"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 011 - Double Z" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

receiver. He arose and paced the floor, in thought. At last, he turned to face Detective Cardona.

"It has been known," he said, "that my decision regarding the loan might be made within a few weeks; but
yesterday I made an announcement, indicating I would reach a definite decision to-day.

"A number of my friends were here last night. They had seen the announcement in the newspapers. I
stated that it was correct, for I had definitely made up my mind."

"Did you speak to any one else about it?"

"Yes. To reporters who called up while my friends were here. They wanted to corroborate the
announcement for the morning newspapers."

CARDONA puffed his cigar and became thoughtful. Philip Farmington noted that the detective was
considering the matter minutely. He decided to assist him.

"Suppose," he said, "that I tell you everything that has happened since I gave the announcement to the
evening newspapers, yesterday."

"Good idea!" replied the detective.

"Well," said the millionaire, "they had been questioning me constantly. I made up my mind to act, without
telling any one definitely. At noon yesterday, I received a call from the Evening Sphere. It was the usual
call. Any decision planned on the Fascist loan? I said that it would probably be settled favorably to-day.
"I came home before three o'clock. I was in this room until nearly six. Then I dressed for dinner. About
twelve persons arrived before seven thirty. We had dinner, and the guests departed between ten and
eleven o'clock."

"When did the newspapers call you on the phone?"

"Before nine o'clock."

"When did you discuss the matter with your friends?"

"It was mentioned during dinner."

"Did anything unusual happen during the evening?"

"No. We were in the living room most of the time. A few of the gentlemen came in here, but after we had
gone out, I locked the door. I don't usually keep this room open. It serves me as an office at home. I
explained that to them. I never come in here in the morning. The room is kept locked until I return from
downtown. Then, at dinner time, I lock up until the next day."

"The room was open when I came," said Cardona.

"Of course," replied the millionaire. "There is nothing of value here, and Ralph, the butler, has a duplicate
key. I called from the office and told him to show you in here."

"I see. Now, regarding this note of Double Z. According to the postmark, it was mailed from the Bronx
about midnight."