"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 116 - Intimidation,Inc" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

is his business; not ours. I favor the proposition."
Radbourne followed with a prompt statement.
"I discussed that factor with Mr. Cranston," declared the financier. "He
said that some profit might be possible, but that it can scarcely pay him for
the difficulties that he will encounter. It is not an easy matter to line up
Oriental exhibitors in short order. Am I right, Mr. Cranston?"
"Quite right," assured The Shadow, in an even tone. "Moreover, the
unfavorable rate of exchange will limit the exhibitors in the amounts that
they
can pay. I must allow for heavy shipping charges and customs duties. Frankly,
it
is my interest in Oriental products that has inspired me to make this offer,
rather than any hope for profit."
The listeners were convinced, Bursard included. Mayor Wrightley made a
motion that the offer be accepted. It was carried unanimously; the agreements
were signed. As The Shadow arose, the mayor invited him to remain.
"The remainder of our business will be brief," assured Wrightley. "We
have
merely to accept the proper contract for the construction of the city stadium
at
the exposition grounds. You might as well remain with us, Mr. Cranston."
Arranging papers on the table, Wrightley scanned them and delivered a
broad smile.
"We have received a great variety of bids," he remarked. "The lowest is
one million two hundred thousand dollars; the highest, two million. Quite a
difference."
"Too much of a difference," snorted Clewiss. "You can eliminate the two
million dollar bid immediately. By the way; who set such an outrageous
estimate?"
"The bid came from Ralph C. Markallan," replied Wrightley. "His contracts
have always been well handled. His concern is most reliable. But he has
evidently ignored the fact that close competition and small profits are always
to be anticipated in city contracts."
Clewiss nodded and stepped over to study the various bids, remarking that
he had seen them previously, but had not had time to study them. The others
accepted the apology. It was plain that they were all familiar with the bids.
"These lower-priced concerns are doubtful," began Clewiss. Then, with a
pleased tone, he added: "Wait! Here is one quite as good as Markallan's. I
refer to Lubaker-Smythe. Their estimate is one of the lowest, and the concern
is noted for its reliability."
"We have already considered that fact, Mr. Clewiss," remarked the mayor.
"That is, I have discussed it with Mr. Bursard and Mr. Radbourne. Three of us
are already agreed to let the contract to Lubaker-Smythe."
"Count me as a fourth."
 UPON receiving the attorney's agreement, Mayor Wrightley pulled open the
desk drawer and began to rummage among printed contract forms. He drew a few
papers from the drawer, started to sort them to find the one he wanted.
Suddenly, his hand halted.
The others were chatting among themselves. No one noticed Wrightley's
pause, except The Shadow. His keen eyes observed more than the rigidity of the