DEATH JEWELS
by Maxwell Grant
As originally published in "The Shadow Magazine," on August 1, 1938
Robbery, then death - and New York was stunned with the swiftness of
crime! But faster was The Shadow, Crime Fighter Extraordinary!
CHAPTER I
CRIME'S WARNING
It was midnight, and the Star Club was crowded with patrons, packed at the
tables that were set around three sides of the dance floor. A floor show was in
progress; a line of chorus girls were doing a rhythmic dance, to music that
rose above the clatter of dishes.
There wasn't a spare table in the place, for the Star Club, with its
two-dollar dinner-and-floor show, was the most popular night spot in Manhattan.
Even with all its glitter, the club was merely an annoyance to Valencia
Gaylor. She wasn't exactly bored, for Valencia was an enthusiastic person on
most occasions. But she couldn't see why Reggie Taunton had chosen to bring her
here, when so many other New York night clubs were quieter and less crowded.
The Star had become a place for out-of-town visitors who came to New York
on round-trip tours that included rail fare, hotel accommodations, and
sightseeing trips. They thought they were seeing New Yorkers who liked night
life; instead, they were cooped up with a flock of other visiting delegates.
Valencia could observe that when she looked at the tables close by. She
and Reggie seemed to be the only persons who had ever seen a Manhattan floor
show before. That thought made Valencia smile. At least they provided some
atmosphere for the tourists.
They did make a good-looking pair.
Reggie was a handsome chap, with his sleek hair and well-formed features.
He looked best from a full-face view, for his profile showed a nose that was a
trifle pointed, with a chin that wasn't quite strong enough.
He made up for these minor shortcomings by his attire. Reggie's tuxedo was
faultless in its fit. His black bow tie had that perfect adjustment that only
deft fingers could produce.
Valencia was a girl of real charm. Her light hair made a shimmer that
matched the sparkle of her eyes. The slight snubbiness of her nose was no
detraction; it went with the winsome smile that so often adorned her lips. Her
chin was perfect. It had the firmness that Reggie's lacked.
"You look swell, Val," commended Reggie as he looked in the girl's
direction. "That evening gown is perfect! You don't have to wear jewels to
complete it."
His eyes had followed the girl's bare arms to her hands, that rested on
the table. Except for a simple signet ring, she wore no jewelry at all.
Reggie's comment, however, brought a smile from Valencia.
"I wanted to wear my bracelets," she remarked, "and the emerald ring, as
