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

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СКАЧАТЬ a limit to everything, and you seem to have reached it. However, I'm praying something happens before tonight."

      "So am I," said Eden. "If it doesn't, I don't see how I can bring myself to—but doggone it! There's Madame Jordan. It's nothing to her that Madden's killed a man."

      "It's been a difficult position for you, my boy," Holley replied. "You've handled it well. I'll pray my hardest—and I did hear once of a newspaper man whose prayers were answered. But that was years ago."

      Eden stood up. "I must get back to the ranch. Seen Paula Wendell today?"

      "Saw her at breakfast down at the Oasis. She was on the point of starting for the Petticoat Mine." Holley smiled. "But don't worry—I'll take you out to Madden's."

      "No, you won't. I'll hire a car—"

      "Forget it. Paper's off the press now, and I'm at an even looser end than usual. Come along."

      Once more Horace Greeley carried them up the rough road between the hills. As they rattled down to the blazing floor of the desert, the editor yawned.

      "I didn't sleep much last night," he explained.

      "Thinking about Jerry Delaney?" asked the boy.

      Holley shook his head. "No—something has happened—something that concerns me alone. That interview with Madden has inspired my old friend in New York to offer me a job there—a mighty good job. Yesterday afternoon I had a doctor in Eldorado look me over and he told me I could go."

      "That's great!" Eden cried. "I'm mighty happy for your sake."

      An odd look had come into Holley's eyes. "Yes," he said, "the prison door swings open, after all these years. I've dreamed of this moment, longed for it—and now—"

      "What?"

      "The prisoner hesitates. He's frightened at the thought of leaving his nice quiet cell. New York! Not the old New York I knew. Could I tackle it again, and win? I wonder."

      "Nonsense," Eden answered. "Of course you could."

      A determined look passed over Holley's face. "I'll try it," he said. "I'll go. Why the devil should I throw my life away out here? Yes—I'll tackle Park Row again."

      He left Eden at the ranch. The boy went at once to his room, and as soon as he had freshened up a bit, stepped into the patio. Ah Kim passed.

      "Anything new?" whispered Eden.

      "Thorn and Gamble away all day in big car," the Chinese replied. "Nothing more." It was obvious he was still sunk in bafflement.

      In the living-room Eden found the millionaire sitting aimless and lonely. Madden perked up at the boy's arrival. "Back safe, eh?" he said. "Did you find Draycott? You can speak out. We're alone here."

      Eden dropped into a chair. "It's all set, sir. I'll give you the Phillimore pearls at eight o'clock tonight."

      "Where?"

      "Here at the ranch."

      Madden frowned. "I'd rather it had been at Eldorado. You mean Draycott's coming here—"

      "No, I don't. I'll have the pearls at eight o'clock, and I'll give them to you. If you want the transaction kept private, that can be arranged."

      "Good." Madden looked at him. "Maybe you've got them now?" he suggested.

      "No. But I'll have them at eight."

      "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear it," Madden replied. "But I want to tell you right here that if you're stalling again—"

      "What do you mean—stalling?"

      "You heard me. Do you think I'm a fool. Ever since you came you've been stalling about that necklace. Haven't you?"

      Eden hesitated. The moment had come for a bit of frankness, it seemed. "I have," he admitted.

      "Why?"

      "Because, Mr. Madden, I thought there was something wrong here."

      "Why did you think that?"

      "Before I tell you—what made you change your mind in the first place? In San Francisco you wanted the necklace delivered in New York. Why did you switch to Southern California?"

      "A simple reason," Madden replied. "I thought up there that my daughter was going east with me. Her plans are altered—she's going at once to Pasadena for the balance of the season. And I propose to put the necklace in safety deposit there for her use when she wants it."

      "I met your daughter in San Francisco," Eden said. "She's a very charming girl."

      Madden looked at him keenly. "You think so, do you?"

      "I do. I presume she is still in Denver?"

      For a moment Madden was silent, regarding him. "No," he admitted finally, "she is not in Denver now."

      "Indeed. If you don't mind telling me—"

      "She is in Los Angeles, visiting friends."

      At this surprising information, Eden's eyes opened wide.

      "How long has she been there?" he inquired.

      "Since last Tuesday," Madden answered. "I think it was Tuesday—I got a wire saying she was coming here. I didn't want her here, for certain reasons, so I sent Thorn in to meet her, with instructions to take her back to Barstow and put her on the Los Angeles train."

      Eden thought fast. Barstow was about the proper distance away to account for the mileage on the big car. But where was the red clay on station platforms hereabouts?

      "You're certain she reached Los Angeles safely?" he asked.

      "Of course. I saw her there on Wednesday. Now, I've answered all your questions. It's your turn. Why did you think something was wrong here?"

      "What has become of Shaky Phil Maydorf?" countered Eden.

      "Who?"

      "Shaky Phil—the lad who called himself McCallum, and who won forty-seven dollars from me at poker here the other night?"

      "You mean his name was really Maydorf?" inquired Madden with interest.

      "I certainly do. I had some experience with Maydorf in San Francisco."

      "In what way?"

      "He acted as though he was trying to annex the Phillimore pearls."

      Madden's face was purple again. "Is that so? Would you mind telling me about it?"

      "Not at all," replied Eden. He narrated Maydorf's activities at the pier, but failed to mention the connection with Louie Wong.

      "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" demanded Madden.

      "Because I thought you knew it. I still think so."

      "You're СКАЧАТЬ