"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 029 - The Golden Grotto" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

particular attention to any traces of collusion existing between passengers upon the liner.

Until to-night, Clyde had encountered nothing during the uneventful voyage; but his instructions from The
Shadow had warned him to be particularly alert as the ship neared the coast of the United States.

The smoking room, Clyde had noted, was the natural meeting place where any plotters would seek one
another. The very conspicuousness of the spot made it most desirable.

Secret cabals on decks or in cabins might create suspicion. Concealed communications in the smoking
room would pass unnoticed. That had proven true to-night, as Clyde had learned when he had heard the
coded clicking of the poker chips.

At present, the ship was more than a hundred miles from shore. Its course would bring it close to the
coast before dawn. Clyde, in his quiet conversations with ship's officers, had learned that the Patagonia
was close to its expected position.

The danger zone had not yet been reached. To-night, it was Clyde's duty to give The Shadow radio
information if trouble was developing. So far, Clyde had sent no messages.

The Shadow was allowing for the ninety-nine possibilities, even though he saw much likelihood of the
hundredth chance. Hence, Clyde, in his instructions, had been told to send no message should nothing
develop.

As a passenger, Clyde Burke was too smooth a worker to come under the suspicion of any criminals
who might be contemplating concerted action. Hence, he had been reserved in every manner of his
conduct. At present, Clyde was debating whether or not to wait an hour longer before sending word to
The Shadow.

Well did Clyde Burke know the swiftness and certainty with which The Shadow could act. He sensed
that The Shadow knew that trouble would not develop until the Patagonia had neared shore. The
comparatively slow progress of the ship would enable The Shadow to intercept it by swift boat or by
plane, before it came into that zone where danger might well be lying.

Strolling from his cabin, Clyde was relieved to note that the corridor was still empty. He congratulated
himself on the fact that though he knew little of the enemy's plans, his own observations were entirely
unsuspected.

At the smoking room, Clyde lingered long enough to study the poker player who had indulged in the
chip-clicking. He also noted other men lounging about, and felt sure that some of them were deserving of
suspicion.

Half an hour passed. With no results occurring, Clyde left the smoking room.

Had he lingered a few minutes more, he would have seen the clicking chips once more in action. Their
signal caused one man to saunter from the smoking room.

Unfortunately, however, Clyde Burke had not waited quite long enough. Paradoxically, he had waited
too long - as events of the next ten minutes quickly proved.

CLYDE'S destination was the radio room. Reaching that spot, the newspaperman drew a radiogram