Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 101 by Maxwel l Grant

Author:Maxwel,l Grant
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

CHAPTER XI. CRIME FORETOLD

THE SHADOW was right. Cliff was faced with trouble. Cliff, himself, was realizing it, as he talked to Culden. He had chosen a course that brought immediate results; but promised subsequent difficulties.

“I'm from the Gray Ghost.”

Cliff spoke the words emphatically, as he crouched on the floor beside the prisoner. He added:

“I know all about your alibi. The Gray Ghost told me.”

Culden looked up from the stone floor. The single light of the inner locker room showed an eager look in the prisoner's eyes. Dude Cottran had known nothing about the alibi. Culden was half convinced that Cliff was actually an emissary from the Gray Ghost.

“You brought Yenner's dog in from Holmwood,” whispered Cliff. “It gave you an alibi to cover the time that the Ghost was working at Windler's and Debrossler's. I'm here to get you out of a jam, Culden.”

The prisoner nodded.

“I didn't have time to find out how much you know,” added Cliff. “I got the word over the telephone from the Gray Ghost. He told me to keep you from talking; but he didn't say about what.”

“I've never seen the Gray Ghost,” responded Culden, in a hoarse whisper. “If you know who he is, don't tell me. I—I've had a hard time holding back what I do know.”

Cliff nodded. He was thinking quickly. He made a stab with his next question:

“You mean about the next job?”

A nod from Culden. Cliff took another chance.

“The one set for to-night?”

A new nod from Culden. Cliff shook his head.

“It won't matter much,” he declared. “To-night's job is off.”

Culden's eyes popped.

“It's off?” he queried. “You don't mean the job at Forbel's?”

Cliff nodded.

“But it would be a set-up,” protested Culden. “I was out at Forbel's once; I saw his place at Narrowneck. Mr. Windler told me all about Forbel's jewels.”

“I know,” agreed Cliff, “but the Gray Ghost wasn't sure about you, Culden. He wanted to make sure you hadn't talked. Well, since you haven't, the job is for me to get you out of here.”

“Can you work it?”

“I think so. I'll tell Dude that I'm taking you along with me. So as to get your confidence. I'll tip him off to follow us in a car. He'll give me a slow bus; and he'll be trailing in a speedy one. That will make him think it's on the level.”

“But if he follows us—”

“Don't worry.” Cliff was loosening Culden's bonds. “There'll be somebody else to pick up Dude's trail.

Come on, Culden. Act like you're a bit squeamish; as if you didn't know whether or not to trust me.”

CLIFF helped the unbound prisoner to his feet. Culden staggered, cramped. He managed to brace himself against the wall. He stretched wearily; and Cliff helped him falter toward the door. When they stopped there, Cliff waited a few moments; then opened the door and helped Culden into the outer room.

Dude and the crowd were waiting. Cliff saw Bump and Shanty spring forward, each from a different side. He waved them back and spoke to Dude.

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