CHAPTER IIIIN WHICH THE SPECIAL DETECTIVE TAKES UP THE HUNT
AFTER dinner, Ashton-Kirk smoked a cigar with his friend; then he retired to dress for the journey to Marlowe Furnace. When he reappeared he wore a rough, well-fitting grey suit, a grey flannel shirt, a cloth cap and a pair of springy tan shoes. In his hand he held a heavy hickory stick, which he balanced like a swordsman.
“You looked primed for work,” approved Bat Scanlon, as he stood up and buttoned his coat across his big chest.
“Your story of the doings in and about Schwartzberg holds out a promise of entertainment,” smiled Ashton-Kirk. “And I’ve noticed that things of that sort are always more appreciated if they are prepared for and met half-way.”
“Good!” praised Mr. Scanlon, who was in high good humour at his success in
