"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 095 - Death Rides the Skyway" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

he did not recognize. The newcomer was thick-set; his face formed the shape of a square. Sallow in the
light, the man's features were not pleasant. The smile that he delivered revealed jutting, fanglike teeth.

"Well?" queried Barbridge sharply. "Who are you? What do you want here?"

"Dropped in to see you," returned the stranger, his voice a smooth purr that did not fit his expression.
"You are Gifford Barbridge, aren't you? President and general manager of the K and R?"

"That's who I am. But who are you? What do you want?"

"You never heard of me before. My name is Zullick. Foy Zullick. From the East."

Barbridge watched the fang-toothed man sit down in a chair beside the desk. Zullick's grin persisted;
again the fellow spoke, as suavely as before.

"Saw the light out front," he chuckled. "That's why I came around to the side door."

Barbridge, seating himself behind the desk, said, "But that doesn't answer my question. What's your
business here?"

"The same as that of Seton Hylap."

Gifford Barbridge stared; his big fists clenched.

"Let's talk turkey," suggested Zullick. "First of all, Barbridge, I'm going to state some facts that I know.
After you've listened, you'll understand why I'm here."

"Go ahead," growled Barbridge.

"All right," agreed Zullick. "Here's the situation. You're president and general manager of the K and R.
Up until a short while ago, you had a lemon on your hands and a bad one. This jerkwater line was in the
red, just about due to go under.

"You had dough tied up in the K and R. You knew the road needed something more than a stuffed-shirt
president who spent his time behind a mahogany desk. That's why you came up here and made yourself
general manager, to run things right."

ZULLICK'S tone was not uncomplimentary. The man's smoothness had a note of persuasion; at the
same time, Barbridge felt himself on guard. He sensed that this was a build-up.

"You saw a good proposition," continued Zullick, "and you grabbed it. A deal with the Altamont Power
Company to handle their business and to use their juice to electrify your line. You landed a swell break
on the contract, too. But it meant laying new tracks, building sidings along the hill. That called for cash.
"The Altamont Power loaned you the dough - half a million - to be paid back in five installments, They let
you ride past the first payments; but the works is due, mighty soon.

"And your railroad is in hock. If you don't come through with the whole amount on a specified date, you
lose your security. By your security I mean the K and R."

Zullick paused. Barbridge had unclenched his fists; he was drumming the top of the desk.