“I am willing to rely upon you,” agreed Froman. “After all, your mind has been the directing one. When I first thought of my gigantic scheme, I lacked method by which to put it into practice.
“Every suggestion that you have made, every action that you have ordered, has worked to perfection, so far. You know the situation as well as I know it. I have one group of connections; you have another. Frankly I am worried. All my methods are ready to be utilized. They need your directing hand.”
Parker Noyes smiled with satisfaction. These two men formed a remarkable contrast, despite the fact that they were comrades in crime.
Frederick Froman was stern-faced and inflexible, although he now professed nervousness. Parker Noyes was still the kindly, gray-haired man; even his smile of malicious satisfaction was benign and fatherly.
Before the conversation could be resumed, there was a rap at the door. The lawyer answered and found his servant standing in the hall. A few low words were spoken, then Noyes closed the door and turned to Froman.
“Come,” said Noyes.
He led the way to one of the massive bookcases and pressed the side of a shelf. The entire bookcase swung outward, revealing a hollow space.
“This is quite as interesting as the entrance to your torture dungeon,” remarked Noyes with a smile. “You will note the peculiarity of these shelves. This upper shelf” — he indicated a row of books— “is arranged so that you can see through from the back. Should you desire to signal me, press this button. I will see the signal. One press will mean to end the conversation; two to continue. When I pause, it will mean I am awaiting your signal.”
Frederick Froman stepped into the narrow compartment. The old lawyer closed the bookcase. It clicked into place, completely concealing the man behind it.
Parker Noyes resumed his seat at the desk. He waited quietly until there was another rap at the door. He ordered the visitor to come in. A man entered, and Noyes ushered him to a seat at the opposite side of the desk, so that his back was turned toward the bookcase which shielded Froman.