"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 005 - Gangdom's Doom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"The man I mentioned," said Fellows, "has been planning a most astonishing campaign. Even I, his agent,
do not know its details.

"I know only that it concerns the present situation here in Chicago; that gangdom is about to learn the
power of this man. I came here as a confidential investigator. I learned of you through Clyde Johnston."

"He knows a lot about me," observed Prescott. "Johnston is a good friend of mine.

"I've told you my racket—selling booze to society and to exclusive clubs. The cops never bothered me. I
was a society man, with a good income that came from an inheritance. That's partly correct. Only, I've
been making lots more by running bootleg liquor than I have from clipping coupons."

"My instructions," Fellows spoke again, "were to make contact with a man of your type.

"I am an insurance broker by profession. My clients are men of means. It was easy for me to learn who
was active in selling liquor to wealthy customers. In talking with Johnston, I discovered that you had
admitted to him that you were in difficulties."

Prescott nodded.

"Johnston doesn't buy liquor," he said. "He gave me plenty of advice when he found out that I was in the
racket. Old friend, you know. Thinking of my welfare. Told me to get out of the dirty game. I told him
that I couldn't."

"Yes," said Fellows, "he was very apprehensive about you. He told me all he knew about you when I
suggested that I might find some way of helping you. He called you on the telephone when I was in his
office. Hence our interview to-night."

"I've played square, haven't I?" asked Prescott pleadingly. "I told you everything, didn't I? If you want me
to write down all the details -"

"There's no need for it," said Fellows dryly. "I have an excellent memory. I shall make out my report
later.

"The real task now is to get you clear of Chicago. In New York, you will be safe."

"In New York!" exclaimed Prescott, in sudden alarm. "Why, there's gangsters there who work hand in
glove with these Chicago mobs—"

"That is true," interposed Fellows, "but the man whose instructions I follow is also in New York. He will
see that you are free from harm.

"You are willing to quit the racket. You have told all you know. In return, you will be sent to safety."

The chubby-faced man drew an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Horace Prescott.

"This envelope contains a ticket to New York," he said, "with reservations on the eleven-thirty train,
Michigan Central. You leave to-night.