Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 71 – Ripley · Verses Across
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 71Chapter 70
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Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 71
Chapter 70
RipleyEnglish
The Professor Sees Through It
‘Let’s go in to dinner—it’s twenty minutes after six, and I’m starved,’ said Hawkins.
‘Right!’ responded Professor Fordney, his train companion, ‘I’m hungry, too.’
The two men had met only a few minutes before, as casually as travelers do, but already seemed to find each other agreeable company.
At dinner Hawkins explained he was a conductor on another railroad and bemoaned the loss of passenger traffic. Fordney, too, decried the depression and its effects.
When the conductor came through, Hawkins tendered a pass with a friendly remark, and Fordney, who said he had boarded the train in such a hurry he didn’t have time to purchase a ticket, paid a cash fare. Neither he nor the conductor having proper change, he borrowed fourteen cents from Hawkins.
After an enjoyable dinner, they went back to the club car for a smoke and continued their chat.
‘Ever been in Savannah, Mr. Hawkins?’ asked Fordney.
‘Why, yes. Several times. Why?’
‘Oh, nothing in particular. Charming city, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it is, but I like the quaintness of New Orleans better, myself.’
And so they chatted through a pleasant evening until Hawkins, with a yawn, said: ‘Well, it’s a quarter to eleven. Bedtime for me. See you in the morning. Good-night, Professor. I’ve enjoyed knowing you.’
‘Good-night,’ responded Fordney. ‘I’ll give you the fourteen cents in the morning. Don’t let the fact that I’m aware of your deception keep you awake!’
