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

called to accounting, should the raid fail?

So far as the crooks were concerned, Claverly could pretend that he had not known of the detectives in
the study. On the contrary, he was running a risk of exposure if the raid went wrong.

In his analysis of Claverly, The Shadow had given the young man credit for being a smooth worker. The
Shadow was sure that Claverly must have had reason for giving the signal in spite of the difficulties that
would confront Rosling's raiders.

The glint of The Shadow's eyes; the firm, unchanging smile that showed on his fixed lips - these were the
only indications of The Shadow's thoughts. The Shadow was gaining a definite conclusion. He knew that
Claverly had chosen to play a bold game; that the young man was uncertain as to the outcome.

Succeeding seconds seemed to mark their effect upon Claverly's demeanor. For the first time, the inside
man was showing real worriment.

THEN came a change. There was a creaking sound from the dining nook, a noise which The Shadow
heard. Something must have been visible there also, for Claverly's eyes had turned in that direction.
Messler, talking to his guests, was not aware that enemies were approaching.

Claverly shifted nervously. The Shadow turned. At the same instant, a big, rough-faced raider stepped
into view from the dining nook. He was followed by two others. A growled voice made Messler and the
guests turn toward the speaker.

"Stick 'em up!" came the order, backed with revolvers. "Keep your mitts high! Drop them jools and back
up against the wall!"

Messler obeyed. His guests copied his example. The Shadow saw Claverly feign total surprise, as the
young man raised his hands along with the others. But The Shadow's hands were not lifted. His right,
going to the pocket of his tuxedo coat, was drawing the revolver that Messler had given him.

The raiders had not noted the tall form of Lamont Cranston. When the leader swung in that direction, he
stopped short at the sight of the revolver which suddenly covered him. The man uttered a growl,
calculated to bring his fellows to his aid. But before they could turn, an answering challenge came from
across the room.

Cardona and Markham were springing into view. At sight of the detectives, the crooks knew that the
trap had closed. Sullen faces glowered as horny fists dropped guns upon the floor. Caught between
Cranston and the men of the law, these raiders had no chance to fire a single shot.

Messler sprang to guard his jewels. His guests formed a group behind him. The revolver dropped back
into Cranston's pocket while Cardona and Markham forced the three crooks off in the direction of the
study.

"So it's Mike Tocson, eh?" Cardona was speaking as he eyed the leader of the three crooks. "Brought in
a couple of gorillas to see what you could grab. Well - you won't be fencing that stuff. You'll be doing a
turn up the river. We've got the goods on you. This makes you a fourth offender, Mike. Looks like you'll
stay in the big house when you get there."

The mobleader snarled a retort. His face was venomous; but he knew too well that Cardona would stop