Read Manly Wade Wellman - Chapbook 02 for Free Online Page A

He had quarreled with Malbrook, struck him, threatened to
kill him on sight. He had gone forth to do it. He had been prevented, probably,
because someone had done the same errand more promptly.
                 “Congreve
won’t swallow it,” he told himself moodily. “I’ll get thick- tongued and mouth
all this out. He’ll think it sounds even goopier than before, and give me the
next jolt of the third degree, probably less pleasant than the joy-lamp.”
                 He
put his mind on the mystery again. Only proof, complete and convincing, would
set him free. Someone else had killed Malbrook. Who?
                 His
mind turned to the visitors who had discussed the proposed duel at his
quarters. Each, as it happened, had sworn to visit Malbrook, for good or ill.
Prrala had been the first to go, and was dead now. What of the others?
                  If he was to be fuddled by the
joy-lamp, he had best make notes from which to argue. From his belt-pouch he took
a small pad and a pencil. Waiting for the joy-lamp to give him a clear violet
light, he began to write.
     
                 REYNARDINE PHOGOR
     
                 Character:
Proud, hard, beautiful . Jealous of
Malbrook’s attentions to Bee MacGowan. Considers
herself scorned. Probably capable of killing.
                 Possible
Motive: Jealousy and injured pride.
                 Possible
mode of
murder:                 
As Malbrook’s fiancee, may have known how to enter his
specially defended apartment.
     
                 PHOGOR
     
                 Character:
Venusian. People of Venus consider murder lightly.
                 Possible
motive: Knew nothing of stepdaughter’s engagement to Malbrook until incident of
challenge. Surprised, resentful.
                 Possible
mode of
murder:                 
May have pushed in, as I am accused of doing. Got there ahead of Prrala and
Fielding, hid in room before it was closed.
     
                 ROBERT BUCKALEW
     
                 Character:
Mysterious, witty, likeable . Probably would kill if he
decided it necessary.
                 Possible
motive:           Malbrook
threatened
                 him with exposure of some deadly secret.
                 Possible
mode of murder: As close acquaintance of Malbrook, with quarrel and threat of
long standing, may have previously planned way in and method of killing. If so,
must have left for Malbrook’s when I did.
     
                 AMYAS CROFTS
     
                 Character:
Callow, vicious, vain, hotheaded .
                 Possible
motive: In love with Bee MacGowan—jealous of Malbrook. Also, it was suggested
that Malbrook might kill him in later duel.
                 Possible
mode of murder: Stealthy or violent entry.
     
                 BROME FIELDING
     
                 Character:
Ruthless, haughty, shrewd . Long associated with
Malbrook.
                 Possible
motive: Possible quarrel, personal or business. Both men
masterful and Violent, capable of such clash.
                 Possible
mode of murder: Hard to figure out—accomplice or illusion.
     
                 MY OWN DEFENSE
     
                 Despite
identification of myself as killer, there may have been impersonation—mask,
wig, stilts for height, costume. Light not too good, appearance brief, Prrala’s
testimony given in great pain and at moment of death.
                 Explosion
occurred in chamber while I was out. Recommend more thorough investigation.
                 This
last seemed hard to write. Stover felt weary, half-blind. He put away his notes
and tried to lie on the cot. Then he looked up at the joy- lamp, and smiled as
if in inspiration. He slid under the bed.