Maxwell Grant - The Shadow 068 by Cyro

Author:Cyro
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-15T00:44:52+00:00

"Then I'll have no excuse for staying here."

"You have a reason, Reggie. The reason is that you are always welcome here."

"There's another reason, Alicia."

"I should like to hear it, Reggie."

"Because" - the man paused close by the girl's chair - "because, Alicia, I love you -"

ALICIA'S gaze was straight into Exeter's eyes. As the man paused, almost hesitant in declaring his love, the girl smiled and nodded; then quickly raised her finger to her lips.

Anticipating some interruption, Exeter stepped away and turned toward the door that led from the house.

He saw the others coming toward the porch.

Marr and Cranston stepped into view; then Danforth Gaudrin and his son Luke. The four joined Exeter and Alicia. New conversation began. Soon Luke had an opportunity for remarks.

"Sorry my friend Lence couldn't be here," he said. "You'd like Tracy. He's a fine chap. I'll invite him out when I hear from him. He might be up at the Club Caprice tonight. I was going to suggest a run up there.

What say, governor" - he turned to his father - "don't you feel sporting enough to pay a visit?"

"I have no objections to the Club Caprice," responded Danforth Gaudrin. "But I do consider it a mistake for young men of limited means to squander what money they do possess. In my youthful days, I did not indulge in too much gambling. It ceases to become a pleasure when one steps beyond his depth."

"Quite right, governor," agreed Luke, in a humoring tone. "I overdid it when I started playing at the Club Caprice. I've toned down a bit since then. I even have a credit at the place."

"Then cash it in," suggested Danforth Gaudrin.

"I can't do that, governor," put in Luke, glibly. "They treated me well when I was below the line. I have to jolly them a bit, now that I'm making out better. What say we roll up there for an hour? How about it, Exeter? Feel like doing the chauffeur act tonight?"

"If it suits Alicia," replied Exeter.

"I'm agreed," declared the girl.

HALF an hour later, the crowd arrived at the Club Caprice. Alicia favored dancing; she and Reginald Exeter went into the nightclub side of the establishment. Luke Gaudrin headed the others into the gaming room.

Obtaining a moderate supply of chips, Luke began to play a roulette wheel Marr and Cranston joined in the game, while Danforth Gaudrin looked on. Luke copied Cranston's combinations. All play was conservative, and the elder Gaudrin nodded approvingly as he watched the care with which his son hazarded his chips.

Tony, one of the gaming-room bodyguards, was standing near the roulette wheel. Luke had a chance to speak to him. Only The Shadow overheard the young man's words, as Luke whispered:

"Ask Royal to drop out, will you, Tony?"

Tony nodded and disappeared. Shortly afterward, Royal Medbrook strolled from the office. Luke, watching, saw him. Ending the play, he beckoned to the others. They walked over toward the faro table, where Luke introduced his father and the two millionaires to Medbrook.

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