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All was lost

The tall detective knelt beside his friend again and resu his pockets In Scully’s vest he found a train ticket for the 20th Century Lih connections to San Francisco

“Boarrrrd! All aboa-”

The conductor’s final warning was drowned out by the engineer signaling Ahead with a majestic double blast on his whistle Isaac Bell stood up, thinking furiously John Scullya suspected spy or saboteur as headed to San Francisco, where the Great White Fleet would replenish before crossing the Pacific Ocean

He spoke sharply to the Van Dorn apprentice, as staring ide-open eyes at the fallen detective “Look at me, son”

The boy tore his gaze from Scully

“There’s a lot to be done, and you’re the only Van Dorn here who can do it Round up every witness Those workmen there, those Chinese felloith the cart, and these folks hanging about So This officer will help you, won’t you?”

“I’ll do what I can,” said the cop dubiously

Bell pressed entleent On the juet to work Reive them the chance”

The floor shook The 20th Century Lio

Isaac Bell bolted onto the platforth of the express train’s red carpet, and jumped

THE FLEET

34

MAY 1, 1908