"Señor Ballar', I have biffo' to-day killed a man for that he spik to me like-a-that!" The muscles of his face were twitching, and he was breathing hard, like a spent runner. "There is my notion—and a striking example of Mexican fair play." THE KING OF ARCADIA I THE CRYPTOGRAM The strenuous rush of the day of suddenly changed plans was over, and with Gardiner, the assistant professor of geology, to bid him God-speed, Ballard had got as far as the track platform gates of the Boston & Albany Station when Lassley's telegram, like a detaining hand stretched forth out of the invisible, brought him to a stand. He read it, with a little frown of perplexity sobering his strong, enthusiastic face. CONTENTS "S.S. Carania, New York. New York "To Breckenridge Ballard, Boston. Breckenridge Ballard "You love life and crave success. Arcadia Irrigation has killed its originator and two chiefs of construction. It will kill you. Let it alone. "Lassley." Lassley He signed the book, tipped the boy for his successful chase, and passed the telegram on to Gardiner. "If you were called in as an expert, what would you make of that?" he asked. The assistant professor adjusted his eye-glasses, read the message, and returned it without suggestive comment. "My field being altogether prosaic, I should make nothing of it. There are no assassinations in geology. What does it mean?"
Prev.
Back
Top