Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/48

 "Then on the strength of your intimation that you are a devilish clever fellow—you will pardon my frankness this time—I am asked to take in an assistant who will gladly share with me the $5,000 reward in the event of the murderer being apprehended."

"No; I sha'n't bother about the reward. I am simply looking for glory."

"You are young in the newspaper business?"

"About twelve years."

"And looking for glory?"

Ashley laughs. "For my paper; not for myself." He passes over a telegram received that day. It read as follows:

"Jack Ashley, Raymond, Vt.: Work up case at any expense, and discover murderer if possible.     Chambers."

"Now," says Ashley, as he replaces the dispatch in his pocket, "I will tell you why I think it would be to your advantage to join forces with me." Barker evinces some interest.

"I am in possession of some facts which you not only do not know, but are not likely to get hold of unless I enlighten you."

"Ah!" The detective draws his chair nearer his companion and glances about to make sure there are no outside listeners.

"When I finish, if you consider my information as valuable as I appraise it, you can do as you please about the partnership idea. At any rate you will be so much ahead. Come up to my room. We will not be disturbed there." When they are comfortably seated and fresh cigars lighted Ashley begins his story.

"I have run onto two clews. One of them I consider important; the other less so. By the way, how long have you been in town? Come in on the after-dinner train?"

"Yes, I have acquainted myself with the known facts in the case and the result of the coroner's inquest. De