"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 010 - Hands in the Dark" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"No noise!" warned a low, growling voice. "Put up your hands!"

Bob obeyed, wondering. He remembered the burglary that Hodgson had mentioned.

But this was a more daring entryтАФand its futility was perplexing. There was nothing of value here.
Neither did Bob have any great amount of money on his person.

He arose at a command from the man who held the pistol. The stranger's left hand tapped Bob's pockets
in search of a weapon, but none was there.

"Put on your hat and coat," the man ordered, motioning toward the corner. Bob followed instructions.

The stranger was beside Bob now.
"You're coming with me," he said in a low voice. "No funny business. Understand? Don't try to tip off
that old guy that works for you. Tell him you're going out. Get me?"

Bob nodded. Then he was being urged forward. They entered the hallway. Bob could feel the pressure
of the automatic pressed against his side.

They encountered Hodgson in the dimly lighted hall.

"Are you going out with Mr. Mallory, sir?" questioned the old servant.

The gun nudged Bob. He realized that Hodgson did not know that Mallory had departed half an hour
before.

The old servant's poor eyes could distinguish but the forms of two men. The blankness of his gaze
indicated that Hodgson was simply assuming the other man's identity.

"Yes," said Bob huskily, "I'm going out for a while, Hodgson."

"You have the key with you, sir?"

"Yes, Hodgson."

"All right, sir. Shall I wait up?"

Bob hesitated. If Hodgson remained waiting for him, it might be to his advantage. The old servant would
suspect something wrong if he did not return.

"You might do that, Hodgson," he said.

The man with the gun made no comment. Bob smiled as he was nudged along the hall. His ruse had
worked. Hodgson would be waiting.

The old servant moved hurriedly ahead of them. He opened the door and stood by the darkened
vestibule, while Bob Galvin and his captor walked out into the night.

CHAPTER III. SHADOWS OF NIGHT
BETTY MANDELL stared across the table. Her gaze was fixed upon Bob Galvin's face. It seemed