Voles looked as though he would like to hammer his argument into foul with his fists. He forbore. There was too much at stake to allow a sudden access of bad temper to defeat his ends. He was tired of vagabondage. It was true, as he told his brother long before, that he hungered for the fleshpots of Egypt, for the life and ease and gaiety of New York. An unexpected vista had opened up before him. When he came back to the east, his intention was to squeeze funds out of Michael John, wherewith to plunge against. into the outer wilderness. Now, the events had inspired

Starting point is 06:38:28 to give him some chance of earning a fortune quickly, had not the irony of fate raised the winsome face and figure of Winifred as a bogey from the grave to bar his path. So he choked back his wrath and shoved the decanter of spirits across the table to his morose companion. They were sitting in the hall,

Starting point is 06:38:53 of Gateway House, about the hour that Karsha and the detective, tired by their weary hunt through East Orange, sought the inn. Now look here, Fowl. He said, don't be a poor dub, and don't kick it my way of speaking. For Dios, man, I have lived too long in the sage country to scrape my tongue to a smooth feel, like my friend, the senator. Let's look squarely at the facts. You admire the girl? Who wouldn't? A pippin every inch of her. You're broke? Well, you were fired from your last job. You're in wrong with the police. You adopted a disguise and told lives about Winifred to the

Starting point is 06:39:49 those who would employ her. What chance have you of getting back into your trade, even if you'd been satisfied with it, after having lived like a plute for weeks? That goes, said Fowl, waving his pipe. You'd like to hand one to that fellow, car shop? Wouldn't I? Yet you kick like a steer when I offer you the girl,

Starting point is 06:40:18 a soft, well-paid job. and the worst revenge you can take on Garza. Yes, all damn fine, but the risk, the infernal risk. That's where I don't agree with you. You go away with her and her father? Father, you're not her father. You should be the first to leave it. Her aunt will swear it to you or to any judge in the country.

Starting point is 06:40:47 Once out of the United States, she will be only too glad to avail herself of the protection that matrimony is supposed to offer. What are you afraid of? You talked of putting up some guy to pretend to marry us. Forget it. We can't keep her insensible or dumb for days, but in the company of her loving father and her devoted husband, What can she do? Who will believe her? Depend on me to have the right sort of boys on the ship.

Starting point is 06:41:25 They'll just grin at her. By the time she reaches Costa Rica, she'll be howling for a missionary to come aboard in order to satisfy her scruples. You can suggest it yourself. I believe she'd die sooner. What matter? You only lose a pretty wife.

Starting point is 06:41:47 There's lots more of the same sort, where your wad is thick enough. Hi, man, it means a three-month's trip and a fortune for life, however things turn out. You're tossing against luck with an eagle on both sides of the quarter. Fowl hesitated. The other suppressed a smile. He knew his man. Don't decide in a minute, he said seriously, but once settled, there be must be no shirking. Make up your mind either to go straight ahead by my orders or clear out tonight. I'll give you a ten-spot to begin life again. After that, don't come near me.

Starting point is 06:42:32 I'll do it, said Fowl, and they shook hands on their compact. It was not in Lunaford's nature to remain long in a state of active resentment with any human being. A prisoner, who watched, diligently during the day, locked into her room at night, she met Rachel Craig's grim espionage, and Mick the Wolf's evil temper, with an equable cheerfulness that exasperated the one while mollifying the other. She wondered greatly what they meant to do with her. It was impossible to believe that in the state of New Jersey, within a few miles of New York, they could keep her indefinitely in close confinement. She knew that her wrecks would move heaven and earth to rescue her. She knew that the authorities, in the person of Mr. Stingall,

Starting point is 06:43:33 would take up the hunt with unwearying diligence, and she reasoned, acutely enough, that a plot which embraced in its scope so many different individuals could not long defy the efforts, made to elucidate it. How thankful she was now that she had at last written and posted that long-deferred letter to the agent. Here surely was a clue to be followed. She had quite forgotten in the first whirlwind of her distress the second letter which reached her in the 27th Street lodgings,

Starting point is 06:44:13 but pinned her face to the fact that her own note, concerning the appointment near East Orange was in existence. Perhaps her sweetheart was already rushing over every road in the place and making exhaustive inquiries about her. It was possible that he had passed Gateway House more than once. He might have seen, amid the trees, the tall chimneys of the very jail, against whose iron bars her spirit was fluttering in fearful, Oh, why was she not endowed with the power she had read of,

Starting point is 06:44:54 whose fortunate possessors could leap time and space in their astral subconsciousness and make known their thoughts and wishes to those dear to them? She even smiled at the conceit that a true wireless telegraphy did exist between Karsha and herself. daily, nightly, she thought of him and he of her, but their alphabet was lacking. They could utter only the thrilling language of love, which is not bound by such earthly things as signs and symbols. Yet she was utterly confident, and her demeanour rendered Rachel Crake more and more suspicious. Since the girl had scornfully disdemean,

Starting point is 06:45:44 owned her kinship. The elder woman had not made further protest on that score. She frankly behaved as a wardress in a prison, and Winifred as frankly accepted the role of prisoner. There remained Mick the Wolf. Under the circumstances, no doctor or professional nurse could be brought to attend his injured arm. The broken limb had of course been properly set after the accident, but it required skill-dressing daily, and this Winfrey undertook. She had no real knowledge of the subject, but her willingness to help, joined to the instruction given by the man himself, achieved her object. It was well-nigh impossible for this rough, callous rogue, brought in contact with such a girl for the first time in his life,

Starting point is 06:46:40 to resist her influence. She did not know it, but gradually she was winning him to her side. He swore at her, as the cause of his suffering, yet found himself regretting even the passive part he was taking in her imprisonment. On the very Sunday evening that Bowles and Fowell were concocting their vile and mysterious scheme, Mick the Wolf, their trusted associate, partner of, of Voles in many a desperate enterprise in other lands, was sitting in an armchair upstairs, listening to Winifred reading from a book she had found in her bedroom.

Starting point is 06:47:27 It was some simple love story and adventure story, and certainly its author had never dreamed that his exciting situations would be perused under conditions as dramatic as any pictured in the novel. "'It's a queer thing,' said the man after a pause, when Winifred stopped too light a lamp. But nobody pipe in us just now would think we was what we are.' She laughed at the involved sentence.

Starting point is 06:47:58 "'I don't think you are half so bad as you think you are, Mr. Gray,' she said softly. "'For my part, I am happy in the belief that my friends will not desert me.' "'Look it here,' he said with gruff sympathy. "'Why don't you pull with your people instead of a ginnom? "'I know what I'm talking about. "'This ear, voles, but steady. "'Maybe I best shut up.' "'Winifred's heart founded.

Starting point is 06:48:30 "'If this man would speak, "'he might tell her something of great value "'to her lover and Mr. Stingall "'when they came to reckon up accounts with her persecutors. Anything you tell me, Mr. Gray, shall not be repeated, she said. He glanced toward the door.

Starting point is 06:48:51 She understood his thought. Rachel Craig was preparing their evening meal. She might enter the room at any moment, and it was not advisable that she should suspect them of amicable relations. Assuredly, up to that hour, make the wolf's manner admitted of no doubt on the point. He had been intractable as the animal which supplied his oddly appropriate

Starting point is 06:49:17 nickname. It's this way. He went on in a lower tone. Voles and Michael John are brothers born. Michael John being a senator and well in with some of the top notchers as a cotton concession in Costa Rica, which means a pile of money. Volz is cute as a pet fox. He winded the turkey and has forced his brother to make him manager, with a whack-in's salary and an interest. I'm in on the deal, too. Bless your little heart, you just stand pat, and you can make a dress out of dollar bills.

Starting point is 06:49:59 But what have I to do with all this? Why cannot you settle your business without pursuing me? Was the mournful question for Winifred never-genever never-gook. guessed how greatly the man's information affected her. I can't rightly say, but you're either with us or against us. If you're on our side, it'll be a joyride. If you stick to that guy, Karsha, to their ears, as to the ears of those waiting in the car at the gate,

Starting point is 06:50:34 came the sound of violent blows and the wrenching open of the door. in that large house, in a room situated two on the side removed from the road, they could not catch Karsha's exulting cry after a peep through the window. I have them, vols and foul, there they are. Now you, who fought with Funston, fight for a year's pay to be earned in a minute. Here, use this wrench. You understand it? Use it on the head of anyone who resists you. These scoundrels must be taken red-handed.

Starting point is 06:51:17 Volz, at the first alarm, sprang to his feet and whipped out a revolver. He knew that a vigorous assault was being made on the stout door. Running to the blind of the nearest window, he saw Carshaw pull out an iron bar by sheer strength and use it as a lever to pry open a sash. tempted though he was to shoot, he dared not. There might be police outside. Murder would shatter his dreams of wealth and luxury. He must outwit his pursuers. Rachel Crake came running from the kitchen, alarmed by the sudden hubbub. Fowl, he said to his amazed Confederate, stand them off for a minute or two. You, Rachel can help. You know where to find me when the coast is clear. They cannot touch you.

Starting point is 06:52:14 Remember that. They're breaking into this house without a warrant. Bluff hard, and they cannot even frame a charge against you if the girl is secured. And she will be if you give me time. Trusting more to Rachel than to the vacillating fowl, he raced upstairs, though his injured leg made a rapid progress difficult. He ran into a room and grabbed a small bag, which lay in readiness. Then he rushed toward the room in which Winifred and Mick the Wolf were listening with mixed feelings to the row, which had sprung up beneath.

Starting point is 06:52:53 He tried the door. It was locked. Rachel had the key in her pocket. A trifle of that nature did not deter a man like Bowles. With his shoulder, he burst the lock, coming face to face with his partner in crime, who had grasped a poker in his serviceable hand. "'Adi-boy,' he yelled, "'downstairs and floor them as they come.

Starting point is 06:53:18 "'You've one sound arm. Go for them. "'They can't lay a finger on you.' "'Now it was one thing to sympathize "'with a helpless and gentle girl, "'but another to resist the call of the wild. "'The dominant note in Mick the Wolf was brutality, and the fighting instinct conquered even his pain. With an oath, he made his way to the hall,

Starting point is 06:53:46 and it needed all of Stingall's great strength to overpower him, wounded though he was. It took Karsha and Jim a couple of minutes to force their way in. There was a lively fight in which the detective lent a hand. When Mick the wolf was down, growing, and, cursing because his fractured arm was broken again. When foul was held to the floor, with Rachel Craig struggling and screaming, pinned beneath him by the valiant Jim, Karsha sped to the first floor.

Starting point is 06:54:25 Soon, after using handcuffs on the man and woman, and leaving Jim in charge of them and make the wolf, Steingall joined him. But search as they might. could not find either Winifred or holes. Almost beside himself with rage, Karsha rushed back to the grim visaged Rachel. Where is she? He cried.

Starting point is 06:54:50 What have you done with her? By heaven, I'll kill you. Her face lit up with a malignant joy. A nice thing, she screamed. Respectable folk to be treated in this way. What have we done I'd like to know? breaking into our house and assaulting us. No good talking to her, said the chief.

Starting point is 06:55:15 She's a deep one. Tough as they make them. Let's search the grounds. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. In full cry. the maid from the inn, waiting breathlessly intent in the car outside the gate,

Starting point is 06:55:51 listened for sounds which should guide her as to the progress of events within. Steingall left her standing on the upholstered back of the car with her hands clutching the top of the gate. She did not descend immediately. In that position, she could best hear approaching footsteps as she could follow the running of the detective nearly all the way to the house. Great was her surprise, therefore, to find someone unlocking the gate without receiving any preliminary warning of this advent. She was just in time to spring back into the tonneau when one half of the ponderous door

Starting point is 06:56:36 swung open and a man appeared, carrying in his arms the seemingly lifeless body of a woman. It will be remembered that the lamps of the car spread their beams in the opposite direction. In the gloom, not only of the night, but of the high wall and the trees, Polly could not distinguish features. She thought, however, the man was a stranger. Naturally, as the rescuers had just gone toward the point whence the newcomer came, she believed that he had been directed. to carry the young lady to the waiting car. Her quick sympathy was aroused. The poor dear, she cried.

Starting point is 06:57:23 Oh, don't tell me those horrid people have hurt her. Voles, who had chucked Winifred into insensibility with a mixture of alcohol, chloroform, and ether, a scientific anesthetic used by all surgeons, rapid in achieving its purpose and quite harmless in its effects, was far more surprised than Polly. Never expected to be greeted in this way, but rather to be met by some helper of Karshaws posed there, and he was prepared to fight or trick his adversary as occasion demanded. He had carried Winifred down a servant's stairs, and,

Starting point is 06:58:10 made his way out of the house by a back door. The exit was unguarded. In this, as in many other country mansions, the drive followed a circuitous sweep, but a path through the trees led directly toward the gate. Hence, his passage had been either observed from the hall nor overheard by Polly. It was in precisely such a situation as that which faced him now, that Volz was really superb. He was an adroit man with ready judgment and nerves of steel. Not much hurt, he said quietly. She has fainted from shock, I think.

Starting point is 06:58:57 Though he spoke so glibly, his brain was on fire with question and answer. His eyes glowered at the car and his occupant and swept the open road on either hand. To Polly's nostrils was wafted a strange odor, carrying reminiscences of so-called painless dentistry. Winifred, reviving in the open air when that hateful sponge was removed from mouth and nose,

Starting point is 06:59:28 struggled spasmodically in the arms of her capture. Polly knew that women in a faint lie death-like, that never to be forgotten sense, too, caused a wave of alarm of the suspicion to creep through her with each heartbeat. Where are the others, she said, leaning over and striving to see Vol's face? Just behind, he answered, let me place Miss Bartlett in the car. That sounded reasonable. Lift her in here, poor thing, said Polly. making way for the almost inanimate form.

Starting point is 07:00:10 No, on the front seat. But why? This is the best place? Oh, help! Help! For Voles, having placed Winifred beside the steering pillar, seized Polly, and flung her headlong onto the grass beneath the wall. In the same instant, he started the car with a quick turn of the wrist, for the engine had been stopped to avoid noise. and there was no time to experiment with self-starters.

Starting point is 07:00:41 He jumped in, released the brakes, applied the first speed, and was away in the direction of New York. Polly, angry and frightened, ran after him, screaming at the top of her lungs. Voles was in such a desperate hurry that he did not pay heed to his steering and nearly ran over a motorcyclist

Starting point is 07:01:05 coming in hot haste to East Orange. The rider, a young man, pulled up and used language. He heard Polly, panting and shrieking, running towards him. Good gracious, Miss Barnard, what's the matter? He cried. Poor Polly was pretty enough to hold many an eye.

Starting point is 07:01:28 Is that you, Mr. Petch? Thank goodness. There's been murder done in Gateway House. That villain is carrying off the young lady he's killed. He has escaped from the police. They're in there now. Oh, catch him. Mr. Petch, who had dismounted, began to hop back New Yorkward while the engine emulated a machine gun. It's a big car, goes fast. I'll do my best. Polly heard him say, and he too was gone. She met Karsha and the chief halfway up the drive.

Starting point is 07:02:08 To them in gasps, she told her story. Cool hand, Volz, said Steingall. The whole thing was bungled, cried Karsha in a white heat. If Clancy had been here, this couldn't have happened. Stingall took the implied taut coolly. It would have been better had I followed my original plan and not helped you, he said. You, or our East Orange friend,

Starting point is 07:02:37 might have been killed, it is true, but Vowles could not have carried the girl off so easily. Car shop promptly regretted his bitter comments. I'm sorry, he said, but you cannot realize what all this means to me, Steinghal. I think I can. Cheer up, your car is easily recognizable. we have a cyclist known to this young lady in close pursuit. Even if he fails to catch up with

Starting point is 07:03:08 voles, he will at least give us some definite direction for a search. At present there is nothing for us to do but lodge these people in the local prison, telephone the fairies and main towns, and go back to New York. The police here will let us know what happens to the cyclist. He may even call at the Bureau. I can act best in New York. Do you mean now to arrest those in the house? Yes, sure. That is, I'll get the New Jersey police to hold them.

Starting point is 07:03:44 On what charge? Conspiracy. At last, we have clear evidence against them. Miss Polly here has actually seen Voles carrying off Miss Bartlett, who had previously been rendered in. insensible. If I am not mistaken in my man, foul will turn state's evidence when he choose on the proposition for a few hours in a cell. Ah, the wretch! I don't want these reptiles to be crushed. What I want is to recover Miss Bartlett.

Starting point is 07:04:17 Would it not be best to leave them their liberty and watch them? I've always found a seven-days remand very helpful, mused the detective. In ordinary crime, yes, but here we have Rachel Craig, who would suffer martyrdom rather than speak, foul, a mere tool, who knows nothing except what little he's told, and a thick-headed brute named Mick the wolf, who does what his master bids him. Don't you see that in prison they're useless? At liberty, they may help by trying to communicate with voles. I am half inclined to agree with you, Now, to frighten them, keep your face and tongue under control, I'll try a dodge that seldom fails. They re-entered the house.

Starting point is 07:05:10 Jim was doing century ago in the hall. The prisoners were sitting mute, save that. Make the wolf uttered an occasional growl of pain. His wounded arm was hurting him sorely. We're not going to worry any more about you. said Stingall contemptuously, as he unlocked the handcuffs, with which he had been compelled to secure Rachel and foul. Yes, who will, was the woman's defiant cry?

Starting point is 07:05:41 Your outrageous contact! Oh, pull that stuff on someone likely to be impressed by it. It comes a trifle late in the day when Miss Munifred Marchbanks is in the hands of her friends and voles on his. his way to prison. I don't even want you, Rachel Bartlett, unless the state attorney decides that you ought to be prosecuted. The woman's eyes gleamed like those of a spiteful cat.

Starting point is 07:06:13 The detective's cool use of Winifers' right name, and of the name by which Rachel Craig herself ought to be known, was positively demoralizing. Fowell, too, was greatly alarmed. the police officer said nothing about not wanting him with vol's superior will withdrawn he began to quake again but rachel was a doer new englander of different metal to a man from the east side if you were speaking of my needs she said you have been misled by the hussy and by that man of hers there mr voules is her father i have every proof of my words, you can bring none of yours. Steingall, eyeing foul, laughed.

Starting point is 07:07:06 You will be able to tell us all about it in the witness box, Rachel Bartlett, he said. How dare you call me by that name? Because it's your right one. Craig was your mother's name. If friend Volz had only kept his hands clean, or even treated you honorably, You might now be Mrs. Ralph Michael John, eh? He was playing with her, with the avable gambols of a cat, toying with a doomed mouse.

Starting point is 07:07:39 Each instant, foul was becoming more perturbed. He did not like the way in which the detective ignored him. Was he to be swallowed at a gulf when his turn came? Even Rachel Craig was silenced by this last shot. she wrung her hands. This stern, implacable woman seemed to be on the point of bursting it to tears. All the plotting and devices of years

Starting point is 07:08:09 had failed her suddenly, an edifice of deception, which had lasted half a generation, had crumbled into nothingness. This man had callously exposed her secret and her shame. At that moment, Her heart was bitter against Bulls. The detective, who skilled in the phases of criminal thought,

Starting point is 07:08:36 knew exactly what was passing through the minds of both Rachel and Fowl. Revenge, in the one case, safety in the other, was operating quickly, and a crisis was at hand. But just then the angry voice of the East Orange Plummer reached him, just imagine pedch turning up him of all men in the world and of course you talked nicy nicy and he's such an obligin feller that he beats it after the car petch indeed there was a snort of jealous fury polly's voice was raised in protest jim don't be stupid how could i tell who it was i'll back you against any girl in east orange to find another string to your bow "'Wherever you may happen to be,' was the enraged retort. The detective hastened to stop this lover's quarrel,

Starting point is 07:09:37 which had broken out after a whispered colloquy. He was too late. Miss Polly was on her dignity. "'Well, Mr. Petch is a real man, anyhow,' came her stinging answer. "'He's after them now, and he won't let them slip through his fingers, like you did.' the sheer injustice of this statement bendered jim incoherent petch was an old rival when next they met gore would flow in east orange but the detective's angry whisper restored the senses of both can't you two shut up eust your miserable quarrel has warned our prisoners they were on the very point of confessing everything when you blurt it out that the chief rascal had escaped. I'm ashamed of you, especially after you had behaved so well. His rebuke was merited. They were abashed into silence. Too late. When he returned to the

Starting point is 07:10:43 pair in the corner of the room, he saw Rachel Craig's sour smile and Fowell's downcast look of calculation. A lost opportunity, he muttered, but faced the situation quite pleasantly. You may as well remain here, he said. I may want you, and you should realize, without giving further trouble, that you cannot hide from the police. Come, Mr. Karsha, we have worked before us in East Orange. Miss Winterford should be all right by this time. Rachel Crick actually laughed. She wondered why she had lost faith in Bowles for an instant. I'll send a doctor, went on Stingall composedly. Your friend there needs one, I guess.

Starting point is 07:11:36 I'd sooner have a six-shooter, roared Mick the wolf. Doctors are even more deadly sometimes. So the detective, his defeat cheerfully, and that is the worst thing a man can do in his opponent's interests. He was rather silent, as he trudged with Karsha and the others back to the train, however. He was asking himself what new job

Starting point is 07:12:04 Clancy would spring on him when the story of the night's fiasco came out. End of Chapter 24. Chapter 25 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Liberbox recording is in the public domain. Flank attacks. Somewhat tired, having ridden that day to Poughkeepsie, and back, Petch nevertheless put up a great race after the fleeing motor-car. His muscles were rejuvenated by Polly Barnard's exciting news, and no less by admiration

Starting point is 07:12:52 for the girl herself. Little thinking that Jim, the plumber, was performing deeds of daring due in the hall of Gateway House, he congratulated himself on the lucky chance, which enabled him to oblige the fair polly. He dashed into the road to Hoboken and found, to his joy, that the dust, raised by the passage of the car, gave an unfailing clue to its route. Now, a well-regulated motorcycle can run wings round any other form of automobile, no matter how many horses may be pent in the cylinders, if on an ordinary road, and subjected to the exigencies of traffic. Voles, a brake-neck driver, though he was,

Starting point is 07:13:46 dared not disregard the traffic regulations and risk of smash-up. He got the best out of his engine, but was compelled to go steadily through clusters of houses and around tree-shaded corners, to his great amazement, as he was tearing through the last habitations before, crossing the New Jersey Flats, he was hailed loudly from behind. Hi, you, pull up! He glanced over his shoulder. A motorcyclist, white with dust,

Starting point is 07:14:22 was riding after him with tremendous energy. "'Ola!' cried Volz, snatching another look. What's the batter? Petch should have temporized, done one of a hundred things he thought of too late. but he was so breathless after the terrific sprint in which he overtook Volz that he blurted out, I know you, you can't escape. There's the girl herself. I see her. Hell. Volz urged on the car by foot and finger. After him, pelted a patch with set teeth and straining eyes. The magnificent car, superb in its energies, swept through the night like the fiery dragon of song and fable, but with a speed never attained by dragon yet,

Starting point is 07:15:16 else there would be room on earth for nothing save dragons. And the motorcycle leaped and bounded close behind, stuttering its resolve to conquer the monster in front. The bear created a great commotion as they word passed scattered houses and emerged into the keen cold air of the marshland. A few cars met a route actually slowed up, and heads were thrust out to peer and wonder.

Starting point is 07:15:49 Women in them were scared and enjoyed drivers to be careful, while men explained laughingly that a couple of joyriders were being chased by a motor-cup. It was neck or nothing now for voles, and when these alternatives offered, he never hesitated as to which should be chosen. He knew he was in desperate case. The pace, the extraordinary appearance of a hatless man and a girl with her hair streaming wild, for Winifred's abundant tresses, had soon shed all restraints of pins and twists before the tearing wind of their transit, would create a tumult in Hoboken,

Starting point is 07:16:35 something must be done. He must stop the car and shoot that pestiferous cyclist, who had sprung out of the ground as though one of Medusa's teeth had lain buried there throughout the ages and become a panoplet warrior at a woman's cry. He looked ahead. There was no car in sight. He peered over his shoulder. There was no cyclist. Petch had not counted, on this frenzied race, and his petrol tank was empty. He had pulled up, disconsolately, half a mile away, and was now borrowing a gallon of gas from an orange-bound car, explaining excitedly that he was after a murderer.

Starting point is 07:17:24 Voles laughed. The fiend's luck, which seldom fails the fiends votaries, had come to his aid in a highly critical moment. There remained Winifred. She, too, must be dealt with. Now, all who have experienced the effect of an anesthetic will understand that after the merely stupefying power of the gas has waned, there follows a long period of semi-hysteria

Starting point is 07:17:54 when actual existence is dreamlike, and impressions of events have a message. Winifred, therefore hardly appreciated what was taking, place until the car stopped abruptly, and the stupor of cold passed almost simultaneously with the stupor of anesthesia. But Volz had his larger plan now. With coolness and daring, he might achieve it. All depended on the discretion of those left behind in Gateway House. It was impossible to keep Winfred always endurance, or to prevent her everlastingly from obtaining help. That fool of a cyclist, for instance, had he contented himself with riding quietly behind

Starting point is 07:18:44 until he reached the ferry, would have wrecked the exploit beyond repair. There remained one last move, but it was a perfect one in most ways, would fowl keep his mouth shut? Vol's cursed fowl in his thought. Were it not for fowl, there would have been no difficulty. Karsha would never have met Winfrey and the girl would have been as wax in the hands of Rachel Craig. He caught hold of Winifred's arm.

Starting point is 07:19:19 If you scream, I'll choke you, he said fiercely. Shaken by the chloroform mixture, be numbed as the outcome of an unprotected drive, the girl was physically, as well as mentally, unable to resist. He coiled her hair into a knot, gagged her dexterously with a silk handkerchief, Volz knew all about gags, and tied her hands behind her back with a shoelace.

Starting point is 07:19:50 Then he adjusted the hood and side screens. He did these things hurriedly, but without fumbling. he was losing precious minutes for the telephone wire might yet throttle him but the periods of waiting at the ferry and while crossing the hudson must be circumvented in some way or other his last act before starting the car was to show winford the revolver he never lacked see this he growled in her ear i'm not going to be held by any cup at the least sign of a move by you to attract attention, I'll put the first bullet through the cop, the second through you, and the third through myself. If I can't make my getaway, better believe that, I mean it. He asked for no token of understanding on her part. He was stating only to plain facts. In a word, Volz was born to be a great man,

Starting point is 07:20:54 and an unhappy fate had made him a scoundrel. But fortune still befriended him. Rain fell as he drove through Hoboken. The ferry was almost deserted, and the car was wedged in between two huge mail vans on toward the boat. Hardened, rascal, though he was, Volz breathed a sigh of relief

Starting point is 07:21:18 as he drove, unchallenged, past a uniformed policeman on arriving at Christopher Street. he guessed his escape was only a matter of minutes. In reality, he was gone some ten seconds when the policeman was called to the phone. As for Petch, that valorous knight-errant, crossed on the next boat,

Starting point is 07:21:43 and the Hoboken police were already on the key-d-eve. Every road into and out of New York was soon watched by sharp eyes on the lookout for a car bearing a license numbered in the tens of thousands, and tenanted by a hatless man and a girl in indoor costume. Quickly, the circles lessened in concentric rings through the agencies of telephone boxes and roundsmen. At half-past nine, a patrolman found a car answering the description,

Starting point is 07:22:21 standing outside an uptown saloon on the east side. Examining the register number, he saw at once that blacking had been smeared over the first and last figures. Then he knew, but there was no trace of the driver. Bowles and Winifred had vanished into thin air. Mrs. Carshaw, breakfasting with a haggard and weary son, revealed that Senator Michael John was at Atlantic City. He kissed her for the news.

Starting point is 07:22:57 Michael John must wait, Mother, he said. Woonifred is somewhere in New York. I cannot tear myself away to Atlantic City today. When I have found her, I shall deal with Michael John. Then came Steingall, and he and Mrs. Karsha exchanged a glance, which the younger man missed. Mrs. Karsha, sitting a while in deep thought after the others had gone, rang up a railway company. Atlantic City is four hours distant from New York.

Starting point is 07:23:32 By hurrying over certain inquiries she wished to make, she might catch a train at midday. She drove to her lawyers. At her request, a smart clerk was lent to her for a couple of hours. They consulted various records. The clerk made many notes on fools' cap sheets in a large round hand, and Mrs. Carshaw, seated in the train, read them many times through her gold-mounted lorgnette. It was five o'clock when a taxi brought her to the Marlborough Blenheim Hotel, and Senator Michael John was the most astonished man on the Jersey coast,

Starting point is 07:24:12 at the moment when she entered unannounced, for Mrs. Karsha had simply said to the elevator boy, take me to Senator Michael John's sitting-room. Undeniably, he was startled. But, playing desperately for high stakes had steadied him somewhat. Perhaps the example of his stronger brother had some value, too, for he rose with sufficient affability. What a pleasant "'Encantre, Mrs. Karsha?' he said. "'I had no notion you were within a hundred miles of the boardwalk.' "'That is not surprising,' she answered, thinking into a comfortable chair. "'I have just arrived.

Starting point is 07:24:58 "'O order me some sandwiches and a cup of tea. I'm famished.' He obeyed. "'I take it. You have come to see me,' he said, quietly enough, though aware of a queer fluttering about the region of his heart. Yes, I am so worried about Rex. Dear me, the girl. It is always a woman. How you men must loathe us in your sane moments, if you ever have any?

Starting point is 07:25:29 I flatter myself that I am sane, yet how could I say that I loathe your sex, Mrs. Kasha? I wonder if your flattery will bear analysis. But there, no serious talk until I am refreshed. Do ring for some biscuits. Sandwiches are apt to be slow in the cutting. Thus, by pretext, she kept him from directanders until a tea-tray, with a film of patel foie gras, coily hidden in thin bread and butter, formed, as it were, a rampart between them. How did you happen on my address? He asked, smilingly.

Starting point is 07:26:12 It was the first shell of real warfare, and she answered in kind. That was quite easy. The people at the Detective Bureau know it. The words hit him like a bullet. The Bureau, he cried. Yes, the officials there are interested in the affairs of Winford Marchbanks. He went ashen grey, but essayed. nevertheless to turn emotion into mere amazement.

Starting point is 07:26:44 He was far too clever a man to pretend a blank negation. The situation was too strenuous for any species of ostrich device. I seem to remember that name, he said slowly, moistening his lips with his tongue. Of course you do. You have never forgotten it. Let us have a friendly chat about her, Senator. My son is going to marry her. That is why I am here.

Starting point is 07:27:13 She munched her sandwiches and sipped her tea. This experienced woman of the world, now boldly declared on the side of romance, was far too astute to force the man to desperation, unless it was necessary. He must be given breathing time, permitted to collect his wits. She was sure of her ground. Her case was not legally strong. Michael John would discover that defect, and indeed it was not her object to act legally. If others could plot and scheme, she would have a finger in the pie, that was all.

Starting point is 07:27:54 And behind her was the clear brain of Steingall, who had camped for days near the senator in Atlantic City, and had advised the mother how to act for her son. There was a long silence. she ate steadily. Perhaps you will be good enough to state explicitly why you are here, Mrs. Karshaugh, said Michael John at last.

Starting point is 07:28:22 She caught the ring of defiance in his tone. She smiled. There was to be verbal sword play and she was armed cup up here. Just another cup of tea, she pleaded, and he wriggled uneasily in his chair. The delay was torturing him. She unrolled her big sheets of notes. He looked over at them with well-simulated

Starting point is 07:28:48 indifference. I have an engagement, he began looking at his watch. You must put it off, she said with sudden heat. The most important engagement of your life is here now in this room, William Michael John. I mentioned the detective bureau when I entered. Which do you prefer to encounter me or an emissary of the police? He paled again. Evidently, this society lady had claws and would use them, if annoyed. I do not think that I have said anything to warrant such language to me, he murmured, striving to smile deprecatingly.

Starting point is 07:29:33 He succeeded, but poorly. You sent me to drive out into the world the girl who my son loved, was the retort. You made a grave mistake in that. I recognized her. After a little while, I knew her mother. Now, am I to go into details? I, really, I, very well. Eighteen years ago, your brother, Ralph Vane Michael John, murdered a man named Marchbacks, who had discovered that you and your brother were defrauding his wife of funds held by your bank as her trustees. I have here the records of the crime. I do not say that your brother, who has since been a convict and is now assisting you under the name of Ralph Voles,

Starting point is 07:30:31 could be charged with that crime. Maybe murderer is too strong a word for him where March Vanks was concerned. but i do say that any clever lawyer could send you and him to the penitentiary for robbing a dead woman and her daughter the girl whom you and he have kidnapped within the last week here was a broadside with a vengeance michael john could not have endured a keener agony were he facing a judge and jury it was one thing to have borne this terrible secret gnawing at his body during long years, but it was another to find it pitilessly laid bare by a woman belonging to that very society for which she had dared so much in order to retain his footing. He bent his head between his hands. For a few seconds, thoughts of another crime danced in his surcharged brain, but Mrs. Karsha's well-bred syllables brought him back to sanity with chill deliberateness. Shall I go on, she said, shall I tell you of Rachel Bartlett, of the scandal to be raised about your ears,

Starting point is 07:31:51 not only by this falsified trust, but by the outrageous attack on Ronald Tower? He raised his pallid face. He was a proud man. He was a proud man. and resented her merciless taunts. Of course, he muttered, I deny everything you have said, but if it were true, you must have some ulterior motive in approaching me. What is it?

Starting point is 07:32:19 I am glad you see that. I am here to offer terms. Name them. You must place this girl, Winifred Marchex, under my care, where she will remain. until my son marries her, and make restitution of her mother's property.

Starting point is 07:32:40 No doubt you have a definite sum in your mind? Most certainly, my lawyers tell me you ought to refund the interest as well, but Winifred may content herself with the principal. You must hand her half a million dollars. He sprang to his feet livid. Woman, he yelled, You are crazy. End of Chapter 25.

Starting point is 07:33:13 Chapter 26 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. The Biter Bit Mrs. Karshaugh focused him again through her gold-rimmed eyeglasses. Crazy, she questioned calmly. Not a bit of it, nearly an old woman bargaining for her son. Rex would not have done it.

Starting point is 07:33:43 After thrashing you, he would have left you to the law, and, were the law to step in, you would surely be ruined. I, on the other hand, do not scruple to compound a felony. That is what my lawyers call it. My extravagance and carelessness have contributed to encumber Rex's estates with a heavy mortgage. If I provide his wife with a dowry which pays off the mortgage and leads her a nice sum as pin money, I shall have done well. Half a million, I repudiate your statements. Even if I did not, I have no such sum at command. Yes, you have or will have, which is the same thing.

Starting point is 07:34:34 shall I give you details of the Costa Rica Cotton Concession, arranged between you and Jacob and Helen Tower? They are here, as for repudiation, perhaps I have hurried matters, permit me to go through my story at some length, quoting chapter and verse. She spread open her papers again, after having folded them, "'Stop this wretched farce,' he almost screamed,

Starting point is 07:35:06 "'for her coolness broke up his never-too-powerful nervous system. "'If I agree, what guarantee is there? "'Ah, now you're talking reasonably. "'I can ensure the acceptance of my terms. "'First, where is Winifred?' "'He hesitated. "'Here was the very verge of the Gulf.' any admission implied the truth of mrs karsha's words she did not help him he must take the plunge without any further impulsion but the senator's nerves were broken they both knew it

Starting point is 07:35:47 "'At Gateway House, East Orange,' he said, sullenly. "'I must tell you that my—my brother is a daredevil. Better leave me to—' "'I am glad you have told the truth,' she interrupted. "'She is not at Gateway House now. "'Rex and a detective were there last night. "'There was a fight. "'Your brother, a resourceful scoundrel, evidently,

Starting point is 07:36:17 carried her off. You must find him and her. A train leaves for New York in half an hour. Come back with me and help look for her. It will count toward your regeneration. He glanced at his watch abstractedly. He even smiled in a sickly way, as he said, You timed your visit well. Yes, a woman has intuition, you know, it takes the place of brains. I shall await you in the hall. Now don't be stupid and think of revolvers and poisons and things. You will end by blessing me for my interference.

Starting point is 07:37:02 Will you be ready in five minutes? She sat in the lounge and soon saw some baggage descending. Then Michael John joined her. She went to the office and asked for a telegraph form. the senator had followed. What are you going to do? He asked suspiciously. I'm wiring Rex to say that you and I are traveling to New York together

Starting point is 07:37:28 and advising him to suspend operations until we arrive. That will be helpful. You will not be tempted to act foolishly, and he will not do anything to prejudice your future actions. He gave her a wrathful glance. mrs karsha missed no point a man driven to desperation might be tempted to bring about an accident if he fancied he could save himself in that way but clever as a mother scheming for her son's welfare proved herself there was one thing she could not do neither she nor any other human being can prevent the unexpected from happening occasionally sound judgment and astute planning will often gain a repute for divination yet the prophet is decried at times stymagall had discovered this and mrs karsha experienced it now

Starting point is 07:38:33 it chanced that mick the wolf lying in gateway house on a bed of pain his injuries aggravated by the struggle with the detective and his temper soured by rachel crake's ungrateful gracious ministrations, found his thoughts dwelling on the gentle girl who had forgotten her own sorrows and tended him, her enemy. Such moments come to every man, no matter how vile he may be, and this lone wolf was a social castaway from whom, during many years, all decent-minded people had averted their faces. His slow-moving mind was apt to be dominated by a single idea, he understood enough of the costa rican project to grasp the essential fact that there was money in it for all concerned and money honestly earned if honesty be measured by the ethics of the stock manipulator he realized too that neither voles nor rachel crake could be moved by argument and he rightly estimated foul as a weak-minded nonentity So he slowly hammered out a conclusion, and, having appraised it in his narrow circle of thought,

Starting point is 07:39:55 determined to put it into effect. An East Orange doctor, who had received his instructions from the police, paid a second visit to make the wolf shortly before the hour of Mrs. Karsha's arrival in Atlantic City. Well, how is the arm feeling now? he said pleasantly when he entered the patient's bedroom. The answer was an oath. That will never do. Cheerfulness is the most important factor in healing.

Starting point is 07:40:29 Ill temper causes jerky movements and careless. Oh, shucks, came the growl. Say, listen, boss, I've been broke up twice over a slip of a girl. I've had enough of it. The whole darn thing is a mistake. I want to end it, and I don't give a hurrah in Hades, who knows. Just tell her friends that if they look for her on board the steamer Wild Duck, Loden at Smith's Pier in the East River,

Starting point is 07:41:01 they'll either find her or strike her trail. That's all. Now fix these bandages for my arms on fire. The doctor wisely put no further questions. He dressed the wounded limb and took his departure. A policeman in plain clothes, hiding in a neighboring barn, saw him depart and hailed him. Any news, Doc? Yes, was the reply.

Starting point is 07:41:30 If my information is correct, you'll not be kept there much longer. He motored quickly to the police station. Within the hour, Karsha, with frowning face and dreams of wreaking physical vengeance on the burly frame of voles, was speeding across New York with Stingall in his recovered car. He simply hungered for a personal combat with the man who had inflicted such sufferings on his beloved Winifred. The story told by Polly Barnard, and supplemented by Petch, revealed very clearly the dastardly trick practiced by Volz the previous evening, while the dodge of smearing out two of the figures on the automobile's license plate

Starting point is 07:42:17 explained the success attained in traversing the streets unnoticed by the police. Stangall was inclined to theorize. The finding of the car puzzled me at first, I admit, he said, Now, assuming that Mick the Wolf has not sent us off on a wild goose chase, the locality of the steamer explains it. Voles drove all the way to the east side, quitted the car in the neighborhood of the pier, deposited Miss Bartlett on board the vessel

Starting point is 07:42:54 under some plausible pretext, and actually risked the return journey into the only part of New York where the missing auto might not be noticed at once. He's a bold rogue and no mistake. but karsha answered not the chief glanced at him sideways and smiled there was a lowering fire in his companion's eyes that told its own story thenceforth the run was taken in silence but stengal had decided on his next move when they neared smith's pier karsha wished to drive straight there nothing of the sort was the sharp official command We have failed once, perhaps it was my fault.

Starting point is 07:43:44 This time there shall be no mistakes. Turn along the next street to the right. The precinct station is three blocks down. Somewhat surprised by Steingall's tone, the other obeyed. At the station house, a policeman called from the men's quarters, where he was quietly reading and smoking, stated that he was on duty in the neighborhood between 8 o'clock the previous evening. and four o'clock that morning.

Starting point is 07:44:13 He remembered seeing a car, similar to the one standing outside, pass about 9.15 p.m. It contained two people, he believed, but could not be sure as the screens were raised owing to the rain. He did not see the car again. Some drunken sailors required detention during the small hours. The local police captain and several men in plain clothes were asked to assemble quietly on Smith's pier.

Starting point is 07:44:46 A message was sent to the river police, and a launch requisitioned to patrol near the wild duck. Finally, Steingall, who was a born strategist, and whose long experience of cross-examining counsel, rendered him wary before he took irrevocable steps in cases such as this, where a charge might fail, on unforeseen grounds, made inquiries from a local ship's chandler as to the wild duck,

Starting point is 07:45:17 her cargo, and her destination. There was no secret about her. She was loaded with stores for Costa Rica. The consignes were a syndicates, and both Karsha and Stingall recognized its name as that of the venture in which Senator Michael John was interested. Do you happen to know, If there is anyone on board looking after the interests of the syndicates, asked the detective. Yes, a big fellow has been down here once or twice. He's going out as the manager, I guess. His name was, let me see now. Volz, suggested Steingall. No, that wasn't it. So I've got it. Vane, it was. Karsaw, dreadfully impatient, failed to understand all the

Starting point is 07:46:10 this preliminary survey, but the detective had no warrant, and ship's captains become crusty if their vessels are boarded in a peremptory manner without justification. Moreover, Stingall quite emphatically ordered Karsha to remain on the wharf while he and others went on board. You want to strangle voles, if possible, he said. From what I've heard of him, he would meet the attempt squarely, and you too might do each other's serious injury. I simply refuse to permit any such thing. You have a much more pleasant task awaiting you when you meet the young lady. No one will say a word if you hug her as hard as you like. Karsha, agreeing to ought but delay, promised ruefully not to interfere. When the river police were at hand, a nod brought several powerfully built

Starting point is 07:47:13 officers closing in on the main gangway of the wild duck. The police captain, in uniform, accompanied Steingall on board. A deckhand hailed them and asked their business. I want to see the captain, said the detective. There he is, boss, looking at you from the chart house now. They glanced up toward a red-faced, hectoring sort of person who regarded them with evident disfavor. Some ships, loading for Central American ports at Out-of-the-Way wharves, do not want uniformed police on their decks.

Starting point is 07:47:53 The two climbed an iron ladder. Men at work in the forehold ceased operations and looked up at them. Their progress was followed by many interested eyes from the wharf. The captain glared angrily. He, too, had noted the presence of the stalwart contingent near the gangway, nor had he missed the police boat. What the—he commenced, but the detective's stern question stopped an outburst. Have you a man named Voles or Vane on board?

Starting point is 07:48:28 Mr. Vane, yes. Did he bring a young woman to this ship late last night? I don't see. Let me explain, Captain. I'm from the detective bureau. The man I'm inquiring for is wanted. on several charges. The steady official tone caused the skipper to think.

Starting point is 07:48:49 Here was no cringing foreigner or laborer to be browbeaten at pleasure. Well, I'm—he growled. Here, you, roaring at a man beneath. Go aft and tell Mr. Vane he's wanted on the bridge. The messenger vanished. I assume there is a young lady on board, went on on Steingall. I'm told so. I haven't seen her. Surely you know everyone who has a right to be on the ship. Guess that's so, mister? And who has more right than the daughter of the man who puts up the

Starting point is 07:49:28 dough for the trip? Strikes me, you're making a hash of things. But here's Mr. Vane. He'll soon put you where you belong. Advancing from the after-state rooms came Voles. He was looking at the bridge, but the police captain was hidden momentarily by the chartroom. He gazed at Steingall with bold curiosity. He had a foot on the companion ladder when he heard a sudden commotion on the wharf. Turning, he saw foul, livid with terror, writhing in Karsha's grasp. Then Vols stood still. The shades of night were drawing in, but he had seen. enough to give him pause. Perhaps two, other, less palpable shadows, darkened his soul at that moment. End of Chapter 26. Chapter 27 of the Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy. This

Starting point is 07:50:34 Lipervox recording is in the public domain. The Settlement The Chief Disliked Melodrama in Official Affairs. Any Man, even a crook, ought to know when he is beaten and take his punishment with a stiff upper lip but voles's face was white and in one of his temperament that was as ominous a sign as the bloodshot eyes of a wild boar stengal had hoped that vols would walk quietly into the chart-room and seeing the folly of resistance yield to the law without a struggle perhaps under other conditions he might have done so it was the coming of foul that had complicated matters. The strategic position was simple enough. Voles had the whole of the afterdeck to himself. In the river, unknown to him, was the police launch. On the wharf, plain in view, were several policemen whose clothes, in no wise conceal their character. On the bridge, visible now, was the uniformed police captain. Above all,

Starting point is 07:51:44 there was foul, wriggling in Karshaas' grasp, and pointing frantically at him. Come right along, Mr. Vane, said Stingall encouragingly. We'd like a word with you. The planets must have been hostile to the Michael John family in that hour. Brother William was being badly handled by Mrs. Karsha in Atlantic City, and Brother Ralph was receiving a polite request to come upstairs and be cuffed. But Ralph Vane Michael John faced the odds credibly. People said afterward that it was a pity he was such a fire-eater. Matters might have been arranged much more smoothly. As it was, he looked back, perhaps, through a long vista of misspent years, and the glance was not encouraging. Of late, his mind had dwelt with somewhat unpleasant frequency on the finding of a dead body in the quarry, near his Vermont home. His first great crime had found him out

Starting point is 07:52:50 when he was beginning to forget it. He had walked that moment from the presence of a girl whose sorrowful, frightened face reminded him of another long-buried victim of that quarry tragedy. He knew, too, that this girl had been defrauded by him and his brother

Starting point is 07:53:10 of a vast sum of money, and a guilty conscience made the price prospect blacker than it really was. And then he was a man of fierce impulses, of ungovernable rage, a very tiger when his baleful passions were stirred, a wave of madness swept through him now. He saw the bright prospect of an easily earned fortune, ruthlessly replaced by a more palpable vision of prison walls and silent, whitewashed corridors. Perhaps the chair of death itself loomed through the red mist before his eyes. Yet he retained his senses sufficiently to note the police captain's slight signal to his men,

Starting point is 07:53:55 to come on board, and again he heard Stingall's voice. And don't make any trouble, Voles, it'll be all the worse for you in the end. The detective's warning was not given without good cause. He knew the faces of men, and in the blazing eyes of this man, he read, a maniacal fury. Voles glanced toward the river. It was nearly night. He could swim like an otter. In the sure confusion, he might. Then for the first time, he noticed the police launch. His right hand dropped to his hip. Ah, don't be a fool, Volz, came the cry from the bridge. You're only making matters worse. A bitter smile creased the lips of the man who

Starting point is 07:54:44 felt the world slipping away beneath him. His hand was thrust forward, not toward the occupants of the bridge, but toward the wharf. Fowl saw him and yelled. A report, and the yell, merged into a scream of agony. Voles was sure that Fowl had betrayed him, and took vengeance. There was a deadly certainty in his aim. Stingall, utterly fearless when action was was called for, swung himself down by the railings. He was too late, a second report, and voles crumpled up. His bold spirit had not yielded, nor his hand failed him, in the last moment of his need. A bullet was lodged in his brain. He was dead ere the huge body thudded on the deck. When Karshaw found Winifred in a cabin, to open the door they had to

Starting point is 07:55:46 to obtain the key from Vowl's pocket. The girl was sobbing pitifully. She heard the revolver shots and knew not what they betokened. She was so utterly shaken by these last dreadful hours that she could only cling to her lover and cry in a frightened way that went to his heart. "'Oh, take me away, Rex. It was all my fault. Why did I not trust you? Please take me away.' He fondled her hair and endeavored to kiss the tears from her eyes. Don't cry, little one, he whispered. All your troubles have ended now. It was a simple formula, but effective. When repeated often enough, with sufficiently convincing caresses, she became calmer. When he brought her on deck, all signs of the terrible scene

Starting point is 07:56:37 enacted there had been removed. She asked, what had caused the firing, and he told her that Bowles was arrested. It was sufficient. So sensitive was she that the mere sound of the dead bully's name made her tremble. I remember now, she whispered. I was sure he had killed you. I knew you would follow me, Rex. When I saw you, I forgot all else in the joy of it. Are you sure you're not injured? At another time, he would have laughed, but her worn condition demanded the utmost forbearance. No, dearest, he assured her, he did not even try to hurt me. Now let me take you to my mother. The captain, thoroughly scared by the events he had witnessed,

Starting point is 07:57:27 came forward with profuse apologies and offers of the ship's hospitality. Karshaw felt that the man was not to blame, but the wild duck held no attractions for him. He hurried Winifred ashore. Stingall came with them. The district police would make the official inquiries as a preliminary to the inquest, which would be held next day.

Starting point is 07:57:52 Karsha must attend, but Winifred would probably be excused by the authorities. He conveyed this information in scraps of innuendo. Winifred did not know of Vol's death or the shooting of Fowell till many days had passed. Fowell did not die. He recovered, after a... operation and some months in a hospital.

Starting point is 07:58:16 Then Karsha befriended him, obtained a situation for him, and gave him money to start life in an honest way once more. There was another scene when Mrs. Karsha brought Michael John to her apartment, and found Rex and Winifred awaiting them. Winifred, of course, had never seen the senator, and there was nothing terrifying to her in the sight of a haggard, weary-looking elderly gentleman. She was far more fluttered by meeting Rex's mother, who figured in her mind as a domineering,

Starting point is 07:58:51 cruel old lady, elegantly merciless, and gifted with a certain skill in torture by words. Mrs. Karsha began to dispel that impression promptly. "'My poor child!' she cried with a break in her voice. "'What you have undergone? Can you ever forgive me?' "'Karsha,' ignoring Michael John, "'whispered to his mother

Starting point is 07:59:16 "'that Winifred should be sent to bed. "'She was utterly worn out. "'One of the maids should sleep in her room "'in case she awoke in fright during the night. "'When left alone with Michael John, "'he intended to scarify the man's soul. "'But he was disarmed at the outset. "'The senator's spirit was broken.

Starting point is 07:59:37 "'He admitted everything, said not in palest. he could have taken no better line when mrs karshaw hastened back fearing lest her plans might be upset she found her son giving winnifred's chief persecutor a stiff dose of brandy the tragedy of smith's pier was allowed to sink into the obscurity of an ordinary occurrence fowl's unhappily timed appearance was explained by rachel crake when the frenzy at the news of vull's death had subsided. A chuckling remark by Mick the Wolf that there'd been a darn sight too much fuss about that slip of a girl, and he had fixed it, alarmed her. She sent foul at top speed to Smith's pier to warn voles. He arrived in time to be shot for his pains. Carshaw and Winifred were married quietly. Their honeymoon consisted of the trip to Massachusetts, when he began work in the cotton mill. Michael John fulfilled his promise. When the Costa Rica cotton

Starting point is 08:00:49 concession reached its zenith, he sold out, resigned his seat in the Senate, and transferred to Winifred railway cash and gilt-edged bonds to the total value of a half-million dollars. So, the young bride enriched her husband, but Karsha refused to desert his business. He will die. He will die. a millionaire, but he hopes to live like one for a long time. Petch and Jim fought over Polly. There was talk about it in East Orange, and Polly threw both over. The latest gossip is that she is going to marry a police inspector. Mrs. Karshaw, Sr., still visits her dear friend, Helen Tower.

Starting point is 08:01:36 Both of them speak highly of Michael John, who lives in strict seclusion, He is very wealthy, since he ceased to strive for gold, it has poured in on him. Whitifred secured an allowance for Rachel Crake sufficient to live on, and Mick the Wolf, whose arm was never really sound again, was given a job on the Long Island estate as a watcher. Quite recently, when the young couple came into New York for a weekend's shopping, rendered necessary by the establishment of day and night nurseries, they entertained Steingall and Clancy at dinner in the Biltmore. Naturally, at one stage of a pleasant meal,

Starting point is 08:02:21 the talk turned on those eventful months, October and November, 1913. As usual, Clancy waxed sarcastic at his chief's expense. He's as vain as a star actor in the movies, he cackled, hugs all the camera stuff. Wouldn't give me even a flash when the big scene was put on? Stingall pointed a fat cigar at him. Do you know what happened to a frog when he tried to emulate a bull?

Starting point is 08:02:53 He said. I know what happened to a bull one night in East Orange, came the ready retort. The solitary slip in an otherwise unblemished career, side the chief, make the most of it little man if i allowed myself to dwell on your many blunders i'd lie down and die winniford never really understood these two she thought their bickering was genuine why she cried you are wonderful both of you from the very beginning you peered into the souls of those evil men you mr clancy seemed to sense a great mystery the moment you heard rachel crake's to the senator outside the club that night. As for you, Mr. Stingall, do you know what the lawyers

Starting point is 08:03:43 told Rex and me soon after our marriage? No, ma'am. They said that if you hadn't sent Rex's mother to Atlantic City, we might never have recovered a cent of the stolen money. Shear bluff, they called it. We would have had the greatest difficulty in establishing a legal case. Steingall weighed the point for a moment. Sometimes I'm inclined to think that the police know more about human nature than any other set of men, he said at last, evidently choosing his words with care. Perhaps I might accept doctors. They too see us as we are, but the dry legal mind does not allow sufficiently for what is called,

Starting point is 08:04:29 in everyday speech, a guilty conscience. in this case these people knew they had done you and your father and mother a great wrong and that knowledge was never absent from their thoughts it coloured every word they uttered governed every action that's a heavy handicap ma'am it's the deciding factor in the never-ending struggle between the police and the criminal classes the most callous crook walking broadway in freedom to-night a man who would scoff at the notion that he is bothered by any conscience at all never passes a policeman without an instinctive sense of danger and that is what beats him in the long run crime may be a form of lunacy indeed i look on it in that light myself but luckily for mankind crime cannot stifle conscience The chief's tone had become serious. He appeared to awake to its gravity when he found a young wife's eyes fixed on his with a certain awe. He broke off the lecture suddenly. Quai, he cried, smiling broadly, and jerking the cigar toward Clancy, "'Quy, ma'am, if we cops hadn't some sort of a pull, what chance would a shrimp like him have against anyone of real intelligence?' that's what he regards as handing me a lemon for my orange grinned clancy winnifred laughed the curtain can drop on the last act of her adventures to the mirthful music of her happiness

Starting point is 08:06:10 end of chapter twenty seven end of the bartlett mystery by louis tracy

Classic Audiobook Collection - The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

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