"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 007 - The Silent Seven" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"You might remain a little while; but I doubt that I shall require any medical treatment."

The old man raised himself from his chair and walked to the door with his limping step. He rested on the
cane when he reached the hallway.

"I am going upstairs," he announced. "I shall be in my room for a short while. You may all wait here until I
return."

He drew a key from his pocket and went up the stairway.
THERE was a strained silence after Henry Marchand had gone.

Willis was obviously ill at ease. His face expressed the concern of his conscientious nature. He was
hoping that Marchand would find nothing wrong in the room which the old man valued as a sanctuary.

Oscar was as impassive as ever. Paget seemed indifferent.

Doctor Lukens, knowing nothing of the matter which had been discussed, sat in a chair and lighted a
cigar, content to await Marchand's return.

Willis glanced at Paget. The man in evening clothes shrugged his shoulders. The action reassured the
young secretary.

Paget had belittled the matter of the attempted burglary. He knew, as did Willis, that Henry Marchand
kept very little of value in the house.

The safe in the old man's room harbored only a miscellaneous cluster of papers. Willis had arranged
these under his employer's direction before Marchand had gone away. Hence Paget's attitude expressed
the thought, "Why worry?"

Minutes moved by. There was no attempt at conversation. Each man in the downstairs room seemed
content with his own thoughts. They appeared to have imbibed the spirit of gloom which hung throughout
the antiquated house.

The clock on the mantelpiece struck twelve.

"Midnight!" exclaimed Doctor Lukens. "I had no idea it was so late. I intended to be here shortly after
eleven. Well, well! I am expecting an important phone call. I must be going home very shortly."

The physician became restless. He glanced at the clock, then beckoned to Oscar.

"I must leave soon," said Doctor Lukens. "Oscar, would you go upstairs and tell Mister Marchand that I
cannot wait much longer? Perhaps he can come down immediately."

The serving man nodded. He left the room. Doctor Lukens followed him and watched him as he
ascended the stairs. The sound of knocking was heard below. A pause; then another knocking.

Oscar came down the stairs. Willis, suddenly apprehensive, joined Doctor Lukens in the hall. Paget rose
leisurely and followed.