The Four Signets

CHAPTER X. NEWS OF DEATH

THE East Side Eighties were not the only streets of Manhattan that harbored houses of an ancient past.

Over on the West Side, a few miles distant from Elwood Phraytag’s home, was a mansion as quaint and secluded as the residence in which the old philanthropist had died.

This was the house in which Tobias Dolger had lived. It stood four stories high, between a pair of smaller buildings. All three houses had been built in the nineteenth century. The flanking homesteads, however, were vacant; while Tobias Dolger’s house had become the temporary residence of his heirs.

Inside, the Dolger mansion was as gloomy as without. Long halls, high-ceilinged rooms predominated.

Walls were paneled in old-fashioned style; huge chandeliers hung in every apartment. Once fitted with gas jets, these massive objects had been converted into electric brackets.

The house boasted a spacious library. Within this book-walled room, Perry Dolger was seated by a table, reading a massive volume that dealt with campaigns of the Civil War. It was a book that he had chosen at random from one of the heavily stocked shelves.

A doorbell tinkled. Perry looked up from his book. The ring was repeated. Perry laid the book aside and arose from his chair. As he reached the hallway, he heard footsteps on the stairs. A tall, obsequious-looking servant was coming down from the second floor.

“All right, Rowland,” said Perry. “I’ll answer the door. It’s probably Zane, without his key.”

The servant paused while Perry crossed the hall and unbolted a door to step into the vestibule. Then the young man unlocked the outer door. Rowland saw Zane Dolger step into the light. The solemn-faced servant returned upstairs.

Perry and Zane walked into the library. The younger heir seemed anxious to say something; but he restrained himself until his cousin had closed the door from the hall. Then, unsuppressed, Zane burst forth.

“I’ve been talking to our lawyer,” he exclaimed. “Over at his apartment. I think we’re going to find out something about old Elwood Phraytag. Listen, Perry. Jackling, our lawyer, says—”

“One moment, Zane,” interrupted Perry. “Do not refer to James Jackling as our lawyer. He was attorney for our grandfather’s estate. He does not represent us. Before you go further, let me say that you made a mistake in going to see Jackling.”

“A mistake?” echoed Zane. “Why you went to see him yourself. Only last night, Perry. Of course you didn’t see him, because he was out of town. But you called at his apartment—”

“That was last night,” interposed Perry, quietly. “Before we knew that this had happened.”

Perry picked up a newspaper that was lying on the table. He pointed to a headline that told of the explosion at Philip Lyken’s. A picture of the dead jeweler was on the front page.

“Sit down, Zane,” ordered Perry. “I’ve been thinking things over very carefully. I see some hidden purpose behind the death of Philip Lyken.”

“You mean—”

“That clever crooks would not have tried to rob so small a shop as his. I think that burglary was planned for another purpose. The deliberate murder of Philip Lyken.”

“What!”

“Let’s analyze it,” decided Perry, in methodical manner. “Philip Lyken had a secret. He was paid to keep it quiet. The time that the secret became most important was after the news broke concerning our grandfather’s estate. Am I right?”

“Yes.”

“Yesterday afternoon, we went to see Lyken. We bought his secret from him. We did it in prompt fashion. If any one had been watching Lyken’s place, that person would have assumed that we accomplished nothing.”

“Unless the watcher came around later and talked to Lyken himself.”

“That’s a point. But it fits with my theory. Any one watching Lyken — any one who saw us call there — would have known that we either suspected Lyken had a secret or that we found out the actual secret itself.”

“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?”

“Jackling,” responded Zane, his lips trembling. “It was Jackling — speaking about Phraytag.”

“Did Jackling call Phraytag?”

“He called Phraytag’s home, just ten minutes ago, to talk to Phraytag—”

“And what did Phraytag say?”

“Nothing.” Zane’s voice was solemn. “It was the servant, Worthington, who answered. He — he told Jackling that — that Elwood Phraytag died one hour ago. Died — at ten o’clock tonight.”

Silence dominated the room, Perry Dolger was rigid as a statue; Zane had slumped in his chair, completely shaken by this unexpected news. Yet it was he who first found his voice.

“Jackling said that Phraytag died,” repeated Zane, in a hollow tone. “He did not say that Phraytag was killed. And yet — coming so soon — after Lyken’s death—”

“It looks like murder!” interposed Perry, quietly.

“It does,” decided Zane. “But Perry, it was Phraytag who paid Lyken to keep silent. Phraytag could have desired Lyken’s death; but who could have wanted to kill Phraytag? There is no explanation!”

“You are wrong, Zane,” responded Perry, in a tone of understanding. “Wrong — just as I was. We must look further for the secret of this intrigue. Beyond Elwood Phraytag.”

“But he owns the signet ring—”

“He owned one ring. That was the one that Lyken saw after it had been engraved. But remember, Zane, there were four rings.”

“Then you mean—”

“That the secret is deeper than we suspected. Lyken was the first step. He was eliminated. Elwood Phraytag, old and weakened, a man who might yield to pressure, was the second step. He, too, has been eliminated.”

“And beyond?”

“Three others,” replied Perry, emphatically. “Three whose names we do not know; three who once were partners with Elwood Phraytag. They had no further use for him. Blind and infirm, he had become as great a liability as Philip Lyken.”

“I see it,” nodded Zane. “Three hidden schemers, who have blocked the trail. They are the ones who hold the secret of our grandfather’s wealth. We can not trace them now. They have balked us.”

“Perhaps,” declared Perry, “and perhaps not. We still may have an opportunity to beat their hidden game. The fact that we formed no contact with Phraytag may lead us to success.”

“You mean,” inquired Zane, “that they will think their work has been accomplished? That they may feel entirely secure, now that both Lyken and Phraytag are dead?”

“Exactly!” responded Perry, nodding wisely. “Let us wait until to-morrow, Zane; until the newspapers tell us more concerning Phraytag’s death. Then I believe” — a quiet smile accompanied the young man’s pause — “that we may find a way to gain the wealth that is our heritage.”