The man was looking at Harry, but his twisted face showed nothing. Whatever Stokes might have in mind was not revealed to Harry Vincent.
Taking the books that the professor had pointed out, Harry left the study.
When six o’clock arrived, he tuned in on Station WNX; but no message came to-night. This was his last opportunity to listen in; for the taboo on the radio began at eight.
During dinner, Harry reminded Stokes that he was going to the village. He suggested that they leave shortly before nine o’clock. Stokes gruffly replied that that suited him.
The brief exchange of conversation made no visible impression on Marsh; but Harry was sure that Crawford had made note of it.
The bearded man was a difficult fellow to analyze. Harry still regarded him as the real menace on Death Island — if the menace there was a human one.
At ten minutes of nine, Stokes entered the living room. Harry looked up from his book. The man poked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating that the motor boat was ready.
As they neared the dock, Harry took advantage of the fact that Stokes was ahead of him. He shot a quick glance toward the tower. It was visible in the pale light of the sky — a strange, boxlike addition to the top of the oddly-shaped house.
Harry could barely discern the windows. There was no illumination in the tower.
Harry stumbled against a stone. When he regained his footing, he found Stokes looking at him. The man’s face could scarcely be seen in the darkness beneath the trees.