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72
The Catspaw
''Very good," went on the agent. "All the better for our purposes. The idea is this : This gentleman is in very poor health, and wishes to withdraw from all social life for a while ; but, as it is very necessary, according to his business, that he mingle a great deal in the
have only to be tactful, and follow his directions implicitly."
"It sounds all right to me, then," concluded Sturges. "I'll go to Milville tonight."
"Good!" replied the agent. "I'll phone that you are on your way."
Another series of rasps— a pause — and the second bar gave way
social world, he desires to engage you to take his place, so that the public will not recognize that there has been any substitution. You are just the man for the place. Do you understand it?"
"Yes, I understand — but — are you sure it's all square and aboveboard? I'd hate to run any unnecessary risk, though I need the money."
"It's perfectly fair, I assure you. This St. John is well known in Milville, the suburb where he is living, and you are sure to have the experience of your life, mingling with the best people, going to the best clubs, and all that. You
And so it was that Sturges stepped off the train at Milville that evening, and was driven in a taxi to the Central Hotel. In his pocket jingled a new supply of money, and in another pocket lay a latchkey given him by the agent. He was to walk into the St. John room at the hotel as if it were his own.
As he entered the hotel, Mr. Bonwit, the banker, passed, and greeted him cordially.
"Well, well, well!" he gurgled. "How's my old friend Kitt to-night? Looking pretty well for a social lion, eh?" He touched Sturges playfully in the ribs.