Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 022 by Maxwel l Grant

Author:Maxwel,l Grant
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

CHAPTER XIII. ARMAGNAC PROPOSES

ON the next afternoon, an automobile from the Westbrook station swung up the road toward Lucien Partridge's estate. As it turned beside the river gorge, its occupants were plainly visible to Alfredo Morales, stationed across the river. Through the spyglasses, the Argentinian recognized the bearded face of Pierre Armagnac.

The Frenchman was paying a visit to Lucien Partridge, in accordance to the plan that he and Morales had agreed upon. When the car had passed the turn in the road, it was no longer in view, but Morales knew well that Armagnac would not turn back from his mission.

The Frenchman alighted in front of the heavily barred gate, and dismissed the chauffeur in the vehicle that had brought him. His keen eyes studied the arrangements of the high iron fence. It did not take Armagnac long to appreciate the formidable barrier that this made. He knew that it was in all probability protected by electric wires.

Armagnac was wondering about Morales when he rang the bell. Last night he had gained a high respect for the Argentinian's ability, but he felt doubtful that Morales possessed a sure scheme of entering the grounds.

It might be possible to counteract the electric barrier, but Partridge must certainly have signals that would signify the resultant short circuit.

Through the bars of the gate, Armagnac spied the evil face of Vignetti, and decided that the man must be a Corsican. So when Vignetti arrived at the gate, Armagnac spoke to him in French, and inquired for Lucien Partridge.

Vignetti growled a reply in poor English, and broke into a gusto of Italian dialect. Armagnac grinned.

Base Italian was still the language of many Corsicans, and Vignetti appeared to be one of those who resented French domination of his native isle. So Armagnac repeated his inquiry in English, and gave Vignetti his name.

Despite the fact that Morales had assured him visitors were usually well received by Lucien Partridge, Armagnac waited rather doubtfully until Vignetti retured. The Corsican opened the gate, and the

Frenchman entered. A few minutes later, he was in Partridge's library, awaiting the arrival of the old man.

Lucien Partridge came in from the laboratory. He wore a rather puzzled expression as he faced Pierre Armagnac. It was difficult to tell whether the old man was pleased or displeased to see this visitor. He motioned to Armagnac to be seated, and quietly awaited to hear what the Frenchman had to say.

ARMAGNAC did not delay long with his story. He sized the situation quickly, and knew that his best procedure was to gain Partridge's confidence at the start.

"You must be surprised to see me here," he remarked.

"I am surprised," returned Partridge. "I thought that you were in France."

"I was in France until eight days ago," declared Armagnac. "Then I decided to come here—leaving Mercier in charge of operations at Marseilles."

"Do you think this visit is wise?" quizzed Partridge. "I did not request it. You sent me no notification."

"You will soon be glad that I am here," returned Armagnac. "Perhaps you think that I am bringing bad news.

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