Maxwell Grant - The Shadow 091 by Zemba

Author:Zemba
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-15T00:45:58+00:00

"The Shadow!"

CLIFF and Harry were startled by the words; but the smile upon the features of the supposed Herbert Balliol remained fixed. To Harry came the realization that the smile denoted pleasure because of this expression of recognition. The Apache's words were a giveaway; they told that persons in the underworld had identified Herbert Balliol with The Shadow.

"L'Ombre, oui." The words from Balliol's lips were calm. Then, in a flow of French, he questioned: "Who sent you here to pry into my affairs? Gaspard Zemba?"

The ratlike Apache made no reply. The voice of Balliol hardened. Quickly, fiercely, the tall arrival delivered a voluble flow of French that carried more than its quota of Apache jargon. Threatening, accusing, the phrases were too speedy for even Cliff to thoroughly grasp them. But they worked upon the Apache.

The hunched rat spat back weakening replies. Loosening in the clutch of Harry and Cliff, he crouched back toward the wall. Hoarsely, he gave answers. Each one produced new, harsher questions. At last the tall inquisitor ceased the quiz and spoke to Harry and Cliff.

"Bind him."

There were heavy straps about a suitcase in the corner. Cliff and Harry procured them. While they were trussing up the Apache, they listened to the easy tones of Balliol, this time in English, speaking words which they took as both information and instructions from The Shadow.

"This rogue is from Zemba," came the steady tone. "At Zemba's order, he scaled the wall, from one balcony to another. His purpose was to enter and search this room. You did well to capture him, Vincent."

Harry smiled. He concluded that The Shadow had entered the room while he and Cliff were still discussing the prisoner.

"He states that he is to return to the Allee des Bijoux," resumed the speaker. "That street is located in the Montmartre. There is nothing concerning jewels about the street, but there is an Apache's caveau there.

It happens that Gaspard Zemba will be in that caveau at the extreme end of the cul-de-sac.

"Obviously, the place is a trap. Zemba will, therefore, be prepared for my arrival. However"—lips were smiling—"he will expect me to come alone. He will be disappointed. You two will precede me. Not to enter, but to guard the mouth of the blind alley.

"When I arrive, I shall signal you, but when only you are needed. You will follow and protect me from any enemies who approach. Those ahead of me— including Zemba, if he is among them—will be my own particular problem."

Harry and Cliff were nodding as they finished the binding of the hunched Apache. At a further command, they rolled the prisoner into a large closet and gagged him before they closed the door. Turning, they saw the tall figure of Balliol motioning them to the hall. They understood.

FIVE minutes later, Cliff and Harry left the Hotel Princesse. They entered an ancient taxi and ordered the driver to take them to the Cabaret du Diable, in the Montmartre, which was located close to the Allee des Bijoux.

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