The phone fell from his hand as he dropped back in his chair.
Belden was aghast! He had not anticipated this action. Now the damage was done! Belden had expected Griscom to yield. Now, it was too late!
There was but one course a break for safety. Belden was neither gunman nor murderer. He was a smooth talker who kept away from trouble. Now was his opportunity. Taking advantage of Griscom’s stupor, Belden fled from the room, governed only by his desire to escape before the police arrived.
THE final editions of the evening newspapers carried a sensational story. Cliff Marsland read it in amazement as he stood on a street corner. Arline Griscom’s picture appeared beneath sprawled headlines.
MAGNATE’S DAUGHTER KIDNAPPED!
Howard Griscom had told his story, briefly and pathetically.
The murder of George Ballantyne had been discounted as a racket plot by the police. Arline’s kidnapping could not well be treated in the same manner.
The newspapers had lifted the lid, and were publishing Griscom’s accusations. Detectives were at work, seeking to trace the girl from the time she had left Griscom’s office. The sleuths were experiencing no success.
Cliff turned back to Larchmont Court as he read the newspaper. He was sure that Killer Durgan had a hand in this.
He had investigated Durgan’s apartment at The Shadow’s order. He had been instructed to follow any clew that might lead to Durgan’s whereabouts.