“That sounds great,” said Tholbin enthusiastically. “But I don’t see the point.”
“You will,” smiled Noyes. “I have business in Paris. While you are there, you will be approached by a certain man who will deliver items of luggage into your care. As your own luggage, by my arrangements, will be shipped with Waddell’s belongings, the new baggage will come back with Waddell, also. You understand?”
Although puzzled, Tholbin nodded. He realized that the old lawyer was contemplating some irregular scheme, and that he would not learn all there was to know. Nevertheless, there might be advantages in ignorance.
NOYES, as he watched Tholbin, also eyed the bookcase. Catching a double motion of the particular volume which he was observing, the attorney proceeded.
“The return from Paris will be unexpected,” continued Noyes. “I shall arrange that part. Your one task will be to see that the special baggage comes aboard, and is kept in an available place. I count on your cleverness to attend to that. Later, you will receive word from me concerning the disposal of that baggage.
“But remember: I shall rely upon you; and at the same time, there will be others available to take up your work, should you fail in any detail.”
Noyes paused thoughtfully, and after a few minutes had passed, Tholbin became speculative.
“What else?” he inquired.
“Nothing else,” replied Noyes.
“You mean” — Tholbin’s voice showed his incredulity — “you mean that if I — when I have finished the job that you require, you will give me—”