Johnston McCulley

“ Burlington said.
“Razelus purchased it from a man for a ridiculous sum, and sold it to Mr. Belcher. It appears that neither of them knew its real value.”
“That is not surprising,” Burlington said. “Not every man knows the real value of objects of art.”
Belcher snorted in disgust and was about to speak, when Marter prevented.
“Let me handle this,” he begged. “Mr. Burlington, we are on the track of the thief, and we wanted to return your vase immediately. And let me ask you a question—when was the vase stolen?” ”

“ He looked suspiciously at Razelus at first, but considered that the important thing was to get Joe Carden “with the goods.”
“Now, what have you to suggest?” Belcher asked. “We want to land this man.”
“So do I,” Marter answered. “I’ve been after him for some time. He’s clever—no use denying that—but we’ll get him this time, for he’s gone too far. I’ll tell you this much—we have to get him right! He made a monkey out of me once, and I don’t care to have him do it again.”
“Well, what’s your plan?” Belcher asked.
“You men must mail the money as he demands. ”

“ Razelus, we’re going to get him.”
“There’s a detective been after him for a long time—name of Marter,” Razelus said. “But how can we call in the police without getting into trouble ourselves?”
“Fix up a story, you fool. Leave it to me. The less talking you do, the better. And here is the story. This Joe Carden, as you say he is known, came to your shop and said that he had an old vase for sale. ”