"054 (B089) - Ost (The Magic Island) (1937-08) - Lester Dent" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

"I'll be superamalgamated!" Johnny exploded. "Why aren't you two trailing the gang who got Ben Brasken?"
Long Tom took in a long draft of air.
"They gave us the slip," he imparted.
DOC SAVAGE placed Lupp in a chair, got handcuffs out of a metal box which held innumerable other gadgets, and handcuffed him to the chair. Then he administered a chemical to the man with a hypodermic needle.
"A stimulant," the bronze man explained. "It will cause him to revive in a few minutes."
Johnny frowned grimly at Lupp. "If we fail to make him talk, it looks as if we were going to be out on a limb without any information."
This caused big-fisted Renny to emit a rumble of self-disgust.
"We got a bad break trailing those fellows," he said. "They crossed a street, and an instant later, a string of fire trucks came down the street, and we couldn't possibly cut through."
Doc Savage said, "We had better get set before Lupp regains consciousness. Johnny, you are something of psychologist, so your job will be to sit out here and watch Lupp while we try our trick."
"What trick?"
Doc glanced at Lupp, who was showing signs of awakening.
"No time to explain," the bronze man decided. "Just watch him, Johnny."
Johnny took a seat in a secluded corner, picked up a newspaper and arranged it so he could pretend to read it, but really watch Lupp.
Doc, Long Tom and Renny entered the adjacent room. They had, as a matter of fact, taken the entire floor of the hotel. They closed the door.
Johnny continued to pretend to read the newspaper, and watched Lupp. In a few moments, Lupp opened his eyes and looked around. Johnny made a show of not noticing.
From the next room came what sounded like Ben Brasken's rather whining voice.
"I tell yuh, I'm scared to talk!" he said.
Doc Savage's trained, deep tone said, "What would you say if that Oriental, Two-bit, had told us the whole story?"
At this, Johnny saw Lupp give a distinct start.
Johnny kept his bony face expressionless. Doc Savage was in the other room, imitating Ben Brasken's voice, and making conversation of a nature intended to soften Lupp up for the questioning.
Ben Brasken's faked voice said, "Two-bit didn't lay nothin' onto me!"
"No," Doc Savage said quietly, "but Two-bit is going to be the cause of things becoming tough for Lupp, as well as the girl, Kit Merrimore."
"Two-bit laid it onto them?"
"Yes. Possibly he was passing the buck, though."
Lupp's face was twisted with astonishment and uneasiness. He was deceived.
The voices went on:
Ben Brasken: "What's Lupp supposed to have done?"
Doc: "Plenty. What would you say if you were told Two-bit claimed Lupp shot a hospital attendant during the excitement. That sounds like murder, eh?"
Ben Brasken: "Whew! Then they'll hang Lupp!"
Doc: "Possibly."
Brasken: "Maybe they can't prove it."
Doc: "If Two-bit testified that Lupp murdered the man, they would."
Brasken: "Gimme a minute to think, and I'll tell you all I can."
Doc: "Very well. In the meantime, I'll see what Lupp has to say, if he is awake."
DOC appeared in the door, glanced at Lupp, seemed surprised to find him conscious.
"Ready to talk?" Doc asked.
"Go to the devil!" Lupp snarled.
Doc said wearily, "Johnny, you might as well call the police."
Johnny strode to the telephone.
"Wait a minute!" Lupp exploded. "What're you tryin' to pull on me here?"
Doc Savage said quietly, "It is very simple. Listen."
The bronze man went back to the connecting door, opened it and leaned through.
"Two-bit," he said, "are you still sure Lupp murdered that hospital attendant when he was trying to escape?"
"Me fella velly celtain," replied a voice that would hardly be taken for any but Two-bit's.
From where he sat, Lupp could not see the bronze man imitate the voice.
"Damn!" Lupp groaned. "Look here! How about us making a deal?"
"What kind?" Doc queried, turning.
"You turn me loose," Lupp countered, "and I'll let you in on the biggest thing you ever—"
At least four bullets came crashing through the door.
Chapter VIII. MURDER VICTIM