"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 123 - Washington Crime" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"Tell Bryland that I am prepared to purchase the National Emergency Code,
technically known as the NEC. If he will bring it here, intact, there will be
no quibble regarding the price."
Enlightenment showed upon the sophisticated face of Nina Valencita; with
it, amazed admiration. She was one of the few who had heard of the theft that
had stirred official Washington. She had supposed that Hugo Creelon would be
seeking possession of the NEC. But the extent of the superspy's espionage was
far beyond her expectations.
Creelon had not only learned who held the NEC; he was living as an
unofficial guest in the embassy of a foreign country. That meant that Creelon
had already arranged for prompt disposal of the NEC, once he acquired it. That
was in keeping with Creelon's usual system of safeguarding every move.
Creelon had risen; he was ushering Nina to the door. Near the portal the
superspy remarked:
"Your fee for this slight service will be twenty thousand dollars. The
same amount that you received for your dangerous journey to Madrid, not long
ago."
The statement showed that Creelon was a shrewd bargainer. His mention of
the Madrid mission forced Nina to accept the present terms as satisfactory.
The
fact that the National Emergency Code was worth an immense fortune to Creelon
was something aside from the present deal.
Nina spoke her acceptance. She knew that there were others in Washington
whom Creelon could use as contact agents with Bryland. She knew also that the
master-spy, superbly entrenched, could end her own game by a mere snap of his
fingers.
Moreover, Nina had good reason to accept any offer that Creelon might
give. Success on this mission could mean further service with the greatest of
all international spies.


WHEN Nina had gone, Hugo Creelon returned to the room where he held The
Shadow prisoner. Opening the door, he saw Jarruth seated by the window. The
scar-faced servant grinned and motioned toward the easy-chair. Creelon saw The
Shadow, slumped pitifully, his hands hanging limply to the floor.
"The dose was sufficient, Jarruth," remarked Creelon. "It will do until
after his next meal. Tell me when he wakens from his stupor. Then I shall
determine his dinner hour. I would prefer it to be late."
Jarruth did not question why Creelon had such preference; nevertheless,
Creelon gave the answer.
"Perhaps we shall not have to use hashish again," observed the spy, as he
turned to step out into the hall. "If my work in Washington is completed, we
can give this prisoner a more potent remedy. One that will provide a permanent
sleep!"
With that, Creelon indulged in one of his rare smiles. The evil twist
that
came to his lips was significant. Hugo Creelon was convinced that it would be
unnecessary to keep The Shadow alive after to-night.