"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 231 - Garden of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"At least one life was spared. It is fortunate that Bendleton's daughter, Fay, was not here when the
tragedy occurred."

"Where is Fay Bendleton?" came Cranston's query. "Odd that she hasn't returned."

"She probably went to get Theophilus Malbray," stated the physician. "He was expected for dinner, also,
Mr. Cranston."

The name caught Weston's ear.

"You mean Professor Malbray?" he quizzed. "The famous horticulturist, who lives on the heights above
the Hudson?"

Dr. Williams nodded.

"The same," he said. "Since Richard Bendleton is dead, I am no longer breaking a confidence when I tell
you that Professor Malbray is the creator of the remarkable new drug that Bendleton hoped to give to
the world. Malbray will be grieved, when he arrives and learns of Bendleton's death, but the shock will
be much greater to Fay.

"I must insist, commissioner, that the news be broken to her with the utmost care. Her health has been
none too good, of late."

Weston was nodding his agreement, when they heard the arrival of a car out front. It could only be Fay
Bendleton, with Professor Malbray. The group started toward the door to meet the newcomers, and a
silence clung over all.

Amid that silence, The Shadow was considering the coming moments in terms of a more distant future.
He was confident that the testimony of Fay Bendleton, as well as that of Professor Malbray, would have
an important bearing on this matter which The Shadow's own experiments had proven to be murder!
 CHAPTER IV. THE SHADOW'S RETURN
FAY BENDLETON was steeled to the worst, from the moment she entered the house. Commissioner
Weston's promise to break the news gently was emptier than he realized.

Sight of police outside the house had alarmed Fay before she stepped from the car. She would have
arrived on the run, had not her companion, Professor Malbray, managed to restrain her.

Anxiety only increased the loveliness of Fay Bendleton. She was a frail girl, inclined to paleness, and
excitement gave her face a needed color. Her blue eyes were earnest, as she looked from person to
person, seeking a word of hope. When Dr. Williams stepped forward, she understood the worst, and
took it bravely.

"Yes, Fay," said the physician soberly, "it is your father. He is dead."

Simple and direct, the words were the best way of telling the girl the news that she expected. Fay's eyes
went shut; her blond hair tumbled as her head tilted forward. She swayed as Williams and Malbray
supported her; then, rallying, she whispered:

"Tell me... all."