Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 063 by Maxwel l Grant

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

CHAPTER XI. SPYING EYES

Two days had elapsed since the murder of Merle Cray. The county prosecutor and the coroner had approved Philo Halthorpe's theory that the murderer had come to get the detective. It was believed that the killer must have fled along the old road that led to the mansion, there to escape in a waiting automobile. No further trouble was anticipated.

Wildemar Brent's chill was over. Enthused by the presence of Professor Darwin Shelby, the naturalist had begun a new search for signs of those mysterious lights known as the ignis fatuus. It was after sunset; Brent and his esteemed guest had both taken to the marsh.

Twindell answered a ring at the door. It proved to be Nicholas Rokesbury. The engineer smiled as he saw Dorothy seated in front of the fire place. He entered the great hall and sat down beside the girl.

Twindell went upstairs.

"Where is your uncle?" queried Rokesbury, of Dorothy. "Out on the marsh with the professor?"

"They are both out on the marsh," laughed the girl, "but not together."

"Scientific jealousy?"

"Not at all. Uncle decided that by separating, they would have better chance of spying the will-o'-the-wisp. The professor seemed to approve the idea. So uncle drew diagrams of paths that he has discovered in the swamp and they each chose a separate course."

"I hope they see the marsh lights," chuckled Rokesbury. "But I doubt that they will. I faked that story about the watchman noticing them. I used it as an edge to get friendly with your uncle."

"I thought so," responded Dorothy. "Well, last night was unexciting. I hope that our troubles are at an end. Mr. Halthorpe seemed to think so. He stopped in last night."

"What did he have to say?"

"He talked over financial matters with Uncle Wildemar. You see, Mr. Halthorpe has charge of the Thaddeus Culeth estate. No new heirs have appeared."

"Are any likely to?"

"Mr. Halthorpe does not know; but as executor, he must act on the supposition that some one will arrive.

For example, he cited the case of Austin Culeth."

"The son? I thought he was dead."

"Mr. Halthorpe thinks he is. But he stated that he must deal in possibilities, even though they are remote.

He said that if Austin Culeth should happen to turn up alive—as is possible, though improbable—the estate would belong to him."

"Of course. But how does that alter your uncle's situation?"

"Austin Culeth—or some other unexpected heir—might want to keep this old mansion. Uncle has made no payments. The heir who agreed to the sale, Hector Lundig—is dead."

"So what did Halthorpe suggest?"

"He decided that my uncle should move out shortly; that the house could remain vacant until next spring."

"How did your uncle take that?"

"He was agreeable. You see, the first frost should come within a few weeks. When that occurs, there will be no use in further search for the ignis fatuus."

"I see. The marsh lights would not show up in winter. Is that the idea?"

"I am not sure; but I do know that the phenomenon is frequent chiefly in warm weather.

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