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

KEEN eyes were upon Milton Claverly while Augustus Messler was speaking. Those were the eyes of
The Shadow, peering from the masklike countenance of Lamont Cranston.

The Shadow knew that a brief conference had been held prior to his appearance as Cranston. Hence he
was not surprised to note that Claverly appeared unperturbed.

In fact, the young man from Australia was more suave than usual. He chanced to speak to Messler while
The Shadow's eyes were watching him. Unconscious of the critical gaze, Claverly appeared completely
at ease. The part that he was playing seemed quite in accord with Messler's plans.

The discussion continued. Messler had chosen the study as the best place for Cardona and Markham to
be stationed. While in this room, the men of the law could guard the safe. Later, they would hold a
commanding position, for the study door gave a view of the outer door of the apartment and a portion of
the dining nook.

Claverly was listening to Messler's plans. Accepted as a confidant by his host, Claverly had become an
inside man on both games. He knew that a raid was coming; he also knew what steps were being taken
should marauders visit this place tonight.

The Shadow, in turn, knew the plans that had passed between Claverly and Rosling, aboard the
Laurentic. The thin smile that showed upon Lamont Cranston's lips was the only reflex of the thoughts
that were passing through The Shadow's keen brain.

Upon Claverly depended the signal for the raid. It would be impossible for Claverly to get word to
Rosling that the police were here. Yet Claverly could easily offset the efforts of the law by simply
withholding the required signal. That, at least, would mean stalemate. Cardona and Markham waiting
within; crooks lurking without; no meeting between the opposing forces.

But did Claverly intend to forego the signal? Something in the man's easy manner had impressed The
Shadow. Those keen eyes that stared from the visage of Lamont Cranston were unflinching in their
steady survey. The Shadow could observe something that others did not notice - a tenseness that
Claverly showed in spite of his apparent ease.

A BUZZER sounded. More guests were arriving. Messler arose from his chair and indicated the door.
He waited until Cranston and Claverly had walked into the living room. Then he followed. He closed the
door of the study behind him, leaving Cardona and Markham on guard with the gems.

Messler admitted his guests. They were the first of several arrivals who came in quick succession. All
were wealthy men, friends of Messler's.

Half an hour after the conference had ended, there were a dozen guests seated about Messler's living
room. This completed the expected quota.

Interest was in the air. All were anxious to see the rajah's jewels. Messler decided to end the impatience
of his guests. He entered the study and was gone for a few minutes.

When he returned, he was carrying a long, flat box. This was the receptacle that held the jewels from
India.

Men gathered about. Exclamations sounded as Messler opened the box to reveal a dazzling display of