Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/345

 "And the additional $4,000 offered by the bank?"

Barker smiles sardonically.

Van Zandt takes from his pocket a folded slip of paper and passes it across the table to the detective.

"There is a check for $5,000," he says. "It is not a bribe. It is only your just dues for the labors that you have expended on the case. Personally, I am under deep obligations to you. As to whether the Raymond mystery shall remain a mystery, I leave it to your own sense of duty."

Barker folds the check slowly, and, as he slips it into his vest pocket, he remarks, with a glance toward Ashley:

"If my partner consents, the Hathaway case may as well remain as now fixed in the coroner's records in Raymond, Vermont."

"Your partner came to that decision some time ago," is Ashley's quiet response.

"Thank you, gentlemen," says Van Zandt, as he rises. "And now, my friends, suppose we rejoin the ladies. They will begin to think that we have deserted them."

THE END.