Now, with full security, Savette was contemplating another crime. Money was needed for a definite purpose. With his past record, it was only natural that the scheming physician should decide to use an evil method in the furtherance of his desire.
Reclining, with eyes half shut, the fiend made mental notations of persons whom he had in mind. Among his patients were many wealthy persons; but as he had told Tremont, there was an obstacle with each that prevented surety of action.
Savette took chances when necessary. He had not been so particular in the past, when he had first embarked upon his insidious trail of crime. Now, with his career besmirched, and his mind schooled to ease and perfection in method, he wanted to perform the coming job in the safest and best way possible. Some minds are naturally crooked. Gerald Savette did not possess the quirks and twists of the natural criminal. To him, evil was useful only as a means to a definite end. He, like his associates, had left a bloody trail behind them. But in the lesser jobs, they had let Biff Towley attend to the dirty work. Gerald Savette felt himself a criminal deluxe. He was about to make his farewell bow to his secret profession. From then on, he would be secure as a wealthy, retired physician. That was the goal he had set.
Tremont wanted action soon. So did Orlinov. Both could wait — a month if necessary.
Unless a perfect scheme presented itself, Savette would hold back to the limit before perpetrating his last evil. While he waited, he was playing his suave part of a reputable physician. He was strict ethically. He was not overdoing himself. He was enjoying social functions, extending his connections, adding to his prestige. A wary method indeed!
Tonight, Savette was keeping an appointment with a group of wealthy men. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was past eight o'clock. Nearly time to be going. He rang a bell and summoned his servant, Hughes.
"Order the car from the garage," said Savette. "By the way, Hughes, let me have that envelope with the invitation that I left on the table in the other room. Get that first." Hughes bowed and left the room. He returned, carrying the envelope; Savette opened it. He smiled as he read the contents of the letter.
This had come as a follow-up to a phone call which Savette had received from Lamont Cranston, the millionaire with whom he had formed an acquaintance.
Cranston was giving a special party to a few chosen guests. The affair was set for tonight.
Savette had accepted the verbal invitation. The letter carried instructions, telling how to reach Cranston's home in New Jersey. It also expressed pleasure in the fact that Doctor Savette would be able to attend the affair. When the car arrived from the garage, Savette set out immediately.