I can't imagine Snodgrass being concerned in this
affair. It's the lady he's after, not her mission. It's likely he
doesn't even know she's in the Secret Service. However, keep an eye on
them; I may be mistaken."
The telephone buzzed. Ranleigh answered, then passed the instrument
across to Harleston.
"Is that you, Harleston?... This is Carpenter. I've just had a most
amazing proposition made to me. It will keep until morning, but drop
around at the Department about nine-thirty and I'll unburden myself."
"Is it Marston?" Harleston asked.
"Exactly; however did you guess it?"
"However did you guess I was with Ranleigh?" Harleston laughed.
"I didn't guess; I called Mrs. Clephane, told her I wanted you--and
presto! There's small trick about that, old fox--except in knowing your
quarry. So long--and don't!"
"If you don't mind, Carpenter, I'll stop on my way home. I'm just
beginning to be interested."
"Come along!" was the answer.
"Carpenter--to explain a Marston proposition," Harleston remarked,
pushing back the instrument.
"They are muddying the water all around," Ranleigh commented. "So I
imagine they are about to make a get-away with the goods."
"Try to, Ranleigh, try to," Harleston amended.
Pages:
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222