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

stadium contract, for reasons known to ourselves. That neglect of a current
topic has brought a flood of letters from persons who listen to my program."
Wrightley's side whiskers showed a tremor as he heard this discouraging
news. Bursard, too, was troubled as he proceeded.


"MY only course," explained Bursard, "is either to talk about the
contract
or feed the public some other topic that is timely. What do you think of the
latter course?"
"Excellent!" exclaimed the mayor. "A fine idea, Bursard! Proceed with it
at your first opportunity. Draw attention away from the matter of the
contract."
"Unfortunately," returned Bursard, "there is only one topic that I can
use. It is the court case to be decided this afternoon. The claim of Ray Kroot
against Interstate Textile."
The significance dawned on the mayor. He pondered; then slowly voiced the
objection that he knew was in Bursard's mind.
"I understand," said Wrightley. "However that case is decided, it will be
bad for either Clewiss or Radbourne. Clewiss represents the inventor;
Radbourne
owns the Interstate Textile Co. It will be ticklish, Bursard."
"I know it, admitted Bursard. "However, I shall try to be impartial. I
shall attend the court session myself, and give a fair report of whatever
occurs there. I hope, though, that the man who loses will not be angered after
my broadcast. I value the friendships of both Clewiss and Radbourne."
"Of course," agreed Wrightley, warmly. He considered for a moment, then
added: "Suppose I speak to both men beforehand and explain what you intend to
do. After all, it will be for their benefit, as well as ours."
"That would help," decided Bursard. "But be sure that you convince them
that my plan is entirely impartial."
"I'll do that," promised the mayor. "I shall see both of them before the
trial. That will make it absolutely fair, since the case will be undecided at
the time I speak with them."
 LEAVING the two men, The Shadow went to his hotel. It was two o'clock
when
he arrived there. He stayed only a short while, then set out for the
courthouse.
The hearing was to take place at half past two. The Shadow had already decided
to be there.
The Shadow had good reason to be present. The case of Kroot versus
Interstate Textile was vitally important. It meant either a transfer or a
saving of two hundred thousand dollars, according to which side won. Whichever
the victor, The Shadow could see a vulture waiting to seize the spoils. The
patent suit promised a new opportunity for Intimidation, Incorporated.
Convinced that the master crook's hand would again be revealed today, The
Shadow arrived early at the courthouse. As he was going up the granite steps,
he saw another car pull up. From it stepped Elwood Clewiss. Nodding to someone
in the car, Clewiss fished out a stack of loose papers and tucked them under
his arm. As the car drove away, The Shadow saw the bewhiskered face of Mayor