The Bat by Mary Roberts Rinehart;Avery Hopwood
page 8 of 299 (02%)
page 8 of 299 (02%)
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"I mean this. The police have been combing the underworld for him;
I don't think he comes from there. I think they've got to look higher, up in our world, for a brilliant man with a kink in the brain. He may be a Doctor, a lawyer, a merchant, honored in his community by day--good line that, I'll use it some time--and at night, a bloodthirsty assassin. Deacon Brodie--ever hear of him --the Scotch deacon that burgled his parishioners' houses on the quiet? Well--that's our man." "But my Lord, Bill--" "I know. I've been going around the last month, looking at everybody I knew and thinking--are you the Bat? Try it for a while. You'll want to sleep with a light in your room after a few days of it. Look around the University Club--that white-haired man over there--dignified--respectable--is he the Bat? Your own lawyer--your own Doctor--your own best friend. Can happen you know--look at those Chicago boys--the thrill-killers. Just brilliant students--likeable boys--to the people that taught them--and cold-bloodied murderers all the same." "Bill! You're giving me the shivers!" "Am I?" The edit or laughed grimly. "Think it over. No, it isn't so pleasant.--But that's my theory--and I swear I think I'm right." He rose. His companion laughed uncertainly. "How about you, Bill--are you the Bat?" |
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