"014 (B007) - The Monsters (1934-04) - Lester Dent" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

TERROR





MONTHS PASSED.



Bruno Hen went southward during the fishing season. Pickings as a guide, much to his disgust, proved slender. Only two short engagements did he obtain in some ten weeks. Finally, there was a third job. This one promised to pay well.



Bruno Hen, however, made the mistake of trying to lift a fat wallet which his temporary employer carried in a hip pocket. Upon being discovered, he narrowly missed getting shot. To evade jail, he was forced to flee back to the timber fastnesses out of which he had come.



If stolid Carl MacBride was surprised at Bruno Hen's premature return, he said nothing about it. MacBride's fish traps had yielded a more abundant catch during the past weeks, but he had failed to attach the true significance to this.



If Carl MacBride was not surprised at Bruno Hen's early return, he was surprised when the breed paid him a visit a few nights later.



Something was wrong. MacBride could see that as be admitted the breed to his cabin. Bruno Hen's eyes rolled. He perspired freely, although the night was cool.



There was a noticeable bulge in one of his coat pockets.



"Did you hear anything a few minutes ago?" the breed asked bluntly.



Carl MacBride shook his head. He never used a word where a gesture would do. He had heard only the usual night sounds -- insects and nocturnal birds.



Bruno Hen's next question was more surprising. "What happens when a man goes crazy?"



MacBride did not laugh. "Search me. He has funny ideas, I guess."