"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 139 - The Sealed Box" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

Belver, champion of reform, a man of action who had driven crooked politicians
from the city.


"I SAY that I have a gift for Southbury," declared Whilton, speaking
dryly, from across his desk. "This time, Belver, it is not mere money. I
intend
to produce evidence that will expose the master grafter who gouged millions
from
this city!"
"That is impossible, Whilton!" exclaimed Belver, his tone an emphatic
basso. "Only one man knew who the hidden rogue was; and that man is dead."
"You refer to Mayor Dylan," nodded Whilton. "His suicide, of course,
ended
the trail. But Dylan left a written confession; in it, he mentioned a certain
sealed box -"
"Stamped with his own official seal," added Belver, "and containing
documents that would incriminate the master-crook we seek. Unfortunately,
Dylan's house was ransacked by the criminal himself. All Dylan's official
property was stolen. The sealed box must have been taken at that time."
For answer, Whilton opened a desk drawer. He produced a flattish, black
metal box, tightly bound with twisted wire. The ends of the wire met on the
center of the lid. There, Belver saw a thick circle of red wax, that bore the
imprint of an official seal.
"Dylan's own seal!" exclaimed Belver. "The one that was never found. The
box is intact -"
"Which means," put in Whilton, "that it is the one mentioned in Dylan's
confession. One of his relatives found the box and sent it to me. To-morrow,
Belver, I want you to name a committee of men qualified to open this box and
make the contents public."
"Why not give the box to our present mayor? Or to the chief of police?"
"You can name them on your committee, Belver. But I prefer to have you
see
that the facts are made public. You have just bought the Daily Enterprise; the
power and prestige of the press is something to be considered."
Belver nodded. He could visualize the huge sensation that this news would
create in Southbury. But he was eager as he eyed the box; that was why he
questioned:
"Why not form the committee tonight?"
Whilton pondered; then, slowly, he gave his explanation.
"I have a mysterious friend," said Whilton, "who calls himself The
Shadow.
He aided me once in the past, when crime threatened. I have notified The
Shadow
that I have learned something concerning the exposure of another crime, that I
may need his cooperation in trapping the master-criminal. I expect a visit
from
him, to-night."
Belver's clear eyes showed wonderment. Whilton noted it; with a smile, he
assured his friend that The Shadow was an actual personage, although Whilton