The Black Box by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
page 234 of 451 (51%)
page 234 of 451 (51%)
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true one. The gamekeeper welcomed them with a smile of triumph. By his
side, the picture of abject misery, his clothes torn and muddy, was Craig! "I've managed this little job, sir," Middleton announced, with a smile of slow triumph. "How did you get him?" Quest demanded. "Little idea of my own," the gamekeeper continued. "I guessed pretty well what he'd be up to. He'd tumbled to it that the usual way off the moor was pretty well guarded, and he'd doubled back through the thin line of woods close to the house. I dug one of my poachers' pits, sir, and covered it over with a lot of loose stuff. That got him all right. When I went to look this morning I saw where he'd fallen through, and there he was, walking round and round at the bottom like a caged animal. Your servants have telephoned for the police, Mr. Ashleigh," he went on, turning to the Professor, "but I'd like you just to point out to the Scotland Yard gentleman--called us yokels, he did, when he first came down--that we've a few ideas of our own down here." Quest suddenly whispered to the Professor. Then he turned to the keeper. "Bring him upstairs, Middleton, for a moment," he directed. "Follow us, please." The Professor gripped Quest's arm as they ascended the stairs. "What is this?" he asked hoarsely. "What is it you wish to do?" "It's just an idea of my own," Quest replied. "I rather believe in that |
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