Part 32 (2/2)

”Describe the arrangement of the offices.”

Mary rapidly limned the plan of the headquarters of the Purity League.

Her father nodded and his lips moved as he repeated her words in a whisper.

”I have it now. You must put the instrument under the telephone switchboard table,” he directed. ”Pile up a waste-basket, or something that is handy to keep it out of view. I have already adjusted enough fresh cylinders to record at least one hour of conversation. This machine is run by an automatic spring, which you must wind like a clock. Here I will wind it myself to have all in readiness.”

He rolled his chair swiftly to his work table, and turned the little crank, continuing his plan of attack.

”Now, take the long wire, and run it through the door of the private office up close to the desk. Attach this disc to the dictagraph receiver. It is so small, and the wiring so fine that it will not be noticed if it is done correctly. Here, Burke. I will do it now to this loose dictagraph receiver. Watch me.”

The old man worked swiftly.

Burke scrutinized each move, and nodded in understanding.

”Be careful to cover the wire along the floor with a rug--he must never be allowed to see that, you know. After you have all this prepared, Mary, you must start the mechanism going, and then get the reproduction of the conversation as it comes on the dictagraph.”

”All right, father--but how shall we get it there without Mr. Trubus knowing about it? He is very watchful of that room.”

Barton patted Bobbie's broad shoulder, with a confident smile.

”I think Officer 4434 can devise a way for that. He has had harder tasks and won out. Now, hurry down with the machine. It is a bit heavy. You had better take it in a taxicab. You will spend all your money on taxicabs, my boy, I am afraid.”

”Well, sir, a little money now isn't important enough to worry about if it means happiness for the future--for us all.”

Mary's face reddened, and she dropped her eyes. There was an understanding between the three which needed no words for explanation.

So it is that the sweetest love creeps into its final nestling place.

”G.o.d bless you, my boy. I'm an old man and none too good, but I shall pray for your success.”

”Good bye,” said Bobbie, as he and Mary left with the mechanism.

Bobbie stopped the taxicab which carried them half a block east of the office building which was their goal.

”Mary, I will take this machine up on the floor above Trubus' office, and hide it in the hall. Then you go to your place in the office and I will manage a way to draw Mr. Trubus out in a hurry. We will work together after that, and spread the electric trap for him.”

Mary went direct to the office, where she found Trubus storming about angrily.

”What do you mean by staying nearly two hours out at luncheon time?” he cried. ”I am very busy and I want you to be here on duty regularly, even if my wife did foolishly intercede in your behalf, young woman.”

”I am sorry--I became ill, and was delayed. I will not be late with you again, sir.”

The president of the Purity League retired to his sanctum, slightly mollified. Mary had not been at her post long when a messenger came in with a telegram.

”Mr. Trubus!” he said, shoving the envelope at her.

She signed his book, and knocked at the door. There was a little delay, and the worthy man opened it impatiently. ”I do not want to be interrupted, I am going over my accounts.”

She handed him the telegram, and he tore it open hastily.

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