"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 101 - The Gray Ghost" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

“We are chatting with the banker's beautiful daughters,” continued Gilden, with a bow toward each of the
girls. “On my right, Jane Debrossler; on my left, her sister, Louise. The scene is one of modern romance,
until it is disturbed by a man who believes in ghosts and sprites. A superstitious person who should have
lived in the Middle Ages, when they had ghouls and werewolves, warlocks and witches—”

GILDEN stopped short, laughing; the others had joined in his mirth. They were looking at the butler,
whose face had reddened, whose manner was apologetic. Gilden straightened his face.

“I mean you, Furbison!” he accused, in a tone of mock seriousness. “You tell us of the Gray Ghost—a
fabulous, impossible creature! You expect us to believe—”

“Really, sir,” interposed Furbison. “I meant no ill. I hope that I have not disturbed you—”

“Mr. Gilden is joking,” interrupted Jane, the younger of the sisters. “He is merely having fun at your
expense, Furbison. We know that you don't believe in ghosts.”

“Quite right, miss,” nodded Furbison, relieved. “I was merely repeating the remarks that had been told
me.”

“We understand,” smiled Jane, “and it was my fault, Furbison, for starting the talk. I am sorry. You may
go now, Furbison.

“Thank you, miss.”

Furbison departed. Jane turned to Gilden.

“Really, Pierce,” declared the girl, “this matter is becoming quite serious. All the domestics believe that
there is a Gray Ghost.”

“And they hold him responsible for recent robberies?”

“Yes. It may seem outlandish; nevertheless, the robberies have occurred!”

It was Louise who added the next remark.

“The robberies have been alarming,” declared the elder sister. “Somehow, they don't seem to be the
work of an ordinary human.”

Gilden nodded.

“I know,” he said. “Mrs. Tyndale's pearls, for instance.”

“Yes,” agreed Louise. “She is positive that none of the servants knew where they were hidden. Yet they
were stolen, and there was talk that the Gray Ghost was seen that night.”

“And the Trelawney paintings,” added Jane. “They were spirited away in the middle of the night!”

“From an empty house,” objected Gilden. “That was not remarkable.”
“There were two caretakers, Pierce.”