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

decision. Are you willing to make the payment of ten million dollars?”

“We are,” declared Hendrix.

Legira smiled triumphantly. From now on the situation was in his hands. He saw that Hendrix was about
to ask another question. Shrewdly, Legira took action to forestall it.

“You are worried about the arrangements,” he said. “There is no cause for alarm. As accredited
representative of Santander, I can avoid all difficulties. It now rests between you and myself, Mr.
Hendrix.

“To avoid all complications, the proposal is that you should have the entire amount in your possession,
ready for delivery when I request it. Once it is given to me, your responsibility ends and mine begins.”
“That's just it, Mr. Legira,” interposed a puffy-faced man near the head of the table. “It's the irregular
way of giving you the money—”

“Do you have confidence in Mr. Hendrix?” queried Legira promptly.

“Certainly,” said the puffy man.

“Are you confident that my government has full trust in me?” was the consul's next question.

“Yes,” came the reply.

Legira simply shrugged his shoulders. Better than any words, the action carried home his thought. Nods
of approval came amid a buzzing murmur. It was clear that Legira had good reason for reducing the
transaction into terms of individuals.

“When Mr. Hendrix has the money,” purred Legira, “all will be in his capable hands. I, in turn, shall know
the proper time to send the millions to Santander. Then, quietly, with avoidance of publicity, I shall obtain
the money from Mr. Hendrix, and see to its safe delivery in my native land. When the world learns that
great American interests have supported Santander, the entire deal will have been consummated.”

Looking from face to face, Legira knew that he had triumphed. One by one he studied his companions,
and saw agreement on every countenance.

Then, at the end of his inspection, he once more encountered the hawk-faced man, who was sitting with
folded arms. Legira and this individual locked in a silent stare.

“Unless there are further questions”—Hendrix was speaking to his companions—“we can now give
Legira our decision—”

Legira scarcely heard the words. He was watching his adversary, knowing that here was one, at least,
who by a single question could ruin his plans. The consul's assurance began to fade as he saw the lips of
that impenetrable face move.

“I have a question.”

The voice was cold. Although the words were spoken to the entire group, Legira knew that they were
meant for him, alone.