"You will be gone long?"
"Longer than usual. I cannot tell the exact period that my trip will cover. That depends upon my varying moods. On this occasion, however, I am doing the unusual. I have arranged my affairs for two years and I am closing this establishment for the first time. The servants leave tomorrow." The bizarre notions of Lamont Cranston were highly interesting to this group. These wealthy men preferred the security of New York to the dangers of the jungle. Someone remarked to that effect. Cranston laughed in response.
"One is as safe in the jungle as in New York," he said. "I have told you, gentlemen, that I am always prepared for a strange fate. It could overtake me here, in this house, as well as in a foreign clime. That is one of the oddities of life.
"The parachute jumper dies from a fall down a short flight of steps. The man who catches rattlesnakes, dies from the bite of a mad poodle. It has been so always. Achilles, famous warrior, was slain from an arrow shot in the heel. Pyhrrus, the great general, perished from a tile which a woman dropped upon his head."
As the conversation continued, Doctor Savette found himself taking an increased interest in Lamont Cranston's statements. The man talked impressively and many of his words were interpreted by the physician in an unusual way.
As the guests began to depart, Savette lingered. He had been hearing many chance remarks that indicated Cranston's great wealth. He was loath to leave.
At last, Savette was the only guest who remained. Reluctantly, he turned to send a servant for his hat. It was then that Cranston restrained him.
"I forgot that you arrived late, doctor," he said. "On that account, you were not here when I showed my friends my den. It will be disarranged tomorrow. Can you wait a few minutes — long enough to view it? I can assure you that you will find it interesting."
"Certainly," said Savette.
Cranston led the way to a back room on the second floor. Despite his sophistication, Savette was astonished at the sight before him.