The Crime Clinic by Maxwell Grant & Walter Gibson

Author:Maxwell Grant & Walter Gibson [Grant, Maxwell & Gibson, Walter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Espionage, Fiction, Thrillers
Publisher: Street & Smith
Published: 1933-12-17T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XI. THE JACKDAW ORDERS

Two days had passed since Bart Melken's visit to his friend, Farrell Sarborn. Those two days had been anxious ones for Melken. The Jackdaw's minion knew well that he would soon receive another order to play his part in crime.

There were hours, in the late afternoon, when Melken made it a practice to remain alone in his hotel room. That was part of The Jackdaw's bargain. Today, with afternoon waning, Melken was in the room. Today, more than ever before, he sensed impending orders from his chief.

Accounts in the newspapers had given no new findings on the murder of Rutherford Casslin. That, at least, was satisfactory to Bart Melken. He was sure that Joe Cardona was making no progress that would lead him to The Jackdaw.

The position was a singular one. Bart was anxious that no one else would learn The Jackdaw's identity. He was anxious, also, that he could learn it. His scheme was simply to meet The Jackdaw on an equal basis, for the first time, and thus be able to make terms that would result in his own freedom.

To date, Bart had gained no inkling whatever regarding The Jackdaw's identity. That fact, as much as any other, made him dread the power of his task-making chief. With Farrell Sarborn as an ally, there was some chance that Bart Melken might gain a helpful clew.

As for The Shadow, Bart Melken had no idea whatever that his mysterious presence had appeared. He figured only himself, the police, and The Jackdaw. Yet The Shadow's part, so far as Bart was concerned, was more important than that of any other.

This very room in which Bart Melken sat had been fitted, during his absence, with a dictograph. In an adjoining hotel room, a young man was on duty. Harry Vincent, agent of The Shadow, was not only watching for any who might visit Bart Melken; he was also keeping tabs on Bart's end of telephone conversations.

The telephone bell rang while Bart was deep in thought. Yvonne Lydell was on the wire. Bart was relieved to hear her voice. He conducted a leisurely conversation.

"Tonight?" he questioned. "Certainly. I can meet you at Winchendon's... Yes, about half past nine is the time I expect to arrive there. I can take you home afterward. Very well. Has your father returned from Florida?... Ah, next week... That is later than he expected... Very well, Yvonne. I shall met you at Winchendon's."

Melken hung up the telephone. He strolled back and forth across the room. The bell began to ring again. Bart hesitated; then answered the summons. He paled as he heard the voice over the wire.

It was The Jackdaw.

THERE was an effect about The Jackdaw's voice that had always placed Melken on the defensive. The Jackdaw seldom asked questions. He dealt in statements, and gave his orders. He seemed to have plans for crime already mapped. Moreover, his direct way of talking invariably gave Melken the impression that The Jackdaw knew much about him.

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