The Mystery of the Singing Serpent - M. V. Carey [39]
Jupe twisted and turned in his bed. If only he could find Bentley. But there seemed no way. The mysterious houseman might be the key to the entire affair, but Jupe could think of no strategy that would lure Bentley into the open. Meanwhile, Pat Osborne was growing more and more ill. Was her terror of Shaitan strong enough to kill her? And Hendricks, the unsuspecting owner of a delicatessen on Beverly Boulevard. What would happen to Hendricks?
Then Jupe remembered the book Bob had taken from the library — the book on witchcraft. It had been written by a professor at Ruxton University, and Ruxton was not ten miles from Rocky Beach. Jupiter suddenly smiled. Even without Bentley, he might find a way to help Pat Osborne. And if Shaitan was in a hurry now, so much the better. The Three Investigators had to fight a defensive battle, and before he dropped off again, Jupe knew what the next move would be.
Chapter 19
The Serpent Strikes Again
THE THREE INVESTIGATORS were at the Jamison house bright and early. When they arrived, Aunt Mathilda was going upstairs with a breakfast tray for Pat Osborne, and Allie was in the kitchen gulping orange juice.
“I’ve decided what to do about the necklace,” Allie told the boys. “I’m going to return it to Van Storen and Chatsworth. Let them worry about it.”
“Good!” applauded Bob.
“And you?” asked Allie. “What will you be doing?”
“There’s a man in Los Angeles named Hendricks,” said Jupe. “He owns a delicatessen and we think he will be next to receive the serpent. I believe it will happen quickly —
perhaps today. Shaitan wants to finish up his operation. Hendricks is Noxworth’s competitor, and Noxworth is due to pay tribute to Belial. We’re going to Los Angeles.”
“But what about Aunt Pat? She’s in awful shape.”
“Aunt Mathilda is here,” Jupe reminded her. “You can stay. You can send for the man to come from Van Storen and Chatsworth, can’t you?”
“Yes, I can. But what if Shaitan shows up?”
“He won’t,” Jupe predicted. “Allie, your aunt believes in the power of the serpent, and it has made her very ill. Shaitan knows her so he knows this. He won’t come here. He’ll wait for her to send for him.”
“I don’t think she can send for him,” said Allie. “She can hardly move. She’s almost paralyzed.”
“There is a way we can help your aunt, Allie, but first we have to think of Hendricks.
What we have in mind for Miss Osborne will take time, but she has some time. Hendricks may not.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Allie.
“We’re going to stake out Hendricks’ store,” said Bob.
“Then I’m going, too,” declared Allie.
“You are not,” said Pete. “Shaitan might get rough. That Hendricks is no weakling.”
“I am going!” snapped Allie. “Listen, if Aunt Pat has time and Shaitan won’t come here, the necklace is safe where it is. I will not sit here and stew while you catch the nuts who’ve made all this trouble. I’m going!”
Aunt Mathilda came in with the breakfast tray.
“Mrs. Jones, I’m going into Los Angeles,” said Allie quickly. “I want to talk to Aunt Pat’s doctor. Can Jupiter come with me?”
Aunt Mathilda looked puzzled. “I think you should get her doctor,” she said. “Your aunt isn’t a bit better this morning and she won’t eat a thing. But why can’t you telephone?
Why go all the way to Los Angeles?”
“I can’t remember his name,” said Allie, “and the number isn’t in Aunt Pat’s book. But I do remember where his office is. It’s in a building on Wilshire next to a church. It’s near Western. Once I get there, I can find him.”
“There must be an easier way,” said Aunt Mathilda. “Why don’t we just ask Miss Osborne?”
“Haven’t you noticed?” said Allie. “She won’t talk. I asked but she wouldn’t tell me.”
“All right,” said Aunt Mathilda, “but don’t dillydally. Jupiter, get Hans to drive you in the truck. It would take all day by bus, and your uncle doesn’t have time.”
Allie hugged her. “Thanks, Mrs. Jones!”
The boys said nothing. They followed Allie out, leaving Aunt Mathilda to scrape Miss Osborne’s untouched breakfast into the disposal.
Hans gladly got out one of the salvage