The Shadow - 07 - The Silent Seven by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1932-01-31T23:00:00+00:00

Rodney Paget had learned a great deal concerning Wilbur Blake’s affairs during the past six days—a great deal more than Blake supposed.

A car came up the driveway. Paget left the library and went into the living room, where he found Herbert.

The automobile stopped at the side door. Wilbur Blake entered.

Paget stared steadily at the man and noted a slight motion of Blake’s right hand. In return, Paget gave a signal with his fingers. Blake turned to the butler.

“I’ll leave the car in the driveway, Herbert,” he said. “Tell Otto to put it away when he comes in. Tell him I want to see him.”

The butler did not reply. He looked at his master, puzzled. Blake stared back; his eyebrows crept together in the characteristic manner when he was annoyed.

Herbert recognized the action and was quick with his response.

“Yes, sir,” he said.

Paget turned to Blake. “How about the game of billiards?”

“Good,” returned Blake.

Paget turned toward the billiard room, and Blake followed. Paget said something in a low tone, without moving his lips. Blake turned and looked back at Herbert.

“Drinks,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir.” There was no further hesitation in the butler’s manner as he went toward the dining room.

THE two men were playing billiards when Herbert arrived with the glasses. When the butler left the room, Blake whispered to Paget:

“That bird was pretty near wise.”

“Only for a minute,” replied Paget.

“Otto will be next,” commented Blake. “I’ll be ready for him. Say, the job was certainty pulled slick. How did you do it?”

“Never mind.”

“Oh, all right. I just liked the job, that was all. The sedan came along and stopped in front of the old house where you told me to wait. A fellow got out and walked away, up the road. When I saw the coast was clear, I hopped in and came back here.”

The door opened, and Herbert returned for the empty glasses.

“Nice shot, Wilbur,” commented Paget, in his usual drawling tone.

“Thanks, Rodney,” returned Blake, chalking his cue. “Now watch this one.”

The men resumed their buzzing conversation after the butler had gone. At last there was a knock at the door. Otto entered in response to Blake’s order.

“Sorry, sir,” said. Otto. “I didn’t know that Mister Paget had gone until I reached the club.”

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