"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 006 - The Death Tower" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

On the face of Horace Chatham he saw an expression that did not belong there. It was the characteristic
smile of Doctor Albert Palermo - that smile that became ugly at the corners of the man's mouth.

Seth Wilkinson now recognized his companion. In a few short seconds, the masquerader had destroyed
the illusion which he had so artfully created.

"Palermo!"

Wilkinson began to rise as he uttered the name of recognition. His hands were on the table; he was
pushing back his chair. Yet he was acting slowly, as a man waking from a daze.

Palermo's response was instantaneous. He had been on guard throughout his interview with Wilkinson,
constantly expecting an emergency such as this one.

He moved to action with a speed that gave the lethargic Wilkinson no opportunity to defend himself.
From beneath his coat, Palermo whipped out a long, thin-bladed knife. With a swift motion, he buried the
steel shaft in the other man's body.

A short cry came from Seth Wilkinson; then the huge man fell sidewise, and his body struck the desk. It
hung there for a moment; then toppled to the floor.

The evil smile still remained on the corners of Palermo's mouth. The murderer stood there, admiring the
work that he had done.

Then, with calm indifference, he picked up the note that Wilkinson had given him, and placed it in his
pocket. Stooping over the body, Palermo withdrew the knife, carefully covering it with his handkerchief
before he put it in his pocket. Then he went to the door, opened it, and entered the living room.

Just as he closed the door behind him, a man appeared at the other side of the room. It was Wilkinson's
servingman.

The smile vanished from Palermo's lips. Once again, he was the perfect duplicate of Horace Chatham.

"Did you call me, sir?" questioned the man. "That is, did Mr. Wilkinson call me?"

"Yes," came the calm reply. "He simply wanted you to get my hat and coat, and show me to the elevator.
He was busy writing, so I left him."

"Very good, sir."

The man brought the coat and hat, and helped Palermo put them on. Then he led the way to the elevator,
and waited there until the guest had left.

In the lobby of the Grampian Apartments, Palermo instructed the doorman to call a taxi. He acted the
part of Horace Chatham, and simulated great nervousness and impatience. He stumbled as he entered
the cab, and gave the destination, "Grand Central Station," in a voice loud enough for the doorman to
hear.
Shortly afterward, the form of Horace Chatham mingled with the crowd in the concourse of New York's
great railway terminal. The man disappeared unobtrusively toward the Lexington Avenue entrance. He