The Shadow 108 by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

THERE had been nothing suspicious about the procedure. Yet it fitted with something that The Shadow had learned on a preceding night. Elger had said that he would send Royne to contact with Ruff Turney; to learn what Ruff’s man had discovered.

Royne’s futile hunt for the tobacco had been a cover for that contact. His claim that he could not find the tobacco had given him a chance to report to Elger.

Whatever the crook’s plans might have been, Elger kept them from his guests. In fact, he reversed his usual procedure. Instead of retiring to the seclusion of his study, he remained in the living room and chatted pleasantly.

Conversation turned to the matter of the Maldah. Francine began to express anxiety concerning her uncle. Her companions tried to reassure her. It was Elger who delivered the most comforting announcement.

“The storm has abated,” he declared. “Within a day or two we should have contact with the mainland. I would not be surprised if a boat should come here shortly.”

“We have the lifeboat,” remarked Hadlow. “It is high on the beach, undamaged by the waves.”

“It would not be suitable for the back passages,” returned Elger. “A power boat is needed for those channels. Moreover, most of them are blind entrances into the marshes. Only a pilot familiar with the channels can pick his way through them.”

“You are sure that people will come here soon?” questioned Francine.

“Positively,” replied Elger. “A boat would have come yesterday but for the storm. Be patient, Miss Feldworth. There will not be long to wait.”

A slight pause while Elger puffed at his meerschaum. Then the master of Timour Isle turned to another subject.

“There may still be danger on this isle,” he remarked, in a cautious tone. “Those vandals who attacked you on the beach may have found themselves stranded by the hurricane. There is a chance that they are still about.

“Therefore, I would suggest that all continue to remain indoors after dark. If those rogues were laying low during the storm, they might approach this house now that the weather has abated. For that reason, I intend to keep my servants on guard.”

Troubled looks appeared upon the faces of the listeners. Elger dismissed them with a casual wave of his hand.

“No occasion for worry,” he assured. “This house is a miniature fortress. But to be ready in case of trouble, I shall have Golga stay on duty here in the living room. Royne will guard the back of the house.”

That ended the subject. Elger had played his part well. He had made it appear that he was taking the precaution purely to avoid an invasion; at the same time he had definitely made it plain that the living room window would not be a possible exit for anyone who might wish to prowl from the house.

Puffing steadily at his briar pipe, Bram Jalway suggested a game of bridge. He, Hadlow, Francine and Elger made up a table. Professor Marcolm took his manuscripts to his bedroom. Elger offered him the use of the study; but the white-haired man declined, stating that he would retire early.

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