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

had pulled out of that jam neatly. He was ready to do the same in his present
situation.
As for Creelon, it was plain that his international reputation was
exaggerated. True, the spy could scheme; but only in a prearranged fashion, as
he had done when he posed as Agent F-3. Creelon's tactics were like those of a
prize fighter who telegraphs his punches. Any one expecting sharp work from
Creelon, could be prepared for it.
 That was where Bryland had held an advantage over The Shadow. Bryland had
known that he was going to meet Creelon. If The Shadow had suspected that the
supposed F-3 was actually Creelon, he could have handled the master-spy
accordingly.
Creelon's real trumps were his precautions. The safe pose as F-3, his
present residence in a foreign embassy; the constant support of a strong-arm
crew, those were the factors that made the master-spy formidable.
His fists clutching a sheaf of blank papers, Creelon was faced with the
problem of dealing anew with Bryland. The Shadow was convinced that the spy
would not outsmart the ex-major. Bryland was cool enough to counter either
craftiness or threats.
Creelon began with strategy. He managed to repress the demonish scowl
that
adorned his face. Straightening his lips, he faced Bryland; then gave an
imperious gesture. The huskies released the major; they slouched off through
the curtains.
Creelon called back the fellow who had taken Bryland's gun. Holding the
weapon by the barrel, Creelon began to tap his other palm with the gun handle.
"You are clever, major," complimented Creelon, in a choppy tone. "I
admire
cleverness. Therefore, I shall give you another chance. Bring me the code. I
shall pay you a half million for it."
Bryland's retort was a head tilt; a laugh in Creelon's face. It showed
his
contempt for such a promise.
"Perhaps you would like the money first," suggested Creelon. "Very well.
Nina will bring it to you. She will receive the code in its place."
A headshake from Bryland. The thief announced:
"The price is still a million dollars."
"A million, then," shrugged Creelon. "Let us forget this haggle over
price. Notify me when and where you wish to meet Nina. She will be there."
"It seems quite curious, Creelon," observed Bryland, "that you would so
willingly trust Senorita Valencita with so large a sum as a million dollars.
What guarantee would I have that she would reach me?"
"Nina will be watched," declared the spy. "My men are unsuspected in
Washington. They will follow her; close in immediately, if she offers the
slightest trouble -"
Creelon broke off. Bryland was eyeing him with a wise smile. As the spy
chewed his stiffened lips, Bryland derided him.
"Your men will be close," sneered the thief. "Close enough to seize Nina;
therefore, close enough to capture me again, as they did to-night! It is too
thin, Creelon! Suppose that I suggest the way that the exchange is to be
made."