"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 039 - Road of Crime" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"I could make a long story out of that," responded Graham, with a sour smile, "but I can give it to you
briefly, just as well. My father had a lot of money. I landed in a jam. I had to raise dough to hush things
up. I ran into Wolf Daggert, here in New York. He tipped me off to some ways to pick up cash."

"Why didn't Wolf try them for himself?"

"I'll tell you why. He was too yellow to take on the jobs he gave me. He collected a percentage on my
work. Then I left New York and went out on my own."

"How long ago?"

"About three years."

"You hit it good?"

"For a while - yes. Then I landed back in New York and needed more money. I heard what Wolf was
doing and I worked for him again. I intended to blow later on; then you picked me to head my own mob.
Here I am."

King Furzman pondered. He could see that Graham Wellerton was one criminal in a thousand. He knew
that his lieutenant had spoken frankly. This was the first outspoken conference that Furzman had ever
held with Graham.

The big shot saw that Graham had been working for a break - for the time when success would enable
him to give his straight opinion regarding Wolf Daggert. Graham had chosen the right time to assert
himself. King Furzman, although he did not say so, regarded this smooth-working lieutenant as a
henchman far superior to Wolf.

Furthermore, there was merit in Graham's suggestions. The big shot, supposedly a racketeer who was
coasting along on past profits, was anxious to avoid anything that would connect him with crime. Rivalry
between two lieutenants was a bad feature.

"All right," said Furzman suddenly. "Take your mob - work on your own - but let me know where you're
going. If Wolf flops again, he's through -"

A rap at the door came as an interruption. The big shot emitted a growl. The door opened and Gouger
poked his head into the room.

"Wolf Daggert is downstairs," he informed. "Shall I tell him to come up?"

"Sure," responded the big shot.

Gouger disappeared. He was going to the anteroom by the other route - through the apartment. It would
only be a few minutes before Wolf Daggert would arrive.

"I'm all set, then," declared Graham Wellerton.

"Yes," agreed King Furzman. "Take your mob wherever you want to go."

"We'll start out tomorrow night," said Graham quickly. "I'll have the crew ready. I'll come here and tell