"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 008 - The Black Master" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

He hung up the phone and turned to the managing editor, who was quietly marking lines in the newspaper
that laid before him.

"Tewkson has found Vervick," said Grimes. "He's bringing him here right away. I'll meet them outside."

"Get him in here as soon as possible," ordered Raynor. He pointed across the room. "In the side door."

"Okay, chief!"

Fifteen minutes later, a taxicab stopped around the corner from the Classic office. Grimes stepped from
the side of the building, to greet the two men who came from the cab.

One was Tewkson, young, but hard-faced, with a mass of red hair upon his hatless head. The other,
Grimes knew, was Vervick.
The man looked like a Russian. His face was tense and showed intelligence. But despite an appearance
of physical strength, the man seemed nervous and apprehensive.

"Hello, Vervick," said Grimes, in a low voice. "I'm Mr. Grimes. Don't worry! We're with you!"

The man nodded. Then he spoke in a thick voce.

"It is not you," he said, "that makes me afraid! It is someone else! The one who - I cannot tell you now!
Take me where I may be safe!"

He glanced up and down the street. The cab was pulling away. No one was in sight in this side alley.

Vervick seemed a bit reassured. Grimes slapped him lightly on the back.

"We're going to see Mr. Raynor," he said. "Come right along. We'll take care of you!"

He led the way to a side entrance. They went into the building and climbed a flight of silent, dingy stairs.
They came to a locked door. Grimes knocked softly. The door opened.

Vervick blinked as they entered the office of Harlan Raynor. He seemed surprised at his surroundings.
He pulled his hat from his head and twisted it between his hands.

He did not advance after the door closed behind him. Then his eyes were fascinated by the steady gaze
of the man who sat at the mahogany desk.

"What do you have to say?" asked Raynor quietly.

"I am afraid - I am afraid! I am afraid to die, and if I speak - I will die!"

"You will be safe if you speak!" returned Raynor. "We will see to that! Whom do you fear?"

"I cannot say his name! I am afraid! He strikes - and he kills!"

"He cannot strike you here!"