"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 074 - Bells of Doom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

The Shadow reached the fourth floor.

There were two entrances to Messler's apartment. The one that led to the kitchen was situated near the
fire tower. The other entrance was further along the hall. The Shadow chose the kitchen entrance. He
passed through the kitchen and came to a deserted living room.

There was a door opposite. It was ajar. The Shadow could hear the sound of voices. He approached
and peered within. He saw Messler talking with Milton Claverly; the two were in a room that was fitted
like a study. Evidently Claverly had been the first of the guests to arrive.

The Shadow listened to snatches of conversation; then came an interruption - the buzz of the bell at the
front door of the apartment. The Shadow turned and glided quickly across the living room. He chose the
path through the dining nook; here he paused.

Messler had come from the study and was on his way to answer the door. The Shadow could hear the
opening of the barrier. Voices followed and two men appeared, following Messler back to the study. The
Shadow, gazing from his secluded corner, recognized the visitors.

Both were from headquarters. One was Detective Joe Cardona. A stocky, swarthy-faced individual,
Cardona was recognized as an ace among dicks. He was at present serving in the capacity of acting
inspector. His presence here meant that Messler had decided that police protection would be necessary
when the rajah's jewels were displayed.

Cardona's companion was Detective Sergeant Markham, who frequently accompanied the ace when
Cardona needed an aide.

As the three men - Messler and the sleuths - went into the study, The Shadow laughed softly. His tones
were not audible beyond the confines of the dining nook.
The arrival of these representatives of the law introduced a new element into the situation. Apparently,
Messler had arranged for Cardona and Markham to arrive before the guests appeared. Claverly,
however, had come early. He happened to be present for whatever conference was under way.

This fact afforded opportunity to The Shadow. Instead of returning across the living room, to listen in at
the study door, The Shadow remained in the dining nook. Swiftly, he divested himself of hat and cloak.
He stowed these garments in a small curtained cupboard; to them, he added a brace of automatics.

When he again faced the soft light that came from the living room, The Shadow was in the guise of
Lamont Cranston.

With long strides, The Shadow crossed the kitchen and went into the outer hall. He moved to the main
door of the apartment and rang the bell.

There was a short pause; then the door opened and Messler appeared. The host appeared relieved to
observe that the guest was Cranston.

"HELLO," said Messler. "I hoped it would be you, Cranston. I had not expected anyone to be here so
soon."

"I am the first?" came the quiet question.