Page 75 (1/2)

“February? Where did he get the money?”

“The Wrecker, of course When he hired hiet that much money?”

“You’re sure it was February?”

“Absolutely The boss told ht after the Chinese New Year That fits the Wrecker’s pattern, doesn’t it? Plans far ahead”

Isaac Bell could barely contain his excitement

“Wong Lee bought his share of the laundry last February But Osgood Hennessy concluded his secret deal only this November How did the Wrecker know back in February that the Southern Pacific Railroad was going to gain entry to New York in November?”

28

“SOMEHOW THE WRECKER CAUGHT WIND OF THE DEAL,” ABBOTT answered

“No!” Bell shot back “Osgood Hennessy knew he had to acquire a do interest in the Jersey Central in the deepest secrecy or his rivals would have stopped him No one ‘catches wind’ of that old pirate’s intentions until he wants them to”

Bell snatched up the nearest telephone

“Book two adjoining staterooh connections to San Francisco!”

“Are you saying the Wrecker has inside knowledge of the Southern Pacific?” asked Archie

“So his coat and hat “Either some fool spilled the beans Or a spy deliberately passed on the inforer to Hennessy’s circle”

“Or in it,” said Abbott, trotting alongside as Bell strode from the office

“He’s certainly close to the top,” Bell agreed “You’re in charge of shutting down the Jersey City operation Move every man you can to the Cascades Cutoff Now that he lost out in New York, I’ the Wrecker will hit there next Catch up with me as soon as you can”