These thoughts were rapid in Harry’s mind; but they brought a pause, during which Harry gazed soberly toward the river and its distant isle. Realizing that delay was forcing him to the decision already in his mind, Harry hesitated no longer.
“You have questioned me as a friend,” declared Harry, turning to Weston Levis. “Therefore, I must answer as a friend. I knew that Harvey Wendell left this house late last night. I heard him go out on a previous occasion. I must confess that I wondered regarding his purpose; I did not think it my province, however, to discuss the matter.”
“Have you actually seen Wendell on the river?”
“Yes. In the evening when I was returning from my trip down the river. I passed his rowboat just as I came into the dock. He said that he was out for an evening’s row.”
“He did not mention it to me,” remarked Weston Levis thoughtfully. “Vincent, in talking with Hadley just now, I find that he thinks Wendell has been visiting that island a few miles below here. Can you think of any purpose that he might have in doing so?”
“Hardly,” said Harry. “I have noticed the island, and I can readily see why a person might like to make a curious visit there, but as a business proposition” — Harry smiled — “my own ideas of real-estate values involve the mainland only.”
“That is understood,” rejoined Levis. “I have just begun to believe, however, that Wendell may have had a special purpose in acquiring this piece of ground. Hadley has that idea; and it means that we must be on the watch.
“Vincent, I have begun to mistrust Wendell. I ask you, therefore, to return my hospitality by watching for any actions on Wendell’s part — actions which might appear suspicious to you.
“I do not request you to spy upon my secretary. That is an unfair proposal to make to a guest. I simply want you to regard me as I regard you. We are friends. We can talk as friends. I fear” — the old man’s face clouded — “that Wendell might actually be engaged in crime. He might have friends stationed on that island — or enemies. Hadley is watching Wendell; I shall do the same. But you, as a visitor, may uncover something that would be of added value.”
“I understand,” returned Harry. “I shall remember it, Mr. Levis.” The old man chose to waive the subject from then on. Harry knew that nothing further would be said until occasion or circumstances called for it.
The young man noted, however, that the matter was still on Weston Levis’ mind.
IT was mid-afternoon when Harvey Wendell appeared. The secretary arrived as if from nowhere, strolling across the lawn of the plantation. Weston Levis greeted him as cordially as usual, but expressed annoyance because the secretary had not been present to take dictation on some important letters.
As Levis turned to go into the house, with Wendell close beside him, he turned to Harry Vincent and made a remark concerning the trip which Harry contemplated.
“Take the motor boat whenever you desire,” said Levis. “Arrange to have dinner with us — if we proceed without you I shall have the servants keep some food for you. However, Wendell and I will be very busy until seven o’clock at least, so dinner will be late.”
Harry decided that he would depart at once. As he arose to go to the dock, he noted Wendell watching him with a sour expression. Harry Vincent smiled as he strolled away. Weston Levis was serving Harry — and himself — a good turn by keeping Harvey Wendell engaged until after sunset.
When darkness had fallen, Harry would be on the River Queen. Important affairs would be on their way to settlement before Harvey Wendell would have an opportunity to leave the plantation house.
The way was clear to go through with the instructions given by The Shadow!
CHAPTER XIII. A MAN IN THE DARK
CROOKS with cross-purposes. They were still in Harry Vincent’s mind when darkness settled above the Mississippi River. At that particular hour, Harry was on his return journey from the spot up the river.
Harry had guided the motor boat to the right bank of the great stream. Saunders Landing was less than a mile ahead, but its wharf was hidden by a bend. Harry had chosen this course so that he could get as near to the landing as possible.
Near the shelter of the shore, Harry stopped the motor and let the boat drift.
The river was bathed in a dull afterglow, which would soon be replaced by darkness. The evening was cloudy; the starlight was faint. It was just the night that Harry wanted — when one could barely trace a course and at the same time be free from observation.
Harry’s thoughts were of the river. The young man gave no heed to the shore. As his boat drifted along, Harry had no idea that eyes were watching him from the side road that ran along the river bank. Yet an observer was there — a man who Harry would never have believed was present.
This individual had been watching for the return of the motor boat. As he saw it begin to drift, he walked swiftly along the road, keeping ahead of the slowly moving craft. The road was a short cut. The man reached the deserted landing ahead of Harry. Dropping from the side of the pier, he stepped into a small flat-bottomed rowboat and propelled it out into the bosom of the great river.
Meanwhile, Harry Vincent was drifting to his quest. A slow-motion way to get to a field of action, but the best method under these circumstances. Harry handled the rudder of the motor boat and let the little vessel swing farther into the current. He was a quarter mile off shore when he slipped by Saunders Landing.
The darkness was thickening. Objects on the river were almost invisible. The isle of doubt loomed as a black patch; beside it, Harry thought he could distinguish the River Queen.
But Harry had no idea that there was an object of interest much closer by — a tiny rowboat that was drifting with the same current which he followed.
AS THE motor boat slid past the dock in front of the plantation, Harry could see the lights of the house.
It was well after eight o’clock, and Harry felt sure that dinner was completed.
If The Shadow’s plans required but a short time, Harry could soon return. If a longer period were consumed, an explanation would have to be given; but that would be after The Shadow’s plans were consummated.
The great factor now was that Harry’s boat was drifting freely down the river. Staring toward the gloom that shrouded the little dock, Harry watched and listened for any indication that might be unfriendly. He was particularly anxious to detect the sound of oarlocks, for it was possible that Harvey Wendell might have managed to slip away at this late hour.
No sound came, much to Harry’s pleasure. Peering steadily through the night, it was possible to make out objects at close range. But Harry never looked directly astern. Hence he did not see the boat, drifting down the river in his wake.
Assured that Harvey Wendell must still be at the plantation, Harry concentrated on the space ahead.
Caught in a side current that made toward the mainland side of the cut-off, the motor boat was moving at satisfactory speed. Almost before Harry realized it, the wreck of the River Queen was visible. Harry swung the tiller and let the motor boat drift toward the derelict.
The maneuver worked to perfection. The motor boat glided into an area of reeds that marked the slope up to the swamp.
Harry was surprised to note that the boat drifted easily through the stalks until it was quite close to the River Queen. Harry knew from The Shadow’s instructions that this fringe of the swamp must be navigable for a boat of little draft, but he had expected more trouble than he actually encountered. He did not have to use an oar to wedge the boat through the muck until he was actually abreast the derelict.