Duds (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920. Excerpt: ... Chapter VIII ON LEAVING Rosenthal, Phineas went to Karakoff's to report his return to town and that he was ready to get to work. He did not go to the apartment but to the shop, where he found the proprietor, who received him with his characteristic politeness, neither formal nor effusive. Rosenthal's information that Karakoff was actually a Russian nobleman, exiled some twenty or thirty years previously, gave Phineas a different feeling about him. It explained the naturalness of his easy gracious manner, his uncommon good looks, and a certain air which one felt to be inborn and not assumed. He had probably been as a young man an amateur of objets d'art, connoisseur of antiques, especially in regard to ancient jewelry and small bibelots, and on being exiled to America he had turned this knowledge to practical use. Karakoff now took Phineas into his private office and handed him a check for his first month's services. "Keep a general account of your expenses," said he. "It does not need to be itemized unless the item is a considerable one, running, let us say, over a hundred dollars. We are none of us disposed to regard the cost if only it promises to lead to results. If at any time you are pressed for money you have only to send me a wire. Have you thought of any method of procedure?" "I've outlined a general scheme," Phineas answered, "but it is one which ought to pay its own operation. I'll tell you about it a little later when I see how it promises, to work." "All right. Go about the business in your own way and let me hear from you now and then. Steer clear of the official authorities. We want to manage this thing on our own until the time comes. There are too many franc-tireur detectives nowadays. It is the fault of the Government for inviting everyb...