Ashton-Kirk, Secret Agent

Those who have read "Ashton-Kirk, Investigator" will recall references to several affairs in which the United States government found the investigator's unusual powers of inestimable service. In such matters, tremendous interests often stand dangerously balanced, and the most delicate touch is required if they are not to be sent toppling. As Ashton-Kirk has said:

"When a crisis arises between two of the giant modern nations, with their vast armies, their swift fleets, their dreadful engines of war, the hands which control their affairs must be steady, secret, and sure. Otherwise an unthinkable horror might be brought about."

It frequently happens that such a crisis arises, the issue is joined and fought out to the bitter end, and the watchful public press never gets even a hint of it. Indeed, if the secret archives of the nations were thrown open for inspection, a long series of appalling dangers would be shown to have been passed by each--dangers arising from small and apparently remote things, but capable of swift and deadly growth.

Experience, steady courage, and sure talent are required in dealing with such things; and these qualities Ashton-Kirk possesses in abundance. To be sure, the departments of the government have the "Secret Service" at their hand; but the specialist is called in when the general practitioner is at a loss, and he is as much a part of the structure as his regularly employed colleague.

The adventure of the present story is only one of many to be told of Ashton-Kirk.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE I. SOME PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES 11 II. ASHTON-KIRK GOES TO EASTBURY 33 III. AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR 50 IV. THE TAKING OFF OF DR. MORSE 64 V. THE HOUND STRIKES THE TRAIL 76 VI. THE VISIT OF OKIU 89 VII. THE METHYLENE STAIN 101 VIII. THE HOUSE ON FORDHAM ROAD 116 IX. OKIU ONCE MORE 126 X. SOME STARTLING INTELLIGENCE 135 XI. A RAY OF LIGHT 144 XII. KARKOWSKY GETS SOME ATTENTION 157 XIII. OLD NANON SPEAKS 167 XIV. OKIU WRITES A LETTER 176 XV. ALMOST! 181 XVI. IN THE DARK 195 XVII. THE SILHOUETTES 204 XVIII. GONE! 214 XIX. THE TAXI-CAB 223 XX. FRESH DEVELOPMENTS 240 XXI. THE MAN WITH THE DECORATION 247 XXII. THE GERMAN EMBASSY BALL 256 XXIII. WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT 276 XXIV. SURPRISED! 284 XXV. CAUGHT! 295 XXVI. THE TRUTH 308 XXVII. CONCLUSION 321

Illustrations

PAGE HE TOOK UP THE ENVELOPE Frontispiece "WHO BROUGHT THE NEWS?" 73 THE GLITTERING EYES LIFTED 197 "MY TIME IS SHORT" 279

CHAPTER I

SOME PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES

Fuller studied the heavy, decided signature at the bottom of the typed page; then he laid the letter upon the table.

"One who judges character by handwriting," said he, "would probably think the secretary a strong man."

Ashton-Kirk took the stem of the long German pipe from between his lips.

"From your tone," said he, "you do not so consider him."

Fuller was looking down at the letter.

"With that looking me in the face, how can I? Here is a matter of tremendous importance--one of the most guarded secrets of the government is endangered. Yesterday, in what was undoubtedly a panic, he wired you, begging help. Then, almost immediately after, he weakens and writes, requesting you to do nothing."

Thick clouds arose from the Coblentz; the smoker snuggled down into the big chair luxuriously.

"And from these things," said he, "you draw that he lacks force?"

"Yes; he quit before even catching a glimpse of the end."

There was a moment's silence, and then the secret agent spoke.