Part 20 (1/2)

It could not be Kauffman. While she hesitated whether to steal closer or maintain her position, the two advanced almost to her corner and paused there--in the blackest spot they could find.

”I tell you I won't do it!” said Tom, in a hard, dogged tone that was tense with excitement. ”I'm through, and that's all there is to it.”

”That's a mistaken notion,” was the quiet reply. ”You're too deep in the plot to draw back, and the pay is well worth while.”

”I don't want any more money,” growled Tom.

”You'll get two thousand for this night's work. Cash. And there is no risk; you know that.”

”Risk? G.o.d, man! Can't you guess how I dream of those poor devils I sent to their death in the airplane job? I hate the money I got!

I--I--”

”See here,” said the other voice impatiently, ”that was a mistake, and you know it. We didn't intend murder, but the explosion was delayed. No one will get hurt to-night.”

”Not through me,” declared Tom.

”If you fail us, you'll come to grief.”

”If I come to grief, so will you. Peach on me, and I'll blow the whole deal.” There was a moment's silence.

”Would three thousand satisfy you?” demanded the tempter.

”No,” a.s.serted Tom stoutly; ”I'm goin' to quit. What's done can't be undone, but I'm through with you. It--it's too blamed terrible, that's what it is! Leave me alone an' let me turn honest. Why don't you do the job yourself?”

”I think I will,” said the other calmly. ”If you intend to turn down a good thing, I'll do my own work and save the money. But remember, Linnet, silence is your only salvation. Don't talk at all; if you do, you're liable to say the wrong thing--and you can't afford to do that.”

”I'm no fool,” responded the night clerk, a shade of relief in his tone. ”But don't come to me again, Professor. I'm done with you.”

Professor! Josie felt a distinct shock. She had to flatten herself against the wall, too, and remain rigid, for the man abruptly turned the corner and marched down the driveway. Half way to the brilliantly lighted street he dodged behind the building opposite the hotel, threading his way through narrow back yards. Josie followed, swift and silent. Finally they reached a place where the man was forced to pa.s.s beneath the rays of a lamp and Josie was near enough to see his face.

It was, in reality, Professor John Dyer.

That a.s.surance was all the girl wanted, just now. She let him go his way and turned to regain the hotel. It was not quite eight o'clock, yet she felt it important to keep an eye on Kauffman and the bomb. The bomb, especially, for until Dyer took possession of the infernal contrivance he could do no mischief.

In the hotel lobby she entered a public telephone booth and called up Jim Crissey; then she went straight to her room. She could hear a low whistling in 45, which informed her that Kauffman had not yet gone out and that he was in a cheerful mood.

”I'm beginning to understand their method of work,” Josie reflected.

”Kauffman prepares the bombs, or brings them here under the guise of a suspender salesman; Dyer arranges for their being placed, having secured information as to where an explosion will do the most damage to the government, and Tom Linnet is used as the tool to do the actual work. Mrs. Charleworth probably a.s.sists Dyer in getting special information, and advises the gang, but doesn't take an active part in the perpetration of the crimes. Her brains and position would naturally place her at the head of the conspirators in Dorfield, although I'm pretty sure Kauffman, as the agent of the Master Spy, can dictate what they must do.”

Kauffman slammed his door and locked it. He was going out. Josie opened her own door a crack to look after him. He was walking deliberately down the corridor, openly carrying in his left hand the black satchel.

To Josie this seemed the essence of effrontery. He had no intention of using the fire-escape, after all. He trusted in bravado, as so many careless criminals do. As she stealthily followed him, she observed the man stop in the office and exchange commonplaces with one or two guests whom he knew.

In reality, this was his safest plan. The black bag did not look suspicious. Presently the bomb would be turned over to Dyer and Kauffman's responsibility would then end. His very boldness was calculated to prevent suspicion.

Leaving the hotel, Kauffman walked leisurely up the lighted street.

Only when he turned a corner did Josie momentarily lose sight of him.

There were many pedestrians at this hour and they masked the girl's form and for a while enabled her to keep near to the man she was shadowing. The only thing that puzzled Josie was the fact that Kauffman was proceeding in a direction exactly opposite that taken by Dyer a short time before. Dyer went south and Kauffman was going north.

When the business section of Dorfield was pa.s.sed, the streets became more deserted. They were not well lighted either, which favored Josie the more.