The Golden Room

'Most agreeable, Miss Everleigh.'

Mi

As they drove away from Dr Holmes's Castle, Mi

As the Ford continued away from the doctor's Castle, Mi

Crazy, Mi

The minute Dr Herman Holmes was certain that Mi

After a while, he strode into the hallway to a metal wall with a wood grain finish over it, reached behind a thick-leafed rubber plant, pressed a button, and watched the door slide open to his secret soundproof chamber in the rear. He went inside the dimly illuminated, gloomy room, sniffed to be sure the gas had cleared, and found his sixth wife, Georgia

He had decided at noon, after he had learned Mi

Mi

Now, staring down at Georgia

Without wasting any more time, he lifted Georgia

Closing that trap door, he tugged at a second trap door which opened to a narrow stairway that also led down to the basement.

Once in the seven-foot high basement, Holmes worked efficiently. He carried Georgia

After a short time he emptied the tank, drew on his rubber gloves, removed what was left of Georgia

After that, Holmes washed his hands, then climbed back up to his asphyxiation chamber to put everything there in order.

With everything neat and in place, Holmes left his secret chamber, closed it, and returned to the office.

He surveyed his office, his expression as i

He settled down behind his desk and enjoyed a pipeful of Dutch tobacco. He was now a free man once more, free to enjoy and profit from the Everleigh Club's harem of pleasures.

THREE

It was early evening when Gus Varney entered the foyer of the Everleigh Club. Although well dressed, from bow tie and waistcoat to striped trousers, he felt awkward and strange. He tried to give no sign of nervousness as he removed his derby hat. He patted his pockets to reassure himself that he had no means of identification except for a wallet bulging with the money the mayor had given him and his beautifully embossed but fake calling-cards.

A rather plump, brown-haired, plain young woman approached him. She extended her hand. 'I'm Aida Everleigh,' she said. 'I can't remember seeing you before. Have you ever been here?'

'No, I haven't, but many of my friends in St Louis have, and they insisted I not leave Chicago without dining at the Everleigh Club.'

'That's lovely,' said Aida. 'May I ask your name?'

Varney fumbled inside his jacket for his wallet, and tugged it free. He made a show of displaying the fifty-dollar bills in his wallet as he searched for his packet of business cards. He withdrew one card and handed it to Aida Everleigh. 'I'm Jack Simon, president of the Quality Beer Company.'

Aida studied the card, surveyed Varney carefully from head to foot, then smiled and pocketed his card. 'We're pleased to receive you, Mr Simon. What do you have in mind for this evening? Have you had supper yet?'

'As a matter of fact, I haven't had a bite all day. A good meal would sit well with me, along with some wine.'

Aida turned to lead Varney into the Club. 'Do you have anything else in mind?'

'I… I heard you have some rather attractive girls here. I wouldn't mind having one join me for di

'That can be arranged right now. There are three or four young ladies in our Blue Room. It's early and the other girls will be down later. But I'm sure you'll find someone available who will be suitable to your taste. Follow me. I'll introduce you.'

When they entered the Blue Room, what Varney saw was utterly unexpected. The parlour was furnished with three blue divans appointed with leather pillows on which were attached attractive pictures of Gibson Girls. On the walls all around were hung college pe

'Girls,' Aida said, 'I want you to meet Mr Jack Simon, who heads one of the most famous beer companies in St Louis, Missouri. Jack, I want you to meet three of our loveliest entertainers. This is Fa

Varney acknowledged their friendly greetings.