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

"City desk," ordered Caulkins.

A pause. Both men were strained. The time it took for the connection seemed interminable. It was a
matter of seconds only, but to Tolland those seconds were hours.

A voice came over the wire. Tolland saw Caulkins clutch the phone more firmly. The reporter's lips
began to move, and Tolland's hands gripped the edge of the table as he leaned close to catch the words
from the other end of the line.

Vindication! His opportunity was here. After months of persecution, he had decided upon the vital step.
Within the next few minutes the persecution which had threatened him would be ended.

For Caulkins was about to reveal the identity of the man called Double ZтАФ reveal it so all the world
would know the secret of that man who gloried in crime.

CHAPTER III. DOUBLE Z STRIKES
THE reporter at the city desk in the Classic office placed his hand over the mouthpiece of the telephone
and called to the city editor.

"Caulkins on the phone, Mr. Ward."
"Just a minute, Gaynor."

The reporter spoke into the telephone. Again he called to the city editor.

"Says it's urgent, Mr. Ward."

The city editor came grumbling to the desk.

"Time he called up," he said. "Expected him in an hour ago. We want that Wise Owl copy in a hurry."

He took the swivel chair as Gaynor slipped out of the way, and picked up the telephone.

"Yeah?" he growled.

Words came breathlessly from Caulkins.

"Biggest scoop ever, boss," was what Ward heard. "I've located Judge Tolland -"

"Where?"

"Right here with me now. In a hideout on East Eightieth Street. Listen: This Double Z business -"

"Wait, I'll put Gaynor on, if you can't get in with the story."

"No, no, boss!" came the protest. "Wait until I give you the dope. I'm afraid something may happen if I
don't get it off my chest quick. Judge Tolland is alive. He's given me a statement. He knows who Double
Z is. Don't think I'm crazy, boss! Double Z is -"

The voice broke off. Simultaneously, Ward heard the sound of a revolver shot over the wire. Three more