Noose of Death by Maxwell Grant & Walter Gibson

Author:Maxwell Grant & Walter Gibson [Grant, Maxwell & Gibson, Walter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Espionage, Fiction, Thrillers
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1939-07-18T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER IX. THE MAN IN THE CHIMNEY.

ARTHUR PEACOCK had a rather interesting collection of books, a lot of them first editions. Cranston, whose own collection was by no means small, was impressed by his host's good taste. The two men had retired to Peacock's library that evening, after an excellent dinner and a glass of rare old port wine.

It was a pleasant room in which to spend a lazy hour or two. The light from the ruddy fireplace was reflected from the comfortable furniture and the bindings of the books stacked in long rows on the shelves.

Cranston was examining a commentary on Shakespeare, fingering the rich leather binding with obvious pleasure, when Peacock's butler appeared with the news that his master was wanted on the telephone.

Peacock excused himself and left. He returned in a short time, with a hurried step. At sight of the expression on his face, Cranston closed the book he had been idly examining.

"Is anything wrong?"

"I'm not sure. I hardly know what to think." There was concern on Peacock's kindly face. "I've just had a telephone call from Charles Trent. He says that something serious has happened, and asks me to call on him at once. He says he wants my advice about a rather important matter."

Cranston smiled.

"It's probably nothing to become alarmed about. You're Trent's lawyer, are you not? I imagine he wants to discuss investments with you. You have a mighty interesting library here. I shan't mind being left alone for a while."

"That's just the point," Peacock said. "I told Trent that I had a guest here. He said to bring you along. I explained that you were a gentleman of tact and discretion, and Trent said he'd like to have your advice, too."

Cranston nodded. "It's very nice of him to feel that way about me. I'd be delighted to come. I'd like to make his acquaintance."

In a few minutes, Peacock's sedan brought the two men swiftly through the darkness of Ferndale to the home of Trent.

Ralph was there with his father. They both looked rather grim. Cranston was introduced and they shook hands. Politely, he accepted a cigar, and sat down in an easy-chair. Peacock stared at the elder Trent.

"You said you wanted some advice, Charles. I'm sure it can't be anything very serious."

"It is serious," Ralph growled.

"Wait," his father said. "Better let me explain it."

The curt sentence he uttered next amazed both Cranston and Peacock.

"Someone has been searching my safe-deposit box in the vault at the bank!"

"What?" blurted Peacock. "You must be mistaken."

"I'm positive!" Trent insisted. "And I suspect more than that. I think the box was searched by a man named Jack Bishop. He came to Ferndale last night and is living at the hotel. He's supposed to be a New York broker, a business friend of Manning's. But I suspect he's a thief at heart! And I think that he searched my safe-deposit box with the connivance of Manning himself!"

TRENT'S words were like a bombshell to Peacock. The lawyer obviously didn't believe so wild a tale.

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