"008 (B018) - The Sargasso Ogre (1933-10) - Lester Dent" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

"Right," Doc agreed. "Moreover, the circular, braided insignia, which bears each name, is in reality a tab such as is worn on the peak of a ship officer's cap."



"Any of the names familiar?"



Doc did not reply immediately. But weird little lights seemed to come and go in his golden eyes.



"I'll answer that later -- after I confirm a suspicion!" he said slowly.



Long Tom did not push for an answer. He knew he would not get it. But Doc's manner had told him this belt, with its score or more of insignia from the uniform caps of ship officers, had an important meaning.



For some reason hard to define, the belt dangling from Doc's muscular hand impressed Long Tom as being a thing of sinister portent.



They completed their packing, gathered up their baggage, paid their bill, and got in a taxi in front of the hotel.





JUST before the cab departed, Long Tom bought a late copy of one of the Alexandria newspapers which was printed in English. One look at the headlines, and he let cut a surprised squawk.



"Hey! What d'you make of this newspaper item?"



Doc took the paper, and as their hack rolled down the narrow streets, read the item which had startled Long Tom.





BANK CLERK FOUND SLAIN



John Mack O'Minner, clerk in the Alexandria branch of the American Bank, was found dead on the outskirts of the city early tonight. His body bore marks which indicated he had been tortured before being slain.