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

"He can strike anywhere! He is everywhere! I am afraid! I cannot speak!"

The man closed his lips firmly. He bowed his head and gave every sign that he intended to remain mute.

"Five thousand dollars," said Raynor quietly. "Five thousand dollars - and complete protection.
Understand?"

Vervick nodded, but remained silent.

"Listen, chief," broke in Tewkson, "this man may not know everything, but he knows a lot! He told me
some of it - but he's kept off the important details. He's got the story we want!"

Raynor nodded. He rose from his, chair and walked over to Vervick. Vervick looked up at him and
seemed to gain confidence.

"This is the safest place in New York," said Raynor. "If you are afraid of someone, we can help you. We
cannot help you unless we know your story.

"There is a car waiting below. The minute you are through talking, you will be whisked away and only I
will know where you are. I have helped men like you before. I can help you now. But you must tell me
everything - now!"
He walked back to the desk.

"I believe you, Mr. Raynor," said Vervick thickly. "I am going to talk to you!"

"Good," said Raynor, with a nod. He glanced quickly at Grimes. The reporter pulled a pad of paper from
his pocket.

"We'll be in time for the next edition," he mumbled to Tewkson, and the red-haired reporter grinned.
"Forty minutes from now, this story will be on the street!"

"You've got to hand it to the old man," whispered Tewkson. Then he became silent and tense. Vervick
was speaking.

"I have made bombs," said the Russian, in a low voice. "I do not know why I have made them. I mean, I
did not know what they were for - until today.

"I have my address here -" He fumbled in his pocket and brought out a paper. "This is the place. But all
my bombs were taken away last night - by the man who had made me make them."

"Who is he?" Raynor's voice was softly commanding.

"I do not know his name. He is black - all black - I mean, he is dressed in the clothes which are black,
and he has talked to me only in a dark room.

"He has told me to do what he wants done - and I have called him 'The Master.' That is the name he has
told me to use with him. You understand?"

"Why did you do what he told you?"