Secret Phone Call
Upon learning the news, Dr. Morgan was not in a hurry to leave. He pondered for a moment and asked Mr. Sawyer if he could make a call to Miskatonic University.
"Of course," Mr. Sawyer said.
Dr. Morgan said, "In that case, could I have a separate space to make phone calls?"
Mr. Sawyer's phone was in the living room.
To give Dr. Morgan his own space, Mr. Sawyer led Paul to another room.
Before leaving, Dr. Morgan patted Paul on the shoulder.
There was clearly a conflict between Paul and Mr. Sawyer, and Dr. Morgan did not want the conflict to escalate.
"Mr. Sawyer is a nice man," Dr. Morgan said quietly.
"That's about it," Paul replied softly. "You don't need to worry about me. If I don't want to stay here, I'll go out myself."
Dr. Morgan nodded.
After the two men left, Dr. Morgan picked up the microphone.
"Hello?"
A middle-aged man's voice came through the microphone.
"It's me, Professor Rice Francis Morgan Rice. I need you to do something for me. Now, please pick up a pen and paper and write down what I have to say."
Amid the rustling of pen and paper, Dr. Morgan said, "In the Skull Museum, the skull named Oliver is associated with the cult family 'Whateley '."
He paused, then continued, "Leave two lines blank, and write: Discard the skull named Oliver."
Another pause. "Leave two blank lines and continue writing: The skull named Oliver was smashed to pieces."
"Then, leave two blank lines and write: The skull named Oliver will be transferred to Bay State University."
"Have you finished writing everything?"
"Yes," Professor Rice said.
"Please read it to me."
Professor Rice cleared his throat and read aloud what was written on the paper, "Discard the skull named ' Oliver '."
Dr. Morgan waited a moment, then asked, "Is that all?"
"That's all. That's all that's written on the paper," Professor Rice replied matter-of-factly.
"So, if you want to dispose of this skull, where do you think is the best place to throw it?"
"A storage room is fine; you can put it anywhere in any storage room."
"Why not just smash it and throw it in the trash?" Dr. Morgan asked.
Professor Rice did not answer.
"Where would be the best place to put it?" Dr. Morgan had to ask again.
"The storage room," Professor Rice replied.
Dr. Morgan understood.
It seems that neither destroying the skull nor sending it far away from Miskatonic University is permitted.
In other words, these are the correct practices.
Dr. Morgan then asked, "Is Wilbur in the library now?"
"I don't know, but I didn't see him."
"So, has Nancy's red car returned?"
"I'm not quite sure. Could you wait a moment while I go ask the students outside?"
A few minutes later, Professor Rice returned to the phone and said, "No, no one has seen Wilbur, and no one has seen Nancy's red car."
No— Dr. Morgan knew Wilbur had always wanted to borrow the Necronomicon, and he assumed Wilbur went to Arkham specifically for that book.
No, Wilbur may indeed be after that, but he hasn't taken action yet.
Is Professor Armitage still in the library?
"No, he went to Robert Aoun's ward."
"Professor Armitage —no, Professor Rice, please protect the Necronomicon. No one, except Professor Armitage, should be allowed to borrow it for any reason."
"The Necronomicon?" Professor Rice paused for a moment, then said, "I understand. Don't worry, I'll protect it."
Dr. Morgan was about to hang up when he suddenly remembered something.
He asked Professor Rice, "If I remember correctly, you know Love, right?"
"Yes, that young man with white hair."
He lives in Dunwich.
"That's right."
"Then," Dr. Morgan tentatively asked, "In that case, how about giving him Oliver's skull?"
"Give it to him—why?" Professor Rice, somewhat puzzled.
"No, it was just a joke."
Dr. Morgan hung up the phone.
There's no way to send the skull out of Arkham —but it can be sent to Dunwich—
More precisely, it could be given to P. F.?
Dr. Morgan quickly grasped the underlying logic:
Something is preventing the people of Arkham from doing anything detrimental to Whateley, and Hope Love ----
He is a member of the "Whateley" family.
As long as you direct things at Hope, you won't be bothered.
Dr. Morgan made a second call, and this time, Jack answered.
"Hello," Jack said.
"It's me, Francis," Dr. Morgan said. "Is Professor Armitage here with you?"
"Yes, the professor is here."
A few seconds later, Professor Armitage's aged yet gentle voice came through the microphone.
"Is there a problem in Dunwich?" Professor Armitage asked.
"It has nothing to do with the Great Night Hawk," Dr. Morgan said. "I'm here to borrow books for Love."
"Borrowing books?"
"Yes, borrow that Necronomicon."
Professor Armitage paused for a moment. "However, that book is not available for loan."
"I'll vouch for Love. Besides, I've already spoken with Professor Rice. Professor, please trust me."
After a few seconds, Professor Armitage finally agreed, "Okay, is he at school now? He can come and get it."
"No, he's not at school. In fact, he can't leave Dunwich now, so I'm hoping someone can help him send the books there."
"After you come back?"
"Then it will be too late," Dr. Morgan said.
He brought the microphone closer to his mouth to make his voice clearer. "Professor Armitage, I would like to request that you personally bring the Necronomicon to Dunwich."
He said, "I know it's after get off work hours, but I hope you can—just do a favor for a friend."
Professor Armitage remained silent, but Jack's voice rang out again. "Francis, I'm only asking you, is there a problem?"
"Yes."
"Professor Armitage," Jack said, "I suggest you go there in person."
Jack then spoke to the other person.
"What, are there other people here?" Dr. Morgan asked.
He was somewhat flustered.
He was in such a hurry that he forgot to ask beforehand if anyone else was present.
"Don't worry," Jack said. "If there are any outsiders, I'll warn you first. It's the Federation's new doctor; I'm Communication to him right now. Have him stay here; I'm with Professor Armitage."
He said, "Professor Armitage has been out of the Federation for many years, and you are just an amateur investigator. I am the most professional person here."