The Angry Canary

44 Pages·2016·0.47 MB·English

by  Doc Savage Collection

THE ANGRY CANARY
A Doc Savage Adventure by Kenneth Robeson

Originally published in Doc Savage Magazine August 1948
2 DOC SAVAGE
THE ANGRY CANARY 3

Chapter I

THE cage was there on one of the shelves in the package check-room at four o(cid:146)clock
when the two men on the night shift came to work.
It did not at that time bear much resemblance to a canary cage, because it was wrapped
in coarse brown paper and tied around with string. Some expertness with knots had gone into
the way the string was tied. That is, the knots were not conventional granny knots.
The two check-room attendants were pleasant fellows. Fred Lill, fiftyish, lived in Brooklyn
and had a son studying at Columbia to become a doctor. Jim Presse, younger, unmarried, had
grown up on an Iowa farm. Actually, though, the only important part Fred and Jim took in the
matter was when Fred tore a bit of the paper loose from the cage. He did this as an act of mis-
guided kindness.
This happened after six. The hours of four to six were peak rush for the check-room, as
steel-souled Manhattan hurriedly emptied itself of office workers, and quite a few of these
picked up packages or week-end or overnight cases. About six, the pressure eased, both men
fired up cigarettes, and Fred walked back along Tier Seven and cocked his head at the paper-
wrapped cage. Fred(cid:146)s interest was bird-like. Owlish, because he was a fat man.
(cid:147)Hell of a lot of scratching around going on in there,(cid:148) Fred remarked.
(cid:147)Canary cage, isn(cid:146)t it?(cid:148) Jim wasn(cid:146)t too interested.
(cid:147)Guess so. Looks like it.(cid:148) Fred frowned, and added, (cid:147)Poor birds are probably smothering
in there. Some people are sure careless.(cid:148) And on impulse, he poked a finger against the paper,
broke it, and peeled a piece loose.
Jim asked, (cid:147)What(cid:146)d you do that for? Now somebody(cid:146)ll complain about the paper being
torn.(cid:148) He came over and glanced at the cage, but with no interest. (cid:147)There was probably holes in
the bottom for ventilation.(cid:148) He bent down and looked. (cid:147)Sure. A couple of holes.(cid:148)
4 DOC SAVAGE
(cid:147)Black paper under the brown,(cid:148) Fred (cid:147)Day in and day out, a lot of funny-
said, pointing. He was surprised. (cid:147)Why wrap looking people pass here,(cid:148) said Jim softly.
it in black paper, then put brown over that?(cid:148) (cid:147)But take a look at that skeezicks yonder.
Jim shrugged. (cid:147)I don(cid:146)t know nothing The one over by the newsstand.(cid:148)
about canaries. Maybe they(cid:146)re like chickens. Fred studied the individual. (cid:147)I see what
Sit still and roost when they(cid:146)re in the dark. Or you mean.(cid:148) Then he added, (cid:147)He seems to be
is it canaries in there?(cid:148) heading this way.(cid:148)
A shrill tittering came from the cage. The man was of average height, but
(cid:147)I never heard a canary make a noise there his claim to the average began and
like that,(cid:148) Fred muttered. He leaned down ended. He had perfectly white hair which
and put an eye to the hole he(cid:146)d made. (cid:147)Yeah, seemed to grow forward-pointing on his head
canaries. Two of them(cid:151)(cid:148) He stopped on a instead of backward, his skin was the rich
rather shocked note. hue of diluted gold, or of knotty pine, and he
(cid:147)Sounded like the canary giggled,(cid:148) Jim was thinner than a healthy man had a right to
remarked. (cid:147)But like I said, what I don(cid:146)t know be. His eyes were large, bulbous and almost
about the things is plenty, and anyway it(cid:146)s transparent. Should these oddities escape
none of our business(cid:151)say, what(cid:146)s the matter note, he wore a green suit of a shade hitherto
with you?(cid:148) unheard of, and a yellow shirt about equally
Fred was distressed. (cid:147)They(cid:146)re fighting!(cid:148) as preposterous.
(cid:147)Yeah?(cid:148) (cid:147)Wow! And I thought fire-engines were
Slapping a hand against the cage, Fred gaudy,(cid:148) Jim whispered. He sauntered over to
said, (cid:147)Here, here, stop that!(cid:148) He jiggled the the counter, asking the man, (cid:147)What(cid:146)ll it be,
cage around. (cid:147)They won(cid:146)t stop!(cid:148) pal?(cid:148)
(cid:147)Aw, the cage was probably wrapped The man spoke English so precise it
that way to keep it dark so they wouldn(cid:146)t couldn(cid:146)t be his mother-tongue.
scrap,(cid:148) said Jim indifferently. (cid:147)Cover up the (cid:147)I deposited a package for safekeeping
hole, and they(cid:146)ll be all right. They(cid:146)ll settle earlier in the day,(cid:148) he said. (cid:147)Unfortunately, I
down.(cid:148) seem to have mislaid the small ticket which I
Fred followed the suggestion quickly. am supposed to present to reclaim my prop-
He was upset. (cid:147)I never saw anything like erty. I should like to obtain the article, how-
that(cid:151)such hate. Such viciousness.(cid:148) He ever.(cid:148)
stepped back from the cage. (cid:147)I wish to God I (cid:147)Sorry.(cid:148) Jim shook his head. (cid:147)You(cid:146)ll
hadn(cid:146)t messed with it.(cid:148) have to have your claim-check to do busi-
Jim laughed. (cid:147)Why get worked up ness here, mister.(cid:148)
about a couple of birds pecking each other a The man looked at them. His eyes
time or two?(cid:148) were like glass bulbs containing slightly
But Fred was distressed and puzzled. soiled water. (cid:147)Oh, luckily, I can perfectly de-
(cid:147)We keep three canaries at home,(cid:148) he mut- scribe package and contents. That should
tered. (cid:147)They never act like that.(cid:148) He shook serve, shouldn(cid:146)t it?(cid:148)
his head, adding, (cid:147)It isn(cid:146)t a natural way to (cid:147)No tickee, no washee,(cid:148) said Jim.
act.(cid:148) (cid:147)I beg pardon?(cid:148)
(cid:147)I can say the same thing about some (cid:147)Just an old American catch phrase,
people,(cid:148) Jim said. like showing your claim-check if you want
your package,(cid:148) Jim told him curtly.
The man looked at Jim in a way that
BOTH check-room attendants noticed gave the latter a somewhat creepy sensation.
the man named Plott before he indicated any (cid:147)But I can tell you my name. It is Plott. Mr.
intention of approaching the checking con- Plott.(cid:148) He did not smile. As a matter of fact he
cession. He was not anyone they had seen did not smile at any time, as if he was physi-
before, and they came to know him as Plott cally incapable of doing so. (cid:147)My item of prop-
only because that was the name he presently erty consists of a canary cage. I can, if you
gave them. insist, describe the birds inside, even to their
(cid:147)Hey, Fred,(cid:148) Jim said. age and sex.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Eh?(cid:148) Jim felt a strong urge to be rid of the
fellow, and he said, (cid:147)Look, to save a long
THE ANGRY CANARY 5
argument, I can tell you that you won(cid:146)t get to Jim liked this one, and he said tempo-
first base with us. We have rules to follow. If rizingly, (cid:147)Well, now, that(cid:146)s a tough break, isn(cid:146)t
you want your package without a claim- it?(cid:148)
check, you(cid:146)ll have to see the boss-man about Fred happened to have overheard. (cid:147)No
it.(cid:148) check, no package,(cid:148) he said bluntly.
(cid:147)Boss-man? You mean someone of Jim wheeled and frowned at him, so
higher authority?(cid:148) Fred shrugged and moved away. Jim grinned
(cid:147)Yeah. Buck Fineberg. See him. He(cid:146)s at the girl. (cid:147)Fred(cid:146)s an old grouch. A nice guy,
in the main check-stand on the upper level, but an old-timer who(cid:146)s heaved too many
north end. Go see Buck, and he(cid:146)ll take care satchels around in here.(cid:148) He leaned forward
of it.(cid:148) confidentially. (cid:147)I(cid:146)d sure like to help you,
The odd man had been kneading his Miss(cid:151)(cid:148)
thin hands together during the discussion, (cid:147)Meg,(cid:148) said the girl promptly. (cid:147)Marga-
and now there was a greenback in his facile ret, I mean. Miss Margaret Prince. And I
fingers. Mysteriously, too; where it had come would certainly like to pick up my package
from would be hard to say. without causing a lot of bother.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Conceivably, there could be an alter- (cid:147)I(cid:146)d like to have your address, too, for
native?(cid:148) he asked. our files,(cid:148) Jim said cunningly. (cid:147)And your tele-
Jim looked at the bill. phone number.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Inconceivable!(cid:148) he said curtly. Margaret Prince hesitated. (cid:147)Well, all
The odd man bent his head slightly. right. It(cid:146)s East Barent Avenue. 1233 East
(cid:147)Then I shall consult with your Mr. Buck Barent. The telephone is Barentwood 9-
Fineberg.(cid:148) He turned and went away. 7600.(cid:148)
Fred moved up beside Jim and (cid:147)Fine, fine. Now could you describe
breathed hoarsely. (cid:147)Didn(cid:146)t you notice he had your package?(cid:148) Jim asked. And his eyes
a double sawbuck?(cid:148) bugged slightly as he listened to the girl say,
(cid:147)Jobs these days,(cid:148) said Jim angrily, (cid:147)Yes, of course. It(cid:146)s a canary cage wrapped
(cid:147)are worth more than twenty bucks.(cid:148) in brown paper and tied around with string.
Fred grinned and said, (cid:147)That(cid:146)s right, There are two canaries inside. They are
boy. That(cid:146)s sure right.(cid:148) He went back and named Jim and Joe.(cid:148)
stood looking at the canary cage and listen- Jim grinned foolishly. (cid:147)Well, my name(cid:146)s
ing. Jim, too,(cid:148) he said. After a moment of confu-
Jim called, (cid:147)Them birds still going at sion, he asserted, (cid:147)I(cid:146)ll go back and have a
it?(cid:148) look for it.(cid:148) He sauntered to the rear, found
(cid:147)I(cid:146)m afraid so,(cid:148) Fred said. (cid:147)I can(cid:146)t un- Fred, and told him, (cid:147)This one(cid:146)s after the ca-
derstand it, either.(cid:148) naries too.(cid:148)
Fred scowled. (cid:147)Going to give them to
her?(cid:148)
THE second one who didn(cid:146)t have a (cid:147)I(cid:146)d rather she had them than old
claim-check was a girl. Not a gloriously lovely queer-eyes,(cid:148) said Jim dryly. (cid:147)But the answer
girl, and not a homely one either, although is, hell no.(cid:148)
there was some reason to believe she might
have taken pains to make herself non-
distinctive. Her dull grey coat was shapeless, THE girl listened to Jim with a little
but she clearly wasn(cid:146)t, and her seal-brown frown of disappointment when he came back.
hair drawn back from her forehead as She said, (cid:147)You say I(cid:146)m to see a Mr. Buck
straight as strings didn(cid:146)t have the aspect of Fineberg? Very well. But I did hope it
always being worn that way. No rouge, no wouldn(cid:146)t be necessary to bother a lot of peo-
powder, nothing extra at the eyes. And she, ple, just because I lost my claim-check.(cid:148)
too, wanted the canaries. Jim looked at her steadily, and told her
She smiled a nice enough smile. (cid:147)I a lie. (cid:147)I think Buck was on duty here this
know people who(cid:146)ve mislaid their claim- morning when you probably left the pack-
checks must be an awful nuisance, but I ha- age,(cid:148) he said.
ven(cid:146)t mine. I have a package here, though.
Now, how do I go about getting it?(cid:148)
6 DOC SAVAGE
(cid:147)Oh, good! Maybe he(cid:146)ll remember me, Grabbing up the telephone again, Jim
and that will save a lot of explaining,(cid:148) she dialed the number which Margaret Prince
said happily. had given him as her own. Upon receiving an
Jim was nonplussed, a little ashamed answer, he asked boldly for Miss Prince, and
of himself, and he passed the buck to Fred, the reply he received made an interesting
saying, (cid:147)I(cid:146)d let you have it, only old sour- study on his face for Fred to watch.
puss(cid:148)(cid:151)he jerked his head toward the rear, (cid:147)Well?(cid:148) asked Fred.
where Fred was(cid:151)(cid:148)doesn(cid:146)t like the idea. You (cid:147)It was the precinct Police Station,(cid:148)
know how it is. I gotta get along with the said Jim sheepishly. (cid:147)They don(cid:146)t know any
guy.(cid:148) Miss Prince.(cid:148)
(cid:147)I understand,(cid:148) said Miss Margaret Twenty minutes later, Fred called
Prince, and she walked away. thickly, (cid:147)Jim, come here.(cid:147)
(cid:147)Between the two,(cid:148) Jim told Fred, (cid:147)I Jim hurried to Fred(cid:146)s side. (cid:147)What(cid:146)s the
think the babe was straight goods. She matter now?(cid:148) He saw that Fred was staring
looked all right to me.(cid:148) at the canary cage sickly.
(cid:147)They mostly all do(cid:151)to you,(cid:148) said Fred. (cid:147)One bird is dead,(cid:148) Fred said.
(cid:147)Hell, I lied and said Buck was in here (cid:147)Huh?(cid:148)
when she left the package, just to see what (cid:147)Dead. The other bird killed it.(cid:148)
her reaction would be. And she seemed Jim shrugged. (cid:147)Yeah? Well, that ought
pleased, and hoped he(cid:146)d remember her. to quiet things down on the old homestead.(cid:148)
Does that sound like she(cid:146)s a sharper?(cid:148) Grimacing, Fred said, (cid:147)Oh, don(cid:146)t be so
(cid:147)It sounds,(cid:148) said the more experienced cold-blooded. If you had seen the poor little
Fred, (cid:147)about like a woman would sound when things showing such malevolent hate, you
she was making a foot out of a guy with a wouldn(cid:146)t be so smart about it.(cid:148)
bushy tail like yours.(cid:148) But the other man was getting tired of
(cid:147)Yah. Nuts.(cid:148) Jim jerked his head. (cid:147)How the whole subject of canaries. He spoke his
the canaries getting along?(cid:148) mind on the matter. (cid:147)Oh hell, get it off your
(cid:147)They(cid:146)re still fighting.(cid:148) mind. Two birds get to fighting in a cage, and
(cid:147)In the dark.(cid:148) there(cid:146)s a winner. So what? So if you don(cid:146)t
(cid:147)Yes, in the dark. They haven(cid:146)t let up blatt out that you opened up the paper in the
an instant. It(cid:146)s incredible.(cid:148) first place so they could get a look at each
(cid:147)What(cid:146)s so incredible about a fight? I other and start operations, there(cid:146)s nothing to
mean, almost everybody and everything is it. Forget the whole thing.(cid:148)
equipped to do a little fighting. That(cid:146)s why Fred was peering into the cage. (cid:147)Hate,(cid:148)
moose have horns.(cid:148) he murmured. (cid:147)I never saw such anger and
(cid:147)I don(cid:146)t think canaries ever fight in the hate in a bird. I didn(cid:146)t know a canary could
dark,(cid:148) Fred said. (cid:147)Mine never have, anyway. show such a thing.(cid:148)
And I(cid:146)ve never seen anything like this hate, (cid:147)Oh, shut up,(cid:148) said Jim. (cid:147)You and your
unadulterated hate, which these birds mani- angry canary!(cid:148)
fest.(cid:148)
(cid:147)The way you(cid:146)re talking, I(cid:146)m beginning
to feel funny about this,(cid:148) Jim said. Chapter II
(cid:147)I feel that way when I look at those
hate-crazed birds.(cid:148) THE possession of a reputation had
Jim went into the back, picked up the long ago saddled Doc Savage with a few
telephone and got himself connected with the handicaps. Out of somewhere near a hun-
larger check-room on the upper level of dred and forty million U. S. inhabitants, not
Grand Central, where supervisor Buck Fine- each one had heard of Doc Savage, but the
berg presided. Jim spoke with Buck for a few percentage who had was respectable. Im-
minutes, then hung up. (cid:147)Hey, Fred, old scare- pressive, too, considering the care which Doc
face never showed up to ask Buck for the had taken to avoid publicity, or at least noto-
package. What do you think of that?(cid:148) riety. Since the scientific genius of the man,
(cid:147)I(cid:146)m not surprised.(cid:148) his startling physical ability, and his unusual
(cid:147)Nor the girl either.(cid:148) Galahad-like occupation of righting wrongs
(cid:147)I(cid:146)m still not surprised.(cid:148)
THE ANGRY CANARY 7
and punishing evildoers, was not unknown in convincing. A man simply didn(cid:146)t accomplish
quite a few odd corners of the world, perhaps such scientific or psychological feats. It was a
the total terrestrial population of around two difficult fact to sell.
billion two hundred million should be consid- But the point was that there was
ered in the percentage table. The point was, enough percentage of zanies on the planet,
that out of a number like that, there were two billion two hundred odd million to make
sure to be screwballs to make life irritating. some isolation desirable. So, while Doc Sav-
Doc Savage(cid:146)s work, the righting of age(cid:146)s headquarters occupied as conspicuous
wrongs and punishing of evildoers whom the a place as there was in New York City, the
normal fingers of law enforcement did not eighty-sixth floor of one of the city(cid:146)s tallest
seem to be able to grasp and crush, was it- buildings, and there were forty or fifty eleva-
self enough out-of-place in a currently war- tors operating in the vertical arteries inside,
cynical and distrustful civilization to make it a getting to see Doc Savage personally was a
subject of disbelief, and on the tongues of the matter that took doing. More specifically, it
ignorant or disillusioned, of ridicule. That sort took a crime. A fantastic one, of one that the
of thing perhaps had been believable in the law didn(cid:146)t seem to be able to touch. Even
days of Galahad, but it had become as un- then, there was a certain screening routine.
fashionable as tin pants, rescuing damsels in
distress, and knighthood in general.
In plain words, the gag had been LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANDREW
worked to death. Charlatans had used it. Too BLODGETT (cid:147)MONK(cid:148) MAYFAIR, who looked
many politicians had instigated wars to save like a reasonably pleasant ape, was one of
humanity, until it was becoming pretty clear the screens. Monk had approximately seven-
that what the world needed was saving from eighths-inch of forehead, and was one of the
the leaders who were continually getting con- world(cid:146)s great chemists, when anybody could
trol of the masses. The world was getting get him to work at it.
wiser, or at least more cynical, about the From the private detective agency
whole saving business with its iron curtains downstairs, which sifted the inflow for cranks
and goose-stepping. Do-gooding was out of and chaff, Monk received a parcel-room
style these days. A guy was supposed to claim-check.
have an angle. And if the angle wasn(cid:146)t at (cid:147)It came in the mail,(cid:148) he was told.
once apparent, the thing to do was be disbe- Not much impressed, Monk asked, (cid:147)No
lieving and hold an air of ridicule. note with it, or anything?(cid:148)
Doc Savage(cid:146)s (cid:147)angle(cid:148) wasn(cid:146)t apparent, (cid:147)Just this.(cid:148) He was handed a bit of col-
and for a pretty good reason. He didn(cid:146)t have ored paper with one torn edge.
one. He did good, righted wrongs, punished (cid:147)Blazes!(cid:148)
evildoers, did scientific work so completely (cid:147)It impressed me, too,(cid:148) said the private
for the benefit of humanity as a whole that detective whose office force did nothing but
money-minded corporations, or publicity- screen and investigate the people who
minded (cid:147)foundations(cid:148) wouldn(cid:146)t finance it, and wished to see Doc Savage.
the only return he received was inner satis- Monk took off his hat, which looked as
faction. It was well that he expected no other if it had been used to dust off his shoes, and
return, too. Satisfaction was frequently all he scratched around in some bristling rusty,
got. shingle-nails that served him as hair. (cid:147)Doc
Doc Savage was a man of fantastic won(cid:146)t care for this much. He doesn(cid:146)t like
feats and good deeds and taking return only something to start out smelling of money,
in satisfaction had not made him a meek nor particularly big money, as payment for his
an impoverished man. He was a spectacular services.(cid:148)
person. Physically, a giant bronze man with (cid:147)Then you(cid:146)re not interested?(cid:148)
hair a little darker bronze and strange flake- (cid:147)In one-half of a thousand-dollar bill?
gold eyes that could be sympathetic, firm, or Hell yes, I am,(cid:148) said Monk. (cid:147)But the question
scare the hell out of a wrongdoer, he could is, will Doc be? What else was there with
do things with sinew that were not quite be- this?(cid:148)
lievable. Mentally, he was a phenomenon (cid:147)Just that. The claim-check. The half a
that a biographer would find hard to make thousand-buck bill.(cid:148)
8 DOC SAVAGE
(cid:147)Hmmmm. Well, I(cid:146)ll take it upstairs and (cid:147)Which one?(cid:148)
see what the master says.(cid:148) (cid:147)Audrey,(cid:148) Monk muttered.
Doc Savage(cid:146)s metallic bronze features
remained expressionless, and he said
MONK took the private elevator to the thoughtfully, (cid:147)Do you fellows know what is
eighty-sixth floor, and in the reception room, going to happen to you sometime? You(cid:146)re
a large place with comfortable chairs and a going to get so interested in one of these
ghastly old-fashioned steel safe of tremen- competitions that some blond fluff with dark
dous size, and an inlaid table that was a blue eyes is going to ring one of your fin-
priceless Oriental piece, he found Attorney gers.(cid:148)
Theodore Marley Brooks. He paused to (cid:147)How(cid:146)d you know she had dark blue
speak unpleasantly to Ham Brooks. (cid:147)Hello, eyes? You never met Audrey,(cid:148) Monk de-
shyster,(cid:148) Monk said. (cid:147)I(cid:146)ve warned you before, manded.
and I(cid:146)m going to do it again. But this is the (cid:147)They go with peroxide, don(cid:146)t they?(cid:148)
last time, savvy?(cid:148) (cid:147)I think I should resent that,(cid:148) Monk
Ham Brooks, a very dapperly dressed said. (cid:147)What makes you think we might get
man, sneered. hooked?(cid:148)
(cid:147)Well, well, it breathes, it walks on its (cid:147)Because you(cid:146)ll be so busy watching
hind legs, it looks like the missing link,(cid:148) he each other, you(cid:146)ll forget to watch the girl.(cid:148)
remarked. (cid:147)What can it be? Not a certain lout (cid:147)You mean shot with a marriage li-
of a chemist who has been molesting my girl- cense when we(cid:146)re not looking, eh?(cid:148) Monk
friend?(cid:148) snorted. (cid:147)Fat chance. Ham and I are wary old
(cid:147)Yours? Your girl-friend! Hell(cid:146)s bells!(cid:148) wolves. We love (cid:145)em and leave (cid:145)em. There(cid:146)s
Monk turned purple, waved both arms and nothing to it.(cid:148) Monk fished around in his
screamed, (cid:147)Molesting! Where do you get that pocket and brought out the claim-check and
stuff, you miserable flea on the reputation of the half of a thousand-dollar bill. He pre-
Blackstone? Audrey was, and is, my girl- sented these to Doc Savage. (cid:147)Interesting
friend.(cid:148) trivia from the afternoon mail,(cid:148) he remarked.
Ham smirked. (cid:147)Is, you say?(cid:148) Doc looked at the items, but did not
(cid:147)Yeah, even if you did have her out last take them until he had pulled on rubber
night,(cid:148) Monk bellowed. (cid:147)And I(cid:146)m telling you, gloves. (cid:147)You(cid:146)d better be more careful with
you tort, if you mess around with Audrey odd stuff through the mail,(cid:148) he said. (cid:147)Science
once more, you(cid:146)ll be asking, (cid:145)Where(cid:146)s my has been doing some hair-raising things with
arms and legs?(cid:146) I don(cid:146)t mean maybe.(cid:148) killing germs lately.(cid:148)
Ham leaped to his feet, seized the (cid:147)You must be getting jumpy.(cid:148)
slender black cane which he habitually car- Doc Savage said nothing, but carried
ried, and screeched, (cid:147)Don(cid:146)t you threaten me, the check and the greenback fragment over
you physical freak!(cid:148) to a microscope and took a look at them. He
(cid:147)Threaten you?(cid:148) Monk howled. (cid:147)I won(cid:146)t was a giant of a man, and it was impossible
say a word. I(cid:146)ll just(cid:151)(cid:148) for a casual air and normal mannerisms to
A buzzer somewhere in the room made conceal the fact of his fabulous physique.
several irritated beeping sounds. It ended the Monk, watching him, was impressed, and
dispute temporarily, because it was a signal Monk had known Doc for quite a few years,
from Doc Savage. and he was not easily impressed. Doc was
Monk found Doc Savage in the labora- more than a physical giant. He was a trained
tory, which was the largest room, composing symphony in sinew and coordination, the
over two-thirds of the skyscraper(cid:146)s eighty- product of a childhood devoted entirely to
sixth floor, that lay behind a library containing rigorous training at the hands of experts who
Doc(cid:146)s amazing collection of scientific tomes. had been hired by the man(cid:146)s father and given
Monk asked uneasily, (cid:147)Our little fuss bother- one instruction: If interminable training will
ing you?(cid:148) develop a superman, produce one. There are
(cid:147)It was shaking the whole neighbor- probably limitations to what consistent prac-
hood,(cid:148) Doc Savage said briefly. (cid:147)Female tice and self-development over a period of
trouble again?(cid:148) years can accomplish, but sometimes Monk
(cid:147)Yeah,(cid:148) Monk admitted sheepishly. wondered.
THE ANGRY CANARY 9
(cid:147)No germs, eh?(cid:148) Monk remarked. (cid:147)I(cid:146)m afraid it is.(cid:148) Doc indicated the mi-
(cid:147)Apparently not.(cid:148) Doc took the two arti- croscope. (cid:147)Put the things under the glass and
cles to another contrivance, a device of his see for yourself.(cid:148)
own development for measuring radiant Monk grunted, and followed instruc-
emission which was considerably more sen- tions, but the examination did not fully con-
sitive than the Geiger counter and its suc- vince him. He said, (cid:147)I see the flecks of face
cessor, the one which utilized certain proper- powder, and tobacco, but danged if it means
ties of diamonds. that much to me.(cid:148)
Monk was amused at the giant bronze Doc said pleasantly, (cid:147)If you had been
man(cid:146)s precautions. (cid:147)If they should be radio- doing research recently into allergies as re-
active, so what? They wouldn(cid:146)t likely be lated to cosmetics and tobacco, as I have, it
charged enough to harm a man.(cid:148) would be clear enough. First, the powder:
(cid:147)The claim-check is for a package at Face powder, a shade used by medium-
the stand on the lower level at Grand Central complexioned girls but shunned by blondes
Station,(cid:148) Doc Savage said. (cid:147)The package and deep brunettes. Second, the tobacco,
could be a bomb, triggered for detonation by from an exotic cigarette, Trieens, made in
the presence of a radiant nearby.(cid:148) India and not shipped abroad at all because
Monk nodded. (cid:147)But that would take of government monopoly regulations. They(cid:146)re
imagination and some scientific skill.(cid:148) long and gold-tipped, and since they(cid:146)re sold
(cid:147)Decency has no corner on imagina- nowhere but in India, perhaps she bought
tion, unfortunately,(cid:148) Doc said. He seemed them there. And there(cid:146)s a trace of perfume
satisfied with his examination. (cid:147)They seem to about the claim-check, a rather rash scent
be clean. What do you make of it?(cid:148) affected by younger women.(cid:148)
(cid:147)I don(cid:146)t know what to figure.(cid:148) Monk Monk grinned. (cid:147)I missed the perfume,
shook his head. (cid:147)The two things just came in but she sounds interesting. Shall I take this
the mail. Postmarked a little after noon. (cid:147) He up and see what it draws?(cid:148)
hesitated, then added, (cid:147)The half of a thou- (cid:147)If you wish.(cid:148)
sand-dollar bill gives it some bite. The bill(cid:146)s (cid:147)Okay.(cid:148)
genuine, I think.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Yes, seems to be.(cid:148)
(cid:147)You going to pick up the package and MONK collected Ham Brooks, and they
see what gives?(cid:148) caught a cab uptown. Monk did not tell Ham
Doc looked at Monk thoughtfully. (cid:147)You about Doc Savage(cid:146)s theory that a girl was
might wish you(cid:146)d done that yourself, in case involved; as a matter of fact, Monk invited
acquiring the package should lead to a con- Ham along only because the girl, if any,
tact with the owner later.(cid:148) might pay the headquarters a visit during
(cid:147)Yeah? How you figure?(cid:148) their absence and if Ham was there, and if
(cid:147)A female.(cid:148) the girl was promising, that would give Ham
(cid:147)Eh?(cid:148) the inside track. Ham probably suspected
(cid:147)The package seems to have been chicanery, because he thought Monk had
checked by a brown-haired, brown-eyed girl brought him along merely for the pleasure of
who is rather exotic, probably about twenty- renewing their quarrel about the blonde, Aud-
four years old, smokes long gold-tipped ciga- rey, whereas it developed Monk was unusu-
rettes, and is quite a traveler. Sound interest- ally quiet. Monk, for his part, was absorbed
ing?(cid:148) by amazement at Doc(cid:146)s deductive perform-
Monk blinked a couple of times. ance with the claim-check and thinking about
(cid:147)Sounds more like you(cid:146)re running a whizzer it admiringly. But Ham was alarmed.
on me.(cid:148) (cid:147)What snide deal are you pulling on
(cid:147)The brand of cigarettes she likes is me?(cid:148) Ham demanded.
named Trieens, and her most recent trip was (cid:147)What? Oh calm down, you(cid:146)re not in
to India.(cid:148) the company of another lawyer, so nobody is
(cid:147)How you figure that?(cid:148) Monk asked. going to steal your shirt. . . . Somebody
(cid:147)And don(cid:146)t tell me it(cid:146)s simple, dear Watson. . . checked something at Grand Central and
. Or is it?(cid:148) sent Doc Savage the check, along with half a
thousand-dollar bill, and we(cid:146)re going after it.(cid:148)
10 DOC SAVAGE
Ham was interested. (cid:147)We(cid:146)re going after tion, Jim Presse, is out to lunch. He will be
the other half of the bill, I hope you mean.(cid:148) back presently, if you care to wait. In fact,
(cid:147)The package.(cid:148) he(cid:146)s due back now.(cid:148)
(cid:147)That(cid:146)s an impractical approach. The This was half-truth to the extent that
thousand-dollar bill is the thing,(cid:148) Ham said. Jim Presse was indeed out to lunch, but for
It was dark, a little after nine o(cid:146)clock, the rest, Fred wanted to wait until Jim re-
and the midtown traffic was catching its turned and consult him about procedure.
breath after the theater rush, so that their cab (cid:147)Honest citizens, he says,(cid:148) Monk
was able to enter the drop-off at Grand Cen- growled.
tral without delay. They strolled inside, de- Ham eyed Monk in exasperation, re-
scended the steps, made the proper turns, marking, (cid:147)That comes of letting you do the
went down the ramps to the lower level and talking. That face of yours has upset the
located the check-room. man. One look at that sub-human visage,
Fred Lill looked down at the check and it(cid:146)s Katie bar the door.(cid:148)
when Monk dropped it on the scuffed and Monk ignored this and asked Fred Lill,
shiny sheet metal counter-top, and Fred stiff- (cid:147)Who are these people, Mr. Plott and Marga-
ened instantly. He had recognized the num- ret Prince?(cid:148)
ber on the claim-check as matching the stub (cid:147)Two who tried to get the canary cage,(cid:148)
on the canary cage. said Fred triumphantly.
(cid:147)Are you the party who checked this?(cid:148) (cid:147)The what? Canary cage?(cid:148) demanded
Fred asked suspiciously. Monk.
(cid:147)We got the claim-check, ain(cid:146)t we?(cid:148) That had slipped out, and Fred winced.
Monk countered. (cid:147)Trot it out.(cid:148) (cid:147)Wait until Jim gets(cid:151)oh, yonder he comes
Fred hesitated. There had been now.(cid:148) Fred sighed with relief, and called,
enough mystery surrounding the canary cage (cid:147)Hey, Jim, here are two more guys after that
to upset him, and while he would be glad cage. What(cid:146)ll we(cid:151)(cid:148)
enough to be rid of the thing, he didn(cid:146)t wish The other man in the check-room at-
to invite more trouble. He said, (cid:147)Will you give tendant(cid:146)s uniform stalked past, swung a leg
me your name, Mister?(cid:148) over the counter, slid across it, muttering as
(cid:147)Listen,(cid:148) said Monk. (cid:147)I(cid:146)ve been check- he did so, (cid:147)Back in a minute. Feel kinda sick.(cid:148)
ing packages in depots since I was a runny- He hurried into the rear, between the long
nosed little stinker so-high to a poodle, and I aisles of shelf-racks.
never had to give my name before. What are Fred was shocked. (cid:147)That isn(cid:146)t like Jim.
you getting up, a Christmas card list?(cid:148) He didn(cid:146)t look at all right(cid:151)(cid:148) He scowled
Fred scowled. (cid:147)Did Mr. Plott send you nervously at Monk and Ham. (cid:147)Just a minute,
for the package?(cid:148) you guys. I want to see what ails Jim.(cid:148) He
(cid:147)Who(cid:146)s Mr. Plott?(cid:148) turned and hastened after the other man.
(cid:147)Then it was Miss Margaret Prince?(cid:148) Monk glanced at Ham, and the latter
Fred suggested. was saying, (cid:147)If you ask me, there is some-
(cid:147)Who(cid:146)s she?(cid:148) thing odd(cid:151)(cid:148) when Fred Lill(cid:146)s whoop of terror
(cid:147)You don(cid:146)t know either one of those reached them from the rear. (cid:147)Help! This ain(cid:146)t
people?(cid:148) Fred asked pointedly. Jim.(cid:148) Fred shrieked. (cid:147)Help! He(cid:146)s got the
(cid:147)Can(cid:146)t say I do,(cid:148) said Monk. (cid:147)Can(cid:146)t say cage!(cid:148)
I understand why you(cid:146)re galloping around Ham finished his speech with, (cid:147)Take
bushes, either. Would you care to trot out the left aisle, Monk. I(cid:146)ll go right.(cid:148) And they
whatever this claim-check calls for, or would were both across the metal-topped counter
you care for a little trouble?(cid:148) instantly and lunging to the attendant(cid:146)s aid.
Fred stiffened. (cid:147)You can(cid:146)t scare me. I But Monk was just as quickly back in view.
don(cid:146)t like your manner.(cid:148) His homely face was distorted, his hurry wild.
(cid:147)You won(cid:146)t get the package?(cid:148) The reason was promptly self-evident when a
Fred shrugged. (cid:147)Sorry. I can(cid:146)t. It(cid:146)s not clap of gunsound exhaled from the rear.
in my section. If you could describe the Monk yelled, (cid:147)He(cid:146)s in this aisle. He(cid:146)s got a
package, which I don(cid:146)t imagine you can, or gun.(cid:148) Ham said, (cid:147)Well, go in and get him.(cid:148)
identify yourselves as honest citizens, I might Monk(cid:146)s reply was pained. (cid:147)I(cid:146)m not bullet-
help you. But the attendant of the other sec- proofed today,(cid:148) he said, and this was not in