The Greatest Works of Earl Derr Biggers (Illustrated Edition). Earl Derr Biggers

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СКАЧАТЬ I can manage it at that. Madden was saying this morning I ought to go to Pasadena and look up Draycott. It seems that for some strange reason they didn't meet yesterday."

      Chan smiled. "Did he display peevish feeling as result?"

      "No, oddly enough, he didn't. I don't think he wanted to meet Draycott, with the professor tagging along. Paula Wendell's going over that way shortly in her car. If I hurry, I may be able to ride with her."

      "Which, to my thinking, would be joyful traveling," agreed Chan. "Hasten along. We have more talk when I act part of taxi-driver and carry you to Eldorado."

      Bob Eden went at once to Madden's bedroom. The door was open and he saw the huge figure of the millionaire stretched on the bed, his snores shattering the calm afternoon. He hammered loudly on the panel of the door.

      Madden leaped from the bed with startling suddenness, his eyes instantly wide and staring. He seemed like one expecting trouble. For a moment, Eden pitied the great man. Beyond all question Madden was caught in some inexplicable net; he was harassed and worn, but fighting still. Not a happy figure, for all his millions.

      "I'm awfully sorry to disturb you, sir," Eden said. "But the fact is I have a chance to ride over to Pasadena with some of the movie people, and I think I'd better go. Draycott hasn't called, and—"

      "Hush," said Madden sharply. He closed the door. "The matter of Draycott is between you and me. I suppose you wonder what it's all about, but I can't tell you—except to say that this fellow Gamble doesn't strike me as being what he pretends. And—"

      "Yes, sir," said Eden hopefully, as the millionaire paused.

      "Well, I won't go into that. You locate Draycott and tell him to come to Eldorado. Tell him to put up at the Desert Edge and keep his mouth shut. I'll get in touch with him shortly. Until I do he's to lie low. Is that understood?"

      "Perfectly, Mr. Madden. I'm sorry this thing has dragged out as it has—"

      "Oh, that's all right. You go and tell Ah Kim I said he was to drive you to Eldorado—unless your movie friends are coming out here for you."

      "No—I shall have to enlist Ah Kim again. Thank you, sir. I'll be back soon."

      "Good luck," answered Madden.

      Hastily Eden threw a few things into his suitcase, and waited in the yard for Ah Kim and the flivver. Gamble appeared.

      "Not leaving us, Mr. Eden?" he inquired in his mild way.

      "No such luck—for you," the boy replied. "Just a short trip."

      "On business, perhaps?" persisted the professor gently.

      "Perhaps," smiled Eden, and the car with its Chinese chauffeur appearing at that moment, he leaped in.

      Again he and Chan were abroad in the yellow glory of a desert sunset. "Well, Charlie," Eden said, "I'm a little new at this detective business. What am I to do first?"

      "Toss all worry out of mind. I shall hover round your elbow, doing prompt work."

      "You? How are you going to get away?"

      "Easy thing. Tomorrow morning I announce I take day off to visit sick brother in Los Angeles. Very ancient plea of all Chinese servants. Madden will be angry, but he will not suspect. Train leaves Eldorado at seven in the morning, going to Pasadena. I am aboard, reaching there at eleven. You will, I hope, condescend to meet me at station?"

      "With the greatest pleasure. We take Pasadena first, eh?"

      "So I would plan it. We ascertain Madden's movements there on Wednesday. What happened at bank? Did he visit home? Then Hollywood, and maybe Eddie Boston. After that, we ask the lady soprano to desist from singing and talk a little time."

      "All right, but we're going to be a fine pair," Eden replied, "with no authority to question anybody. You may be a policeman in Honolulu, but that isn't likely to go very big in Southern California."

      Chan shrugged. "Ways will open. Paths will clear."

      "I hope so," the boy answered. "And here's another thing. Aren't we taking a big chance? Suppose Madden hears of our antics? Risky, isn't it?"

      "Risky pretty good word for it," agreed Chan. "But we are desperate now. We take long gambles."

      "I'll say we're desperate," sighed Eden. "Me, I'm getting desperater every minute. I may as well tell you that if we come back from this trip with no definite light on things, I'll be strongly tempted to lift a big burden from your stomach—and my mind."

      "Patience very nice virtue," smiled Chan.

      "Well, you ought to know," Eden said. "You've got a bigger supply on hand than any man I ever met."

      When they reached the Desert Edge Hotel, Eden was relieved to see Paula Wendell's car parked in front. They waited by the little roadster, and while they did so, Will Holley came along. They told him of their plans.

      "I can help you a bit," said the editor. "Madden has a caretaker at his Pasadena house—a fine old chap named Peter Fogg. He's been down here several times, and I know him rather well." He wrote on a card. "Give him that, and tell him I sent you."

      "Thanks," said Eden. "We'll need it, or I'm much mistaken."

      Paula Wendell appeared.

      "Great news for you," Eden announced. "I'm riding with you as far as Pasadena."

      "Fine," she replied. "Jump in."

      Eden climbed into the roadster. "See you boys later," he called, and the car started.

      "You ought to get a regular taxi, with a meter," Eden suggested.

      "Nonsense. I'm glad to have you."

      "Are you really?"

      "Certainly am. Your weight will help to keep the car on the road."

      "Lady, you surely can flatter," he told her. "I'll drive, if you like."

      "No, thanks—I guess I'd better. I know the roads."

      "You're always so efficient, you make me nervous," he commented.

      "I wasn't so efficient when it came to Eddie Boston. I'm sorry about that."

      "Don't you worry. Eddie's a tough bird. Chan and I will try him presently."

      "Where does the big mystery stand now?" asked the girl.

      "It stands there leering at us," the boy replied. "Just as it always has." For a time they speculated on Madden's unexplained murder of Delaney. Meanwhile they were climbing between the hills, while the night gathered about them. Presently they dropped down into a green fertile valley, fragrant with the scent of blossoms.

      "Um," sighed Eden, breathing deep. "Smells pretty. What is it?"

      The girl glanced at him. "You poor, benighted soul. Orange blossoms."

      "Oh! Well, naturally I couldn't be expected to know that."

      "Of СКАЧАТЬ