"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 019 - The Romanoff Jewels" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

leave before eleven; hence his departure was brisk and businesslike. Lamont Cranston observed that
fact. He turned his attention to the remaining guests.

Parker Noyes was still chatting with Tobias Waddell. Frederick Froman was seated in a corner, alone,
contentedly puffing a panatella. David Tholbin, apparently oblivious to everything, was engaged in earnest
conversation with the millionaire's daughter.
A few minutes before half past eleven, Tholbin approached Waddell to announce that he was going in to
New York. The millionaire received him rather gruffly, but Tholbin ignored the fact. Lamont Cranston,
however, spoke cordially:

"My car will be here shortly," he said. "I should be pleased to take you in to New York -"

"Thanks," returned Tholbin. "I have my own car outside. Always drive in and out, you know."

With that, he turned and headed for the hall. Cranston watched him, then turned his head to see
Frederick Froman standing close by. The light-haired man had approached while Tholbin was saying
good-by to Waddell.

"You are leaving soon, Mr. Cranston?" Froman's question came in a quiet, even voice.

"Yes," replied Cranston.

"I should appreciate the same invitation," declared Froman. "I do not have my car here to-night."

"I shall be glad to accommodate you," responded Cranston.

Almost immediately after he had spoken, the footman entered the room to announce that Mr. Cranston's
car had arrived. Cranston shook hands with Waddell and turned questioningly to Parker Noyes.

"You are going into the city?" he asked.

"No," replied the attorney. "Mr. Waddell has asked me to remain here overnight. Business, you know -"

"I understand."

Cranston shook hands with both Waddell and Noyes. Accompanied by Froman, he went to the
porte-cochere.

The chauffeur must have seen him, for the big limousine pulled up from the driveway. As its headlights
spotted the men by the door, Cranston's shadow formed a long, weirdly changing shape upon the drive.
Froman, chancing to glance downward, was fascinated by the strange, vague streak of blackness.

Then the limousine was beside them. All traces of the oddly shaped shadow had vanished. The two men
entered the door of the car. Soon the lights of Waddell's home were obscured by the huge hedges that
surrounded the millionaire's estate.

Little was said as the limousine rolled Manhattanward. Froman told Cranston his destinationтАФan address
in upper ManhattanтАФand Stanley was instructed to drive there.

There was something ominous in the silence that hung within the luxurious limousine. Only the luminous