Grant, Maxwell - The Shadow 053 - Tower of Death by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Detective, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Adventure, Thriller
Publisher: Street & Smith Publications
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

STOKES CORVIN strolled back into the library. He noted anxious looks upon the faces of Barbara Wyldram and Sidney Richland. He spoke in reassuring tones.

“Our first visitor has arrived,” declared Corvin. “It is Lamont Cranston, the millionaire. He has gone upstairs with Jarvis Raleigh.”

Barbara seemed pleased as she resumed her reading. Richland sat down with an air of relief. His nervousness was dispelled.

“Perhaps I was wrong about Lockwood,” he decided. “It may have been a hoax. Your theory, Stokes -“

“My theory,” interposed Corvin, quietly, “may be entirely wrong. The letter from the detective makes it seem that Lockwood actually disappeared from this house.”

“Another hoax, perhaps.”

“I hardy think so. The matter looks serious to me. One of us, Sidney, must make sure that this detective actually arrives.”

“It will be my turn, Stokes.”

“You are still nervous -“

“Not at all. Quarley might become antagonistic if you appeared again. This time I shall watch from the passage.”

Sidney Richland spoke in a decisive tone. Stokes Corvin nodded slightly in agreement. He lighted a cigarette and sat down beside Barbara. He began pleasant conversation. A dozen minutes passed. Suddenly, Stokes Corvin raised his hand.

“Is that a car?” he questioned.

The sounds of a throbbing motor were barely audible. Sidney Richland nodded as he heard them. Both men listened tensely. Corvin glanced at his watch.

“The limited arrived ten minutes ago,” he remarked, “provided, of course, that it was on schedule.”

“It usually is,” stated Richland, rising. “Stokes, this means that the second visitor is here.”

Adjusting his pince-nez, Richland arose and threw back his shoulders in a manner that would have been ludicrous on an ordinary occasion. With an attempt at bravado, he moved toward the door and entered the passage.

“Stokes!” Barbara’s tone was cautious. “I feel dreadfully ill at ease. If this should be the detective -“

The girl stared startled as the door bell clanged. Stokes Corvin leaned forward and patted her shoulder in brotherly fashion. He stood silent for a few moments; then, as Barbara sighed in slight relief, Stokes strolled to the door. He stood there peering into the passage. He returned some seconds later.

“Quarley has just come back from the entry,” he remarked. “He has left to announce the visitor. Sidney is watching the bolted inner door.”

“These coming minutes will be frightful -“

“Not if you take them calmly. Resume your reading, Barbara.” Corvin raised the book that was in the girl’s hands, “Rely on Sidney’s observation. To set you an example” - Corvin smiled as he stepped away - “I shall resort to my favorite author, Alexander Dumas.”

Barbara smiled wistfully as Stokes Corvin went to the corner bookcase and drew out two volumes of Dumas. She began to read her book. The concentration steadied her; she felt more confident when Stokes Corvin returned across the room and took a chair beside her.

Despite their tenseness, both Stokes Corvin and Barbara Wyldram were maintaining calm while they awaited the return of Sidney Richland. A second visitor had come to Montgard. Would he, like Lamont Cranston, enter safely?

Or did

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