Part 31 (1/2)
”It'll be long, I think. You see, there are several circ.u.mstances that are unusual about this case.”
”How so?”
”Well, Buck is clever--there's no gainsaying that--quite at the top of the profession. Then, he's expecting me.”
”You?”
”They're a queer lot,” Frawley explained with a touch of pride. ”Crooks are full of little vanities. You see, Bucky knows I've never dropped a trail, and I think it's rather gotten on his nerves. I think he wasn't satisfied until he dared me. He's very odd--very odd indeed. It's a little personal. I doubt, sir, if I bring him back alive.”
”Inspector Frawley,” said the new Secretary, ”I hope I have sufficiently impressed upon you the importance of your mission.”
Frawley stared at his chief in surprise.
”I'm to stick to him until I get him,” he said in wonder; ”that's all, isn't it, sir?”
The Secretary, annoyed by his lack of imagination, essayed a final phrase.
”Inspector, this is my last word,” he said with a frown; ”remember that you represent Her Majesty's government--you are Her Majesty's government! I have confidence in you.”
”Thank you, sir.”
Frawley moved slowly to the door and with his hand on the k.n.o.b hesitated. The Secretary saw in the movement a reluctance to take the decisive step that must open before him the wide stretches of the world.
”After all, he must have a speck of imagination,” he thought, rea.s.sured.
”I beg pardon, sir.”
Frawley had turned in embarra.s.sment.
”Well, Inspector, what can I do for you?”
”If you please, sir,” said Frawley, ”I was just thinking--after all, it has been a bit of a while since I've been home--indeed, I should like it very much if I could take a good English mutton-chop and a musty ale at old Nell's, sir. I can still get the two o'clock express.”
”Granted!”
”If you'd prefer not, sir,” said Frawley, surprised at the vexation in his answer.
”Not at all--take the two o'clock--good day, good day!”
Inspector Frawley, sorely puzzled, s.h.i.+fted his balance, opened his mouth, then with a bob of his head answered hastily:
”A--good day, sir!”
II
Sam Greenfield, known as ”Bucky,” age about 42, height about 5 feet 10 inches, weight between 145 and 150. Hair mouse-colored, thinning out over forehead, parted in middle, showing scalp beneath; mustache would be lighter than hair--if not dyed; usually clipped to about an inch.
Waxy complexion, light blue eyes a little close together, thin nose, a prominent dimple on left cheek--may wear whiskers. Laughs in low key.