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

First, notify the Evening Clarion that you intend to apply for a concession at
the State exposition. Second, leave an opened check book on the left side of
your office desk.
Destroy this letter. Mention it to no one. Failure to follow any of these
directions will mean your death within twelve hours after receipt of this
letter.
INTIMIDATION, INCORPORATED.

The envelope bore a nine o'clock postmark. It was plain that the master
crook had read about Link Delvo in the morning newspapers. Not sure that he
would find opportunity to visit Link's office, the crook had made the double
provision.
It was two o'clock, now. If any immediate statement should be made to the
Evening Clarion, the news would be in print by four. However, the first
edition
of the newspaper was already on the street, and it contained the statements
wherein Link Delvo invited all callers to his office.
The Shadow was sure that the intimidator would take the bait. Knowing
that
others would doubtless visit Link Delvo's office, he would come also.
Likewise,
he would look for the special statement in a later copy of the Evening
Clarion.
It so happened that the master crook would find neither token that he wanted.
The Shadow had planned a different sign for him.
The Shadow did not put a check book on the desk; nor did he call the
newspaper. He did not destroy the letter; he pocketed it instead. He opened
the
package that Kubi had brought; from it, he took the alligator bag.
With a knife, The Shadow scraped the side of the bag at the exact spot
where initials would appear. Prying, he bent one of the bag's brass corners.
Opening the scarred bag, he placed it on the safe, standing it on end so
its vacancy showed toward the door. He turned it slightly, so that the
scratched portion could be seen.
The Shadow, as Link Delvo, had prepared his defiant answer to
Intimidation, Incorporated. That bag - presumably the imaginary one that had
contained the boodle - would stand as absolute proof that terms were not
accepted.
His challenge ready, The Shadow sat down behind the desk to await the
visit of the master crook.


CHAPTER XV

THE COMMITTEE WAITS
 SHORTLY before three, there was a rap at the office door. In Link Delvo's
voice, The Shadow issued a growl to enter. The man who stepped into the office
was Elwood Clewiss. The rugged-faced lawyer studied the countenance of Link
Delvo. The Shadow rasped the announcement:
"I'm Link Delvo. Let's hear who you are."