Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 127 by Maxwel l Grant

Author:Maxwel,l Grant
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

CHAPTER XII

THE SHADOW CONNECTS

MEN turned instinctively when they heard the thump as Rotherwelt collapsed. Cardona forgot his own dilemma, to stare toward the dead jeweler.

He

saw Rotherwelt's hands clasped to his heart. They had made their last spasmodic

move in that direction.

Like others, Cardona thought that sight of the masked Brother had produced

an overstrain. Rotherwelt, Joe remembered, had been warned to avoid all excitement. His death was logical, under the circumstances; but despite its apparent accident, it was murder.

The masked man at the door was here with criminal intent. Rotherwelt's collapse was the direct result. The law held such cases to be murder. Joe Cardona stood witness to the fact.

The thought struck home. Joe guessed what the killer's course would be: New murder, with Joe as the victim. In previous crimes done by the masked raider, some persons had been spared. But not Joe Cardona, whose stubby revolver still glimmered in his lowered hand. The ace inspector was too dangerous an obstacle, to be allowed to live.

With his guess, Cardona took quick action. He sprang about, diving for the

door of the bedroom, hoping to fire as he ducked.

The masked Brother already had Cardona covered. From the doorway, his revolver loomed straight for Joe's heart. Death could blast from that steady-aimed weapon before Cardona had a chance. All that could save Cardona was the unexpected; and it came.

An elevator door rolled open at the end of the hall. From it surged a black-cloaked shape that bowled over an astonished operator, who had not guessed that he carried this mysterious passenger.

As he sprang into view, The Shadow saw the aiming Brother at the door of 1610. He pressed the trigger of his automatic before the would-be murderer could fire.

There was nothing wrong with The Shadow's aim. Quick though it was, the cloaked avenger had picked his target. The factor that saved the masked Brother

was the sudden attack that came from another direction. From the fire tower passage, Murthell sprang for The Shadow, just as the master-fighter delivered his gun blast.

With left hand, Murthell grabbed The Shadow's arm; with his right, he shoved his own revolver up toward The Shadow's heart. The stab from The Shadow's .45 went inches wide, splintering woodwork beside the Brother's shoulder. Urged by desire for self-preservation, the masked crook forgot Cardona and dived along the corridor.

The Shadow faded from Murthell's grip. Twisting, dropping, he lowered his left shoulder. It was clear when the house dick fired. The bullet scorched past

The Shadow's ear. An instant later, Murthell was clutched by The Shadow. With a

terrific spin, The Shadow hauled the fellow toward the side passage.

Murthell made a wild grab for the corner of the main corridor and caught it. His move was a bad one. The Brother in the corridor had opened fire, hoping

to clip The Shadow, not caring if his bullets found the treacherous house dick

also. Those shots came as Murthell grabbed. The bribed detective took the sizzling slugs. He dropped inert, in The Shadow's clutch.

IN Rotherwelt's living room, Cardona saw the retreat of the masked Brother.

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