"Will you officially attest to the correctness of these, Mr.--Ah, Mr.
Agent?" propounded Stuart.
"Sure," answered Bart with an off-handed alacrity that was distressing
to the responsibility burdened personality of the accredited
representative of Monroe, Purcell & Abernethy.
He dashed off an O.K. on the two documents, tendered them with
exaggerated courtesy to his visitor, who he was well aware knew his name
perfectly, and said, with the faintest suggestion of mimicry:
"Ah, Mr.--Representative, would you kindly inform me for what purpose
you want these transcripts?"
"They form the basis of a criminal prosecution," announced young Stuart
in a tone positively sepulchral.
"So?" murmured the young express agent smoothly. "In that case, let me
suggest that you also take a copy of this document to submit to
your--superiors."
Bart Stirling drew from his pocket the receipt signed by old Ben Travers
on the afternoon express less than two hours previous.
Stuart adjusted his eyeglass and superciliously regarded the document.
Then he turned and gasped:
"What--what is this?" he spluttered.
"A receipt for the delivery of the basis of your criminal prosecution,"
said Bart simply.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153