The Shadow - 01 - The Living Shadow by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1931-04-15T23:03:34+00:00

The insurance broker accepted his arrival in a matter-of-fact way, listening methodically, while Vincent recounted his story. He asked that certain details be repeated, then suggested that his visitor wait for further instructions. He opened the bottle of blue ink and wrote a lengthy note that he sealed in an envelope and tendered to the stenographer for delivery. On second thought, he decided that Vincent could step out a while to return later in the day.

At two o’clock, Vincent came back to the insurance broker’s office. The Shadow’s agent invited him into the inner office.

“Compliments and commendations,” remarked Fellows, “are not a part of this business, Vincent. I have learned not to expect them. You must learn as much.

“Hence, I have no comment to offer regarding the information that you have obtained. I sent it to Jonas’s office in synopsis form so that I might receive instructions for you. The instructions have come. You are to return to Holmwood. Leave your car there, and come to New York by rail, prepared to stay for a few days. Stop at the Metrolite, as usual, and report to me at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.

“But remember, Vincent” - Fellows was smiling knowingly - “if commendation is lacking when you expect it, do not be disappointed. For we make mistakes quite frequently; and when we do, no fault is found with us. That makes things equal.”

Harry arrived at the Metrolite early the same evening. He registered at the hotel with a feeling of satisfaction. For he knew that developments were under way, and in his heart he was sure that The Shadow was pleased with his discoveries.

CHAPTER XVII. BINGHAM SEES A SHADOW

EZEKIEL BINGHAM sat in his upstairs study. The room was on the second floor of the lawyer’s compact home at Holmwood, Long Island. It was after midnight, but the old man did not seem weary.

In fact, Ezekiel Bingham slept very little. He was one of those unusual persons who required very little rest. He had trained himself from youth to be content with four or five hours of repose.

He never went to bed until dawn. He slept during the morning, arising before noon, and only visited his office in New York after mid-day. This was his constant procedure except when he was to appear in court; then he altered his routine in order to meet the occasion.

Hence Ezekiel Bingham worked while others slept. He secretly attributed much of his capability to that fact. The hours of the night were silent ones. They were hours for concentrated action.

Bingham was a widower - his wife had died many years before. His companion in the house was a male attendant named Jenks, who had been with him for years.

Jenks slept on the same floor as did Bingham. He was a powerful fellow, faithful, reliable, and of reasonably good intelligence. A native intelligence, for Jenks’s education had been neglected; he could scarcely read or write.

Jenks was always up before Ezekiel Bingham retired. He was on duty all day and in the early evening.

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