“That’s logical.”
“And that watcher, if he wanted the secret to be preserved, would know that the best way to keep Lyken silent would be to put him out of the way.”
“You’re right. Perry. But suppose Lyken confessed that he had told the secret — last night, to the men who entered his place.”
“Then revenge would have been the murderer’s motive. Punishment to Lyken, because he talked. Making sure that he would say nothing more.”
Zane Dolger nodded. His cousin’s words had sobered him. A more pressing thought came to the young fellow’s mind.
“PERRY,” said Zane, in a serious tone, “suppose Lyken confessed that he had told the secret to us. We hold the secret now. I hope—”
“I’ll get to that later,” broke in Perry. “Wait until I have finished with what I have in mind. Lyken gave us a clue to Elwood Phraytag. We are sure that Phraytag knows what became of our grandfather’s wealth. The heritage that belongs to us.”
“Yes. The secret lies in the ring.”
“In the ring. Remember what Lyken said? Suitable for engraving on the inner surface? That’s why the ring was sent to some special engraver.”
“There were four rings, Perry.”
“Yes, but we are concerned with only one. After seeing Lyken, we decided that we should inquire into Phraytag’s affairs. Last night, I went to see Jackling, the attorney, while you went to the public library. I found that Jackling was out of town; but the back files of the newspapers told you much about Phraytag.”
“I know it. We went over all the facts that I learned. There were still a few points though, that we thought Jackling might supply.”
“That was last night,” again reminded Perry, “but this morning, we learned of Lyken’s death. I’ve been thinking it over all day. It made me realize we must be careful.”
“Regarding our secret?”
“Yes. We must pretend that we learned nothing from Lyken. To support that pretext, we must talk to no one concerning Elwood Phraytag; and we must be very cautious about making any contact with the old philanthropist himself.”
“I agree with you on that. If Lyken was killed because of that secret, the murder was probably performed at Phraytag’s bidding.”
“You’ve struck it exactly, Zane. Phraytag may be old, infirm and blind; but that does not prevent him from being an insidious schemer. His deal with Lyken stands as apparent proof that he was crooked.”
“That’s right, Perry. We’d better be cautious until we’re sure that no move will be made against us. I had an idea that our best plan would be to talk straight to Phraytag. But if he’s the kind of a fellow who backs murder, we’d be putting ourselves squarely into a trap.”
PERRY nodded. He was considering the situation in a careful manner. His face was serious, yet steady.
Zane, however was highly troubled. He began to pace the floor in worried fashion. Perry observed his cousin’s air and spoke calming words.
“Listen, Zane,” said the elder heir. “You’ve spent most of your life in the cities of the Pacific coast, dealing in ordinary business affairs. You have every right to be perturbed, for threats are new to you.
“But I’ve been in some pretty tight jams in my time. I’ve always liked danger; in fact I’ve welcomed it. I’ve been places — here and abroad. I’ve made money, but I’ve done it through adventure.
“So I’m not worried — at least, not yet. With Lyken out of the way, these hired killers of Phraytag’s won’t bother us, so long as we play a careful hand. We won’t go to see Phraytag right away. We’ll hold our secret and spring it when the time is ripe.
“The old man was prominent enough in his day. We learned a lot about him at the library. That recent interview, when the reporter went to his home and talked about Phraytag’s donation to the blind home, was the best information of all. It gave us a mighty good idea of Phraytag’s present set-up. Alone, in a house with shuttered windows. That’s how he lives.”
Zane nodded. He recalled another detail from the newspaper files.
“With his faithful servant,” added the younger man, “Worthington. In Phraytag’s employ for twenty years. I wonder how much the servant knows about the master?”
“That is a matter of speculation,” replied Perry. “What is most important right now is the visit that you paid to James Jackling this evening. I hope you used discretion in speaking of Elwood Phraytag. Tell me, Zane, why did you go to Jackling’s without informing me?”
“He called here,” explained Zane. “Shortly after you went to the library, earlier this evening. He wanted to know which of us had called to see him last right. I said that you had stopped by his apartment.
“Jackling said that he was at home and suggested that I come over to see him. I thought it a good opportunity, so I went there. We chatted a bit about details on the settlement of the estate. Then the talk turned to people whom grandfather had known.”
Perry listened keenly when Zane paused. This statement predicted a reference to Elwood Phraytag. Zane smiled as he noted his cousin’s interest.
“Jackling said that grandfather had few friends,” resumed Zane. “He added that a number of odd characters came here during grandfather’s last illness. Odd characters in the sense that they were persons whom grandfather had not seen for many years.”
“Did Jackling have any explanation for these unusual visits?”
“Only that grandfather was in a peculiar mental state. Grandfather evidently knew that he was going to die; and his reaction was to cease all discussion of legal affairs. He had made his will; that seemed to be sufficient.
“Apparently, according to Jackling, grandfather wanted to see persons whom he had known years before. Dying, he was ready to talk with the friends of his youth. They seemed to have precedence over all others.”
“This seems important. Did Jackling mention any names?”
“Not at first; then he happened to recall one man who paid several visits here. He said that the man seemed very mysterious and acted in a very cagey manner. That puzzled Jackling, for ordinarily, this particular man was of a quiet, friendly nature. I asked the name of the man. Jackling told me—”
“Elwood Phraytag?”
“Yes.”
Perry began to nod in slow, methodical fashion. Zane paused for a few moments; then added:
“I told Jackling that I was interested in knowing more about grandfather’s last days. That suggestion was sufficient. Jackling said that he would arrange for me to meet Phraytag.”
“When?”
“Jackling said that he would call Phraytag by telephone. Perhaps tonight. To arrange for us to pay a visit to the old man. Jackling mentioned that Phraytag is a blind recluse; and said that he would probably welcome a visit from us.”
“This changes matters,” mused Perry. “I don’t know what to think of it, Zane. Perhaps you have driven a wedge that may help us. It is obvious that Jackling knows nothing about those rings. At the same time, Phraytag may become suspicious if Jackling suggests a visit from us.
“Zane, it would be best for you to call Jackling. Tell him that you are going out of town. Ask him to postpone his call to Phraytag—”
PERRY stopped. His hand was indicating the telephone. At that instant, the bell began to ring. Zane stared with troubled eyes. His cousin nodded.
“Answer it,” said Perry.
Zane picked up the receiver. He gave a hello; then listened. A voice clicked over the wire; Zane’s only responses were intermittent words. Then, as the call ended, the younger heir let the receiver clatter on the hook. His face had whitened.
“What is it?” questioned Perry, anxiously. “Who was talking to you?”