Shadow 135 - The Pooltex Tangle 10-01-37, The by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant [Grant, Maxwell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Street and Smith
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

OUTSIDE the factory door, the rails of the siding stretched empty under the strong brilliance of the overhead light. Wallace and Pool remained there, conferring in low voices. Andrew Leach stood apart from them, staring up the track where the freight had vanished.

A voice said timidly: “Any special orders for tonight, Mr. Wallace?”

Wallace turned and stared at the watchman. He started to say something, but he was interrupted by Leach. The laboratory assistant said quietly:

“I’d like to make a suggestion, if I may. I think I have a sensible plan, and one that ought to be followed.”

Wallace hesitated. But Pool nodded with instant interest. Leach’s calm voice seemed to reassure him.

“What did you have in mind, doctor?”

“Just this. I think this factory, and not the car that just left, is the spot to be watched for trouble.”

“Why?” Roy Wallace interrupted.

“Because those two crooks put to flight tonight are well aware that the car on that train is theft-proof. They won’t dare to try what they did on the first shipment of cloth. Unless I’m badly mistaken, one or both of those crooks is going to try to sneak into the factory here tonight.”

“Why?” Wallace repeated grimly.

“The Pooltex formula,” Leach replied. “The formula itself is not kept in the laboratory safe, but Dominick doesn’t know that. Otherwise, why should he and his companion have made such a dangerous attempt to crack the safe tonight? Mark my words, Dominick or his pal will be back again. I propose to give them a good reception!”

His voice became crisper.

“Here is my plan. I’ll move a cot into the laboratory and lock myself in. I’ll sleep there with a .45 automatic close to my hand. The moment the alley window lifts, or the lock of the lab door clicks, I’ll be ready in the dark to nail our smart visitors. In fact, I’m in favor of encouraging them to sneak in.”

“How do you mean?” Pool asked.

Leach turned toward the two interested watchmen.

“Leave the east door of the factory unlocked. It offers direct access to the laboratory. Dominick will be afraid to try the window again. But a carelessly, open door will make things a lot easier for him. He’ll think that the excitement made us jittery and careless. Also, keep your appointed rounds so Dominick won’t become suspicious.”

Wallace looked doubtful. But Pool was convinced that his assistant had hit upon a scheme that was both simple and practical. In the end, Wallace agreed to the strategy.

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