The Shadow - 08 - The Black Master by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780515034783
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1932-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

“What’s the matter, sir?” he asked. “Has Mr. Banks -“

“Mr. Banks is all right,” said Gage quietly. “Is his physician available? You may inform him that Mr.

Banks has had a slight nervous attack, but has now recovered.”

“Mr. Banks has no physician, sir,” said the butler. “He -“

“One tried to poison me!” said Banks, raising his head and staring straight at Clifford Gage. “Slow poison! I found it out! I’ll never trust another one!”

“You may go,” said Gage, addressing the butler. Then he turned to Hubert Banks.

“Look here, Hubert,” said Gage quietly, “I’m going to pull you through this trouble! You understand? I can’t be here myself, but I’ll send you a man that you can trust. He will be able to reach me at any time.

I’ll stay in New York a while.”

Banks reached over and gripped his friend’s hand.

“Perhaps,” resumed Gage, “this thing started long before you suspected it. What about your past? Can you recall any enemies?”

Banks steadied himself. He shook his head slowly.

“What has my life been?” he questioned. “Luxury and easy living. That’s all! My father had millions. He made me study, but I never liked it.

“I’m a graduate of Oxford - and of Heidelberg. Spent most of my youth abroad - and what a youth it was! I married while I was abroad. I lived in Paris and the old man was going to disinherit me. But I came back after my wife died.

“Then my father left me his fortune. I’ve been many places since, but I’ve always been an idler. Married again. Now my wife and daughters have left me.

“But I’ve been cagy, Clifford! Always had plenty of money, and kept increasing it. Until now. I’m losing millions, right now. Driving me mad. Someone’s driving me mad -“

His voice trailed off. Hubert Banks sank down in his chair. He seemed too tired to talk. Clifford Gage watched him solemnly as the minutes moved by. Then he arose and silently left the room. He met the butler at the top of the steps.

“Mr. Banks is asleep,” Gage informed the servant.

“Yes, sir,” replied the butler.

“What’s your name?” inquired Gage.

“Herbert, sir.”

“What other servants are in the house?”

“Graham, Mr. Banks’ valet. Chalmers, his chauffeur.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Only a few months, sir.”

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