"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 285 - Fountain of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

It was then that Johnny's hand dipped to his vest pocket as it had in the cab. Bringing out the folded sheet
of paper, Johnny opened it and shook his head sadly.

"Too bad," he declared. "Well, maybe I can be a good example instead of a horrible one."

Reaching for the telephone, Johnny called a number that he read from the paper. When a voice
answered, Johnny politely inquired for Miss Linda Brock; then tilted his head in characteristic fashion as
he sensed a delay at the other end of the wire.

At last a woman's voice spoke, stern, austere.

"Who is calling Miss Brock, please?"

"A friend," replied Johnny. His tone carried a full note of conviction. "A friend she has been waiting to
hear from."

Whispers were vague across the wire, indicating a secret consultation at the other end. Then a girl's voice
spoke in a tired monotone:

"I am Linda Brock. Who are you?"

Johnny paid no heed to the lack of query in the tone. With the same sincerity, he said:

"I'm Johnny Craver. You've heard of me but not by name."

"You've been away to Sapphire Springs."

"That's right. It did me good, Linda. If you're in the same whirl that I was, you'd better take a trip there. It
will do you good."

"I believe you, Johnny."

Though there was no lift to the monotone, the words were encouraging, so Johnny rallied to his theme.
"Why can't you come with me to Claybourne's reception?" queried Johnny. "You're invited, aren't you?"

"Yes. I am invited."

"Then why don't I stop around for you?"

"No." For the first time Linda's tone was sharp. "You must not come here."

"I'll meet you at the reception, then. What kind of a dress will you be wearing?"

"A blue evening gown. With aquamarine ear-rings and bracelet. If I go to the reception at all."

"But I must see you, Linda," insisted Johnny. "I want to help you, the way I was helped."

"Receptions bore me." For the first time, Linda's tired voice seemed to carry appropriate expression.
"Suppose I meet you afterward."