"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 105 - The Yellow Door" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

for a given price."

"That is precisely as I estimated it, Mr. Marquette."

VIC arose and sauntered over toward the window. He stood looking out toward the bay, studying the
toylike ships that were plodding through the harbor. After a brief contemplation, Marquette turned about
and shook his head.

"There may be something else behind it, Mr. Birklam."

The shipping man raised his heavy eyebrows in query.

"Some time ago," explained Vic, "there was a case in California, wherein the Golden Oil Co. was advised
not to purchase certain options. The threat was intimated that the new wells would be set on fire. The
Golden Oil Co. went ahead with its plans of purchase."

"What occurred?"

"Howard Bostbaum, who headed the directors of Golden Oil, was found murdered. In the confusion
which followed, the options were allowed to ride. They were purchased by an almost defunct
corporation, the Amerimex Co. As a result, Amerimex stock showed a tremendous profit."

"Then Amerimex was behind the threat?"

"That could not be proven. The man who made the threat to Bostbaum was named Rupert Thurlon. He
had no connection with Amerimex. He has not been heard from since. The Amerimex Co. now rivals
Golden Oil. We have not learned who could have profited most: those who sold the stock when it was
low; those who bought and sold as it rose; or those who own it at present."

"But you are still seeking Thurlon?"

"Yes. Because he bears the same position in that case that Krode may hold in this one."

Marquette paused while Birklam nodded a slow understanding. Vic spoke again; as he did, he picked up
the newspaper from Birklam's desk.

"You've read about the explosion in New Jersey?"

"Yes," replied Birklam, in surprise. "Does it have a connection?"

"It does," replied Marquette. "There was a murder in Chicago, a few days ago. A man named Peter
Gildare was slain. He was a manufacturer of radio equipment."

"I recall the case."

"Gildare had arranged to form a new corporation - one that would have dominated the industry. He was
murdered. His plans are finished. Today, we learned that James Dynoth, the man who died in the New
Jersey explosion, was the last person who saw Gildare."

Marquette threw down the newspaper and wagged his forefinger across the desk.