Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 110 by Maxwel l Grant

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

CHAPTER XII. DOOM BEFORE DAWN

TEN minutes after The Shadow had started from Manhattan, an automobile slowed in front of a driveway on Brisbane Avenue. Headlights showed a gravel entrance beneath the drizzle. The car nosed into the driveway; took a curve and pulled up near a darkened house.

A low voice sounded within the car. It was firm and businesslike. The voice was that of Inspector Joe Cardona, ace sleuth of the New York police.

"This is the place, Markham," announced Cardona to the driver. "Howard Dundee said it was the only house past Graywood, after we struck Brisbane Avenue."

"Looks like there's nobody home," vouchsafed the detective sergeant who sat at the wheel. "You sure the call wasn't a phony, Joe?"

"Not a chance. I can spot a crank call any time."

"But Dundee didn't tell you much. Except that he was afraid of something -"

"Which is enough for me. He needs protection and he knows it. That's why Dundee wanted me to come alone. He told me enough, Markham, when he said he'd crack these stiletto murders if I showed up in a hurry."

With that, Cardona alighted from the car; he instructed Markham to wait with ready gun and extinguished lights. Ready to approach the house, Joe gave a last admonition.

"I ought to find the front door open, like Dundee said he'd leave it. If it's open, I'll go through to his study.

If you hear anything, barge into the house. The same if you see anything - or suspect anything. Only don't let your imagination throw you."

Cardona's footsteps scarcely crunched the water-soaked gravel as he walked toward the front of the house. A white-painted door showed between gray walls, at the top of stone steps. A revolver shown half from his pocket, Cardona ascended the steps and tried the knob. The door opened.

Joe closed the door behind him, then beamed a flashlight through a darkened hallway. He saw large, covered chairs and heavy curtains at each side of the hall. Anything might indicate a hiding enemy. Joe drew his Police Positive, wangled the gun back and forth while he gazed suspiciously at furniture and drapes.

Satisfied that no one was about, Cardona took the route that he had intended. He went through the hallway, turned left into a little passage. There, he stopped short and uttered a satisfied grunt.

There was a closed door at the end of the passage, and it showed a light of its own. The glimmer came through a keyhole. This was the room that Cardona had come to find.

ADVANCING to the door, Cardona gave two abrupt raps. There was no response. Cardona rapped again.

This time, he fancied that he heard a creep within the room; yet no one spoke from the other side of the door. The thought struck Joe that the man within might be too fearful to answer. Stooping to the keyhole, Cardona spoke in buzzed tone.

"Hello, Dundee! This is Inspector Cardona!"

Slight footsteps sounded. There was a grating sound from beyond the door. Dundee was drawing bolts.

Cardona stood ready, waiting; the door opened a crack.

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