Any one might carry them. But a
bayonet is different, of course; it is a strictly military arm, and
its utility is limited. That a criminal should select one with which
to commit a murder is unusual; and, further; the fact that the make is
one never introduced into the United States is rather remarkable."
"It is--a little," agreed Pendleton.
"It is a small thing, but all clews are small things. Now there are
many ways in which such a weapon might find its way into the country;
but I took the most likely of these as a beginning. Before I dressed
for dinner, I ran over a rather complete card-index system which I
maintain; and within a few minutes learned that the republic of
Bolivia had, within the past year, changed both the rifle and bayonet
used by its army."
"Well?" asked Pendleton, with interest.
"When a nation makes such a change, the discarded arms are usually
bought up by some large speculator or dealer in such things. And in
the course of time they find their way to the military goods dealers
who exist all over the world."
Here Fuller entered the room, and Ashton-Kirk turned to him
inquiringly.
"Well?"
"In the morning _Standard_ of April 9th," announced the young man, "I
find an advertisement of Bernstine Brothers relative to a sale of
condemned army equipment.
Pages:
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119