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

guilty? Who is the rogue who has duped his own associates?"


THE SHADOW picked up pencil and paper that lay on a table. He wrote a
name; folded the paper and held it toward the judge.
"This paper," declared The Shadow, firmly, "bears the name of the man who
calls himself Intimidation, Incorporated. You may read it, Judge Noy, upon one
condition."
"And that condition?"
"Make no statement to the press. Let it appear that you have weakened.
Rely upon me to expose the culprit and his schemes."
"Agreed, and willingly," decided Judge Noy, reaching for the paper. "I
shall give you full authority to handle the case."
The Shadow released the paper. Eagerly, Noy opened it. He read the name;
his face showed new amazement. Looking toward The Shadow, the judge exclaimed:
"Impossible! This man cannot be the criminal. Why, he -"
The judge stopped short. The steadiness of The Shadow's gaze made him
consider. Slowly, Noy began to see a possible answer - one that he would have
completely rejected had The Shadow not shown such absolute certainty.
"It might be," declared the judge, slowly. "Yes, it could be possible. I
begin to see how devilishly clever it would be. Something that no one would
ever believe, unless -"
"Unless," inserted The Shadow, "complete proof could be given."
"Exactly!" nodded the judge. "But how -"
"How could the proof be demonstrated? It would have been clear tonight,
if
I had completed my plan. If the criminal had confronted you here in this room,
you would have needed no other evidence."
The Shadow's words brought a convinced nod from Judge Noy. The jurist saw
exactly why The Shadow had waited for the arrival of the supercrook.
"Since the showdown was postponed," resumed The Shadow, quietly, "we have
only to wait for another suitable occasion. We can then force this criminal to
reveal himself. We can accomplish it in the presence of a group of witnesses.
No explanation will suffice the criminal, once he makes one mistake."
"But how can you tell his next move?" inquired Judge Noy. "It was plain
that he would come here tonight. But when I preserve silence, he will no
longer
seek me. Who else will he threaten?"
"I have the bait," replied The Shadow. "Our enemy has lost two hundred
thousand dollars which he expected to gain by your court decision. He will go
to any measure to obtain that cash. Once a clue is given him, he will take a
long chance."
"You have given the answer," agreed the judge, with a smile. He rose to
shake hands with his departing guest. "The man's own cupidity can destroy him.
I shall await your action. Good night, Mr. Cranston." Noy paused; his smile
broadened; he added: "Or, as I might better term you, The Shadow."
Judge Noy led the way to the elevator and rang for the car. It came up,
manned by a regular operator, who showed no surprise at seeing a visitor with
the judge. The Shadow was carrying cloak and hat over his arm; he looked like
any guest who might have been calling on Judge Noy.