The Wide World Magazine, Vol. 22, No. 127, October to March, 1909Various
History
The Wide World Magazine, Vol. 22, No. 127, October to March, 1909
Various
Adventure stories -- Periodicals; English periodicals; History, Modern -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Voyages and travels -- Periodicals
The building next door to the barber's shop was a stone-fronted bay
window residence, neatly curtained, and looking like the home of some
tradesman. The officers made a _détour_ to the rear to examine the
premises, but saw nothing suspicious--simply a couple of ordinary
backyards. By this time it was about 6.30, and quite dark. The
detectives remained at their post all night, and not until eight
o'clock next morning did the first of the men who had entered the
barber's shop emerge. Then, at intervals of perhaps ten minutes, the
others came out, the last to do so being Barracola, his burly guard
having preceded him. This time the banker did not walk, but rode in a
tram-car to the ferry, which he crossed. Thence he went to Smith and
McNeill's restaurant and had breakfast, going from there to the bank.
Sergeant Collins and his men reported to head-quarters and then went
home for a well-earned sleep.
Up to this time, although his movements were strange and his friends
peculiar, absolutely nothing had been discovered against Barracola, and
it was possible that he might be a harmless member of some perfectly
innocent secret society. The meeting at the barber's, although
suspicious, was by no means (so far as the police knew) a criminal
one. But Sergeant Collins had a very strong card up his sleeve, and he
prepared to play it at once.
At three o'clock that afternoon, having shaved off his moustache, he
called at Barracola's bank, and, stating that his business was of great
importance, was shown into the private room. Barracola looked at him
keenly. "Well?" he said, interrogatively.
Collins acted as though very nervous and embarrassed; then, apparently
plucking up courage, he informed the banker that he had called in the
latter's interests to inform him that a girl on whom he (Collins) was
"rather sweet" had been talking a great deal about young Amato and
Barracola. The girl, Collins continued, had, unbeknown to him, been
fond of Amato. The latter, however, had cast her off, and in a fit of
jealousy she had appealed to him to avenge her.
The banker leaned back in his chair, looking Collins straight in the
eyes.
"See here," he said, angrily, "what's your game? You have not fooled
me for a moment, and unless you explain your object in treating me
as though you were in search of something, I shall appeal to your
superiors, when, believe me, my influence will break you!"
Evidently, reflected the surprised detective, this man Barracola knew
more than his prayers. He kept cool, however, and answered, "Well, sir,
we thought that you, knowing most of the Italian colony, would be able
to help us, although you might not care to do so directly."
"Then why not come to me in a proper manner?" demanded the banker. "I
don't know what you're after and I don't care! Good morning."
"I am sorry to have troubled you," said Collins, politely, and took his
leave.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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