"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 044 - Treasures of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

expected you to-night."

"You sent me the telegram," reminded Terry.

"Yes," said Glasgow. "It was urgent. Your uncle has told you an unfortunate fact-but one that is very
definite. He has not long to live.

"In fact, he is living now, only by virtue of a special prescription prepared by Doctor Fullis, the specialist
who is handling the case. That reminds me, Miss Wasson"-Glasgow turned to the attending nurse-"that it
is nearly ten o'clock"

The nurse nodded and indicated a cardboard box and glass of water that lay in readiness on a table
beside the bed. Glasgow glanced at Shattuck Barliss; when he saw that the old man was still resting, the
lawyer again turned to Terry.

"Your uncle's estate," declared Glasgow, "comprises this house, its furnishings, his personal belongings,
and securities amounting to approximately thirty thousand dollars. The larger proportion of the estate will
be yours. The collection of books owned by Shattuck Barliss-Glasgow indicated an inner room with a
wave of his hand-"will go to the New York Public Library. These books, while they have not been
appraised, are of considerable value-"

"I understand," interposed Terry. "My father was a great collector of rare books. He gave his volumes to
a library in California. He told me that Uncle Shattuck was a collector also."

As he spoke, Terry had arisen and strolled to the door of the inner room. It was a small, well-furnished
library, with a towering row of short shelves set in a niche. These shelves were well stocked with books.
Terry noted a freshness about the place. Oak-paneled walls and other decorations made the room a
contrast to the other portions of the house.

WHEN Terry turned back toward the bed, he was surprised to see his uncle sitting bolt upright. Shattuck
Barliss was pointing to the clock. The nurse, understanding his gesture, produced two capsules from the
cardboard box and gave the feeble old man a drink of water to wash down the pills.

Shattuck Barliss managed to set the glass upon the table. The old man seemed to be relaxing for an effort
which was to come. Rodney Glasgow spoke to Terry in an undertone.

"Effort excites your uncle," explained the attorney. "Strain or excitement would kill him. After each taking
of the capsules, however, effort is allowable for a limited period, due to the stimulus of heart action. He
can exert himself now, if he chooses."

A change was coming over Shattuck Barliss while Glasgow spoke. The old man seemed to have aroused
himself from total inertia. His actions were no longer nervous and shaky. He had keyed himself to a point
of steadiness. His eyes were bright as the old man looked toward his nephew.

"Terry," asserted the ailing man, "you have heard the provisions of my will. I have been listening to Mr.
Glasgow's statements. You have not, however, heard all. There is something which Glasgow has omitted
because he knows nothing concerning it."

Terry was tense. So was Rodney Glasgow. Shattuck Barliss had adopted a strong tone that revealed the
power of his personality. Years dropped as he spoke. He had the fervor of youth and virility.