Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 058 by Maxwel l Grant

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

CHAPTER XII. THE CREEPING SHADOW.

"HERE'S your mail, professor."

"Ah, yes. Place it here on the desk, Rupert."

Professor Langwood Devine leaned back in his chair as a hunch-shouldered serving man put three envelopes on the desk by the window.

"Your appointment, sir," reminded Rupert.

That's right." Devine nodded. "I had almost forgotten it. How soon is Detective Cardona due to arrive, Rupert?"

"In fifteen minutes, sir."

The old professor leaned forward. He rested his elbow on the desk and placed his chin in his withered hand. He stared toward his servant; Rupert waited.

"Matters were bad, three nights ago," observed Devine. "They were most annoying to me, Rupert, particularly because I had given you the evening off. Murder is very trying to one's nerves; Rupert, when it occurs at close range."

"So I can imagine, sir."

"Think of it, Rupert!" Devine paused to picture the events of which he was speaking. "While I was seated in bed, placidly studying theorems in Calloway's admirable volume on non-Euclidian geometry, there was a frightful tumult at the door of my suite."

"The police, sir?"

"Yes. In fact, the very detective who is coming here to-night. He was searching for a murderer."

"They have not found the man yet, sir."

"So I have noticed by the newspapers. Well, Rupert, it was a most horrible experience. I was forced to leave my suite on the twenty-fourth floor. I am thankful that I did not have to return there."

"This new suite is a better one, sir."

"Yes." Professor Devine nodded in studied agreement. "You are right, Rupert. This is a superior suite; better than my old quarters. Of course, it is only on the eighteenth floor; but with this northern exposure"-he waved his hand toward the window, where the glittering lamps of Central Park showed as tiny sparkles in the distance-"I command an excellent view. Furthermore, this suite is more spacious than the one which I formerly occupied."

"Yes, sir."

"And the furnishings are more luxurious. I must commend the management Rupert. They made up for my troublesome experience by offering me a selection of any quarters that I might choose."

The old professor turned about in his chair. He gazed with approval as he surveyed the living room.

There were three doors in view. One led to a spacious anteroom; the second to the professor's bedroom; the third, located almost at the professor's shoulder, opened into an extra bedroom which was unoccupied.

The furniture was of more expensive design than that of the suite on the twenty-fourth floor. Moreover,

the living room had the appearance of a large study, for each doorway was curtained with thick draperies of dark green velvet.

"Within a few days, Rupert," remarked Professor Devine, in a pleased tone, "I shall have you move into this unoccupied bedroom. Previously, you have had your quarters elsewhere. In the future-since no extra expense is involved-you may as well live here."

"Thank you, professor," returned the servant. "I can arrange to move at the end of the present week."

THE professor stooped forward and reached for his mail. That was a sign that he was through with Rupert.

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