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

The other laughed harshly and thrust away Geoffrey's wrist.

"The Chiswolds meet," remarked Nigel, in a tone which was similar to Geoffrey's. "Two cousins reunited
after an absence of five years. Well, Jeff, are you glad to see me?"

"I thought you were in India," replied Geoffrey, coldly. "What brings you back to London?"

"The call of home," returned Nigel, "plus a Bombay fever. Well, old chap, the prodigal has returned. As
my only relative, you might provide the fatted calf."

"I suppose so." Geoffrey seemed reluctant. "What do you want, Nigel? Money?"

Nigel laughed. Nigel's laugh was not pleasant. Then his manner changed.

"Let us drop it, Jeff. Money does not matter; I changed my spendthrift habits while in India. I have gained
a disappointment; one for which you are responsible."

"And what may that be?"
"About Chiswold Castle. Why did you sell the place, Jeff?"

"Chiswold Castle was my property, Nigel. It was part of my inheritance. You had no share of it."

"I shared memories of the place."

"Then you can keep them. That is what I have chosen to do. I am leaving for Canada tomorrow."

"So soon?" Nigel was studying his cousin closely. "Well, since you will be absent, do you think that
Modbury would welcome me if I dropped out there and introduced myself?"

GEOFFREY'S fists clenched.

"So that is it!" he accused. "You wish to profit by my friendships. To use our relationship as a method of
imposing upon wealthy persons, such as Modbury. You have heard about him, I suppose -"

This time, Nigel showed anger. Then, restraining himself, he questioned:

"Just what do you take me for, Jeff?"

"A rogue," returned his cousin. "One who was a black sheep when he left England. Whose return can be
but a single indication. You are here to get money - by any means. I would put you above none."

"Burglary? With murder perhaps?" Nigel's query was sharp.

Geoffrey found difficulty in stammering a reply. Before he could become coherent, Nigel sneered
contemptuously.

"I'm glad I located you," he scoffed. "I could not learn what club you belonged to, in the short while I
have been in London; but a bobby saw you tonight and told me where you had gone.