Free The Dime Museum Murders by Daniel Stashower Page B

contented
snoring.
    "That
is my fellow inmate," Mr. Graff explained. "An amusing
fellow. As I was,, saying, I was going over the books in my shop late
last night when a gentleman began banging at the door. I told him to
return in the morning, but he was very insistent. He claimed to be an
importer of antiques, and wished to know if I would be interested in
seeing a few items from the collection of Robert-Houdin. Naturally,
I—"
    "Did
he give you his name?" Harry asked. "Harrington."
    "What
did he look like, this Mr. Harrington?" "He looked quite a
bit like you, Ehrich. Very powerful build, dark curly hair. He could
easily have done double work for you."
    "Make
a note, Dash," Harry said. "Muscular, dark hair, medium
height—"
    Mr.
Graff broke in. "A little less than medium height, I would have
said."
    "Shorter
than I, then?"
    "Well..."
    "And
would you say his features were handsome?" Mr. Graff hesitated
and glanced at me. "Ehm ..."
    I
made a note on my pocket pad. "Perhaps not quite as handsome as
Harry, Mr. Graff?"
    "No,
indeed."
    "My
dear sirs," came the voice from the opposite cell. "It has
come to our attention that the volume of conversation remains at a
level which prohibits a normal and healthful sleep. If such
confabulation persists, we shall have no recourse but to consult
management. Yours sincerely ..." The voice trailed off again.
    "And
what else did your striking visitor have to say, Mr. Graff?" I
continued.
    "He
told me that he represented a gentleman who possessed items from the
Robert-Houdin collection. Naturally I questioned him closely in the
matter. From time to time one comes across a handbill from the Palais
Royal, and I've handled quite a few leaflets from his London
appearances, but this gentleman was quite precise."
    "The
Blois collection?" I asked. "The one that's supposed to
have been destroyed by fire?"
    "Exactly.
But he offered no documentation and naturally I regarded the claim
with some suspicion. My doubts vanished when he removed Le
Fantôme from
its wooden case. I have seen a great many treasures in my day. It was
I, you will recall, who brokered the sale of Signor Blitz's diaries.
It was I who verified the provenance of Anderson's 'Inexhaustible
Bottle.' But this was something else again. I don't know how long I
marvelled over the figure. I was aware that my visitor was growing
impatient, but I could not help myself. A Shakespeare folio could not
have interested me more. When I had satisfied myself that the figure
was genuine, Mr. Harrington asked if I might be able to find a
buyer."
    "I
can think of dozens of magicians who would be interested," Harry
said.
    "So
can I," Mr. Graff agreed, "but only one or two who could
afford it. I offered Mr. Harrington a few names, but he suggested
that we might do better to deal with wealthy collectors, rather than
magicians, as he might have one or two other items for disposal."
"How many other items?"
    "Forty-three."
    "All
from the Blois collection?"
    "Every
one."
    Harry
and I looked at each other. "Then it's true," he said.
    "Yes,"
Mr. Graff said quietly. "The collection exists, and Mr.
Harrington wanted me to arrange the sale."
    "What
did you do?"
    "Naturally
I sent a message to Harry Kellar. After all, the man is the greatest
magician in the entire world—''
    "With
one notable exception," Harry said. "Well, Ehrich, you must
admit that Kellar is certainly the most successful magician working
today. Your own talents have yet to find their proper audience."
    "This
is so."
    "Unfortunately,
Mr. Kellar found himself unable to entertain the possibility of
purchasing the Blois collection. He has not always had the best of
luck with his investments, and it seems his resources are not what
they might be just now." Mr. Graff walked to his bunk and sat
down. "So naturally I decided to approach my two wealthiest
customers—''
    "Branford
Wintour and Michael Hendricks," Harry offered.
    "You
know Mr. Hendricks as well?" "We met him this evening."
    "A
fascinating