“I see difficulties ahead,” replied Helmsworth. “The Straits leading into the Baltic Sea present obstacles in navigation.”
“No more difficult than the ice floes that surround the arctic region,” said Noyes. “You intend to explore there, after you have finished this work for me, don’t you?”
“Exactly,” agreed Silas Helmsworth. “Nevertheless, I can turn back if I experience trouble in the polar region; this voyage which you demand allows no turning back. We cannot land in Russia, you know. I shall undertake it as I promised, but I require the time I have asked, to make the trip a certainty.”
“Then you cannot expect to reach Riga in less than fifteen days from now?” said Noyes thoughtfully.
“That is the time I require,” answered Helmsworth.
“Very well,” said Noyes in a tone of finality. “We shall work on that basis. Be ready to sail at the earliest opportunity. Be sure that everything is in perfect order. After all, that is most essential. You have your instructions. Follow them. Remember to announce only that you are embarking on a test cruise.”
VAGUE sounds came from the room, indicating that the men were rising. The Shadow’s hand plucked the rubber disk from the keyhole in the door. There was a slight sound as the little suction cap was released, then the form of The Shadow disappeared into a room on the other side of the hall.
The door of the office opened. Parker Noyes and his visitor stepped out.
The brief conversation had been illuminating to The Shadow. This visitor was none other than Silas Helmsworth, noted submarine expert and navigator, whose contemplated trip by submarine to the polar regions had been discussed in the newspapers for many months. His connection with Parker Noyes, and the announcement of his destination, were the first link that The Shadow had gained between Marcus Holtmann and one of Tobias Waddell’s guests.
Now that Silas Helmsworth was gone, Parker Noyes went back into his office and closed the door. The Shadow’s work was not yet ended. Emerging from his hiding place, he again attached the rubber disk to the keyhole. The voice of Parker Noyes became audible. The lawyer was speaking over the telephone.