Robert J. Hogan - The Secret 6 #3: The Monster Murders

Gripping Mystery Novel

by Robert J. Hogan

Giant dogs at large! Kill several in Manhattan... The nation read this story with horror. Dogs as big as horses dogs that mutilated and destroyed. What were these beasts? What fiendish hand directed them? Only the Secret 6 guessed the real menace, dared follow the crimson tracks of a monster killer!

IT WAS evening. Members of the Secret 6 band were seated about the cabin. All were present except The Key. Luga, the giant Zulu chief, was preparing their evening meal when King tossed a cigarette into the fireplace and shook his head.

I confess, he said, Im worried. The Key has had entirely too much to say about those old records that were stolen from the district attorneys office.

Surely, said the Bishop, you dont think that he had anything to do with their disappearance?

King shook his head. I never make accusations, Bishop, unless I am certain. The thing that sticks in my mind is that hes been too interested. And hes had that wise grin covering his face for several days.

Im sure, the Bishop said stoutly, when the Key has investigated the matter thoroughly to his own satisfaction hell let us in on whatever secrets he may have.

The Doctor spoke up in his deep voice. I cant see any reason why The Key should be so excited, either. The records that disappeared are all twenty to thirty years old.

King looked thoughtfully into the fire for a time. After a minute he nodded.

I think, he said with finality, as soon as supper is over Ill drive down to New York.

Certainly, the Bishop exclaimed, you wouldnt expect to locate The Key immediately?

Hardly, agreed King. But the Keys been gone since last night. I propose to contact every one of the five who keep us posted with their short wave sending sets. Ill gamble The Key has seen some of them today.

Luga called them to dinner and they sat down. King ate silently. When he was through he pushed back his plate and rose. Luga stood attentively by his side.

I go with you, Master?

It was an earnest question. King shrugged.

Just as you please, big boy, he said. I dont know if there will be anything for you to do. You can drive the car if you want.

Suppose, suggested the Doctor, we all go. Perhaps some of us might take in a show while you do your private investigating. I certainly dont propose to waste my time on such a foolish mission.

You may be perfectly right, said King. Perhaps its just curiosity thats driving me along to this. He turned toward the door. Well, Im ready if the rest of you are. Lets go.