"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 031 - The Red Blot" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

mechanism was regular in sound, the indications came at definite intervals, with an unusual psychological
result.

To the eyes that watched this clock, a single second seemed like a prolonged space of time, not as an
idly moving series of moments. Each minute, formed of sixty such intervals, was episodic. An hour, as
shown upon this clock, was a tremendous stretch of time that allowed for limitless accomplishment.

SUCH was the clock that rested in The Shadow's sanctum. The weird blue light that glistened upon the
circled dial existed only in that secret room. This was the abode where the master who fought with crime
reviewed his plans and formed new strategy.

The appearance of the light marked the presence of The Shadow himself. He, alone, visited this mystic
room, located in some unknown section of Manhattan. In the midst of strenuous campaigns, The Shadow
could always seek the seclusion of this sanctuary, there to mock his enemies and devise new ways to end
the schemes of malefactors.

To gangdom, The Shadow was known only as a powerful being whose unseen hand reached
everywhere. There were mobsmen who claimed to have seen him - but only at a distance. Those who
had met The Shadow face to face no longer lived to assert their claims.

Dying gangsters - toughened characters of the type who died grimly - had coughed out their lives through
trembling lips, gasping the name of The Shadow. Time and again, sneering big shots had been struck
down just as they were about to reap the profits of some heinous crime. Here, again, the hand of The
Shadow had intervened.

None knew the identity of The Shadow. It was something that the underworld had long sought. All rats
of crime were eager to eliminate The Shadow. His power had caused consternation in other cities than
New York - both in America and abroad - yet none had ever balked his might.

It was known that The Shadow must be a master of detection, for he had uncovered the most ingenious
of crimes. It was known also that he could travel swiftly and unseen, for he had frequently appeared in
the heart of an enemy's camp.

As for his indomitable purpose - that was understood. The Shadow showed no mercy to those who did
not deserve it.

It was believed that The Shadow was a master of disguise. That, alone, could account for some of the
amazing parts that he had played. It was also believed that he sometimes employed the aid of trained and
skillful agents, for the magnitude of his activities had shown that capable men had been present when
needed.

Yet The Shadow had always managed to protect his temporary identities unknown; and his agents
remained within the cover of the shroud of mystery that constantly blanketed The Shadow from the eyes
of his foemen.

Despite the efforts of those who sought to thwart him; despite the fact that he never invoked the aid of
the police in his own behalf; The Shadow roamed at will in his untiring search for men of evil. None had
ever managed to discover the location of his sanctum; in fact, the existence of such a spot was regarded
as doubtful by those who discussed its possibility.