The Shadow - 321 - Jade Dragon II by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant [Grant, Maxwell]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 1948-09-13T08:50:50+00:00

Contrasted with the deep olive hue of the costume, the apple-green jade gave the final effect that Royce desired, though he did not discount the crimson of the ruby necklace. While Margo was mirroring herself and approving the result, Royce looked across her shoulder and nodded.

"Red and green," he declared. "A splendid contrast, in this particular arrangement. And now, Miss Lane"

- he gave a deep chuckle - "you are wearing the real prize of my collection."

Fingering the ruby necklace as she turned, Margo gave an understanding nod as she said:

"These rubies are large enough to be worth a fortune in themselves -"

"I do not mean the rubies," interrupted Royce, still chuckling. "I refer to the jade pendant."

"Why -" Margo paused, somewhat puzzled. "Why, the other night, you said that jade had little value.

"Little value in itself," agreed Royce, "but far more than the rest of the junk jewelry you are wearing.

Don't think that I am laughing at you, Miss Lane." Royce's tone was becoming convulsive. "We shall enjoy the final laugh together, when the crowd arrives for the studio party.

"You can stay in costume, and I shall keep on painting, while we watch their faces. When they ask how much these gems are worth, I shall say, conservatively, thirty thousand. I won't add, of course, that I mean cents, not dollars!"

MARGO began to laugh, too. Royce thought she was picturing the coming envy of his former models; but Margo wasn't thinking in terms of blondes. She remembered that Royce had told her he had invited Cranston to the party. It would be delightful to watch Lamont eye the imitation gems, believing them real trophies that would demand his full protection.

Then, considering Cranston in terms of The Shadow, with the serious matters that were at stake, Margo was ready to revoke her decision, when she heard Royce say:

"Queer people, the Chinese. What one hears, all learn. I talked too much in Chinatown, quite purposely.

I wanted the Chinese to show their hand, but they were far too wise. They must have learned, through sources of their own, that my wonderful gem collection was all junk; that I never showed it to experts like Dayland or Walstead, except when I borrowed occasional items elsewhere.

"After all" - Royce gave a shrug - "I had to keep up a front among friends who regard a man who spends all his money as a fool."

"But you told Walstead that you often traded gems with Dayland!"

"Why not?" chuckled Royce. "Dayland was no longer alive to deny it."

"Then you sold Dayland paintings for actual cash?"

"Yes, and plenty of it. I bluffed him into thinking that I had all the money I needed, and thereby always received the full price I wanted.

"Well" - Royce snapped his fingers - "Herb is gone, and Lou is my best prospective customer, so I am bluffing him, in his turn."

Margo felt that Royce's attitude was heartless, but she did not say so. After all, he knew his friends - if they could be so termed - and Royce was generous, at least, while they were graspers.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.