"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 021 - Shadowed Millions" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

“Mr. Zelva,” continued Hendrix, “is a prominent Venezuelan, who is at present in New York. He spoke
highly of the Santander plans, and gave us full assurance that the newly formed government would abide
by its agreements.”

Legira's surprise turned to perplexity; then his face assumed an expression of pleased confidence. He
smiled as he looked about the group. Then his features froze as he encountered the cold stare of a man
seated at the side of the table.

Until now, Alvarez Legira had considered these men as a group, not as individuals. It was with both
surprise and alarm that he discovered this one man who was different.

Legira saw a face that was firm and impassive, a countenance as rigid and as impenetrable as his own.
The eyes that peered from the masklike visage were inscrutable in their glance. Legira realized that those
eyes were searching, watching him with hawkish attitude.

Who was this stranger, so different from the other financiers? What was the meaning of his inscrutable
gaze?

Legira was ill at ease. He knew that he had met a man who was more than his match. Was the man a
friend or an enemy?

The voice of John Hendrix came in tones that seemed far away to Alvarez Legira. The South American
shook himself from the hypnotic stare that had so amazed him, and managed to look toward Hendrix.

“The chief question,” Hendrix was saying, “concerns the manner of these negotiations. Frankly, Legira,
the secrecy upon which you have insisted has raised doubts in our minds. You asked me to arrange this
meeting at this unusual time, and in this unusual place. We want to know why you have insisted on that
point.”

Legira regained his suavity with an effort. He looked about him, taking care to avoid the glance of the
hawk-faced man at the side of the table. He spoke with polished dignity.

“Gentlemen,” he declared, “the sum of ten million dollars is vital in the affairs of Santander. All is settled;
all is waiting. It is the desire of the new republic's officials to call an expected meeting of sworn delegates
from Colombia and Venezuela; and to pay them in full at that time.

“Talk of negotiations, discussion of money that is on the way— these are elements that might lead to
changes of policy on the part of our neighbors. Hence I, alone, have been entrusted with the obtaining of
the necessary funds.

“All that has been covered in the proposal given you, although it has not been stated in so many words. It
is our desire to bring the final arrangement into the hands of two men—myself as representative of
Santander; yourself, Mr. Hendrix, as representative of the American interests.

“There are two vital points that I can put as questions. First, are you convinced that the Santander
proposal is genuine? Second, are you convinced that I am the authorized agent of my country?”

“We feel that both those points have been established,” replied Hendrix.

“That should be sufficient,” announced Legira, boldly challenging. “Hence I feel justified in asking for your