"Because Talcott says there are dozens like it in Siam, all life-sized
figures in a seated pose. As I said before, Talcott only sells me items that he
knows are unique."
Frescott began to nod in understanding fashion, then paused as though
puzzled.
"This chest of Chu Chan," he remarked. "It must be quite large to hold so
sizable a statue."
"That's right," returned Shebley. "It is a large chest. Built much like a
cabinet."
Frescott gave a disparaging shrug.
"Then it isn't unique," he declared. "It may be antique, but not unique."
Chuckling at his play on words, the professor added: "There is a difference,
Shebley, as you should know."
"Only I don't know." Shebley stroked his chin. "Simon Benisette bought the
dancer statue and now he is interested in the chest. He's a sharp buyer,
Benisette."
"But he doesn't specialize in the unique."
"He specializes in anything that promises a profit," argued Shebley.
"That's why I'm beginning to believe what Graff said. You see, Graff told me" -
Shebley halted, then decided to out with it - "well, he told me that there might
be a fortune in the chest of Chu Chan. So I'm of a mind to let Graff bid for me
against Benisette."
Though Shebley didn't notice it, Professor Frescott had become suddenly
alert. His eyes by their very sharpness, could have been likened to the hidden
blade in Shebley's katar, but they, too, were concealed as Frescott promptly
closed his eyelids over them like folding sheaths.
Tilting his head back, Frescott gave a mild, though significant chuckle
that puzzled Shebley just enough to take him totally off guard.
"Nobody will bid on that chest," laughed Frescott, "at least not at
Talcott's Antique Galleries."
"And why not?"
"Because Talcott has already sold it," informed Frescott. "It went to a
dealer in Washington."
There was something of savagery in Shebley's gesture as he reached for the
telephone. Frescott waved his hand.
"Don't call Talcott," warned Frescott. "You won't have time. You'd better
phone the airport for a reservation on the next plane to Washington. You'll just
have time to make it."
Taking Frescott's advice, Shebley dialed the airport, but his gaze carried
a query which Frescott answered with a question of his own.
"Did you ever hear of Lamont Cranston?"
Shebley nodded.
"I happen to know that Cranston will be taking that plane to Washington,"
assured Frescott. "Like yourself, he is interested in the chest of Chu Chan."
Shebley had the number. Finding that plane seats were still available, he
ordered one. As Shebley hung up, Frescott reached for the telephone.
"May I call the museum?" asked Frescott. "They may be wondering where I
am."
"Of course," replied Shebley. "Only I'll have to say good-bye right now, if
I want to catch the plane. If you want, you can wait and talk to Graff, because
