"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 094 - Castle of Doom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"That's why I waited for you; to find out how much you knew. Well, Jeff, your mind sees possibilities,
doesn't it? As soon as you encounter your cousin Nigel, your thoughts go back to the past. You see in
me a potential criminal; one who has grown, magnified, enlarged; until now you connect me with actual
crime -"

"I do!" challenged Geoffrey. "So will others, when they come to investigate you. They will realize what I
realized; that every recent crime here in London involved places and spoils that you might know about.

"The gold plates at Clandermoor's! You dined off it ten years ago! The Kelgood gallery! We played hide
and seek in there when we were youngsters! The jewelry shops, where our grand-aunt use to take us!
The tiaras - the tapestries -"

"I have seen them all," interposed Nigel, "and so have you, my dear cousin. What would Scotland Yard
say, should I tell them that?"

"You - you rogue -"

"And should I prove to them that I was aboard a P and O liner at the time of the robberies? Then whom
would they question? Have you thought of that, cousin Jeff?"

GEOFFREY'S lips were twitching; he was gasping indignant words.

"Whether you did or not," remarked Nigel, "it does not matter. As for Modbury and his diamonds, I shall
find out regarding them. Perhaps his wealth has been overrated. Possibly" - Nigel paused and curled a
disdainful smile - "possibly Modbury merely wanted seclusion and sea air. On the contrary" - Nigel's tone
was reflective - "he may really be a chap of unusual wealth.

"If so, he may have possessions with which he can well dispense. If so, I shall learn. Because, Jeff, I
intend to go to Chiswold Castle. If you refuse to introduce me to Modbury, I shall go there on my own
initiative."

Geoffrey Chiswold had regained a grip upon himself. He was firm as he met his cousin's steady,
narrowed gaze.

"One move, Nigel," he warned, "and I shall denounce you to the law. It is only to protect the Chiswold
name that I restrain myself."

"The Chiswold name," snorted Nigel. "You always were hypocritical about it, Jeff. Go on. Denounce me
to the law. It will prove a boomerang, if you do.

"Since you are leaving England, I shall make no trouble for you. Ah! You are eyeing me! You are
pleased to see that I am down to your weight at last. You would like to thrash me.

"Why not try? I shall grant you privilege to use your cane. That would make a proper handicap. But
remember, it might bring us to a police court. The Chiswold cousins would come into prominence. It
would be better to restrain yourself, Jeff. Say nothing. Sail for Canada. Be away when scandal breaks."

PRODUCING a pencil and a card, Nigel passed them to Geoffrey. Calmly, he ordered:

"Write the address of your diggings. I may be calling there tomorrow, to see if you have left. Do not