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

Footsteps came from the stairway. The detective became alert. He raised his hand in greeting to a tall,
broad-shouldered individual who arrived at the top of the stairs.

The newcomer was Cardona's superior, Inspector Timothy Klein.

The two men entered the room. In brief, matter-of-fact tones, Cardona gave the circumstances of Henry
Marchand's death. Then he pointed to the open drawer in the top of the desk. He removed the envelope
from the drawer, and extracted a folded paper.

"The envelope was sealed," explained the detective. "I opened it. Here's what I found inside."

Inspector Klein studied the paper. It was thickly inscribed with a series of curious, unintelligible marks.

"A code," remarked the inspector.

Cardona nodded. "But I can't make anything out of it."

The inspector handed the paper to Cardona, who pocketed it, with the envelope.
"What else have you found out?" asked Klein.

Cardona referred to a written report.

"Four men were here when Marchand died," he said. "They all entered the room together. We have gone
over the place thoroughly. It seems impossible that any one else could have been in the house.

"Marchand died here, alone. I have quizzed all the witnesses, separately and together. I have also learned
facts regarding each of them. They all appear reliable."

CARDONA paused and laid four separate sheets of paper upon the desk. He took a chair and
proceeded with more detailed information:

"Oscar Schultz," he read. "Servant of Henry Marchand for more than twenty years. Considered faithful
and honest. Says very little and answers questions readily, though briefly."

The detective read from references on the second sheet.

"Harvey Willis," he said. "Age twenty-eight. Secretary to Henry Marchand for two years. Seems
genuinely broken up by his employer's death. A weak type, but very conscientious. Has always followed
Marchand's instructions to the letter."

Klein raised his eyebrows as Cardona read the third name.

"Rodney Paget," said the detective. "A friend of Henry Marchand -"

"You mean the young clubman?" interrupted Klein. "The polo player?"

Cardona nodded. "He's not so young, though. About forty."

"I'm going back a few years," returned the inspector, with a smile. "Young Paget comes from a good
family. I knew his father thirty years back. Always well liked.