Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/25

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A Call in the Night
5

one supplemented the other—the eagle gave eyes to the mole; the mole gave the eagle the power of working patiently in the dark. Simmonds kept Godfrey in touch with police affairs; Godfrey enabled Simmonds to make a startling arrest now and then. Godfrey got the story, Simmonds got the glory, and both were satisfied. It may be added that, without in the least suspecting it, the mole was considerably under the influence of the eagle. Brains naturally lead industry; besides, the blind must have guidance.

They listened until the gust of wind died away down the street, then Godfrey arose and began to button up his coat.

"Nevertheless," he said, "I've got to be moving on. I can't stay loafing here. I wouldn't have stopped at all but for the chance of seeing you."

"Oh, don't go," protested Simmonds. "I was mighty glad to see you come in. I was feeling a little lonesome. Wait till this squall's over, anyway—and have a smoke."

Godfrey took the proffered cigar and relapsed into his chair.

"I'm only human," he said, as he struck a match, "and, besides, there's a fascination about you, Simmonds—there’s always a chance of getting a good story out of you. You know more about the criminal history of New York than any other man living, I think."

Simmonds chuckled complacently. "I have been in on most of the big cases." he agreed.

"Come, now," continued the other persuasively,