"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 024 - Six Men of Evil" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"As respectable citizens, you will soon be recognized. Remember that you have perfect opportunities, for
you will be acquainted in your own home towns. The place of my choice is New York; there, I intend to
harbor my funds, and to be guarded in my actions. I could pull jobs there now - but I intend to pass up
the chance."

"Why, Charley?" came a question.

"Because," stated the leader, "I am going to wait for bigger opportunity. Each of you will have the time
that you require. Each will plan his own course; yet all will have the same objective; and I shall figure in
each climax.

"Six months - ten months - a year - time does not matter. I shall wait until each of you is ready. Then, one
by one, we shall reap the harvest. We are different; yet we are the same. Each will contribute; all will
share."

"It ain't clear to me yet, Charley," announced a gruff-voiced rider, "but it seems like you're gettin' to
somethin' worthwhile. We're to split; then each of us keeps in touch with you. I got that part straight. But
how are you goin' to come to see us - or do we go to see you?"

"No one sees another," responded the leader emphatically. "There will be no letters between us. Each
works toward his own objective. Then, when his time has arrived, he lets me know by special sign. You
remember, back at Zeltapec -"

"The Aztec signs!" exclaimed a rider.

"Exactly," declared the leader. "Make your plans; notify me when you are ready. Have the details for my
arrival; then we shall proceed."

"Proceed with what?" demanded one of the men.

The leader laughed. He rode ahead in silence; then, with carefully lowered voice, he began to speak.

Step by step, he weaved the details of the scheme that was in his mind. Not an utterance disturbed his
discourse. Miles went by beneath the steady feet of the plodding horses. Still the riders listened to the
words of the man who dominated them.

At last, the story was told. Words of admiration broke forth in jumbled chorus. One man had shown the
way to five. All six were prepared for work that lay ahead. Terse questions sounded in the dark. To
each, a reply was given by the leader.

THE glow of distant dawn was showing across the plains when the little caravan came to a halt. The
border had been reached. The men were ready for their parting on American soil.

"Remember all that I have told you" - the leader's voice was stern - "and wait until the proper plans are
made. There are five of you, and each has his job. I have told you how to reach me in New York. This is
the beginning. The past is forgotten."

He paused and stared through the dim light at the outlined forms of the men who rested on their horses.
Like the central figure in a group of statuary, the leader loomed and dominated.