“I’m taking the message for her,” I explained.
“Then listen carefully.”
There was a metal-like click at the other end of the wire; then a short deep silence. My heart was pounding. I don’t think I ever was more excited in all my life. Realizing that he was done for, the queer doctor was going to make a confession that would clear up the mystery. I was going to hear strange things. But I didn’t let my excitement tangle up my wits. I needed a clear brain now. I realized that.
“This is—Dr. Madden,” came a whispering voice over the wire.
“Yes?” says I, sort of breathless-like.
“Tell Mrs. Doane—that Ruth Danver will lose—her grandfather’s property—if she isn’t in the house—before midnight—to-night. Diary in clock—explains everything. I found it—and hid it there. Do you—hear me?”
“Yes,” says I.
“The clock—in Mr. Danver’s room. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” says I.
There was a dead silence then. The whispering voice was gone. And I knew what that meant. Without getting a chance to be operated on, the man was gone, too.