"Kenneth Robeson - Doc Savage 134 - The Whisker of Hercules" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

She pinched her handbag thoughtfully with her fingers.

Anyway, she thought, I've learned not to talk too much to cab drivers. They seem to be fellows who look
out for themselves.

She went into the drugstore, after glancing at the TELEPHONES sign.

She put a ten-dollar bill in front of the cashier. “All of it in quarters and dimes.”
She took the change to the telephone and dialed long distance.

“I want to talk to a man named Doc Savage, in New York City,” she said. “I think he is also known as
Clark Savage, Jr. I'll hold the wire.”

It was not long before the operator said, “I have Doc Savage in New York. Deposit one dollar
seventy-five cents, please.”

Lee poked coins into the slots. “Hello.”

“Savage speaking,” said a voice over the telephone.

Lee felt easier. The voice had a quality—later she was surprised at how quickly the voice reassured
her—of firmness and amiable sureness that was reassuring.

“I am Lee Mayland, speaking from Cedar County, from Center Lake. You do not know me, Mr.
Savage. I am calling you because I once met a man who spoke very highly of you. The man was named
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Blodgett Mayfair, but I think the first thing he said was to call him Monk
Mayfair.”

“Monk Mayfair is one of my associates.”

“Yes, I know. Mr. Mayfair said that if I was ever in trouble, to call on him for assistance.”

“Mr. Mayfair is here. Do you wish to speak to him?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Mr. Mayfair seemed to be very susceptible to even a moderately attractive young woman.”

The voice of Doc Savage, which had been without particular expression in spite of its warmly friendly
quality, now had an unmistakable sly amusement.

“I see your point,” he said. “You have something which you wish judged on its merits, without your
appearance being an influence.”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”