tag="{http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml}a">XVIII

THE GREAT BLACK BIRD 180 XIX TRENT ACQUIRES A HOME 192 XX “WANTED—AN EMERALD” 196 XXI THE MURDER OF ANDREW APTHORPE 208 XXII A THIEF TO CATCH A THIEF 219 XXIII THE SECRET OF THE BLACK BAG 227 XXIV DEVLIN’S PROMISE 232 XXV ON THE TRAIL OF “THE COUNTESS” 236 XXVI ANTHONY TRENT—“PAYING GUEST” 251 XXVII MRS. KINNEY MAKES A CONFESSION 267 XXVIII THE GERMAN SPY MERCHANT 284 XXIX MRS. KINNEY INTERVENES 297 XXX “PRIVATE TRENT” 301 XXXI DEVLIN’S REVENGE 309

ANTHONY TRENT

CHAPTER I

THE FIRST STEP

AUSTIN the butler gave his evidence in a straightforward fashion. He was a man slightly below middle height, inclined to portliness, but bore himself with the dignity of one who had been likened to an archbishop.

Although he had been examined by a number of minor officials, hectored by them, threatened or cajoled as they interpreted their duty, his testimony remained the same. And when he hoped this tedious business was all over, he was brought before Inspector McWalsh and compelled to begin all over again. It was McWalsh’s theory that a man may be startled into telling the truth that will convict him. He had a habit of leaning forward, chin thrust out, great fists clenched, and hurling accusations at suspects.

He disliked Austin at sight. The feeling was not wholly of national origin. McWalsh liked witnesses, no less than criminals, to exhibit some indications of the terrors his name had inspired to the guilty. Austin gazed about him as though the surroundings were not to his taste. His attitude was one of deferential boredom. He recognized the inspector as one representing justly constituted authority to be accepted with respect in everything but a social sense.

Inspector McWalsh permitted himself to make jocose remarks as to Austin’s personal appearance. McWalsh passed for a wit among his inferiors.

“At half past twelve on Tuesday I came into the library,” the butler repeated patiently, “and asked Mr. Warren if he wanted anything before I went to bed.”

“What did he say?” demanded the inspector.

“That he did not want anything and that I could go to bed.”

“And you did?”

“Naturally,” the butler returned.

“What duties have you the last thing before retiring?”

“I see that the doors and windows are fastened.”

The inspector sneered. The small black eyes set in his heavy red face regarded the smaller man malevolently.

“And you did it so damn well that within an hour or so, ten thousand dollars’ worth