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

DOC SAVAGE dropped down to the deck and got the false beard. It was no cheap theatrical adornment, but carefully constructed. The name of the maker was stamped inside, together with his business address.



The false beard had been made in Alexandria.



Doc carried the thing along as he headed for the swimming pool, and placed it in plain view on the pool edge while he took a dip. He remained in the water for some time, practicing various strokes. Once he sank beneath the surface and stayed an astounding length of time -- several minutes. This was a trick he had learned from masters of diving -- the pearl gatherers of the South Seas.



He returned at length to his quarters, carrying the beard, Just inside the door, he stopped, staring at his quarters.



For twenty seconds -- perhaps thirty -- his mellow, weird trilling sound permeated the parlor-bedroom-bath suite which he was occupying. An eerie, exotic song without tune, the melody rose and fell. And all the while, his flake-gold eyes roved.



The place had been ransacked. A thorough job. The searcher had made no effort to conceal his handiwork.



Doc stepped quickly into each of the rooms. Only one thing was gone -- the curious belt of cap insignias.



Doc showed no fluttering of excitement. But he told his men about it at breakfast. Told them also of the strong man who had lost his false white beard.



"Well, what d'you know about that!" Renny thumped explosively. "It looks like we weren't mistaken when we thought that fellow was acting suspiciously around the strong room!"



Long Tom eyed Doc curiously.



"How come you didn't take particular pains to hide the belt. Doc?"



"Why should 1? We examined it to our satisfaction. And I remember the names of all the ships that were on it."