Part 47 (1/2)

”I learned that she is a harmless, but none the less, positively demented woman. I learned that she deceives herself--in a way, hypnotizes herself, and she believes she sees and hears things that she does not see and hear.”

”And tastes them? and smells them?”

”There, too, she deceives herself. Surely, you don't take in that story of her 'vision'?”

”I believe she believes it.”

”Yes, so do I. Now, look here, McGuire; I'm a good-natured sort, and I'm willing to overlook this raid of yours, if you'll join forces. I can help you, but only if you're frank and honest in whacking up with whatever info you have. I know something--you know something--will you go in cahoots?”

”I would, Mr. Hanlon,” and Fibsy looked regretful, ”if I was my own boss. But, you see, I'm under orders. I'm F. Stone's helper--and I'll tell you what he says I may--and that's all.”

”That goes. I don't want any more than your boss lets you spill. And now, honest, what did you come here for?”

”To look in that wardrobe, as I said.”

”Why, bless your heart, child, you're welcome to do that.”

Hanlon drew a key from his pocket, and flung the wardrobe door wide.

”There you are--go to it!”

Swiftly, but methodically, Fibsy took down every article of wearing apparel the wardrobe contained, glanced at it and returned it, Hanlon looking on with an amused expression on his face.

”Any incriminating evidence?” he said at last, as Fibsy hung up the final piece of clothing.

”Not a sc.r.a.p,” was the hearty reply. ”If I don't get more evidence offen somebody else than I do from you, I'll go home empty-handed!”

”Let me help you,” and Hanlon spoke kindly; ”I'll hunt evidence with you.”

”Some day, maybe. I've got to-day all dated up. And, say, why did you tell me you wasn't a steeplejack painter, when you are?”

”You're right, I am. But I don't want it known, because I'm going to branch out in a new field soon, and I don't want that advertised at present.”

”I know, Mr. Barton told me. You're going to be a human fly, and cut up pranks on the edges of roofs of skysc.r.a.pers--”

”Hush, not so loud. Yes, I am, but the goal is far distant. But I'm going to have a whack at it--and I know I can succeed, in time.”

Hanlon's eyes had a faraway, hopeful look, as if gazing into a future of marvelous achievement in his chosen field. ”Oh, I say, boy, it's glorious, this becoming expert in something difficult. It pays for all the work and training and practice!”

The true artist ambition rang in his voice, and Fibsy gazed at him fascinated, for the boy was a hero-wors.h.i.+pper, and adored proficiency in any art.

”When you going to exhibit?” he asked eagerly.

”A little try at it next week. Want'a come?”

”Don't I.Where?”

”Hus.h.!.+ I'll whisper. Philadelphia.”