The Sixty-First Second

by Owen Johnson

  *CHAPTER XX*

  DEAR TEDDY,

  I am very much ashamed at what happened yesterday. Please forgive myill-humor and some day, when you have a spare hour, do come to see me.

  Very cordially your friend, NAN CHARTERS.

  This note was the first which Beecher read on awakening the nextmorning. He had slept by fits and starts, troubled by the memory of hislast interview with the young actress. The sudden unchecked tempest ofjealousy and anger which had revealed to him the dramatic intensity ofthe woman had made a more haunting impression on his imagination thanall her premeditated appeals.

  "If after all she does love me? How tremendous it would be," he hadsaid to himself a dozen times, turning restlessly, in the half stupor ofwaking sleep.

  He lived over again the scene--only this time it seemed to him that whenshe had flung the clock from her in a passion, he had laughed joyfullyand caught her struggling in his arms, exulting in this rage whichburned so close to him. His first impulse on reading her note was totelephone her immediately, but he resisted this movement, saying tohimself that that would be surrendering all his advantage.

  "I'll call up later," he thought with a smile; "that will be muchbetter."

  He went eagerly down to McKenna's office, wondering what surprise was instore. Gunther and McKenna were already in the latter's private office,as he entered, and with the first look he took at the detective'ssmiling countenance, he perceived that he must be on the track ofsomething significant.

  "We were discussing Mrs. Kildair's engagement," said Gunther. "McKennaagrees with me that it will expedite matters wonderfully."

  "How did Slade manage it?" said Beecher at once.

  The detective, without answering, went to his desk and picked up asquare of cardboard on which he had pasted two clippings from thenewspapers, one the announcement signed by Gunther, Sr., Marx andFontaine, giving notice of their support of the Associated Trust, andthe other the bare announcement of the prospective marriage of John G.Slade and Mrs. Rita Kildair.

  "I am going to preserve this and hang it up over my mantelpiece," hesaid, looking at it thoughtfully, "and when I have an idle hour, I'llstretch out, smoke up and study it. A couple of million people musthave seen that--and that's all they'll ever know."

  "And you?"

  "I can only--deduce," he said, a twinkle in his eye. He glanced at theclock and said hurriedly: "Now we must get down to business. I amexpecting some one in half an hour who ought to particularly interestyou."

  "You know who took the ring!" said Beecher instantly.

  "I know several things," said McKenna briskly; "but everything in place.I promised you gentlemen, as you are interested in those things, alittle history of the party that was at Mrs. Kildair's that night. It'snothing as literary style goes--just facts. Here it is. I'll skip thepersonal descriptions."

  He took up a bundle of notes, seated himself on the corner of the flatdesk, and began to read:

  "Cheever, Stanley: Age 48; married; old New York family; left a fortuneestimated at $425,000, at the death of his father, Ganet Cheever, whenhe was twenty-eight. Lived ten years abroad, principally London;inveterate gambler; lost heavily at Monte Carlo--sum estimated at$125,000; later became involved in a gambling scandal in England, but itwas hushed up by his payment of a large sum to cover notes given.Continued to lose heavily at St. Petersburg, Baden and Paris; beganborrowing large sums, meeting obligations with difficulty. Declaredbankruptcy in Colorado, where he had gone to promote a mine; hisstatements contested by creditors who brought suit; contest settled outof court by payment by his relatives to avoid a family scandal. Returnedto New York and engaged himself as an exploiter of well-known winemerchants. Married three years ago Lydia Borgen, daughter of a largeimporting grocer, who brought him $100,000. Lives at rate of $20,000 ayear. Only known occupation gambling; said to have won fifty-fivethousand dollars in three nights' play from Kane Wentworth and ThomasHaggerty, Jr.,--protested but paid. Method of play has occasionednumerous reports to his discredit. Accused operating a system ofprivate signals with his wife, by Mrs. Elmer Jardine after scene atcard-table; brought suit for libel against her and received $12,000damages out of court to compromise it. Is not received in home offather-in-law. Cut off by mother's will. Frequently quarrels with hiswife over the attentions of other men. Known to have appliedunsuccessfully at several banks within the last month to raise loans.Heavily speculated on long side of recent market, purchasing large blockof stocks, margined, on morning after theft of ring, and said to beheavily involved. Sought aid of wife's relatives day before yesterday;refused.

  "Cheever, Mrs. Lydia: Born Lydia Borgen, daughter Harris Borgen, Germanimmigrant, who married Lydia Foley, waitress in Pearl Street restaurant.Father made fortune in grocery business, establishing with brother inSouth America a large importing office dealing in cocoa, coffee, andfruit. At death of uncle, Lydia became heir to $100,000. Father saidto be worth three quarters of a million, but estranged from daughter,whose marriage he opposed. As a young girl Lydia, rebellious and wild,constantly involved in escapades, notably with an actor, James Rocker,with whom she attempted to elope and go on the stage. Kept under strictsurveillance, but at age of seventeen ran off with Charles Bourgoyne,young English groom at Waltby's riding academy. Pursued and arrestedjust as about to be married in New Jersey. Bourgoyne arrested forabduction but later paid to leave country. Married at nineteen toStanley Cheever, through mediation of mother and a Mrs. Dorgan,notorious marriage broker. Has become tool of husband in schemes ofraising money while leading a separate existence. Keeps private bankaccount unknown to husband. Very extravagant in personal expenses whichcannot be accounted for on known income. From beginning of married lifehas been conspicuous for her relations with other men, generally wealthybachelors, who have subsequently lost money at cards: names best known,Edward Fontaine, Reginald Forrest, Thomas Haggerty, Jr. At present seenfrequently with R. G. Mapleson of firm of Sontag & Co.--"

  "Mapleson!" said the two young men in a breath.

  "I know what you mean," said McKenna, raising his hand. "Wait till Iget through"; and he continued to read in his matter-of-fact,unemotional voice these pages of hard, glaring facts that left hishearers straining forward to catch every word:

  "At present deeply involved in affair with E. V. Garraboy. Seems tohave been introduced to the broker at desire of husband, to obtainthrough this channel information which his sister, Mrs. Enos Bloodgood,may have acquired from B. L. Majendie of financial affairs in generaland particularly Atlantic Trust. Acquaintance developed into violentpassion for Garraboy by Mrs. Cheever; has met him frequently of late,twice having been followed to his apartments. Of late, scenes withhusband have been increasing in violence, coupled with mutualthreats--believe rupture possible.

  "_Item_: Bills against Mrs. Cheever known to be outstanding include$13,800 to Sontag & Co., for jewels; $1,200 to Madame Cortin for hats,etc.; $8,300 to Friegel Bros., robes.

  "_Item_: The $100,000 she inherited, stands in her own name, but isbelieved to be now reduced to $75,000. Morning after theft of ring,sold short through Garraboy, her broker, 5,000 shares Union Pacific.For further details, see Garraboy.

  "Charming little domestic circle, eh?" said McKenna, laying down thesheet. "Now for another:

  "Bloodgood, Enos R.: Owner New York _Daily Star_; large holder of realestate in lower New York; director Metropolitan Opera; brought up, atdeath of his parents, by his grandfather, Joseph Bloodgood, president ofthe Northwestern Railroad, as his prospective heir. At age of 20,despite threats of his guardian, left college and married CharlotteGranby, daughter of his tutor. Promptly disinherited. Went to work as aclerk in Brooklyn drygoods store, living on twenty-five dollars a week,refusing all overtures from grandfather, who offered to forgive him oncondition of separation from his wife, allowing her $20,000. Refusedand lived in that condition for five years until her death, brought onby privations. Reconciled with grandfat
her and sent abroad for ajourney through Europe. Two years later became violently infatuatedwith a Spanish singer of the Cafe Chantants and went with her on a tripto South America, again defying his guardian. At the end of a year,affair ended by a secret payment made by his grandfather to the woman toprocure her desertion. Followed her and engaged in duel with hercompanion, from whom he received serious wounds. After recovery,returned to Paris, where he again became entangled in violentinfatuations. On point of marrying an Austrian countess of doubtfulhistory, fell ill with pneumonia and almost died. Returned to New Yorkand became reconciled with grandfather. Seemed to turn over new leaf;entered journalism and made good record for steadiness and conservatism,leading exemplary life. Grandfather, in his will, however, contrary toexpectations, cut him off with $20,000. Two months later, married Mrs.Georgiana Wakeman, fifteen years his senior, fortune estimated at tenmillions, widow of former owner of N. Y. _Star_, which then passed underhis control. Next ten years remarkable for his strict application tobusiness and the dissoluteness of his private life. Mixed up in severalpromoting schemes with various success. At death of second wife,received bulk of fortune. Remained widower three years, greatlyincreasing fortune at period of Trust consolidations. Married thirdwife, Elise Garraboy, noted Southern beauty, no fortune. Union unhappyafter first months; returned to his old habits. Three months ago forcedto pay $15,000 to prevent blackmailing suit on part of a Miss Edna Rusk,chorus girl. Plunged heavily on short side of late market in a poolformed to bear market; reputed to have made immense gains.

  "_Item_: Has been in confidential relations with Miss Maud Lille forsome time. Visited her early morning, after theft of ring."

  "That's queer," said Gunther, startled at this final detail. "DidBloodgood do anything in the market that day?"

  "Sold right and left," said McKenna, exchanging papers.

  Beecher, more impressionable than his companion, said nothing, overcomeby the bare recital of this brutal, materialistic life that once hadbeen young and stirred to unbelievable sacrifice.

  "Bloodgood, Mrs. Enos: Born Elise Garraboy; sister of Edward Garraboy;old Southern family, New Orleans; father Colonel Marston Garraboy; diedwhen children were little. Mother married Boyd Hallowel, Englishman,third son Lord Carmody, came to live in New York. Hallowel died tenyears later, leaving her with small income but social connections.Elise educated at convent; made debut in society at age of eighteen;great beauty; numerous suitors; engaged in second season to EnosBloodgood; engagement broken; married a year later. Story current,forced into it to save mother from bankruptcy. Left husband twice infirst two years, but persuaded to return by mother. Met Bernard L.Majendie eight months ago at Palm Beach. Infatuation no secret;understood that two weeks before panic had placed her interests in handsof lawyers, who procured evidence for divorce; action haltedtemporarily. Night of party at Mrs. Kildair's, trunks packed forjourney, tickets purchased at Grand Central to Montreal. Day after,made no investments in Wall Street. Following day, left home withtrunks and returned shortly after suicide. Violent scenes with husband.Shut herself up in room for hours. That night went to home of Majendie,company with--"

  Suddenly McKenna stopped at a violent movement of surprise from Beecher,and said quickly, "--a woman and a young man. Said to be totallywithout funds; husband reputed to allow her only $120 a monthpocket-money. That's all."

  Gunther had been quick to see the agitation of his companion but, sincehe comprehended that whatever the part he had played Beecher wished tokeep it in confidence, he pretended to have understood nothing.

  "Then there is no trace of Mrs. Bloodgood's having gone into themarket?" he said.

  "None," replied McKenna. "There are other details, but they come betterunder head of the brother."

  He shuffled the remaining sheets and then, as though divining the uneaseof Beecher, he said in a matter-of-fact tone:

  "Here's the history of Miss Nan Charters; but as it gives us nothingimportant we don't know, I'll leave it out. Particularly as we're shortof time. However, I'll say this--there is no record of any stocktransactions except that which we know of already. The next is MissMaud Lille, a curious character, too."

  Beecher drew a long breath and relaxed in his chair, grateful to McKennafor his consideration.

  "Lille, Maud," said the detective, reading. "Real name Margaret Case;daughter Rev. Hiram Case and Fanny Saunders, Zanesville, Ohio; left homeat age of sixteen; studied one year to be trained nurse; left hospitaland studied stenography; later joined traveling circus, businessdepartment; became press agent. Stranded in northern Arizona; earnedliving by writing for local newspapers under name Jane Anderson; went toSan Francisco and from there to Honolulu, supporting herself by herwritings, occasionally taking regular position as stenographer. InHawaii met and married an eastern adventurer known under name of EdwardBracken; returned with him to San Francisco, where couple engaged inmining speculations. Husband pursued for fraud and fled; wife arrestedbut released. Went to Chicago after securing divorce and changed nameto Maud Lille. Sent to Cripple Creek by Chicago _World_ and made a hitby her graphic accounts of labor conditions. Married Patrick O'Fallon,wealthy mine owner. Went with him for trip in Europe but apparentlydissatisfied with life left him and returned to newspaper work,establishing herself in New York. Not divorced. Under own name authorof several successful novels; prefers Bohemian existence of journalistevidently, reporting prize-fights, political conventions, murder trials,etc. Attached to staff of New York _Star_ and apparently much inconfidence of owner. Lately much interested in stock market. On morningafter theft met E. V. Garraboy at Levere's restaurant, near home, beforebreakfast; returned to her apartment and saw Enos Bloodgood two hourslater. Reported sold short 500 shares Union Pacific."

  "By Jove," exclaimed Beecher as Gunther rose excitedly to his feet,"you've got it!"

  "Maud Lille took it first and transferred it to Garraboy," said Gunther,then he stopped, puzzled; "but Bloodgood--that's incredible!"

  "Hold in your horses," said McKenna, shaking his head with silentlaughter, delighted, in fact, that they had fallen into his trap."There's one more little history to read." He hesitated and then said:"Now, I don't want to play up to a little tin god on wheels, thoughthat's easy enough. I'll say this, that a good deal of the informationI am reading you I have had in hand. The gentleman whose bright littlehistory I am going to read you, I have had my eyes on for some time.That'll develop.

  "Garraboy, Edward V.: Sent to military training school; expelled; wentup north, boarding-school; expelled; tutored for college and went toHarvard; ran up debts to extent of over a thousand dollars in twomonths, signing promissory notes. Paid by stepfather, who withdrew himat the request of college authorities; cut off by family and sent toChicago with four hundred dollars to enter business house. Instead,speculated in wheat market and said to have made a little money. Wentto Denver with small capital and posed as son of wealthy parents. Madeacquaintance of a family called Sanderson and shortly became engaged todaughter, heiress to considerable fortune. Engagement broken as resultof investigations. Left Denver, leaving behind a number of debts andbad checks. Next, heard of in southern California, working in mine; gotin shooting affray over daughter of Mexican and went into BritishColumbia. Used many names. Spent a year in small stock companiesplaying little roles; made a lucky gamble in silver mine and went to SanFrancisco, living high. Went to Seattle; became engaged to a widow oflarge real estate manipulator; persuaded her to invest her money in landexploitation scheme in southern California which proved failure. Ranaway from Seattle and went to Hawaii to sell imitation jewelry undername of Edward--"

  "Bracken!" exclaimed the two young men in one breath.

  "Exactly."

  "Married to Maud Lille!" cried Gunther, the first to recover hisastonishment. "Why, the little toad! How the deuce did these womenfall for him?"

  "Oh, that's a question by itself, Mr. Gunther," said McKenna, smiling."It's a good deal in studying what
you're dealing with, and Garraboywatched them pretty close. Let me finish.

  "Came to San Francisco, as you know; fled to escape pursuit; changingname, shipped as clerk on a merchantman from New Orleans. Next known ofhim, returned from the Far East under own name with apparently a certainamount of money. On hearing marriage of his sister, came to New Yorkand established himself in Wall Street, largely through the aid ofBloodgood, over whose head evidently has held some threat. Met MaudLille and probably came to some understanding with her; has paid hermoney from time to time. Encouraged sister's infatuation for Majendie,whom sought to enlist in scheme for rice production in South; failed.Made money rapidly until three months ago, when several ventures failedand became involved. Secured personal loan of $10,000 from Majendiewithout knowledge of sister. Has lived at rate of $40,000 a year,running several establishments; said to have given $15,000 worth ofjewelry to Mlle. Clo. D'Aresco, the dancer, on her last visit here.Made immense short sales in recent market and was on verge of failurewhen panic saved him. Has profited by infatuation of Mrs. Cheever toborrow large sums in last week. On day after theft sold steadily allday; under suspicions by his own clients and on verge of arrest, whendrop in stocks turned tide in his favor. Reputed to have covered hislosses and made $100,000 in last three days."

  "You were on his track then!" exclaimed Beecher, suddenly enlightened.

  "I was and I am," said McKenna; "and in less than twenty-four hours I'llshake down that frisky gentleman for about forty-five thousand dollarsthat he has been speculating with. Four days ago I couldn't havecollected forty-five cents. That's why I held off."

  "Good Lord!" said Beecher, suddenly remembering. "I say, McKenna, MissCharters' money is tied up with him. You don't suppose--by Jove, I hopenothing's wrong!"

  "You give me the amount," said McKenna with a click of his teeth. "I'llget it. He knows, I guess, by this time what a pretty little story itwould make in the morning papers. He won't resist--not he!"

  "Look here," said Beecher excitedly, putting his hand to his pocketbook."By Jove, that's lucky. I've still got that order. I can telephone hernow--"

  "Telephone nothing," said McKenna, reaching out his hand. "I don't needthat order, except as a reference. Just keep it quiet. The young ladywon't thank you less for your saving her without her knowledge, willshe?"

  "No," said Beecher, flurried. "Here's the order. When'll you get atGarraboy?"

  "In about ten minutes," said McKenna, reaching over for a fresh cigar.

  "Here?"

  "Right here."

  "And the ring?" asked Gunther quickly.

  "What do you think?" said McKenna, his little eyes snapping through theblaze of the match as he lighted his cigar.

  "I think it lies between Mrs. Cheever, Miss Lille and Garraboy," saidGunther; "either woman took it and either passed it to Garraboy at thetable--"

  "Well?" said McKenna, as Gunther hesitated.

  "Or Garraboy took it first and passed it to one of them."

  "Why?"

  "For fear that he or she had been seen taking it the first time--tocover up the tracks. Whoever may have seen the ring taken would believethe original thief had restored it and kept quiet."

  "That's ingenious, and I must say it may prove to have some bearing,"said McKenna. "It's likewise possible. But you gentlemen have missedthe whole point of what I've been reading you."

  "In what way?"

  "There's not one bit of evidence who took the ring," said McKenna, witha gesture at the recording sheets. "It shows who might have takenit--that's true. Now, what it shows is this--what was working in everyone's mind the night of that party. You remember that it was on thenight before Majendie's failure, and that the whole question of thepanic hung on whether he was going to pull through or not. Now, ofevery one who was there, with the exception of Miss Charters, Mrs.Bloodgood and Mr. Beecher here, every one was in Wall Street up to theirnecks, and if they knew what had happened to Majendie they could callthe turn. Now, what happened? Bloodgood was getting his informationfrom Maud Lille, who got it from Garraboy, who easy enough could get itfrom his sister, not out of treachery, but unconsciously, you may besure. Well, all these three got the straight tip. That's what themeeting next morning was about. Bloodgood never took the ring; thatwould be ridiculous; and Maud Lille, whatever her record for drifting,is not a crook. So those meetings were on the question of speculation,pure and simple.

  "Now, Mrs. Cheever got the news straight and Mr. Cheever didn't, thoughhe depended on his wife working Garraboy. Cheever bought stocks and wascaught. That likewise shows there may be some interesting developmentsin that charming little family, particularly when he finds out that Mrs.Cheever sold and won. Now, what have we to go on? Cheever's acrook--but if he took it, he did it alone.

  "Garraboy's a crook and, following Mr. Gunther's theory, he could havetaken it alone or working with Mrs. Cheever. If there was anycollusion, it was there. Gentlemen, I am only discussingpossibilities."

  "If the ring was taken to raise money to gamble in Wall Street, then itlies between Cheever and Garraboy," said Gunther.

  "Say it this way: if Mrs. Cheever or Miss Lille took it, Garraboy wouldprobably know--"

  "And Slade?" said Beecher.

  "If Slade took it, we're losing our time. Aren't we?" said McKenna.

  "McKenna, do you know?" said Gunther suddenly.

  "Unless I am very much mistaken, I'll know in twenty-four hours," saidMcKenna, "I know this--who has the ring and when he had it, and thisevening, about 5:30 in the afternoon, I ought to know from the gentlemanin question, who pawned it--unless I learn sooner."

  "Unless Garraboy confesses," said Beecher.

  "Gentlemen," said McKenna, answering with a nod an assistant who openedthe door at this moment, "I'm not given to boasting, but I'll riskthis." He went to the desk, wrote a name on a card, sealed it in anenvelope and handed it to Beecher. "That's the name of the person whotook the ring. Keep it until it is found. That sounds like SherlockHolmes, but there's one reason why I feel like being a little stagey;and I don't mind admitting to you that I got to it by deduction--honestdeduction, though!"

  "Why've you Garraboy here, then?" said Beecher, while the letter in hispocket seemed to radiate heat like an ember.

  "Do you want to know?--you'll be surprised," said McKenna, going to thedesk again. "Well, it's to convince myself that Garraboy had nothing todo with it."

  "What!" exclaimed the two.

  McKenna made them a signal to be silent and, taking up the loose sheetsof the different records, started to place them in the drawer; but allat once he stopped, selected one, the record of the broker himself, andlaid it face up on the table. The next moment the door opened andGarraboy came warily into the room.