The Shadow 086 The London Crimes by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant [Grant, Maxwell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1935-09-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XII. THE SHADOW DEPARTS

THE Rajah of Delapore received a prompt answer across the wire. Scarcely had he dialed before he began his conversation. Dawson Canonby had evidently been waiting close to his home telephone. The Shadow could hear the sound of a voice across the wire. Then the rajah spoke.

“Good evening, Mr. Canonby.” The tone was musical. “Yes, this is the Rajah of Delapore… Yes, of course… The final arrangements… Tomorrow…

“At some time in the afternoon… I shall call you when I am ready… Yes, be prepared to bring the money… Of course… Be sure that you are well guarded…

“The armored lorry?… Does it carry the name of your jewelry house?… Excellent!… Use that vehicle when you come to Rudlow’s… Yes. I shall have the false stones with me…

“Do not be perturbed, Mr. Canonby. There is no reason. This transaction lies between us… No, no. It will be unnecessary for you to express an opinion regarding the false stones. You can indicate that you have seen them previously…

“Certainly… The very fact that you accept them will prove sufficient… Let the witnesses form their own conclusions… Come, Mr. Canonby! This is no time to have qualms… Ah! You will carry through as I desire?… Excellent!… Yes, of course it is purely a protective measure… You understand the circumstances…”

While the rajah was talking, The Shadow had moved back further between the door curtains. Barkhir’s assurance that Sanghar was asleep gave indication that no danger lay from within the apartment. The Shadow expected the rajah and Barkhir to come through the doorway. That would leave the living room empty, with opportunity for prompt departure.

The Shadow had already formed a possible theory regarding the rajah’s possession of the false gems.

The telephone call to Canonby had been a final enlightenment. The Shadow had come to a full conclusion regarding the motives that actuated the Rajah of Delapore.

The main problem had become departure. The only hazard that appeared imminent was a possible inspection by Barkhir. Should the servant part the thick curtains by the window, he would discover that the sash was open. That might cause a search about the living room.

In anticipation of such a possibility, The Shadow was ready to glide back into the inner rooms the moment that Barkhir made a move toward the window. He felt confident that he could find some quick means of exit before being discovered.

“Lock up, Barkhir,” ordered the rajah. “Then summon Sanghar and tell him to relieve you. It is wise that some one should be up and about during the entire night.”

Barkhir moved toward the window. It was The Shadow’s cue. He knew that Harry Vincent, stationed below, would draw back into the fog if he heard sounds from above. The Shadow’s immediate task was to find a new exit. He glided from beyond the curtains, moving backward in the dim inner hall.

A sudden sound warned The Shadow. Quickly, he wheeled toward the rear of the little hall. His move was timely. A lunging, white-clad form had launched itself in his direction.

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