Part 1 (1/2)
Ashton Kirk, Secret Agent.
by John T. McIntyre.
Introduction
Those who have read ”Ashton-Kirk, Investigator” will recall references to several affairs in which the United States government found the investigator's unusual powers of inestimable service. In such matters, tremendous interests often stand dangerously balanced, and the most delicate touch is required if they are not to be sent toppling. As Ashton-Kirk has said:
”When a crisis arises between two of the giant modern nations, with their vast armies, their swift fleets, their dreadful engines of war, the hands which control their affairs must be steady, secret, and sure.
Otherwise an unthinkable horror might be brought about.”
It frequently happens that such a crisis arises, the issue is joined and fought out to the bitter end, and the watchful public press never gets even a hint of it. Indeed, if the secret archives of the nations were thrown open for inspection, a long series of appalling dangers would be shown to have been pa.s.sed by each--dangers arising from small and apparently remote things, but capable of swift and deadly growth.
Experience, steady courage, and sure talent are required in dealing with such things; and these qualities Ashton-Kirk possesses in abundance. To be sure, the departments of the government have the ”Secret Service” at their hand; but the specialist is called in when the general pract.i.tioner is at a loss, and he is as much a part of the structure as his regularly employed colleague.
The adventure of the present story is only one of many to be told of Ashton-Kirk.
CHAPTER I
SOME PECULIAR CIRc.u.mSTANCES
Fuller studied the heavy, decided signature at the bottom of the typed page; then he laid the letter upon the table.
”One who judges character by handwriting,” said he, ”would probably think the secretary a strong man.”
Ashton-Kirk took the stem of the long German pipe from between his lips.
”From your tone,” said he, ”you do not so consider him.”
Fuller was looking down at the letter.
”With that looking me in the face, how can I? Here is a matter of tremendous importance--one of the most guarded secrets of the government is endangered. Yesterday, in what was undoubtedly a panic, he wired you, begging help. Then, almost immediately after, he weakens and writes, requesting you to do nothing.”
Thick clouds arose from the Coblentz; the smoker snuggled down into the big chair luxuriously.
”And from these things,” said he, ”you draw that he lacks force?”
”Yes; he quit before even catching a glimpse of the end.”
There was a moment's silence, and then the secret agent spoke.
”There are times,” remarked he, ”when it is not altogether desirable to catch that glimpse.” He blew out a veil of smoke and watched it idly for a moment. ”It is possible, in pus.h.i.+ng a thing to the end,” he added, ”to force an entirely unexpected result. Take for example the case of the Molineux chaplet, some little time since. Could there have been more fire, more determination than that exhibited by old Colonel Molineux in this room when he brought the matter to our attention? And yet, when I showed him that his own daughter was the thief, he instantly subsided.”
Fuller regarded his employer with questioning eyes.
”You think, then, that some one concerned in the government has been found out as----”
But the other stopped him.