"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 044 - Treasures of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

Did The Shadow know that Crayle had intended to go to Cincinnati? Did The Shadow know that Crayle
had an appointment to call on a man named Barliss?

Whatever the answer, Harry was at least performing his appointed duty. As an agent of The Shadow, it
was his policy to obey every order from his mysterious chief. He had been told, through Rutledge Mann,
to play in with any wish of Crayle's. Harry was following instructions.

They reached the garage. Harry obtained his coupe. He and his companion entered the car. As they
swung out to the avenue, a hand gripped Harry's arm and a crackly voice requested him not to drive too
fast.

Harry Vincent nodded. He smiled as he shot a glance at the withered face of his curious companion. He
drove the car at an easy pace, wondering if he were traveling to an important destination or merely
following a blind lead.

Hawthorne Crayle continued his crackly conversation. The smile still remained on Harry Vincent's lips. It
would have changed to a look of amazement had Harry known the true identity of his talkative
companion.

Not for one instant did The Shadow's agent suspect that the rider beside him was The Shadow himself!

CHAPTER V. UNSEEN STRATEGY
THE old brownstone house where Terry Barliss lived seemed different by the light of day. The sinister
aspect of the side street had vanished. In its place was a quiet but decadent neighborhood.

When Harry Vincent pulled his coupe to the curb, he felt positive that he was pursuing a useless course.
Harry decided that The Shadow's plan had gone awry. Nevertheless, it was his job to follow instructions
as given.

Harry glanced at the stoop-shouldered figure beside him. Crablike, old Hawthorne Crayle was preparing
to step from the coupe. Harry was afraid the old curio dealer would fall. He reached out a hand to help
him; but Crayle shook it off and managed to gain the sidewalk. Harry and his companion were admitted
to the house. The solemn servant who opened the door ushered them into the living room. A few minutes
later, Terry Barliss appeared, carrying a book under his arm.

"Mr. Crayle?" he questioned.

Harry's companion arose. He held out a quivering hand that Terry Barliss accepted. Then, with sudden
recollection, he turned toward Harry Vincent.

"This is Mr. Vincent," explained The Shadow, in the cackling voice that belonged to Hawthorne Crayle.
"He was kind enough to bring me here."

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Vincent," said Terry.

Harry Vincent shook hands. He found himself liking Terry Barliss at first sight. Harry and Terry were of a
type; both clean-cut and decisive in manner.
"I am glad that you have come here, Mr. Crayle," began Terry, as he seated himself. "I find myself
perplexed by what seems to be an unsolvable mystery. Something may be wrong; at the same time I may