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

prominence, I shall have to criticize your so-called business enterprises when
I go on the air."
"Go to it. Every knock is a boost. Be sure you get my name right. Better
copy it down. You'll find it there on the door, when you go out."
Bluntly, The Shadow had indicated that he wanted to hear nothing more
from
Bursard. The long-faced visitor arose; took another look at the countenance of
Link Delvo. Strolling toward the door, Bursard shot a sidelong glance toward
the corner. The Shadow noted it; he knew that Bursard had spied the alligator
bag.


HALF past four produced a third visitor - a man who entered almost
doubtfully, after The Shadow had responded to his knock. The third arrival was
Newell Radbourne; the thin-faced financier was ill at ease for a few moments;
then the luxurious setting of the office reassured him. Radbourne always felt
at home in fine surroundings.
Seating himself at the desk, Radbourne chanced to spy the alligator bag.
The sight almost quailed him. He ran a shaky hand through his white hair, then
steadied himself with effort. He announced his name and saw a pleased
expression register itself on the hard face of Link Delvo.
"So you're Newell Radbourne!" The Shadow adopted the smoothest tone that
he had yet used as Link Delvo. "The fellow they call 'Big Moneybags.' Say -
you
must have liked that stuff the Evening Clarion printed about me. What do you
want to do? Back me in some new business?"
"No, no," returned Radbourne. "I do not approve of rackets - I mean the
sort of businesses that you guys have chosen -"
"Never mind the apology. I don't get sore easy. What's the difference
between a racket and a business, anyway? They're both the same thing, when you
come down to it."
Radbourne smiled. He was encouraged by the friendly attitude of Link
Delvo.
"The distinction is a matter of opinion," admitted the financier.
"However, the public - and the law - choose to regard certain enterprises as
rackets. Yours are of that sort."
"They're legalized. That makes them businesses."
"Yes - until the law decides otherwise. This State has a legislature, Mr.
Delvo. Eventually, it will outlaw your enterprises. In the meantime, however,
your activities are ruining certain legitimate businesses in which I have a
financial interest."
Radbourne waited. Hearing no comment, he added:
"On that account, I thought you might be willing to cut down some of your
more extensive operations. Such action might be beneficial to both of us."
The Shadow considered Radbourne's suggestion.
"I get it," he said suddenly, with a guffaw that suited the part of Link.
"You figure I'm working it too strong. Maybe you're right. Suppose I do put on
some clamps. What is there in it?"
"From me?" Radbourne shook his head. "I can promise nothing. I have
merely