Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 213 by Maxwel l Grant

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

CHAPTER XV. MURDER BY DAY

THAT evening Selwood learned why Cranston had posted his bail. Friendship and generosity were secondary considerations, the way Cranston put it. He wanted to reclaim the fifty thousand dollars that he had invested in the Aureole Mine, and therefore had considered it worth while to stake a duplicate sum.

"Who salted the Aureole Mine is not the question," declared The Shadow. "I am looking for the reason.

The bare facts point to you, Selwood, with a swindle as the game. But the Aureole Mine had a good

reputation in its day."

"And still has," argued Selwood. "Zern is the man who salted it. His purpose was simple enough. He wanted to ruin me, to take over my other interests. Failing that, he had to go through with what he started."

"Even though he has rendered his own Georgia property worthless by damaging the name of the Aureole Mine?"

"Of course, Cranston. The game simply got beyond him. He thought he would brand me as a swindler before I sold my stock. When I beat him on that proposition, his mind turned to revenge, which is quite as sweet to Zern as money is."

The Shadow offered no objection to Selwood's theory. Instead, he returned to his original theme.

"You still control the Aureole Mine," he reminded Selwood. "If you went to Georgia yourself, you could push the work. Should you actually strike gold -"

The Shadow's pause was more emphatic than words. The point struck home to Selwood.

"I would be vindicated!" the financier exclaimed. "Vindicated on the most important charge! If the mine produced gold, I could no longer be accused of any swindle. The other indictments would be quashed."

"Exactly!" replied The Shadow. "But time is short. You must vindicate yourself in time to avoid trial. We must leave for Georgia tomorrow, Selwood."

"We?"

"Both of us. Since my bail money is at stake, we shall probably both feel better if I am with you."

The Shadow's remark was subtle. It backed up his statement that he was thinking in terms of finance rather than friendship. Business methods were the best with Selwood, as the man's nod proved.

"Very well, Cranston," he agreed. "We shall start tomorrow. I shall take Brenda and Jackie with us. I am sure" - he smiled at the thought - "that neither will object. Brenda wants to see Bob, and Jackie ought to be with his father."

"Suppose you tell them the good news," suggested The Shadow. "I have just remembered an important appointment that will take me back to town. Good night, Selwood."

The Shadow's appointment was with Professor Herkimer, who was still in the hospital under police guard. All during the trial, The Shadow had been thinking in terms of Herkimer, and one fact was definite.

Herkimer had studied mining engineering in his day, and that day was a good many years ago. It was logical that the professor knew facts about the famous Aureole Mine.

Facts, perhaps, which would have meant much in the courtroom had Herkimer appeared there. The game, therefore, had been to put Herkimer out of the picture.

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