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DEADMENLIVE
MaxwellGrant
Thispagecopyright©2001BlackmaskOnline.
http://www.blackmask.com
?CHAPTERI.AMANWITHAMESSAGE
?CHAPTERII.ASTRANGEDISCOVERY
?CHAPTERIII.AVISITORRETURNS
?CHAPTERIV.MANNASSEMBLESDATA
?CHAPTERV.THESHADOWBEGINS
?CHAPTERVI.TWOMENPLOT
?CHAPTERVII.THESHADOW’SCHOICE
?CHAPTERVIII.ORLINOV’SCASTLE
?CHAPTERIX.CLIFFSENDSAMESSAGE
?CHAPTERX.THESHADOW’SPLAN
?CHAPTERXI.ORLINOVSPEAKSFACTS
?CHAPTERXII.TREMONT’SVISITOR
?CHAPTERXIII.THESHADOW’SFLIGHT
?CHAPTERXIV.THESHADOW’SFIGHT
?CHAPTERXV.AFTERMIDNIGHT
?CHAPTERXV.AFTERMIDNIGHT
?CHAPTERXVI.APERFECTSCHEME
?CHAPTERXVII.THEPLANWORKS
?CHAPTERXVIII.ORLINOV’STHREAT
?CHAPTERXIX.THEMANFROMOUTSIDE
?CHAPTERXX.THEMANFROMINSIDE
?CHAPTERXXI.CLIFFFINDSACHANCE
?CHAPTERXXII.THESHADOWSPEAKS
?CHAPTERXXIII.THEATTACK
CHAPTERI.AMANWITHAMESSAGE
THEglaringheadlightofthebiglocomotivecametoaslowstopastheWestShoreExpresspulledinto
theWeehawkenTerminal.Astationattendantpulledopentheexitgate.Dimfiguresofalighting
passengersappearedupontheplatformandbecameanadvancingthrong.Theattendantidlywatchedthe
approachinggroup.
Twomenwerestandingashortdistancefromthegate.Awayfromtheglimmerofthelocomotive
headlight,theywereobscureandunnoticed.Liketheattendant,theywerewatchingthepeoplecoming
downtheplatform.
“He’llbehereinhalfaminute,Jake,”saidoneinanundertone.“We’vegottospothimthesecondhe
showsup.Rightontheferrywithhim.”
“Igotyou,Biff,”wasJake’sreply.
Thetwomenwaited.Althoughtheyweretense,neitheroneappearedexcited.Thiswasnotsurprising.
Watchingforapassengercomingfromatrainwasnogreattaskfor“Biff”Towleyandhisfellowwatcher,
JakeBosch.ForBiffTowleywasoneofthecraftiestmobsmeninallNewYork,andhiscompanionwas
hiscounterpart.
Atall,youthfulmancamethroughthegatewiththelastofthepassengersleavingtheExpress.Biff
Towleynudgedhiscompanion.
Bothmenseemedtobedisinterestedbystandersasthetallpassengerglancednervouslyintheirdirection.
Butastheyoungmancontinuedtowardtheferry,thetwoself-effacinggangstersswungalongbehind
him.
“It’sLouisSteffan,allright,”whisperedBiffTowley.“Separatewhenwereachtheboat.Youstayahead
ofhim.I’llbeinback.”
JakeBoschgruntedhisagreement.
Intheferryboat,LouisSteffancontinuedthroughtothefrontdeck.There,heleanedagainsttherailand
staredacrossthelight-studdedwatersoftheHudson.
Hefumbledinhispocketanddrewforthacigarette.Helighteditwithtremblinghand.Asheraisedthe
matchtowardhisface,Steffandidnotnoticeanothermanwholeanedupontherailclosebesidehim.It
wasJakeBosch.
THEgangsterthrewasidelongglancetowardSteffan.Hecouldseethepalloroftheyoungman’sface;
thetwitchingofhislips,theblinkingofhiseyelids.ThenthematchdroppedovertherailandSteffan’s
facebecameawhiteblurinthedarknessastheferryslidfromitsslip.
JakeBoschdrewbackasLouisSteffannervouslythrewthecigaretteintotheriverandstartedtoward
riverandstartedtoward
thefrontgateoftheferry.AsSteffanpausedthere,Jaketurnedandsaunteredidlyintothecabinwhere
hestoodwithinthedoor.BiffTowleywasseatedcloseathand.Nooneelsewasnear.
“Helooksnervous,Biff,”saidJake,inalowtone.
“Heoughtto,”camethereply,withaneasy,uglylaugh.“Keepaheadofhimontheotherside.I’m
stickingclosewithhim.Rememberoneofushasgottopointhimout!”
Jakenoddedandwentbackondeck.
ThewaterwaschurningastheferryapproachedtheslipontheNewYorkside.Themyriadlightsof
Manhattanwereblottedastheboatcameclosetotheroofoftheferryhouse.
Whenthegatewasopened,LouisSteffanwasoneofthefirsttoleave.Hesawnothingsuspiciousinthe
formofJakeBosch,walkingswiftlyahead.NordidhenoticetheidlingshapeofBiffTowley,whowas
strollingonbehindhim.
LouisSteffanstoppedatarowofphonebooths.Hefumblednervouslythroughthepagesofthe
Manhattandirectory.BiffTowley,afewfeetaway,smiledgrimly.Hesteppedintooneofthetelephone
boothsandheldanickelpoisedabovetheslot.
LouisSteffan’sfingerwascheckinganame.Hehadfoundwhathedesired-thetelephonenumberof
ClarkMurdock.Hemovedtowardthephonebooths.
Asheapproached,Towley’snickelclickedandthegangsterdialedBarmont4-9356.
Astrangecoincident!ThatwastheverynumberthatSteffanhadnotedinthebook.
BiffTowleywastalkinginalow,quietvoicewhenLouisSteffanbegantodial.Listeningatthereceiver,
Steffanheardtheclang-clangofthebusysignal.Hehungupthetelephoneandwaited.
BiffTowleywasstilltalkingwhenSteffandialedagain.Oncemore,hecaughtthebusysignal.
LouisSteffansteppedfromhisphoneboothandglancednervouslyathiswatch.Hewalkedhurriedly
Hewalkedhurriedly
away.
BiffTowley,seeinghimthroughthewindowofthebooth,quietlyendedhisconversationandstepped
fromthecompartment.HesawSteffan’stallformgoingthroughthedoortoataxistand.WhenBiff
reachedthespot,twocabsweredrawingaway.NeitherLouisSteffannorJakeBoschwereinsight.
BiffTowleygrinnedandwalkedeastwardonForty-secondStreet.
LOUISSTEFFANhadtakenthefirstcabhehadseenatthestand.HehadgiventheaddressofClark
Murdock-whichhehadnotedinthephonebook.Nowridinguptown,theyoungmanwashighly
perturbed.
HehadcometoNewYorkwithadefinitepurpose-tocommunicatewithClarkMurdock.Untilhehad
reachedtheManhattanferryterminal,hehadgainednoopportunity.Thatphonecallwiththebusysignal,
hadbeenawasteoftime.Steffanwaswaitingnolonger.Hewasgoingdirectlytothemanwhohe
wishedtosee.
Asthecabstoppedatatrafficlight,Steffanpulledanotebookfromhiscoatpocket.Hescannedthe
pagesofshorthandnotationsthathehadmade.
Therecollectionoftheriskhehadruntogetthemmadehimshudder.Hepicturedhimselflisteningatthe
dooroftheroomwheretwomenhadbeentalking;andtoSteffan’sblinkingeyescameavividportraitof
oneofthespeakers.
IvanOrlinov!Thenamewasinscribedamongthenotes.Steffanshuthiseyesasthecabjerkedforward.
Infancyhesawashrewd,beardedface-thecountenanceofademon!
Steffanclenchedhisfists.IvanOrlinovwaseverywhere,itseemed!Heopenedhiseyesandblinkedat
thelightsoftheavenue,asthevisionfaded.
Helaughedahoarse,nervouslaugh.Hewassafe,here,withalltheselights.SafeinNewYork,with
Orlinovmilesaway.Hetriedtofeelateaseandgraduallyhisqualmsended.Reasontoldhimthatthere
wasnodangerforthepresent.TheimmediatetaskwastodeliverhismessagetoClarkMurdock.
Steffanglancedathiswatch.Itwastenminutesafternine.TherewasmenacehereinNewYork-butit
threatenedanotherman.Steffanalonecouldthwartit-forhe,alone,knewthesecret.
Hewassurethatnothingcouldhappenuntilteno’clock.Fiftyminutesyet-andnowthecabwas
swervingfromtheavenue.Oneblock-twoblocks-thetaxistoppedinthecenterofthethird.Steffan
wasreadywiththefare.
Thrustinghisnotebookinhispocket,theyoungmanalightedandstooduponthesidewalkwhilethecab
rolledaway.
Itwasasomberneighborhood.Thenightwasgloomywithovercastingclouds,andinthisobscurepartof
Manhattan,theoldbuildingsseemedliketombs.Thenumberofthisoldhousereflectedbythelight
behindthetransom,showeddimlyabovethedoor.
LouisSteffanhadreachedthehomeofClarkMurdock.
STEFFANglancedupanddownthestreetbeforehewenttowardthesteps.Hesawacarparkedhalfa
blockaway.Itslightswereoffandhegaveitnosecondthought.Impulsively,heturnedtoapproachthe
steps.Ashedid,hesensedamanbesidehim.
AnexclamationfrozeonSteffan’slips.Thestrangerwhohadcloseduponhimwasashort,stockyman;
andinhishandwastheglimmerofsteel.ThemuzzleofarevolverpressedagainstLouisSteffan’sribs.
“Movealong,”cameaharsh,coldvoice.“Onepeepoutofyouandyougettheworks.Savvy?”
Trembling,LouisSteffanallowedhimselftobeforcedalongthestreet-awayfromthehousehehad
sought-awayfromtheoneplacethatofferedsafety.Theparkedcarwasmovingslowlytowardhim.
Shivering,withthepressureofthegunagainsthisback,theyoungmanfalteredforwardathiscaptor’s
bidding.
Thelowlyingcarmetthem,twentyyardsfromthehouse.Itwasasedanandthereardooropenedas
theautomobilearrivedbesideSteffanandthemanwhoguardedhim.
theautomobilearrivedbesideSteffanandthemanwhoguardedhim.
Withinthesedan,LouisSteffansawthevagueformofanotherenemy.There,asbefore,hecaughtthe
glimmerofarevolver.
AnudgefromhiscaptorandSteffansteppedintothecar.Hehuddledbackuponthecushions,hishands
raisedpiteouslyashisfrightened,staringeyessawthesecondrevolvercoveringhim.
“Getgoing,”saidthemanonthecurb.
“Right,Jake,”camethegrowlofLouisSteffan’snewguard.
Thefirstcaptorclosedthedoor.Thecarpulledaway.LouisSteffanwasgoingforaride.
JAKEBOSCHlaughedashesawthesedandisappeararoundthenearestcorner.Hegavehisrevolver
atwirlandpocketeditinaleisurelymanner.
Hestrolledalongthestreettothecornerintheoppositedirection.There,hewalkedcalmlypasta
uniformedpolicemanandturneddowntheavenue.Hereachedadrugstoreonthenextcornerand
enteredaphonebooth.Aminutelater,hewastalkingtoBiffTowley.
“O.K.,Biff,”saidJake,tersely.“Theboyswerewaiting.They’vegoneaway-withapassenger.”
“Youweretherefirst?”camethevoiceofBiff.
“Iwasneartherefirst,”repliedJake.“Madegoodtimeinmycab.Gotoutablockaway.Walkeddown
tothehouseanddroppedoutofsightwhenourfriendcamealong.”
“Goodwork,Jake.Seeyoulater.I’vegotanothercalltomake.”
Leavingthedrugstore,JakeBoschreturnedalongtheblockpastClarkMurdock’shome.Hegrinnedas
hepassedthehousewherehehadmadehiscapture.Hecontinuedonataleisurelygait.Hisjobwas
finished.
Hardenedunderlingofacallousedgangleader,itwasJakeBosch’sdutytoobeyorders,without
knowingwhy.Tonight’sbusinesswasamysterytohim.
BiffTowleyhadstationedmobsmeninthecarnearMurdock’shomeandhadtakenJakewithhimto
WeehawkentointerceptLouisSteffan-amanofwhomJakehadneverbeforeheard.
Jakehaddoneotherjobslikethisone.Hewastheskilledpilotwhosteeredvictimstowaiting
automobiles.WheretheywentorwhathappenedtothemwasamatterofnoconcerntoJakeBosch.
HefeltnointerestorsympathyforLouisSteffan.Thatyoungmanwasmerelyanotheronthelistofthose
whomBiffTowleyhadchosentoobliterate.
SoJakeforgottheentirematterasheheadedforhisfavoritenightclub,ahauntwherebrightlightsand
gaudywomenlured.Hedidnotrealizethattonighthehadplayedavitalpartintheschemesofmen
craftierthanBiffTowley.
ForLouisSteffanhadbroughtasingularmessagetoNewYork.Hadhedeliveredit,hemighthave
frustratedtheprogressofstrangeandincrediblecrime.Buthehadfailed-hewhoalonehadgainedan
inklingofafiendishplot.
inklingofafiendishplot.
UpintheBronx,thedeathcarwasstoppedbesideadesertedlot.Amuffledshot-adyinggasp-andall
wasover.ThedooropenedandthebodyofLouisSteffantumbledfromthesedan.Thecartraveledon
itsway.
Thenfromtheloweredwindowflutteredfragmentsofpaper,whichscatteredwidelyinthebreezeasthe
carswepthomewardtowardManhattan.LouisSteffan’sshorthandnotesweremeetingwithdestruction.
Themanwiththemessagewasdead-andhismessagewasgoneforever.Tothepolice,itwouldbe
anotherganglandkilling.BythetimethatLouisSteffan’sbodywasfoundandhisemptypockets
searched,theunknowncrimewouldbeaccomplished!
CHAPTERII.ASTRANGEDISCOVERY
“Stepintothelaboratory,gentlemen.Mydemonstrationisready.”
Thespeakerwasastoop-shouldered,gray-hairedmanoffiftyyears.Hewasgarbedinawhitegown.
Hewasaddressingagroupofkeen,intelligent-lookingmenwhowereseatedin
Hewasaddressingagroupofkeen,intelligent-lookingmenwhowereseatedinalittlelivingroom.
Thisman,towhomtheothersgavecloseandrespectfulattention,wasClarkMurdock,whosechemical
experimentshadgainedhimanenviedreputation
Themenaroseandfollowedthechemistintohislaboratory.Itwastherearroomonthesecondfloorof
Murdock’soldhouse.Hehadchosenthissecludedspot,awayfromthemainarteriesofManhattan,that
hemightconducthisexperimentswithoutdisturbance.
Murdock’slaboratorywasaremarkableplace.Itcontainedshelvesofbottles,longtablesstrewnwith
appliancesandpiecesofoddlyassortedmachinery.Hisguestslookedaboutthemwithinterest,andthe
chemistsmiledashesawtheirwonderingglances.
Thesemenhadcometoseeapracticaldemonstrationofhisnewexperimentsinatomicdisintegration.
ClarkMurdockhadmadesomeremarkablediscoveries,butherealizedthatfewofhisvisitorswould
understandtheirfullsignificance.
Motioningthementochairs,Murdockgazedabouthimwiththeairofaninstructorabouttoaddressa
class.Hewaiteduntilsilencehadbeenobtained;thenstaredathissolemn-facedassistantinthecorner.
“Youmaygo,Stevens,”hesaid,brusquely.
“Yes,sir,”saidtheman,withaslightbow.“Doyouwishmetowaituntilthetruckmencome,sir?”
“That’sright,”declaredMurdock,withanod.“Theyweretoreturnforthatboxtheybroughthereby
mistake.Ishallattendtothat,Stevens.Youleftitbytheelevator,didyounot?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Verywell.Ishallanswertheirring.Goodnight,Stevens.”
ThesolemnassistantleftthelaboratoryandMurdockagainsmiledathisguests.
“Stevensisagoodassistant,gentlemen,”hesaid,quietly.“Heknowsnothing.Thatismuchbetterthan
knowingtoomuch-assomeassistantsdo.”
Theotherslaughedatthechemist’switticism.Murdocklookedaboutthegroup.Henotedtwomenwho
impressedhimmorethananyothers.Theywereseatedsidebyside.
OnewasDoctorGeraldSavette,akeen-visagedmanwhostoodhighinhisprofession.Theotherwas
LamontCranston,awealthymillionaire,whowasalikelyinvestorinpromisinginventions.
CLARKMURDOCK,despitehisquerulousdisposition,hadaneyetobusiness.Hewaslookingfor
financialaidinhispresentexperiments,andithadoccurredtohimthatSavette’sapprovalwouldbring
Cranston’sinterest.Henceitwasuponthesetwothathecenteredhisdiscourse.
“Itisnearlyteno’clock,”hesaid.“FortwohoursIhavebeendiscussingthevalueofatomicdisintegration
asasourceoftremendouspower.Inthattime,Ihaveendeavoredtofullyoutlinetheprinciplesthatare
involvedinthisgreatsubject.Youhavebeenpatient,gentlemen-nowIshallrewardyouwiththeactual
demonstration.”
Murdockwenttoacoveredtablenearthecenteroftheroom.Hedrewasidetheclothtodisclosea
clothtodisclosea
hollowsphereofglass.Thisglobe,whichmeasuredmorethanafootindiameter,wasmountedupona
baseofmetal.
“Watch,”saidMurdock,quietly.
Hepressedaswitchandamotorbegantohum.Tinysparksappearedwithintheglobe.Thencame
quicksoundlessburstsofflameasinvisibleparticlesbrokeasunder.
“Atomicaction,”spokethewhite-hairedchemist.
Theactivitywithinthehollowsphereseemedlikewarfareinminiature.Theonlookersstaredin
fascination,whileClarkMurdockstoodaside,watchingtheexpressionsontheirfaces.
Whenthechaoshadreacheditsheightandtheglobeseemedreadytobreakapart,Murdockagain
pressedtheswitch.Theterrificcommotioncontinuedforafewminutes,thengraduallyceased.The
witnessesgazedatoneanotherinamazement.
“That,”declaredClarkMurdock,“isaperfectdemonstrationofmydiscovery.Youhaveseentheresults
ofatomicdisintegrationconductedinavacuum.Nowimagine,gentlemen”-thechemist’sfacetookona
visionarystare-“thesameactivityonamuchlargerscale-withinasteel-walledchamber.Thereis
powerherethatsurpassesalldreams-”
Hestoppedsuddenlyasheheardthesoundofatelephonebellinanotherroom.Carefully,Murdock
disconnectedtheapparatusandwentfromthelaboratory.Hereturnedinafewminutesandspoketo
DoctorSavette.
“Youarewantedonthetelephone,doctor,”hesaid.
Thephysicianwentintotheotherroom.WhenhereturnedashortwhileafterwardhefoundMurdock
againexplainingtheimportantpointsofhisdiscovery.
“Ihavelearnedthesecretsoftheatom,”thechemistwassaying.“Morethanthat,Ihavediscovereda
methodofatomiccontrol.Withinafewmonths,Ishallhavecompletesuccess.
“Assomeofyouhaveremarked,Idorunariskinmyexperiments;butthatriskisintheinterestsof
science.Often,Ihavebeentemptedtolettheelectricchargecontinueuntilthelastpossiblemoment;but
Ihavealwaysresistedthattemptation.”
Hepausedandsmiledwanlyathislisteners.
“Here,inthislaboratory,”hesaid,“aburstingofthecrystalspherewouldprovedisastrous.Theatomic
energywouldbequicklydispelled,butitmightstartexplosionsamongcertainofthechemicalsyousee
upontheseshelvesandbenches.
“TwiceIhavebarelypreventedfires,here.Ihaveneverbeenabletoobtaininsurance,andIhavechosen
thisobscureplacebecausetherearecomparativelyfewneighborswhocouldbeharmedshouldthingsgo
wrong.”
“Itwouldmeanagreatlosstoscience,”someoneremarked.“Youshouldbecareful-”
“Imustbecarefulofmyself,yes,”repliedMurdock.“Alltheapparatuswhich
“Imustbecarefulofmyself,yes,”repliedMurdock.“Alltheapparatuswhichyouseeherecouldallbe
replacedwithease-undermysupervision.Icarryallmyplanshere”-hetappedhisforehead
significantly-“andwhilemybrainexists,theseresultscanalwaysbeobtained.
“Butitisafact,gentlemen,thatshouldIdie,mydiscoverieswouldbelost.Idonotsayforever-for
whatonehaslearned,anothermaylearn.ButIdosaythatthereisnoothermanalivewhocould
duplicatewhatyouhaveseentonight!”
TherewasnobraggadocioinMurdock’smannerashelookedaboutthegroup.Hehadtheairofaman
whohasstatedasimplefact.Thiswasnotlostuponthevisitors.Theyknewthattheyhadheardthe
truth.
DoctorSavetteadvancedwithout-stretchedhand.ClarkMurdockreceivedhisclasp.
“Letmecongratulateyou,Mr.Murdock,”saidthephysician.“Thisisthemostremarkabledemonstration
thatIhaveeverwitnessed.Ipredictthehighestsuccess.Youhaveproventhevalueofyour
discoveries.”
discoveries.”
Themanwhohadharnessedtheatombeamedatthesewordsofapproval.Theothersofthegroupwere
visiblyimpressedbyDoctorSavette’senthusiasm.
“Myonlyregret,”declaredDoctorSavette,“isthatImustleaveyounow.Thissecondtelephonecallwas
moreurgentthanthefirstthatIreceivedtonight.Ishalllookforwardtoyournextdemonstrationwith
eagerness,Mr.Murdock.”
Goodnight,doctor,”saidMurdockwarmly.“Ithasbeenaprivilegetohaveyouhere.Uponyournext
visit,Ishallshowyouhowatomicenergyworks.BythenIexpecttohaveaglobeofsteelinwhichthe
atomswillexplodetofurnishdrivingpowerwhichcanbeutilized.”
DoctorSavetteshookhandswiththeothermeninthegroupandleftthelaboratory.Murdockcontinued
withhisdiscussion;thenevidencedthathisdemonstrationswerefinishedforthenight.Heusheredhis
guestsfromthelaboratory.
“Ishallcontinuetoworktonight,”hesaidasthevisitorsdeparted.“Iworkbest
“Ishallcontinuetoworktonight,”hesaidasthevisitorsdeparted.“IworkbestwhenIamalone.”
BACKinhislaboratory,ClarkMurdocksatdownandsmiledthoughtfully.Hewaspleasedwith
tonight’sresults.DoctorSavettehadbeencommending.LamontCranstonandtheotherswhohadgone
withhimhadalsoexpressedtheirapproval.
Thechemistlookedaboutthelaboratoryandgazedatthecrystalsphere.Thenhisthoughtschangedand
hearosesuddenlytosteptowardadooratthefarcorneroftheroom.
Hehadrememberedthattwotruckmenwerecomingtoremoveahugeboxthattheyhadleftthat
afternoon.Theyhadcalledupimmediatelyafterwardtostatethattherehadbeenamistake.Anotherbox
shouldhavebeenbroughtinstead.Itwouldbedeliveredlater;inthemeantime,themenwouldcometo
takeawaytheoriginalbox.
Murdockwonderedwhythemenhadnotyetarrived.Hereachedasmallroomoutsidehislaboratory.
Ononesidewasaflightofstairsleadingtothegroundfloor.Straightaheadwastheelevatorwhichhad
beeninstalledfortheliftingofheavyapparatus.Theboxwaspushedinacornerneartheelevator.
neartheelevator.
Thechemistshouteddownthestairway.Therewasnoresponse.Evidentlytheexpectedmenwerestill
ontheirway.
Murdockstartedbacktowardthelaboratory.Then,suddenlycurious,hestoppedtolookatthebox.It
wasalarge,oblongcontrivance.Itwassetonend,andthefrontoftheboxwashinged,likeadoor.
Murdockstudiedthebox.Hecouldseenoaddressuponit.Hewonderedifthetruckmenhadactually
madeamistake.Thisboxwastwiceaslargeastheonehehadexpected,nevertheless,itmightcontain
theapparatusthatwascoming.
Thechemistsawaheavyhammerhangingonthewall.Hiscuriosityincreased.Hesuddenlydecidedto
opentheboxandviewitscontents.
Pryingthefrontoftheboxwiththehammer,Murdockgraduallyloosenedthesidewhichwassecurely
nailed.Hegainedanopeningforhisfingersandtriedtopullopenthefront.
Itwasnotaneasytask,forthenailswerestillpartlyinposition.ButMurdockkeptonatthework,
resolvedtocompleteit.
Theboxtiltedforwardasthechemistpulledatit.Then,atanunexpectedmoment,thedoor-likefront
yielded.ClarkMurdockstaggeredbackwardandcaughthimselfbeforehefell
Then,leaningagainstthewall,hestaredinutterbewildermentatanobjectthattumbledfromtheboxand
flatteneduponthefloor.
Itwastheformofaman-alifeless,inertshape,thatlayinatwisted,huddledpose.Itwasamancladin
white-amanwithgrayhair-whoseshoulderswerehunchedupagainsthisneck.
ClarkMurdockpluckedhisowncoatwithhishands.Hisgarbandthatofthedeadmanwereidentical.
Morethanthat,thesizeandshapeofthatbodywerethesameasthechemist’sownform!
Steppingslowlyforward,Murdockbentdownand-liftedthebodybacktowardthebox.Henotedthat
theinteriorofthewoodencasewasthicklypaddedtopreventitscontentsfrombeingtossedabout.
Butthechemistgavenosecondthoughttothatmatter.Hewasinterestedinthisformonthefloor,withits
bent-downhead.
Heturnedthebodysidewaystogetaglimpseoftheface.Thelightwasdim,hereinthelandingofthe
stairway.Yeteveninthegloom,ClarkMurdocksawasightthatstartledhim
Hishandswereholdingthelifelesshead.Hewasstaringatthefeaturesofthispersonwhohadbeenthe
victimofsomefoulplay.Thesightofthefeaturesfilledhimwithamazement.
ForClarkMurdockwaslookingatacountenancewhichhecouldnotfailtorecognize.Thefaceofthe
deadmanwasalmostanexactcounterpartofhisown!
CHAPTERIII.AVISITORRETURNS
WHENClarkMurdockrecoveredfromhisbewildermentthatfollowedhisstrangediscovery,hestood
withhischinrestinginonehandandsurveyedthebodyonthefloorbeforehim.
Akeenanalyst,Murdocksoughttofathomthemysterythatlayhere.Buthismindwasschooledto
chemistry,notcrime.Thelongerhesurveyedthegruesomeform,themoredidhebecomeperplexed.
Hewastemptedatfirsttoreplacethebodyintheboxandincloseitsothatitcouldbetakenawaywhen
thetruckmencame.Thenthethoughtoccurredtohimthatthemenwerelongoverdue,thatinall
probabilitytheyhadbeeninstructednottocomebackforthebox.
TheupshotwasthatClarkMurdockhadinhispossessionthedeadbodyofanunknownman,whose
garbandfeatureswerecharacteristicofhisown.Thiswassomethingthatseemedtooamazingtobe
merelycoincidence.
Whatshouldhedo?Callthepolice?Thatwouldbethepropercourse,yetMurdockhesitatedtotakeit.
Herealizedthathewouldbesubjectedtoamostundesirablecross-examination,andthatitwouldbe
difficultforhimtoexplainmattersinasatisfactoryway.
Hehadnotseentheboxcomein.Stevenshadbeenhere,butMurdockknewthestupidityofhis
stupidityofhis
assistant.HedoubtedthateitherheorStevenscouldgivethepoliceanyinformationthatwouldenable
themtotracetheownerofthebox.
Nevertheless,thewholematterwasasourceofgreatannoyancetothechemist,andhefeltthathemust
summonsomeonecompetenttohandleit.Hehadplannedextensiveexperimentstonight.Thesewouldbe
interrupted.Murdockdidnotlikeit.
Thenitoccurredtohimthatifthetruckmenshouldreturn-eventhoughthatchancewasremote-it
wouldbeadvisabletoapprehendthem.
Thatleftonlyonechoice.Hemustcallthepolice.Delaywouldbeunwise.Noddingtohimself,the
stoop-shoulderedchemistwentbackintohislaboratoryandcontinuedintohislivingroom.Therehe
seatedhimselfatthetelephonetableandbegantoconsultthedirectory,tofindthenumberofdetective
headquarters.
WHILEhewasthusengaged,heheardaslightsoundnearbyandlookedupsuddenlytoseeDoctor
GeraldSavette.Thephysicianhadjustenteredtheroomfromthehallwayandwasbowingcourteously.
“ItrustIamnotintruding?”Thephysician’stonewassmoothandeasy.“IfoundthatIcouldreturn
immediatelyafterIreachedmyoffice.Ihadhopesthatyourguestswouldstillbehere.”
“Howdidyougetin?”questionedMurdock,testily.
“Throughthefrontdoor,”repliedDoctorSavettesuavely.“Irangthebellandtherewasnoresponse.
ThenIrememberedthatyourmanhadgoneforthenight.Ialsorecalledthatyouandtheothershadbeen
inthelaboratorywhenIleft.SoItookthelibertyofopeningthedoorandcomingupstairs.”
“Butthedoorwaslocked,”declaredMurdock.“Ihaven’tanyobjectiontoyourentering,DoctorSavette.
Youarealwayswelcomehere.ButIcannotunderstandhowyoucameinthroughalockeddoor.”
“Ifounditunlocked,”returnedthephysician,withasmile.“OtherwiseIcouldnothaveentered.”
“Imusthaveforgottentolockit,”observedClarkMurdock,thoughtfully.“Strange-IfeltsurethatIhad
pushedtheboltsonthedoor.Anoversightonmypart,doctor,butafortunateone.Iamgladthatyou
arehere.”
“Iampleasedtohearthat,”saidSavette.“Ishouldliketotalkwithyoufurtherinreferencetoyour
experiments-”
“Thereissomethingmoreimportantforthemoment,doctor.Somethingthatdemandsimmediate
attention.”
“Somethingmoreimportantthanyourexperiments?”DoctorSavette’stoneshowedhispuzzlement.“Ican
scarcelybelievethat,Mr.Murdock.”
Thechemistaroseandplacedthephonebooktooneside.Hebeckonedtohisvisitorandledtheway
throughthelaboratory.Murdockwasspeakingastheywalkedalong.
“Iwasjustabouttotelephonethepolice,”heexplained.“Yourarrivalwasatimelyone.Ineededadvice,
timelyone.Ineededadvice,
immediately,andIcouldthinkofnoonewhocouldhelpme.”
“Myadviceonwhat?”questionedSavette,astheyreachedthefardoor.“Whyshouldyouneedthe
police?”
“Hereisthereason,”declaredMurdock,calmly.
Heopenedthedoortothelandingandpointedtothebodyonthefloor.DoctorSavettedrewbackwith
anexclamationofsurprise.Thenhesteppedforwardandexaminedthebody.
“Themanisdead,”hedeclared.“Heappearstohavebeenstrangled.”
Hestaredsilentlyatthestillface;thenlookedupatMurdock.Hesteppedbackandsurveyedthebody;
thengazedathislivingcompanion.
“Amazing!”heexclaimed.“Amazing,Murdock!Themanbearsaremarkableresemblancetoyou!”
“Thatiswhatpuzzlesme,”declaredthechemist.
“Whendidthisboxcomehere?”questionedSavette.
“Today,”saidMurdock.“Deliveredbymistake.That,atleast,iswhatStevenstoldme.Thetruckmenare
supposedtocomeforitatanytime.”
“Hm-m-m,”respondedthephysician.“Thisisperplexing,Murdock.Yetitseemstohaveastrange
significance.Itisnotlikelythatthesenderofsuchaboxwouldletitgotothewrongplace.Frankly,I
don’tthinkthatthosemenwillreturn.Ithinktheboxwasintendedtobelefthere.”
“Butwhy?”
“Sothatyouwouldopenit-andmakethediscovery,exactlyasyouhavedone.”
“Ihadthesameidea,”admittedMurdock,“butIcan’tunderstandthepurpose.”
“Itmightbetheworkofsomeenemy,”saidDoctorSavette,slowly.“Someonemaywishtohamperyour
experiments.Youwereabouttocallthepolice.Iftheyshouldcomehere,it
experiments.Youwereabouttocallthepolice.Iftheyshouldcomehere,itwouldmeanagreatdealof
troubleandannoyancetoyou-enough,perhaps,todelayyourworkforsometime.”
“Thatistrue,”respondedMurdock,“butIcannotunderstandwhythebodyshouldbespeciallydressed
inworkingclotheslikemine.”
“Ihaveanothertheory,”resumedthephysician,thoughtfully.“Thismaybeathreat-aplantofrighten
you.Thepersonwhosentthisboxcouldnothaveexpectedyoutoopenittonight.Youwereexpecting
mentotakeitaway.”
“That’sright,”agreedthechemist.“Ican’texplainexactlywhyIdidopenit.IsupposethatIwould
ordinarilyhaveallowedittoremainforseveraldays,beforeinvestigatingitscontents.”
“Correct,”declaredSavette.“Nowletussupposethatamessageisonitsway,thatyouaretoreceivea
threat-inwhichtheboxismentioned.Openingthebox,youfindadeadbodythatresemblesyourself.
Thatwouldcertainlymakethethreatemphatic,woulditnot?Particularlyifthethreatweredirected
againstyourlife.”
ClarkMurdocknoddedinaccord.ThenheshowedasuddenresponsetoDoctorSavette’sstatement:
“Ithinkyouhavestrucktherighttheory,doctor,”heexclaimed.“Thatmakesitimperativeformetocall
thepolice.Idonotintendtoloseanothermoment.”
Thechemistwasturningtothedoorthatledintothelaboratory.Hishandwasalreadyontheknob.
“Wait!”
THEREwasacommandinDoctorSavette’sexclamation.ClarkMurdockturnedinsurprise.Hestared
atthephysicianandnotedapeculiarexpressionontheman’sface.
Stockyandsallow,withshrewdeyes,DoctorSavetteappearedasamenacingfigureinsteadofthe
suave,politeprofessionalmanthathehadbeenamomentbefore.ItwasMurdock’ssuddenturnthat
enabledhimtocatchhiscompanionoffpoise.
Whilethechemiststaredinconsternation,Savette’smasklikeaffabilitywasresumed.Againhebecame
thesuavephysicianandhispersuasivevoicesoughttoregaintheconfidenceofMurdock.
“Itwouldbeinadvisabletocallthepolice,”purredthedoctor.“Thatisexactlywhatthesenderofthisbox
wouldexpectyoutodo-”
Murdock’svoicesoundedaninterruption.
“Youspeak,”hesaidcoldly,“asthoughyouareacquaintedwiththeperpetratorofthisoutrage!Itwas
verytimely-yourarrival-whileIwasatthetelephone.Suppose”-Murdock’seyesweregleaming
furiously-“thatIshouldaccuseyouofcomplicityinthecrimethatliesevidencedtherebeforeus?What
wouldyousaytothat,DoctorSavette?”
Thestingingwordshadtheireffect.Savette’slipsspreadinanuglyleer.Hissallowfacebecametense
andaveinswelledinhisforehead.Nolongerattemptingtoplayhispartoffriendliness,hegavefullrein
tohisfuryashemovedslowlyforward.
Murdockreleasedhisholduponthedoorknobandraisedhisclenchedhands.Thoughlightofbuildand
olderthanhisantagonist,thestoop-shoulderedchemistwasawiryman,capableofputtingupabattle.
HemetSavette’sadvanceandthetwomenstoodwiththeireyesnomorethanafootapart,eachmeeting
theother’sgaze.
TherewasnofearinMurdock’sstareandSavette,thoughhehadbecomeaveritabledemon,hesitated
ashesawthefirm,unyieldingglareinMurdock’sdeterminedeyes.Itwasthechemistwhospokefirst;
andhiswordswereironicalwithbittercondemnation.
“Soyoureturned,”hesaid.“Youpassedthroughadouble-bolteddoor.Anxioustoreachherebeforethe
othershadgone,eh?Youlied,Savette!Youneverleftthishouse!Youwaitedinoneofmyemptyrooms
untiltheothershadgone.
“Youarehereforanevilpurpose.Thatbodyintheboxisyourdoing.Youarenotmyfriend;youaremy
enemy!Idonotknowyourscheme,butIcantellyouthis”-hisvoicehardenedwithemphasis-“Ican
tellyouthatyouwillnotleaveheretonightuntilIhavelearnedyourdesignsand
tellyouthatyouwillnotleaveheretonightuntilIhavelearnedyourdesignsandplacedyouwhereyou
belong!
“Iknowwhatyouare.Murderer!”
AHIDEOUSchangehadcomeoverthephysician’sface.Hisclenchedteethweregrinninglikethefangs
ofamonster.
Murdock’saccusationhaddoneitswork.GeraldSavettestoodrevealedasafiend.Now,hisvoice,like
hismanner,betrayedhistruecharacterasheansweredMurdock’swordsofscorn.
“Youcallmeamurderer,”hesnarled.“Iamamurderer!Ikilledthemanwhosebodylieshereonthe
floor!Youaccusemeofcomplicity.Iammorethananaccomplice.Isentthatboxhere,Murdock.You
blunderedintoitandlearnedwhatitcontained.Thatissomethingyoushouldneverhavediscovered.
“Butitmakesnodifferencenow.YouthinkthatIamthwarted”-aviciouslaughspatteredfromSavette’s
uglylips-“andthatIshallletyoucallthepolice.Youarewrong,Murdock.Wrong,asyoushalllearn-”
Wrong,asyoushalllearn-”
Savette’shandswerestealingtowardhispocket.HewastryingtoholdMurdock’sgazesothatthe
chemistwouldnotseetheaction.
ScarcelyhadSavette’sfingersdisappearedfromviewbeforeMurdockleapedforwarduponhim.
Savettetwistedawayashisattackerstruck.Buthewastoolate.Thewirychemistseizedhisrightwrist
asthehandcameforthwithanautomatic.
AsharptwistandSavettewasweaponlessasthegunfelltothefloorbesidethedeadbodythatlay
there.
Thenthemenwerelockedinaferociousstruggle.Savette,thoughheavierandmorepowerful,hadmet
anantagonistofunexpectedstrength.Theyhurtledbackandforthinthenarrowconfinesofthelanding,
eachmangrimanddetermined.
ClarkMurdockwasgainingtheadvantage.Hegrippedhisopponent’sarmsandheldthempinioned.He
droveSavettebackwarduntilthesnarlingfiendstumbledoverthebodyonthefloorandfell,with
Murdockpoundingdownuponhim.
Foramoment,Savette’sleftarmwasfree.Hishandoncemoregainedhispocket.Murdock,suspecting
anotherpistol,tuggedatthewristuntilthehandcameintoview.
Savette’sfistwasclenchedtightly.Itheldnovisibleweapon.ButMurdock,withgrimdetermination,
soughttopinthephysician’sarmunderneathhisbody.
ItwasthenthatSavettemadeawild,desperatemotion.Hestruggledfiercelyandclamberedupward,
clawingwithhisrighthandatMurdock’seyes.Thechemistdodgedthesuddenattackandwrappedhis
rightarmaboutSavette’sneck.Hehadturnedthetwisttohisadvantage.Hewaschokinghisfoeinto
submission.
Savette’sheadwentbackandMurdockstaredintotheleeringfaceasitpurpledvisibly.Savette’sarms
sweptfreeandstretcheduponthefloor.Thenhislefthandswungupward,unseenbythemanwhowas
conqueringhim.
AtinyobjectflashedinSavette’sfistashedroveittowardMurdock’sshoulder.Asharpgruntcame
fromMurdockastheneedleofahypodermicpiercedhisflesh.Savette’sarmsdroppedandhishead
thumpedbackagainstthefloor.Thehypodermicsyringeclattereduponthefloor.Savettewaschoking,
gasping,helpless;buthisneedlehaddoneitswork.
Murdock’sholdrelaxed.Thefightingchemistswayedbackwardandforward.Hisbodyflopped
suddenlytoonesideandrolleduponthefloor.
Threemenlaymotionless.GeraldSavettewasscarcelybreathing.ClarkMurdockwasslumpedina
heap.Besidethemwasthestiffenedformoftheunknowndeadman.
SOONSavettemoved.Wearily,heraisedhisheadanddrewhimselftoasittingpositionbygrippingthe
sideofthebigbox.
Thefiendishleergloweredonhisface.Then,asheraisedhimselftohisfeet,hetookonhisnormalpose.
Hecarefullydustedhisclothesandstood,withfoldedarms,smilingserenelyat
Hecarefullydustedhisclothesandstood,withfoldedarms,smilingserenelyatthescenebeforehim.
Twomotionlessmen-ClarkMurdockandanother.Twomen,garbedalike,similarinfeaturesand
appearance.Acasualobservercouldnothavetoldwhichwasthefamouschemistandwhichthebody
fromthebox.
Calmly,Savettepickeduphisautomaticandpocketedit.Hefoundthehypodermicnearacornerofthe
boxandexaminedittomakesurethatithaddoneitsfullwork.ThenheinspectedtheformofClark
Murdock,ashisfacecontinuedtowearitsknowingsmile.
Tooutwardappearances,thefamouschemistwasdead.Hiswrinkledfacehadgainedachalk-like
pallor.HisbodywasstiffenedasDoctorSavettelifteditandthrustitunmercifullyintothebox.Assuring
himselfthatMurdockwaswellwedgedamongthecushions,Savettereplacedthefrontoftheboxand
carefullyhammereditintoplace.
Hepressedthebuttonattheelevatorshaftandbroughtthecartothesecondfloor.Thenhegradually
edgedtheboxintotheliftandrodedownstairswithit.Hepusheditfromthe
edgedtheboxintotheliftandrodedownstairswithit.Hepusheditfromtheelevator.
ThenDoctorSavetteopenedanouterdoorandpeeredintothedarknessofanalley.Aflashlight
glimmeredinhishand.Itwasasignal.
Atruckmovedalongthealley.Itstoppedbytheopendoorandtwohusky,dark-cladmenentered.
Theyliftedtheboxandcarrieditaway.TheysawnosignofDoctorSavette.Theyheardonlythe
mechanismoftheelevatorascending.
Thetruckrolledfromthealley,carryingitsnewlyobtainedbaggage.Allwassilentattheoldhouse.
Upstairs,DoctorGeraldSavettewasworkingquietlyandwithprecision.
Heliftedthebodyofthedeadman-thatformthatlookedsomuchlikeClarkMurdock-andcarriedit
intothechemist’slaboratory.Thereheplaceditinfrontofthetablethatborethehuge,hollowcrystal.
DoctorSavettelaughedashegazedatthefaceofthedeadman.Itlookedamazinglylikethe
countenanceofClarkMurdock.Itborethin,close-knitscarsthatSavettestrokedcarefullywithhis
carefullywithhis
forefinger.Thatfacewastheartificeofplasticsurgery-acraftinwhichDoctorGeraldexcelled.
Leavingthebody,thephysicianselectedseveralbottlesfromtheshelf.Hepouredamixtureofliquids
intoashallowbowlandleftitclosebesidethecrystalsphere.Hepressedtheswitch.Ahummingsound
beganandsparksflickeredbackandforthwithinthecrystal.
Savettelaughedastheweirdactivityincreased.Inafewminutes,thedisplayoftheatomicenergywould
bemoreevident.Thenitwouldbecomeforceful,burstingwithincreasedfuryuntilatlastthewallsofthe
crystalglobecouldnotwithstandit!
ButDoctorSavettedidnotchoosetowaitforthattremendousmoment.Hewalkedquicklyacrossthe
laboratory,latchedthedoorbehindhimandwentdownstairsbytheelevator.Heleftthehousebythe
exittothedarkalley.
OnlythesilenceofdeathremainedinthehomeofClarkMurdock.Upinthelaboratory,theatomic
powerwassurgingsoundlesswithinthecrystalsphere.Beforeit,stoopedasthoughinthought,wasthe
bodyofthedeadman.
Dynamic,burstingparticlesweresmashingagainstthesidesofthecrystalprison.Itwasamighty
spectacleinminiature.Buttheeyesthatstaredtowardtheweirddisplayweresightless!
CHAPTERIV.MANNASSEMBLESDATA
THE‘MorningSphere’carriedasensationalstoryoftheholocaustatClarkMurdock’s.Itssweeping
headlinestoldNewYorkersofthefiercefireinwhichthecelebratedchemisthaddied.
Murdock’sexperimentsinatomicdisintegrationhadlongbeenasubjectofnewsinterest.Itwasknown
thathehadmadeprogressintheharnessingoftheatom,andhisdemonstrationoftheprecedingevening
hadbeenbutoneofmany.
Now,bymisadventure,thechemisthadencounteredtroubleinoneofhissolitaryexperiments,andthe
resultantdisasterhadcosthimhislife.Shortlybeforemidnight,therehadbeenanexplosioninhis
laboratory.Expertsagreedthathiscrystalcontainermusthaveburstthroughanoverchargeofimprisoned
energy.
WhetherornotthishadkilledClarkMurdockwaspurelyamatterofspeculation.Hadthecrystalburst
inanemptyroom,resultsmighthavebeendifferent.ButMurdock’slaboratorywasstockedwith
dangerouschemicals.Thefreedatomicenergyhadevidentlyactedoverawidearea,forotherexplosions
hadresulted.
Whenfiremenarrived,thelaboratorywasthecenterofamightyblaze.Heroicworkhadbroughtthe
flamesundercontrol,andinthewreckageoftheplacewerefoundthemutilatedremainsofClark
Murdock.Thebodywasnotpastrecognitionbythosewhohadknownthefamouschemist.
Amongthosewhoreadthestorywithkeeninterestwasaquiet-facedgentlemannamedRutledgeMann.
HewasaninvestmentbrokerwhohadhisofficeinanupperstoryofoneofManhattan’snew
skyscrapers.
Secludedinhisprivateoffice,Mannnotonlyperusedtheaccountwithdeliberatecare,butheconcluded
deliberatecare,butheconcluded
hisstudybyclippingthestoryfromthenewspaper.
Mannopenedadrawerinhisdeskandaddedtheclippingtoamassofothers.Hesatwithfoldedhands
andstaredinsilencefromthewindow.Therewasarapatthedoor.InanswertoMann’sresponse,a
stenographercameinandplacedanenvelopeuponheremployer’sdesk.
Whenthegirlhadgone,Mannopenedtheenvelopeandtookoutafoldedsheetofpaper.Thisprovedto
beanoteinscribedincodedcharacters,whichtheinvestmentbrokerreadaseasilyasifithadbeen
writteninordinaryletters.Henoddedashereadandwhenhehadfinished,Mannlaidthepaperonhis
desk.Hepickedupthetelephoneandgaveanumber.
WhileMannwastelephoning,theinscriptionontheletterbegantofade.Itdisappearedcompletely,asif
aninvisiblehandhadstretchedfromnowheretoeradicatethewriting.Concludingabrieftelephone
conversationMannpickeduptheblanksheetasthoughnothinghadhappenedandtorethepaperto
fragments.
ANhourlater,ayoungmancalledattheofficeofRutledgeMann.ThiswasClydeBurke,anewspaper
reporteronthestaffoftheNewYork‘Classic’.HeandMannimmediatelyengagedinashort,
confidentialconversation.ItconcernedaparagraphinthestoryofClarkMurdock’sdeath
“Noticethesenames,”saidMannquietly,pointingtotheparagraph.“ThesemenwereatMurdock’s
homelastnight.Theywitnessedademonstrationofhisatomicdisintegrationandthenleft.Seewhatyou
cangetmeoneachofthem.”
Burkenoddedandleft.RutledgeMannturnedhisattentionfromnewspaperclippingstoinvestments.
ItwaslateintheafternoonwhenClydeBurkereturned.ThereporterlaidanenvelopeonMann’sdesk
andmadeanimmediatedeparture.
Mannopenedtheenvelope.Withinhediscoveredtypewrittensheetsdiscussingeachoftheindividuals
whohadbeenatMurdock’shome.
Theinvestmentbrokerstudiedeachsheetandlaidthemasideonebyoneuntilhecametoapaperthat
cametoapaperthat
borethenameofLamontCranston.
Mannreadthispagewithinterest.HeknewLamontCranstonbysightandbyreputation.Themanwas
aneccentricmultimillionaire,wholivedonanestateinNewJersey.
HespentmostofhistimewhileinNewYorkathisfavoriteclubs.ButCranstonwasseldominNew
York.Hehadahabitofgoingonlongjourneys.Theworldwashisplayground.
Cranston,accordingtoBurke’sreport,hadfinancedanumberofsuccessfulscientificprojects,anditwas
likelythathehadgonetoMurdock’swithsomesuchplaninmindforthenewprocessofharnessingthe
atom.
Cranston’ssheetwaslaidasideandRutledgeMannobservedanotherpagethatborethenameofDoctor
GeraldSavette.Hehadheardofthisprominentphysician,butuntilnowtherehadbeennooccasionto
gointohispasthistory.
Accordingtothereport,DoctorSavettehadexperiencedavariedmedicalcareer.Atonetimehehad
conductedasmallsanitariumonLongIsland.Therehadbeenafiretherenearlythreeyearsago.
Savette’sheroiceffortshadsavedthelivesofallhispatientsexceptone.AustinBellamy,aretired
manufacturerhadperishedintheblaze.Hischarredbodyhadbeenrecoveredfromtheruins.
Sincethen,SavettehadresidedinNewYork,wherehehadgainedconsiderablereputeasaplastic
surgeon,althoughthisfieldrepresentedbutoneofhismanymedicalaccomplishments.Recently,Savette
hadtraveledoccasionallyfromNewYork,butBurkehadfoundnorecordofthephysician’sjourneys.
Attheendofthesheets,MannfoundapagewhichBurkehadvoluntarilysupplied.Itlistedbriefreports
onpersonsindirectlyconcernedwiththosewhohadbeenatMurdock’shome.Mannclippedtheseshort
paragraphsapartandpastedthemtothepageswheretheybelonged.
Hefoldedthepapers,addedclippingsfromthenewspapersandputthemallinalargeenvelope.Inorder
toobtainclippings,Mannhadopenedthedeskdrawer.Henowbegananexaminationofotherclippings
examinationofotherclippings
whichhehadassembledonvariouscases.
Oneofthesecausedaperplexedfrowntoappearuponthebroadforeheadoftheinvestmentbroker.It
pertainedtothestrangedisappearanceofProfessorPierreRachaud,aradiotechnicianwhowas
consideredanexpertontelevision.
ThereweremanysupplementaryreportsconcerningProfessorRachaud;forhislosshadcreatedagreat
stirintheradioindustry.
Butmostimportantweretheactualcircumstancesthatsurroundedtheaccrediteddeathoftheeminent
professor.Mannstudiedtheclippingwhichreferredtoit-arecentarticlewhichhadsummarizedthe
entirecase.
ProfessorPierreRachaudhaddepartedfromNewYorkonaweekendcruise.Hehadmadearegular
hobbyofsuchcruisesandhisfamiliarface,withitshuge,bushyblackbeard,hadbeenseenby
passengersonthecruisingshipAlbaniawhenithadsailedfromNewYorkharbor.
Onthefirstnightout,ProfessorRachaudhadvisitedthesmokingroomandhadbeenobservedina
secludedcorner,enjoyingabottleofhisfavoriteFrenchwine.Shortlyafterhehadleft,aradiogramhad
beenreceivedforhim.ItwasanurgentmessagefromNewYork.
ProfessorRachaud,beingneitherinhisstateroomnorinthesmokingroom,asearchwasinstitutedfor
him.Hewasnowhereontheship.Inaperiodofnotmorethanfifteenminutes,theradiotechnicianhad
disappeared!
Rachaud’sluggagehadbeendiscoveredinhisstateroom.Buttherewasnosignoftheman.Hehadnot,
ofcourse,expectedtheradiogram.
Thelogicalassumptionwasthattheprofessorhadgoneoverboard.Yettheseawascalmandtherewere
manypassengersondeck.Itseemedincrediblethatthemancouldhavebeenlostatseaundersuch
circumstances-eitherthroughsuicideormurder.
Thecasehaddevelopedintoaninternationalmystery.ProfessorRachaudwasaFrenchman,livingin
NewYork,andhehadtakenpassageonaBritishship.Dozensofeminentdetectiveswereworkingon
thecase,withnosuccess.
TORutledgeMann,thisstrangeaffairwasofgreatinterest.Besideit,thedeathofClarkMurdock,
whichhadbeendeclaredanaccident,seemedtrivial.
Nevertheless,itwasMann’sdutytoassembledataontheMurdockcasealone.Soheregretfully
replacedtheRachaudclippingsinthedeskdrawer.
PocketingtheenvelopewhichdealtwithMurdock’sdemise,RutledgeMannglancedathiswatchand
notedthatitwasafterfiveo’clock.Hewentintotheouteroffice,toldthegirlthatshecouldleaveforthe
day;thendescendedinanelevator.
Takingthesubway,herodedowntowntoTwenty-thirdStreet.There,Mannstrolledalonguntilhecame
toanold,squalidbuildingthatwasvirtuallydeserted.Heenteredandmadehiswayupstairstothedoor
ofadingyoffice.
Uponthedirtyglasspanelappeared,infadedletters,thename:
Uponthedirtyglasspanelappeared,infadedletters,thename:
B.JONAS
Theinvestmentbrokerdroppedtheenvelopethroughthemailchuteinthedoor.Hehearditplunkbehind
thebarrier.Thenhewentdownthedimlylightedstairsandreachedthestreet.Hehailedataxicaband
rodetohisclub.
Itwasastrangebusinessforaninvestmentbroker,thistaskofgoingovernewspaperclippingsand
obtainingunprintedinformationthroughareporteronthe‘Classic’.Evenmorestrangewasthevisitof
RutledgeManntothesqualidbuildingonTwenty-thirdStreet.
WhatdealingsdidthefastidiousinvestmentbrokerhavewithamannamedJonas,whoinhabitedoneof
themostobscureanddecrepitofficesinNewYork?
Thatwasafactknowntoaveryfew.Thosewhounderstoodweresworntosecrecy.ForRutledge
MannandClydeBurkeweremembersofasmallandobscurecompany.Theywereagentsofthe
mysteriousmancalledTheShadow-thatstrangefigurewhosenamehad
mysteriousmancalledTheShadow-thatstrangefigurewhosenamehadbecometheterrorofthe
underworld.
ClydeBurkehadassembledmaterialforRutledgeMann.Theinvestmentbrokerhadrevisedthedata
whichthereporterhadgivenhim.Nowthefinalreportswerewaitinginthemailchuteforthemanwho
hadorderedthem.
ToallNewYork,thedeathofClarkMurdockmighthavebeenacceptedasamisadventure.ButtoThe
Shadow,itmusthaveagreatersignificance.ForhehadinstructedMann,throughamysteriousmessage,
toobtaininformationfromClydeBurke.
ThecalmactivitiesofTheShadow’sagentsweretheforerunnersofapproachingstorm.WhenThe
Shadowbegansuchwork,itmeantdoomtofiendsofcrime!
CHAPTERV.THESHADOWBEGINS
Acircleoflightuponthesmoothsurfaceofapolishedtable.Long,slenderfingers,movinglikedetached
creaturesoflife.Aresplendentfireopal,glimmeringfromitsgoldensetting.
ThehandsofTheShadowwereatwork!
WhowasTheShadow?
Thatwasaquestionnonecouldanswer.
Unknowneventohisownoperatives,TheShadowwasamanofmystery.Hisveryidentitywasa
subjectofunansweredspeculation.Tothehordesoftheunderworld,theverymentionofTheShadow
broughtapprehensionandterror.
Timeandagain,thisdreadfigurehadarrivedfromnowhere,tostrikethefoesofjustice.Brutalmobsters
haddied,withthenameofTheShadowontheirtremblinglips.Menwhocalledthemselvesmasterminds
ofcrimehadquailedbeforeanavengingfigurecladinblack,knowinghimtobeTheShadow.
Thepolice,too,knewofTheShadow,althoughtheytactfullyavoidedmentionofhisexistence.The
Shadow,whenhestruck,didnotremaintoclaimtheglory.
Timeandagain,someshrewddetectivehadreceivedcreditforthecaptureofadesperatecrook,withno
desperatecrook,withno
onetodisputethehonor.ExperiencedsleuthsseldomtalkedofTheShadow.
TherewasadefinitereasonwhyTheShadowignoredpublicity.Hisstrengthlayintheshroudofmystery
thatenvelopedhim.
Itwastruethathisvoicewasheardovertheradio,inaprogramoveranationalbroadcastingchain.That
alsoservedTheShadow’spurpose.Thetonesofhismysteriousvoicewererecognizedbyallwhoheard
them.Yetalltheeffortsoftheunderworldtolearntheidentityofthebroadcasterhadcometonoavail.
TheShadowspokefromasoundproofroom,boxedwithblackcurtains.Hismethodofentranceandexit
fromtheplacewasamysterythathadneverbeensolved-notevenbythoseconnectedwiththe
broadcastingstudio.
TheShadow’smissionwaswaroncrime.AtnighthestalkedthestreetsofNewYork,readytothwart
theplansofevildoers.Hewaseverywhere-yetnowhere.Achampionoflawandorder,thismanofthe
nighthuntedcriminalsasanexplorermightscourthejungleinsearchofman-eatingtigers.
eatingtigers.
Whenunsolvedcrimesoccurred,TheShadowbecameamasterofdetection.Hismarvelousbrainhad
developedthepowerofdeductiontoamiraculousdegree.Clewsbobbedupfromnowhere,thatthe
policemightfollowinthewakeofTheShadow’sfindings.
YetthesefacultieswerenotthegreatestthatTheShadowpossessed.Hehadonepowerthatwas
beyondallothers.Inthishesurpassedallsleuthsoffactorfiction.
TheShadow’sgreatestworkwasthediscoveryofcrime.Incaseswhichthepolicepassedover;in
instanceswhereeventhecraftiestschemersoftheunderworldsawnothingamiss,TheShadowappeared
todisclosedeepdesignsbeneathunruffledsurfaces.
AMASTERofdisguise,TheShadowcouldappearinanycompanyunsuspected.Butwhenhestepped
fromthenighttoappearasapowerofvengeance,hischosenpartwasthatofatallfiguregarbedin
black.Hiscryoftriumphwasamockinglaughthatchilledtheearsofhearers.
ThesymbolofTheShadowwasthegemuponhisfinger;thatfireopal,known
ThesymbolofTheShadowwasthegemuponhisfinger;thatfireopal,knownasagirasol-astone
unmatchedinalltheworld.Fewknewofitssignificance.ButwhenTheShadowwasatwork,that
sparklingjewelshoneuponhishand,likealivingeye.
Tonight,beneaththeraysofagreenshadedlamp,thegirasolwasglowingwithever-changinghues.From
deepcrimsonitbecamerichpurple;thenitchangedagaintoashadeofdarkenedblue.
ThehandsofTheShadowopenedanenvelope.OutfellthepapersthatRutledgeMannhadassembled
thatafternoon.Onebyone,thepagesflutteredaside,untilonlytwoofthereportsremained.
OneborethenameofLamontCranston;theotherthatofDoctorGeraldSavette.
ThelaughofTheShadowechoedsoftlythroughtheshroudedroom,andreturnedinringingmockery,as
thoughfromthewallsofatomb.Thelongpointedfingersspreadoverthesheetthattoldthehistoryof
DoctorSavette.Ahandmovedintothedarkness;itreturnedwithapencil,andcheckedthisparagraph:
TheonlyvictimofthefireinSavette’ssanitariumatGarland,
LongIslandwasAustinBellamy,whoperishedinspiteofSavette’s
vainefforttoreachtheroomwherehelayhelpless.
Nowthehandprogressedtoapastedstripatthebottomofthepage.Itcheckedthesewords:
AustinBellamy’ssoleheirwashisstepbrother,HaroldSharrock,
whoisnowlivinginParis.Bellamy’sestatewasvaluedat
approximatelythreemilliondollars.
Onthemarginbesidethepastedparagraph,thehandmarkedthisnotation:
SendVincent
Therewasalong,silentpause,whileinvisibleeyesfromthedarkscannedtheotherreferences
concerningDoctorSavette.Thefingerspickedupasmallenvelopethathadcomewithinthelargeone,
anddrewforthadozensmallclippingsthattoldofdifferentcrimes.Thesewerespreadacrossthetable.
Thelefthand,withitsgleaminggem,movedacrossthemandpoisedaboveasingleclipping.With
uncannyprecision,itpickedthatsolitaryitemfromtherest.
Theclippingwasabriefparagraphthattoldofthefindingofayoungman’sbodyonavacantlotinthe
Bronx.Thehandplacedtheclippinguponthetypedreport.
Nowanotherenvelopecameintoview.Fromitthehandsextractedafoldedclipping.Thatitemwould
haveinterestedRutledgeMann,foritconcernedthestrangedisappearanceofProfessorPierreRachaud.
MannhadsuppliedtheclippingtoTheShadow,buthadreceivednofurtherordersconcerningthecase.
Withgreatprecision,thehandssettheRachaudclippinginthecenterofthe
Withgreatprecision,thehandssettheRachaudclippinginthecenterofthetable.Belowit,theyplaced
thenewspaperaccountofClarkMurdock’sdeath.Aspaceremainedbelow.Itwasunfilled.
Therewassignificanceinthatblankareaofpolishedtablesurface.Itindicatedthatsomethingwasto
follow.
THElaughofTheShadowwasawhisperedtoneasthelongrighthandplacedthetipofthepencilupon
asheetofblankpaper.Itwrotethesewordsincolumnform,pausingmomentarilybetweeneachone:
Money.
Television.
AtomicEnergy.
Aeronautics.
Money.
Afterthewordatthetopofthecolumn,thehandofTheShadowinscribedthenameBellamy.Nexton
thelistcameRachaud.ThirdwasMurdock.Thetwofinalwordsreceivednonames.
Thelistandtheclippingswerepushedaside.OncemorethehandranoverthereportonDoctorSavette.
Itfoundthestatement:
DoctorSavettehasleftNewYorkonseveraloccasionswithinthe
pastyear,butnoinformationofhisdestinationsisobtainable.
OncemoreTheShadow’slaughresounded.Besidethesentencethattoldofthephysician’sjourneys,the
handwroteasingleword:
Albania.
ThatwasthenameoftheshipfromwhichProfessorPierreRachaudhaddisappeared!
NowcamethesummaryofTheShadow’sfindings;brief,crypticstatements,
NowcamethesummaryofTheShadow’sfindings;brief,crypticstatements,writtenbythehandthatheld
thepencil.
AustinBellamy:Bodyfoundinruinsofsanitarium.
PierreRachaud:LastseenonboardS.S.Albania.
ClarkMurdock:Bodyfoundindemolishedlaboratory.
Thehandpoised;thenwithonesweepinggesture,itdroveapenciledlinethroughtheentirelist.Again
andagain,itrepeatedtheoperation,untilthewritingwasriddledwithcancelingmarks.
Thencameashort,spasmodicburstoflaughter;asharpcryofmockerythatstoppedwithamazing
suddenness.Thewallsthrewbackthesoundasthoughahostofhiddenelveshadansweredthecallof
theirmaster.
Papersandclippingsweresweptaway.Thetopofthetableshoneuncovered.Aclickcamefromthe
darknessabove.Thespotofilluminationdisappeared.
Onlyimpenetrableblacknessremained-night-likegloomthatmurmuredwiththeuncannytonesofa
departingburstofeeriemirth.
TheShadowwasgone!
CHAPTERVI.TWOMENPLOT
DoctorGeraldSavettewasathome.Seatedinanupstairslivingroom,thephysicianwassmokinghis
pipeandreadingtheeveningnewspaper.Hissallowfacewasplacid,saveforaslightsmilethatcurled
uponhislips.Evidentlyhisreadingwasasourceofpleasure.
Ashort,plainlydressedmansteppedintotheroom.DoctorSavetteturnedtowardhim.
“Whatisit,Hughes?”hequestioned.
“Mr.Tremontishere,sir.”
“Verywell.Askhimtocomeupstairs.”
Afewmomentslater,agray-hairedmanentered.Savetterosetogreethim.
Thetwomenwereofaboutthesameheight.Tremontwastheelder,butexceptforhisgrayishhair,he
didnotappeartobeSavette’ssenior.LikeSavette,Tremontwassmiling.Thetwomenclaspedhands,
thensatoppositeeachother.Savettepickedupthenewspaperandturneditsothathisvisitorcouldread
theheadlines.
“Whatdoyouthinkofit,Glade?”heasked.
“Verygood,Gerald,”repliedTremontapprovingly.“Very,verygood.Onlyitwasprettyclose.”
“Whatofit?”queriedSavette.“Youwerereadyforit,weren’tyou?”
“OnlybecauseIhappenedtobewithOrlinov,”answeredGladeTremont.“Assoonashelearnedthat
Steffanhadskipped,hetoldmeaboutit.IsentahurrycalltoBiffTowley.”
“Yes,”saidSavette,“IreceivedbothhiscallsoveratMurdock’s.Ihadtoalibiitbysayingtheywere
frommyoffice.Thatistheadvantageofthephysician.Unexpectedcallsareunsuspectedcalls.The
unsuspectedcalls.The
secondonehelpedalot,too.ItgavemeanexcusetosayIwasleavingearly.”
“Thephonybodyworkedwell,”observedTremont.
“Ofcourse,”respondedSavette.“ThatbumthatBiffTowleypickedforasubjectwasalotlikeMurdock
rightfromthestart.Itdidn’ttakelongformetoremedythefewfacialdefects.Plasticsurgeryisaquick
matterwithacorpse.”
Tremontrespondedwithalaugh.Savettesmiledknowingly.Bothmenweremeditativeforafewminutes;
thenSavetteaskedaquestion.
“WhataboutLouisSteffan?”heinquired.“Didhefindoutverymuch?”
“Toomuch,”repliedTremont.“ItwasamistakeforOrlinovtohavehimupthere.Iknewthatallalong.
OrlinovwantedhimbecausehecouldspeakRussian.Thatwasunnecessary.OrlinovtalksEnglishwell
enoughtogetalongwithanyone,now.”
“Yes,”agreedSavette.“Still,hehastohavesomeoneintelligentenoughtobe
“Yes,”agreedSavette.“Still,hehastohavesomeoneintelligentenoughtobehissecretary.Hecan’tuse
oneofthemob.Theyareallrightfortheotherjobs,but-”
HepausedsuddenlyandstaredpastTremonttowardasidewindowoftheroom.Theshadewasdrawn,
butitappearedtobemovingasthoughsetinmotionbyabreezefromoutside.
“What’sthematter?”askedTremontlookinginthedirectionofhiscompanion’sstare.
“Thatwindow,”saidSavette.“Itisalwaysshutandlocked.Nowitappearstobeopen.Waita
moment.”
HEaroseandwenttothewindow.Heraisedtheshadeandrevealedthesashopenfromthetop.He
staredatitinapuzzledmanner;thenraisedbothportionsofthesashandputhisheadoutintothedark.
Satisfiedwithabriefinspection,heloweredthebottomsashandlatchedthewindow.Hepulleddown
theshade,strodeacrosstheroom,andpressedabuzzer.
Hughesrespondedhalfaminutelater.Theservantlookedinquiringlyatthephysician.
physician.
“Didyouopenthatwindow?”askedDoctorSavette.
“No,sir,”repliedHughes.“ItwaslockedwhenIloweredtheshade.”
“Itwasopenafewminutesago,”declaredSavette,inareprovingtone.“Bemorecarefulafterthis,
Hughes.”
Theservantlefttheroom,shakinghishead.Heclosedthedoorbehindhim.SavettelookedatTremont
inapuzzledmanner.
“Ican’tunderstandthat,”hesaid.“Ihavebeeninthisroomallevening.Noonecouldhaveopenedthe
windowfrominhere.Someonefromtheoutside-withtherightkindofimplementor-”
GladeTremontlaughedheartily.
“Youwanttheexplanation?”heasked.“I’llgiveittoyou.Hugheslied.Heforgottoclosethewindow.
That’sall.”
That’sall.”
“I’mnotsosureaboutthat,”declaredSavette,inathoughtfultone.
“Youaren’t?”queriedTremont.“Well,Iam.Youknowwhoisoutside,don’tyou?”
“BiffTowley?”
“Yes.JakeBoschiswithhim.Idon’ttakechanceswhenIcometoseeyou,Gerald.Theyarewatching
thishouselikeapairofhawks.TheylandedherehalfanhourbeforeIcamealong.
“Ifanyonescaledthatwallandopenedthewindow,ithappenedsometimeago,andthefellowisgone
now.Hecouldn’tgetupordownwithoutmakingalotofnoiseaboutit.BiffandJakewouldspothim
sure.”
DoctorSavetteappearedreassured.Hesettledbackinhischair,andlightedhispipe.
“Wherewerewe?”hequestioned.
“TalkingaboutasecretaryforOrlinov,”repliedTremont.“Ithinkwecanhandlethat.TakeTowley,for
instance.HeissmartenoughtodoOrlinov’swork-”
“ButTowleyisneededhere.”
“Certainly,Iammerelymentioninghimasanexample.Theremustbeothergangstersofhismental
caliber.I’lltellhimwhatwewant.Hecangetone,eventhoughhemayhavetogooutsideofhisown
mob.”
“Goodidea,”commendedSavette.Histonechangedsuddenly.Oncemorehewasstaringbeyond
Tremont.
“Thatwindowagain!”hesaidinalowvoice.“IthoughtIsawtheshademove!”
UPonhisfeet,Savettestrodeacrosstheroomandraisedtheshade.Thewindowsashwastightly
locked.Savetteshruggedhisshoulders,anddrewdowntheshade.Hecamebacktohischair.
“Imagination,thattime,”hesaid.“Imightaswellforgetitfromnowon.Tellmeallthathappenedwith
Steffan.”
“Itwasquiteshortandquitesweet,”declaredTremont,withasmile.“OrlinovandIweretalking
yesterdayafternoon.Thefellowevidentlyoverheardus.Hedisappearedrightafterdinner.
“Wecalledinthemanatthegate,andhesaidthatSteffanhadgoneoutinacar,sayingthatOrlinovhad
senthimtothevillage-somethingwhichOrlinovhaddoneonafewoccasions.Wesentamandownto
thestation,andhefoundthecarparkedthere.
“IfiguredthatSteffanhadjusthadtimeenoughtocatchtheexpressforNewYork.SoIcalledTowley,
andthenIcalledyou.TowleyandBoschwerewaitingforhim.”
“Where?”
“AttheWeehawkenTerminal.SteffantriedtocallMurdock’splace,butTowleybeathimtoit.Hedialed
thenumberfromanotherbooth.”
“Ah!That’swhyhetalkedsolongandsovaguely,whenhemadethefirstcall.Heaskedmetokeep
speaking,buthedidn’tsaywhy.”
“Youknowthereasonnow.Well,Steffangaveitupasabadjob,andheadedforMurdock’s.Jakewent
alonginanothercab.Biffhadtwomenonthejob.JakenudgedSteffanintothecar,andhewoundupin
theBronx.”
“Very,verynice,”saidDoctorSavette.“Well,it’salldonenow.Youtoldmeoverthephonethatyou
heardfromOrlinovthisafternoon.”
“Yes,”declaredTremont.“Icamedownonthelatetrain,asyouknow.IreceivedOrlinov’swireabout
twoo’clockthisafternoon.Hereitis.”
Hedrewayellowslipfromhispocket,andhandedittothephysician.Savettesmiledashereadit.He
laidthetelegramonatablebesidehim.
“Nowaboutthenextjob,”hesuggested.
“I’lltakecareofthat,”respondedTremont.“Thatis,thefirstpartofit.Youknowmygeneralplan.There
areadvantagesinbeinganattorney,justasthereareadvantagestothephysician.”
“Together,”observedSavette,“wemakeanexcellentteam.”
“Yes,butyouarehandicapped.”
“Ihaven’tshownit.”
“Iamspeakingcomparatively,Gerald.Firstofall,IcontactwellwithOrlinov.Heappearsasaninventor,
andIrepresenthim.Besidesthat,thereisnothingoutofthewayformetomeetBiffTowleyinmyoffice.
Thatis,aslongasBiffkeepsawayfromcrimethatlookstoobig.Allracketeershavetheirlawyers.It’s
quitelegitimatetorepresentone.”
“Youhaveavarietyofclients,”saidSavette,withasmile.“ThebestcontrastwasbetweenBellamyand
Sharrock-”
“Let’snottalkaboutSharrock,”saidTremonttestily.“Weslippedupwithhim.Wehadhimwherewe
wantedhim,andwelethimgetaway.Ifithadn’tbeenforthat,wecouldhavecloseduplongago.”
“Perhaps,”respondedSavette,inareminiscenttone.“Butwhy?Circumstanceshaveputusinlinefora
muchgreateropportunity.Youknowhowwestandnow,Glade.”
“Yes.Allright,ifwetakeourtime.ButI’mwonderingaboutthecapital.”
“Leavethattome.I’llfindawaytohandleit.Youbroughtinthefirst.I’llbringinthelast.”
GladeTremontarose.Hewalkedtowardthedoor,andGeraldSavettefollowedhim.Lawyerand
physician,theyappearedapairofreputablemen.
“HowisOrlinovmakingout?”questionedSavette,astheystoodwithinthedoor.“Aswellasheclaimed
hewould?”
“Yes,”Tremontansweredhim.“HespeaksFrenchveryfluently.Ithasservedwell.”
Withthisremark,thelawyeropenedthedoor.Thephysicianaccompaniedhisguestdownstairs.The
livingroomwasdeserted.
THEshadeofthesidewindowtrembledslightly.Itpressedslowlyinwarduntilitformedabulge.From
beneathitcameamassofblack,whichdevelopedintoacrouchingform.
Thehuddledshapearoseandbecameatall,imposingfigure-amangarbedinablackcloak,whose
featureswereobscuredbyanupturnedcollarandthebrimofabroadslouchhat.
Withgliding,silentstride,TheShadowsweptacrosstheroom.Hestoodbesidethechairswherethetwo
menhaddiscussedtheiraffairs.Hiskeeneyesspottedthetelegramthatlayuponthetable.A
black-glovedhandreachedforwardandpickedupthepaper.
ThemessagewasfromGlendale,NewYork.ItwasaddressedtoGladeTremont,WaverlyBuilding,
NewYorkCity.ItwassignedIvanOrlinov.Itscapitalizedlettersformedthisstatement:
MODELOFNEWAPPARATUSRECEIVEDSTOPMAKINGFIRSTTEST
MODELOFNEWAPPARATUSRECEIVEDSTOPMAKINGFIRSTTESTTHURSDAY
Theglovedhandreplacedthepaperonthetable.Swiftly,TheShadowsweptacrosstheroomand
movedupwardbeneaththewindowshade.Thusconcealedfromview,hedrewhisformoverthesashes,
whichwereatthebottomofthelargewindow.
Clinging,invisible,tothenarrowledge,hepushedthetopsashupward.Itglidednoiselesslyintoplace.
Therewasascratchingsound-scarcelyaudible-asathinstripofmetalwaswedgedbetweenthetwo
sections.Underpressurefromtheunseenhand,thelatchonthelowersashclosedtightly.Themetal
implementwaswithdrawnleavingthewindowdark.
Batlike,thetallformmovedalongthewall,clingingtotheunevenstonesurface.Itwastotallyinvisiblein
thedarknessasitbeganacarefuldescent.
ThenTheShadowstoppedhisprogressandremainedsuspendedtenfeetfromthegroundasstealthy
footstepscamealongthecementwalkbesidethehouse.
“Jake,”camealowwhisper.
“Allright,Biff,”wastheresponseshortdistanceaway.
“Comeon.We’rescramming.Hisnibshasleft.AllbeenO.K.inback?”
“Notarippleanywhere.”
Thetwomensaunteredawayinthedark.ThentheclingingformofTheShadowwasagaininaction.
Noiselessly,themanofthedarkreachedthewalkandmadehiswaytothestreet.
Hewasabeingofsilenceashemergedintothedarkness.Tonight,TheShadowhadbeenamanof
stealth.Notevenawhisperedlaughindicatedhisdeparture.
Twomenhadplottedwhiletheirhenchmenwereonguard.Theyweresupermenofcrime,andtheir
underlingswereshrewdandwatchful.
YetnotoneofthefourhaddetectedthepresenceofTheShadow.Silentlyandinvisibly,hehadcome
invisibly,hehadcome
fromthedarktolearnthewaysofthesemenofcrime.Tonight,TheShadowhadwithheldhishand.
Twomen,possessorsoftremendousresources,wereusingtheirguiseofhighrespectabilitytofurthera
giganticschemeofevil.TheShadow,alone,hadgainedaknowledgeoftheirmalefactions.Secretly,
workingfromthedark,hemustsaptheirpoweruntilitwasnomorethananemptyshell.
ThenwouldTheShadowstrike!
CHAPTERVII.THESHADOW’SCHOICE
ITwaslateintheafternoonwhenBiffTowley,theswarthyracketeer,strolledintotheofficeofGlade
Tremont.Thevisitor’snamewasannounced,andhewasusheredintothelawyer’sprivateoffice.
EverygangsterofTowley’silkhadanattorney;andevensoprominentamanasGladeTremontwas
willingtoactaslegalrepresentativeforpersonswhokeptontheshadysideofthelaw.Hencetherewas
nothingoutoftheordinaryaboutBiffTowley’svisittothisplace.
Butwithinthewallsoftheinneroffice,wherethetwomenweresequesteredundisturbed,therelationship
betweengangsterandattorneytookonanewlight.BiffTowleyhadnotcomehereforadvice.Hehad
cometomakeareport,andtoreceiveinstructions.
“I’vegotagoodmanforyou,”declaredBiff,inalowtone.“Factis,I’vepickedtwoof‘em.It’suptoyou
tomakeyourchoice.”
“Tellmeaboutthem,”saidTremontquietly.
“Well,”saidBiff,“whenyoutoldmenightbeforelast,thatyouneededaguythatcouldhandlearodand
actlikeastiffshirt,too,Iknewitwasn’tgoingtobetooeasytogetone.YouknowthekindofbozosI
keepinmymob.”
GladeTremontnodded.
“IfiguredIcouldspotaguyIwanted,”continuedBiff,“ifIwaitedaroundattheClubSavilla.That’smy
regularhangout,andlotsofsmoothbirdscomeinthere.Well,lastnight,twoofthemshowedup.Got
talkingwithboth.Expecttosee‘emagaintonight,andI’llsignuptheoneyou
talkingwithboth.Expecttosee‘emagaintonight,andI’llsignuptheoneyouwant.”
“Whoarethey?”
“OneisPinkeyBaird.Lookslikeagentlemen,andactslikeone.Anoldconman,restingeasy.Good
withtherod.I’veknownhimfromyearsback.Justthesmoothsortoffellowwewant;talksinlong
syllablesandallthat.”
“Whoistheother?”
“Idon’tknowhimsowell,butI’vemethimbefore.He’sbeenoutofNewYorkforawhile.Cliff
Marslandishisname.HedidtimeupintheBigHouse,butthat’sprettywellforgottennow.He’sbeen
mixedupinacoupleofbigrackets,andhe’salwayscomeoutO.K.Thedickshaven’tgotathingon
him.”
“Doeshelookthepartwewant?”
“Tothedot.YoungerthanPinkeyBaird.Poker-faced,buthetalkslikeacollegegraduate.Iguessheis
graduate.Iguessheis
one,forthatmatter.”
“Didyoumakeadealwitheitherofthem?”
“No.Iwantedtotalktoyoufirst.They’llbothbeattheClubSavillatonight.AllI’vegottodoisgivethe
winktotherightone,andholdhimthereaftertheotherhasgoneaway.ThoughtI’dtalkitoverwithyou,
first.”
“That’sright,”commendedthelawyer.“Fromwhatyousay,Biff,eitheronewoulddo.IpreferPinkey
Baird,however.”
“Ifeelthesameway,”agreedthegangster.
“You’veknownBairdlonger,”saidTremontthoughtfully.“He’solderand,fromwhatyousay,he’ssafer.
ThisfellowMarslandsoundslikeagoodone-butIchooseBairdinpreference.Tryhim.
“Ifhewantsthejob,giveittohim.Ifhedoesn’t,thentakeMarsland.I’mleavingittoyourjudgment,Biff.
IwantthemantogotoGlendaletomorrow.”
IwantthemantogotoGlendaletomorrow.”
BiffTowleynodded.
“Youknowallaboutit,Biff,”declaredTremont.“Tellyourmantheoldstory.Orlinovhasenemies.
Needsanintelligentcompanion.Hastheplaceunderguard.Alltherestofit.Beyondthat,keepmum-
asusual.”
Thegangstergrinned.WelldidheknowthegamethatGladeTremontwasplaying.Hehadhelpedthat
game,andithadprovenprofitable.
TremontwasasquareshooterinBiff’sestimation.Atthesametimetheswarthygangsterknewwellthat
hewastotallywithinthelawyer’spower.AsnapofTremont’sfingers,andthepolicewouldhaveenough
evidencetosendBifftotheelectricchair.
Yetthegangleaderwasnotillatease.Heknewthatthethreatwhichhungoverhimwouldneverbe
usedsolongasheplayedsquarewithGladeTremont.
Biffhadneverentertainedthenotionofdouble-crossinghischief.Hencehedweltinsecurity,andhad
provenhimselfanimportantadjuncttothelawyer’sschemes.
“That’sall,Biff,”saidTremont.“IchooseBaird-ifyoucangethim.OtherwiseMarsland.Orlinovknows
allaboutit.Fixittonight.”
BIFFTOWLEYlefttheoffice.HestrolledalongBroadwayanddroppedintoatheater.Bifflikedcrime
thrillers.Theygavehimalaugh-thesemurderpictures-whenhecomparedthemwiththereality.
Itwasnearlysixo’clockwhenhewentintothetheater.ThatmeantthathewouldreachtheClubSavilla
afternine.
Mentally,BiffTowleyagreedwithGladeTremont’schoice.“Pinkey”Bairdwastherightmanforthejob
atGlendale.TherehadbeentroublebecauseofLouisSteffan-butLouisSteffanhadnotbeenaproduct
oftheunderworld.
WitheitherBairdorMarslandservingOrlinov,therewouldbenorepetitionofthetroublethathad
occurredwithSteffan.
Biffhadleftbothmeneagertomeethimagain.Heknewthateachwaslookingforatie-upwithashady
enterprise.Eithercouldbeboughtcheapandwouldservewell.
Biffhadpromisednothing.Hehadmerelyintimatedthathewouldliketoseehisacquaintancesagain.
TonighthewouldlineupBairdandeaseoffMarsland.Unless-aswasextremelyunlikely-Bairdshould
expressalackofinterest.
BUSINESSwasmovingattheClubSavillabeforethehourofnine.WhileBiffTowleywasstillenjoying
thefeaturetalkie,athrongofearlycomerswasfilingintothegayuptownnightclub.Amongtheseearly
arrivalswerethetwomenwhowereanxioustomeetBiffTowleyagain.
Theyenteredtheclubalmostsidebyside,butdidnotspeaktooneanother,fortheywerenot
acquainted.TheyhadmetBiffTowleyseparately,thenightbefore.
Eachtookhisplaceataseparatetable,butbothwereclosetothespotwhereBiffTowleymadehis
Towleymadehis
headquartersonhisnightlyvisitstotheClubSavilla.Tiltedchairsdenotedthegangleader’sreservation.
CliffMarsland,huskyandsteady-faced,didnotappeartobeagangster.Quietlypuffingatacigarette,he
hadtheairofawealthyclubmember.Hewasattiredinatuxedo,andhisclotheswerewell-fittedand
immaculate.
PinkeyBaird,twentyfeetaway,formedacontrasttoCliffMarsland.Hisfacehadacunninglook.His
rovingeyeswereeverywhereasthoughseekingsomeonewhomhecouldinterestinagold-brick
proposition.
Cliff’seyesmetPinkey’s;butthestarewasonlymomentary.Neitherknewthattheotherwasawaiting
BiffTowley.InPinkey,Cliffrecognizedthelookoftheshrewdconfidenceman.InCliff,Pinkeysawonly
astern-visagedpersonwhowouldbetoosmarttofallforanyplanthathemightoffer.Sobothlost
interestintheother.
AtallmancladinadarksuitenteredtheClubSavillaandstrolledovertothetablewherePinkeyBaird
tablewherePinkeyBaird
wasseated.Hesatdownwithoutaword,andlookedatthemenucard.
PinkeyBairdsurveyedhimquizzically,thenlookedelsewhere.ButCliffMarslandstaredwithfurrowed
brow.
Thenewcomerhadanimpassiveface,andhishawklikenosegavehimasternappearance.Somehow,
thatfaceimpressedMarsland.
Hetriedtocatchaglimpseofthestranger’seyes,butfailed.Theywereturnedtowardthetable,except
whentheyoccasionallypeeredinthedirectionofPinkeyBaird,whowasstaringstraightahead,
unnoticing.
Cliffhadseenthatmanlastnight.Thehawk-facedstrangerhadbeenseatedatatablecloseby,while
CliffhadbeenchattingwithBiffTowley.Strangelyenough,thesamemanhadbeentherewhileBiffand
PinkeyBairdhadconversed.ButPinkey,unlikeCliffhadnotnoticedhispresence.
Now,asCliffMarslandendedhisscrutiny,itwasPinkeyBairdwhofoundhis
Now,asCliffMarslandendedhisscrutiny,itwasPinkeyBairdwhofoundhisinterestarousedbythe
manwiththehawknose.AvoicespokeatPinkey’selbow.Surprisedbythelowtones,Pinkeyturned
suddenlytomeetthegazeoftwosharp,burningeyes.
“Goodevening,Baird,”cametheeven,monotonousvoice.“YouarewaitingforBiffTowley.”
“Whoareyou?”questionedPinkey,inalowgrowl.
“Thatdoesnotconcernus,”wasthedeliberatereply.“Theimportantmatteristhatyouareleavinghere
beforeTowleyarrives.”
“Yes?”PinkeyBairdraisedhiseyebrows“That’syouridea,isit?”
“Itismyorder,”statedthehawk-facedone.
“Tryandmakeme,”chuckledPinkeyBaird.
“Ihavenoquarrelwithyou,”saidthestrangerquietly.“ButIcanmakeoneifyoudesireit.Theeasy
courseisforyoutoleave-now.IfeelthatatripSouthwouldbegoodforyourhealth.
health.
“Thisenvelope”-alonghandappearedwithasealedpackage-“containsaticketandreservationonthe
FloridaFlyerthatleavesat9:15.Takeit.”
Withacontemptuousgesture,PinkeyBairdflungtheenvelopebacktothemanwhohadgivenittohim.
Heleanedbackinhischair,andgrinnedashelookedtowardthedanceflooroftheclub.Thenthesmile
frozeonhislips.
WITHOUTaword,thestrangerhadnudgedclosetohischair,andnowthethreateningmuzzleofan
automaticwasticklingPinkey’sribs.Theconfidencemanturnedpale.
“Movealong,”camethelowvoice.
Pinkeystaredintoapairofmenacingeyes.Herealizedthathehadmetamanwhomeantbusiness.
Shakily,hearosefromthetableandstartedtowardthedooroftheClubSavilla.
Thehawk-facedmanrosewithhim.Sidebyside,theykeptpace.CliffMarslandstaredinsurpriseasthe
menpassedhistable.Hedidnotseethehiddenautomatic.
“YouaregoingtoFlorida,”whisperedthevoiceinPinkey’sear.“Youaregoingtostaythere-forone
month.Longer,ifyouwish.Hereisyourticket.”
Pinkeyfelttheenvelopeasitenteredhispocket.Gradually,hewasyieldingtothedominanceofthisman
whohadsosuddenlyappearedtocommandhim.
TheyreachedthestreetinfrontoftheClubSavilla.There,thestrangerbeckonedtoataxicab.Heurged
Pinkeyintothecar.Hefollowed.
Pinkeyrealizedthatthismanwouldbrooknodelay.Hewastakinghimtothestation-forthatwasthe
orderthatPinkeyheardhimgivetothetaxidriver.
Asthecabpulledawayfromthecurb,thepressureoftheautomaticrelaxed.Slumpedbackintheseat,
PinkeyBairdappearedcompletelysubdued.Thecabmovedonwardafewyards;thenstoppedata
trafficlight,lessthanhalfablockfromtheClubSavilla.
ThesightofauniformedpolicemanbroughtasuddeninspirationtoPinkeyBaird.Hewasnotinwrong
withthepolice.Perhapsthismanwas.Whyshouldhelethimselfbeshuntedawayattheorderofa
stranger?
Likeaflash,Pinkeyfelluponthemanbesidehim.Sinewyandwiry,theconfidencemanwasapowerful
fighter.Heknewthathisopponentwouldnotriskashot.
Theswiftnessofhisattackservedhimwell.Withonehand,Pinkeypulledtheknobofthedoor.Ashis
opponentgrippedhim,Pinkeydovewithbothhandsfortheautomatic.
Thecabwasstartingforward,itsdoorswingingwide,asPinkeyraisedacryforhelp.Thepoliceman
wasdashingforthesidewalk.Pinkeywasgrippingthemuzzleofthegunashesoughttodragtheother
mantowardthedoorofthecab.
TheoddswereallinPinkeyBaird’sfavor.Hehadraisedtheshout.Hisopponentcouldnotstophim
now.Thatgunintheotherman’shandwouldmeantroubleforhim.Itwastoolateforhisenemytofire,
Pinkeyreasoned;butinthathewaswrong.
Amuffledshotoccurredwithinthetaxicab.Pinkey’stuggingholdrelaxed.Hetoppledaway,andplunged
headlongthroughtheopendoor,fallingflatinthestreet.
Thedoorclosed,andthestartleddriverheardasharpcommandtodriveonward.Knowingthathis
remainingpassengerwasarmed,hehadnootherchoice.Heslippedthecarintogear.
Thedriverdidnotheartheleftdoorofthecabopenandclose.Thedarkenedstreetwasfilledwith
stoppingcars.Theshrillblastofapolicewhistlesoundedfromthespotwherethecabhadbeen.The
waywasblockedahead.
Betweentwomenaces,thecabmanstoppedhiscarandcroucheduponthedriver’sseat.Heexpecteda
shottoissuefromwithinthecab.
Theshotnevercame.Ahuskypolicemandasheduptothesideofthecab.Withheavyhandsheyanked
openthedoor.Thedriver,rising,staredinthatdirection.
Thecabwasempty!
Thecabwasempty!
WHEREwasthemysteriouspassenger?Peoplewerethrongingaboutthecab.Driversofothercars
wererunningup.Theyweretalkingexcitedlyabouttheshotthattheyhadheard;butnonecouldoffer
furtherinformation.
Atallmanwithahawkishfacepickedhiswaybetweentwostoppedcars,andapproachedthecab.He
pluckedthepoliceman’ssleeve.Theofficerturnedtowardthenewcomer.
“Someoneleftthecab,”thetallmanannounced,inadeliberatevoice.“Hewentoutofthedooronthe
streetside.Justasthecabstartedforward.”
Adriverwhohadlefthiscarsomedistancebackcamepuffingupintimetohearthewords.
“He’sright,officer,”thenewarrivaldeclared.“IthoughtIsawsomefellowcutinfrontofmyheadlights.I
couldn’ttracehimafterthat.Hewasheadedfortheoppositesidewalk.Hemusthavegonedownthe
street.”
Thestatementwaslogical.Itwasobviousthatthemysteriousassailantwouldnolongerbeanywhere
nearthisvicinity.
OtherpolicemenwerearrivingThepeoplecrowdedaboutthecabwerepushedaside.Driverswent
backtotheircars.Bystandersmovedtothesidewalk.Amongthesewasthehawk-facedman.
HewatcheduntilanambulancehaddrivenawaywithPinkeyBaird.Hewaiteduntiltrafficwasflowing
alongthestreet.ThenhequietlyreturnedtotheClubSavilla.
Tenminuteslater,BiffTowleyarrivedattheentrancetothenightclub.Anassistanttothemanagerdrew
himtoonesideashesteppedthroughthedoor.
“Troubleoutinthestreetalittlewhileago,”saidtheassistantmanager,inalowvoice.“Acoupleoftough
babiesbegantoshootitoutinataxicab.”
“Whowerethey?”questionedBiff,inanundertone.
“Ionlysawoneofthem,”repliedtheassistant.“Hewasthefellowwhotookit.Hewasinherebeforeit
happened,butIdidn’tshoutaboutit.Thoughtyouwouldliketoknow,though,becauseyoumettheguy
lastnight.PinkeyBaird,theoldconman.”
“PinkeyBaird!”Biff’seyesnarrowed“Youdon’tknowwhogothim?”
“Nope.Ididn’tseehimgoout.Youknowthewayitiswiththosesmall-timers.Alwaysbattlingamong
themselves.”
“DidPinkeygettheworks?”
“No.Justaclipintheshoulder.Hedidanosediveoutofthecab,though,andhewascoldwhenIsaw
him.He’llbearoundagaininafewdays.”
BIFFTOWLEYwasthinkingashewalkedbacktohisfavoritetable.Afewdaysontheshelfput
PinkeyBairdoutofajob,sofarasBiffwasconcerned.Furthermore,hedidnotliketheideaoftaking
onamanwhohadparticipatedinarecentfeud.
Inaway,Biffwasgladthatthishadoccurredtonight.ItshowedhimthatPinkeywouldnotdo.
Lookingupfromhistable,BiffspiedCliffMarsland.Hewavedagreetingtohisacquaintance.Cliffarose
andcameovertoBiff’stable.
“Iwanttotalktoyou,”saidBiff.“I’vegotsomethingforyou,Cliff.Ajobthat’smadeforyou.Wantit?”
“Surething.”
“Allright,then.Listen.”
Inalowvoice,BiffTowleybeganhisstory.CliffMarslandlistened,noddinghisunderstanding.Bothmen
wereintent.Neithernoticedanotherwhowaswatchingthemfromtheseclusionofatablebesideapillar.
Itwasthehawk-facedmanwhohadreturnedfromhisencounterwithPinkeyBaird.Quietly,hesurveyed
thechattingmen.Hewaited,silentandaustere,untilthetwoaroseandlefttheClubSavilla.Then,from
hisfirm,straightlipscamealow-whisperedlaughthatthrobbedinaudibly.
ItwasthesoundlessmirthofTheShadow.Hehadcalledtheturn.LastnighthehadobservedBiff
Towleytalkingwithtwomen-PinkeyBairdandCliffMarsland.Heknewthatoneofthesewastobe
selected.HehadeliminatedPinkeyBaird.
Therewasareason.CliffMarslandreputedgangster,wasamanwhohadaspecialmission.Presumably
afreelanceintheunderworld,hewasinrealityanagentofTheShadow.Hehadbeensummonedto
makecontactwithBiffTowley,theverynightthatTheShadowhadlistenedtotheschemesofGlade
TremontandDoctorGeraldSavette.
Anewmanwasbeingcalledinbytheplotters;andthatmanwasTheShadow’semissary.BiffTowley
hadfoundtwowhowoulddo.HeandGladeTremonthadmadetheirchoice-PinkeyBaird.
Butcircumstanceshadalteredthatdecision.PinkeyBairdwasnottobetheirman.Instead,Cliff
Marslandhadreceivedthejob.
CliffMarslandwasTheShadow’schoice!
CHAPTERVIII.ORLINOV’SCASTLE
CLIFFMARSLANDwasseatedonabroadveranda,smokingacigarette.Beforehimwasawidelawn
thatendedinathickclumpoftrees,cleavedbyanarrowroad.Beyondthatweretherolling
mountainsidesoftheCatskills.
Cliffleanedhisheadbackinhischairandlethiseyesrovestraightupward.Therehesawawallofgray
stone,toppedbyathick,projectingturret.Thishugebuildingwasareplicaofamedievalcastle.
Aremarkableplace,thislargeestatesituatedthreemilesfromthetownofGlendale.Cliffhadfirstspiedit
fromthehillsideroad,thedaythathehadarrivedinGlendale.
Ithadamazedhimthen,thegray-walledbuildingwithitssquatwingsandunevenbattlements.Itlooked
likethefortressofabaronoftheMiddleAges-asightthatwouldhavebeencommonplaceinEurope,
yetwhichwasastonishinginNewYorkState.
IthadnottakenClifflongtolearnthehistoryoftheplace.Ithadbeenbuiltbyawealthyrailroad
magnate,somefortyyearsbefore,andhadbeendisposedofbyhisheirs.Thename“Glamartin”wasstill
inscribedovertheoldstoneentrancegate-forthathadbeenthenameoftheestate.
NowitwastheresidenceofIvanOrlinov,wealthyRussianoftheczaristrealm,whohadbecomea
naturalizedAmericancitizen.
Tothecasualobserver,Orlinov’scastlewasasecludedandplacidplace.Theestatecomprisedsome
thirtyacres,fencedwithahigh-spikedironfence,wellpostedwithsignsthatforbadetrespassing.
Besidesthisbarrier,Orlinovemployedtheservicesofmorethanadozenmen,whoservedinvarious
capacities.
Gardeners,chauffeurs,cooks,andbutlers-thesewerethepositionsthattheyoccupied.
ButCliff,evenifhehadnotbeeninformedbeforehand,wouldhaveimmediatelyrecognizedtheirtrue
caliber.Heknewgraduatesoftheunderworldwhenhesawthem.EverymaninOrlinov’sretinuewasa
close-mouthedmobsterwhohadcomeherefromNewYork.
close-mouthedmobsterwhohadcomeherefromNewYork.
Therewasagunoneveryhip.Thegardenerscarriedweapons;sodidthecook.AsCliffshiftedhis
position,hefelthisownrevolverbulgeagainsthisside.ForalthoughhewastechnicallyOrlinov’s
secretary,hewasalsoanappointedmemberofthecrewofarmedhenchmenwhosevigilancewasnever
ending.
IthadbeenBiffTowley’stasktosupplyOrlinovwithretainers,andtheNewYorkgangleaderhaddone
hisworkwell.EveryoneoftheseunderlingstookordersdirectfromtheRussian.Eachmanhadhisown
duties,andkepthisowncounsel.Argumentsanddisagreementsweretaboo.
Everymanhadagoodreasonforbeingsatisfiedhere,livingeasyandawayfromthebesettingdifficulties
ofManhattan.Hadanyoneattemptedmutiny,theotherswouldhaveswarmeduponhiminaninstant.
INthistransplantedrealmofgangdom,CliffMarslandwasbidinghistime.Hehaddutieshere,otherthan
thosewhichBiffTowleyhadplannedforhim.WhileheappearedtobeanswerabletoBiffalone,hewas
actuallyintheserviceofTheShadow.
Butheknewthathisusefulnesswouldceasethemomentthathebetrayedhishand.Forthatreason,Cliff
Marslandwasplayingawaitinggame.Alreadyhehadlearnedafewfactsofinterest.Hewasholding
themforthepresent.ItwasnotyettimetocommunicatewithTheShadow.
TherewasmysteryhereinOrlinov’scastle;andsofar,Cliffhadnotbeenabletopenetrateit.
Thehugebuildingwasdividedintothreesections,thenarrowcentralportionandthetwosidewings.The
leftportionofthehousewaswherethemajorityofthemenresided,Cliffamongthem.IvanOrlinovand
twoofhisoldesthenchmenlivedintherightwingofthebuilding.
There,Cliffknew,Orlinovhadalaboratoryandaworkshop,Hisonlyassistant-outsideofthemobsters
-wasataciturnRussiancalledPetri,whoneverleftthatportionofthehouse.Thewingcouldbeentered
onlyfromthecentralsection,andthewaywasclosedbyanirondoor.
Onthesurface,itseemedlikelythatOrlinovwasmerelyasuspiciousinventor
Onthesurface,itseemedlikelythatOrlinovwasmerelyasuspiciousinventorwhofearedthatsomeone
mightstealthefruitsofhiscreativemind;butCliffthoughtdifferently.UnlessOrlinovfearedthelawitself,
hewouldnotrequiretheservicesofsuchalargecrewofmobsters.
HowdidaffairsatthisplaceconcernTheShadow?ThatwasaquestionCliffMarslandcouldnot
answer.
Whenhehadarrivedhere,hehadwonderedwhytherehadbeennoaction.Thepresenceofthearmed
forcewasnotsufficienttorestrainTheShadow.Cliffhadknownthatremarkablemantofighthisway
throughtwentyhoodlums.
Butastimeprogressed,Cliff,althoughhehadfoundnosolutiontothemysterieshere,hadgainedan
inklingofTheShadow’spurpose.
Somehow,Orlinovmustpossessthekeytoanamazingschemeofcrime.OnefalsestepbyTheShadow
mightmeandisastertoanyattempttofrustratetheevil.Furthermore,Cliff’sownexperiencewithBiff
TowleyindicatedthatmattersherewerelinkedwitheventsinNewYork.WelldidCliffknowthatThe
didCliffknowthatThe
ShadowwasvigilantinManhattan.
TheonepointthatCliffhadparticularlyobservedwasthatofOrlinov’scorrespondence.Mostofithad
beenaddressedtoGladeTremont,aNewYorkattorney,whorepresentedtheRussianinallhislegal
affairs.
Thisappearedtobeabonafidearrangementthatmighthavenoconnectionwithcrime,yetthe
connectionhadarousedCliff’ssuspicions.
Whilethusengagedinsummarizinghisexperiencesandfindingsinoneweek,CliffMarslandhearda
footfallontheporchandturnedhisheadtoseeIvanOrlinovapproaching.TheRussianseatedhimself
andlookedinCliff’sdirection.Cliffbecamealert.
IVANORLINOVpossessedanappearancethatwasbothbrutalandimposing.Hewasabigbulkofa
man,withacountenancethatwascoldandstolid.Heworeaclose-croppedreddishbeard,whichPetri
trimmedforhimeveryfewdays.
Hiseyes,deepsetbetweenhalf-closedlids,hadahabitofopeningatunexpectedmoments.Whenthey
did,theyglowedlikespotsofflame,lividandthreatening.
Thisafternoon,Orlinovwasmildanddeliberate.Heseemedinathoughtfulmoodashepuffedahuge
blackcigar.Hisauburnbeardglistenedinthelight.ThemanspokepleasantlyasheturnedtoCliff.
“Well,Marslandt”-thevoicewasdeepandmarkedwithadistinctlyforeignaccent-“youhaffbeenhere
oneweeknow.”
“Oneweektoday,”repliedCliff.
“Thatisgoot,”declaredOrlinov.“Ihopeyouhafflikedit.Youaretostayalongwhile,youknow.”
“It’sallthesametome.”
Orlinov’seyesopenedmomentarily;thenclosedastheRussiancontinuedinareflectivetone.
“Imayhaffavisitortonight,”hesaid.“Itissveryimportantthatweshouldnotbedisturbed.You
understandt?”
“Yes,sir.”
“IthinkIhafftoldtyouaboutthemanthatwassherebeforeyou,nein?”
“Youmeanyourlastsecretary?”
“Yess.HewassamanwhospokeRussian,whichwasgoot.Buthewassamanwhomademistakes.
Notliketheseotherswhoarehere.Hewasnotlikeyou.”
“Onemistakeistoomanyforamantomake,”observedCliff,asheextractedafreshcigarettefroma
pack.
“Iamgladyoutinklikethat,”declaredOrlinov.“Thatissbecauseyouhaffcomefromtherightman.Ido
notlikemistakes.Theybringtrouble-andthattroublecomestothosewhohaffmadethemistakes.You
understandt?”
understandt?”
“Exactly,”saidCliff,withemphasis.
IvanOrlinovlaughedgruffly.HeseemedpleasedwithCliff’sstatement.Hearoseandgaveparting
instructions.
“Thismanwillcomeherefordinner,”heexplained.“HeissMr.Tremont,mylawyerfromNewYork.
Youshallmeethim,Marslandt.ButwhenIwishtospeaktohiminprivate,youshallgo.You
understandt?”
“Certainly,”respondedCliff.
“Thereissmuchformethatyoucando,”addedOrlinov.“Butitisswisethatyoushouldbeherealong
timefirst.Ihaffbeenverycarefulinthepast.Whenonemantriestoknowthosethingswhichheshould
notknow,itissbad.Thatwasswhytheonebeforeyouhassgoneaway.Youunderstandt?”
CliffnoddedshortlyandwatchedwhileOrlinovwalkedbacktowardthedoorofthebighouse.
thebighouse.
TheintendedvisitofGladeTremontinterestedhimdeeply.Orlinovhadreceivedaletterfromthelawyer
thatmorning.Evidentlyithadannouncedhiscontemplatedtrip.
AFTERNOONwaswaning.Acarswungaroundthecornerofthehouseandranalongthenarrow
roadwaytowardtheclumpoftrees.Itwasboundforthestation,inallprobability,tomeetGlade
Tremontwhenhearrived.
Whateverthelawyer’sbusinessmightbewithOrlinov,CliffMarslandwasdeterminedtolearnittonight.
Somethingimportantmustbeintheair;otherwiseTremontwouldnotfinditnecessarytocomeupfrom
NewYork.
PerhapsthelawyerrepresentedtheRussianinlegitimateenterprises.Nevertheless,anythingthatmightbe
discussedwouldatleastgiveaclewtowhatwashappeninginthiscastle-likemansion.
CliffMarslandarosefromhisrecliningchair.Hehadnothingtodountiltheevening.SofarasOrlinov
wasconcerned,hisworkwasendedfortheday-unlesstheremightbesome
wasconcerned,hisworkwasendedfortheday-unlesstheremightbesomedetailstopreparefor
GladeTremont.ButtonightloomedveryimportantinCliffMarsland’smind.Hesensedthatthiswouldbe
hisfirstopportunitytogainresultsforTheShadow.
Steppingtothefrontoftheporch,Cliffflunghiscigaretteonthelawn.Heturnedtowardthebigbuilding,
andhissidelonggazewanderedtothewingattheright.Thereinlaythesecretofthisplace.Beforehis
workwasendedhere,Cliffwouldknowallaboutit.
Thesunwassettingoveramountain,andthecoldgloomofnightwasspreadingitshazeaboutthesegray
walls.Thesullenturretsspokeofcrimeandmystery.Soontheywouldbedarkandshadowy.
Therewasaprophetictouchtothescene.ToCliff,thegrowingduskbespokethepresenceofaliving
shadow-amanwholivedwithinthenight.CliffwasherebecauseTheShadowknewthatallwasnot
wellwithinthesewalls.
Crime,butsuspectedonlybyTheShadow!Wasitcrimeofthepastorcrimeofthefuture?Cliffsmiled
grimlyasheenteredthehighfrontdoorandstrodeacrossthedarkeninghallway.
grimlyasheenteredthehighfrontdoorandstrodeacrossthedarkeninghallway.
Tonight,ifallwentwell,TheShadowwouldlearnofplotsthatweretranspiringhere.Hewouldlearnof
themthroughCliffordMarsland’swatchfulness.
CHAPTERIX.CLIFFSENDSAMESSAGE
Itwasevening.ThreemenwereseatedinthelivingroomofIvanOrlinov’sabode.OnewastheRussian;
thesecondwasGladeTremont;thethirdwasCliffMarsland.
Tremonthadarrivedbeforedinner.HehadbeenintroducedtoCliffbyOrlinov.Cliffhadcaughtthe
shrewd,penetratingglanceofthelawyer,andithadplacedhimimmediatelyuponhisguard.
Fromthatmoment,CliffhadsensedthatTremontknewallabouthispresencehere.Hesawaconnection
betweentheattorneyandBiffTowley,theNewYorkgangleader.
Yetnowalullingsilencehadfallen.Thediscussionduringdinnerhadbeenoflittleconsequence.Herein
thelivingroom,themenwereseatedbeforeaglowingfire,foreveningsbroughtchillinthisregionofhigh
altitude.Tremontwasspeakingofthedifficultiesthatwentwiththepatentingof
altitude.Tremontwasspeakingofthedifficultiesthatwentwiththepatentingofnewinventions;buthe
wasnotatallspecificinhisremarks.
Atlastthesubjectchanged.Tremont,glancingfromthecornerofhiseye,lookedtowardCliffMarsland,
whosawtheaction,butgavenoindicationofhavingnoticedit.
“Well,Mr.Orlinov,”saidthelawyer,“Iamgladthatthelastapparatusyoureceivedhasproven
satisfactory.Itisworkingwell?”
“Yess,”saidthebeardedman,staringtowardthefire.
Here,asinthesunlight,Orlinov’sbeardwasglistening.Ithadtheruddyglowofburnishedgold.The
man’seyeswereopen,andtheycaughtthesparkleofthefire.
Inthatface,Cliffdetectedanewexpression-adeterminedbrutalitythatgavetheRussianthe
appearanceofamockingfiend.
“Youwouldliketosee?”questionedOrlinov,staringdirectlyatTremont.
“Ishouldbeinterested,”returnedthelawyer.
“Come,”saidOrlinov.HeturnedtoCliff.“Youwillstayhere,Marslandt.Ihavebusiness-aprivate
business-withMr.Tremont.”
“Yes,sir,”rejoinedCliff.
Themencrossedthelivingroom,andCliffseemedindifferenttotheirdeparture.Hefanciedthat
questioninglookswouldbedirectedbacktowardhim,buthepaidnoattention.Instead,hestared
directlyatthefire.
Heknewwherethosemenweregoing.Throughtheirondoorthatledtothemysterywingofthishouse.
CliffMarslandplayedhunches.Hewasamanofaction.Hehadgainedhiscravingforexcitementonthe
battlefieldsofFrance.HehadcontinueditintheserviceofTheShadow.Inactivityweariedhim.Hewas
mostconfidentwhenhewasindanger.
Yethealsopossessedareasoningmind.HeknewfromwhatbothBiffTowleyandIvanOrlinovhadtold
himthattheprevioussecretaryherehadprovenfalse.
Cliffpicturedasituationverymuchlikethisone-aman,leftaloneinthelivingroom,whiletheothers,
probablytheverytwowhohadjustdeparted,wentawaytodiscussmattersofimportance.Cliff’s
predecessorhadevidentlypried,andhaddoubtlesspaidforhistemeritywithhislife.
That,insteadofbeingarestrainttoCliffMarsland,wasanincentive.Sofar,Orlinovhadtrustedhim.Cliff
wasarmed,andcapableoftakingcareofhimself.Therewasonlyonereasonforcaution.
HemustnotrevealhisgamebecauseofTheShadow.Nevertheless,Cliffwasdeterminedtomakeuseof
thepresentopportunity.
THISlivingroomwasinthecenterportionofthehouse.Itleddirectlytothehall.Therewasnoreason
whyCliffshouldnotgointothehall.Sohearoseandstrolledinthatdirection.
Inthehall,heobservedthedoorthatledtothemysterywing.Thedoorwasaslidingone,anditwas
slidingone,anditwas
partlyopened.
Clifflaughedsoftly.Hesawitasatrap.Idly,helightedacigaretteandsaunteredtothefrontdoor,where
hemadehisexittotheporch.
Twocoursesseemedapparent.Onewastogobackandenterthatopendoor.That,toCliffmeant
certaintrouble.Itwastooobviouslyatesttosoundhimout.Theothercoursewastodonothing;tobe
contentwithknowingthatGladeTremonthadcometoGlendale.
Neitheroftheseplansappealed.Cliffsoughtaschemethatwouldhavetheadvantageofbothandthe
disadvantageofneither.Hestaredtowardthesilentwingofthehouse.
Somewhere,there,TremontandOrlinovwereinconference.CliffwonderedwhatTheShadowwould
doifhewerehere.PerhapsTheShadowmightbehere.Thatwaspurespeculation.
However,thethoughtbroughtinspiration.Cliff’sproblemwastoenterthemysterioussectionofthe
housewithoutgoingthroughtheopendoor.Scalingthewallwouldbea
housewithoutgoingthroughtheopendoor.Scalingthewallwouldbeadangeroustask.Thewindowsof
thegroundfloorwerebarred;thoseabovewerelikewiseprotected.Furthermore,Cliffknewthat
watchfulmenwerelikelytobeprowlingthegroundsaboutthehouse.
Thenhethoughtoftheturrets.Twoofthem,largeandimposing,toweredabovethefrontofthehouse.
Therewereothersatthejointofeachwing.
Betweenthemwerebattlements-highwallsofstonethatcopiedthepatternofgrim,old-timefortresses.
Nonchalantly,Cliffsaunteredbackintothehouseandhummedsoftlyashestrolledintothelivingroom.
Therehismannerchanged.Hepeeredintothedesertedhall,tomakesurethatnoonewaswatchingfrom
thatpartlyopeneddoor.Theinspectionconvincedhimthatwhoevermightbelyinginwaitwaswellpast
theinvitingbarrier.
Softly,Cliffstoletotherearofthehall,andascendedthestepsthatledtothesecondfloor.
Thiswasalittle-usedportionofthehouse.Ithadnoconnectionwithanyportionotherthanthecentral
otherthanthecentral
hallway.
Atthefrontofthesecondstoryweretwodoors,oneforeachofthedisusedturrets.Clifftriedthedoor
onthesidetowardthemysterywing.Hefounditlocked,butnotformidably.Heopeneditwitha
skeletonkey,andascendedawindingstairway,whichterminatedinasmallroomwithintheexpanding
turret.
Here,Clifffoundanuncasedwindow.Heslippedthroughitanddroppedquicklytotheroofbehinda
battlement.Hemadehiswaytothenearestofthesmallerturrets.Thishadanarrow,slit-likeopening,
throughwhichCliffmanagedtosqueezehisbody.
Hewasinasmallroom,andashewalkedacrossit,theflooryieldedslightlybeneathhisfeet.That
indicatedatrapdoor.
Thetrapopenedupward.Cliffdescendedacylindricalshaftofstonebymeansofametalladder.Atthe
bottom,heencounteredanotherdoor,locked.
Itrequiredcarefulprobingwiththekeybeforehemanagedtounlockthebarrier.ThenClifffoundhimself
inalong,gloomycorridorthatranthefullextentofthewing.
THEREwasneedforcautionnow.Instinctively,Cliffgrippedthehandleofhisrevolver.Theweapon
wouldservehimhandily,ifheshouldencounterPetrioreitherofthetwomobsterswholivedinthis
sectionofthestrangehouse.
Bothsidesofthecorridorwerelinedwithheavy,closeddoors.Atlast,Cliffreachedastairway.
Descending,hecametothegroundfloor,wherethestepsended.Peeringalongthecorridortothe
centralpartofthehouse,hesawacloseddoor.Thenherealizedthearrangement.
Theslidingdoorwasmerelythefirstbarrier.Hadheenteredit,hewouldhavefoundbutonewayto
leave-throughthedoorfromthecenterofthehouse.Itwasaperfecttrap;butCliffhadavoidedit.Now
hefeltsecure.
Therewerefewdoorshere,andsidepassagesledfromthesinglecorridor.Cliffwenttoeachdoorin
wenttoeachdoorin
turn.Atlasthefoundtheonehewanted.Thedullsoundofvoiceswasaudible,andasClifflistened,he
distinguishedthetonesofIvanOrlinovandGladeTremont.Oddlyenough,theirwordsreferredtohim.
“Goodman,theoneTowleysentyou,”Tremontwassaying.
“Verygoot,yess,”rumbledOrlinov’sbass.“Good-liketheothers.”
“NotlikeSteffan,”retortedTremont,withashortlaugh.
“Thatmanwassbad,”agreedOrlinov.“Thisone-heissgoot.ButImustwaituntilawhile.ThenIcan
makehimbeuseful.”
“Youaren’ttakingchanceswithhim,though.Thatisbest,untilhehasbeenhereafewmonths.That’sa
nicetrapyouhaveifhegetscurious.Petricouldletthatslidingdoorcloseinasecond.
“Idon’tthinktherewillbetrouble,however.BiffTowleypicksmenwhoarereliable.”
Cliffsmiledashefingeredhisrevolver.Heenjoyedthissituation.Nowhewashearingnewinformation.
“Itissreadyfortomorrownight?”cameaquestionfromOrlinov.
“Nottomorrow,”correctedTremont.“Thenextnight.MattHartleyiscomingtomyhome.Hewillbe
thereatteno’clock.Hehashadtroubleoversomelawsuits.
“ItwasfortunatethatIlearnedofthemandarrangedtogivehimadvice.Owingtothecircumstances,he
ispayingmeaprivatevisit.Ishalldotherest.”
“Ourfriend,thegootdoctor-”
“Hewillplayhispart.Don’tworry,Ivan.Youwillgetyournextshipment.Itmaybethelast,unless-”
“Unless?”
“Unlesswefindothersthatarevaluable.Savettespokeoffurtherplans.”
TherewasaslightstirintheroomandCliffdrewbackalongthepassage.Hewasthinkingashewent.
wasthinkingashewent.
HehadheardofMattHartley.Themanwasaninventivegeniusinthefieldofaviation.Hehadmade
teststodevelopnewformsofaerialtorpedoes,andhadgainedconsiderablepublicitythroughhis
experiments.
Despitethedelaythathehadexperiencedingettinghere,Cliffhadarrivedintimetohearavitalportion
oftheconversation.HeknewthatsomethingwastobedoneconcerningMattHartley.Itwouldhappen
twonightsfromnow.
Thedooroftheroomwasopening,butCliffhadreachedapointofsafety.Hewashidinginashort,
blackpassage,betweentheroomwherehehadlistenedandthestairway.Hewasconfrontednowwitha
problemthathehadnotanticipated.
Whatifthetwomenreturnedtothelivingroomandfoundhimmissing?Itwouldrequiresometimefor
himtogetbackthroughtheturrets.Thenhewouldhavetodescendthemainstaircaseintothefaceof
danger.
Cliffwasponderingfutilely.Theproblemseemedinsurmountable.Butwhilehewasdisturbedbyhis
dilemma,somethingoccurredthatchangedthesituationentirely.
INSTEADofreturningalongthecorridortothedistantcentraldoor,TremontandOrlinovwere
approachingthepassagewhereCliffwasinhiding!Quickly,Cliffdrewhisrevolver.
Iftheycamedownthisshortpassagetherewouldbeonlyonecourse-tofightitoutandfleeforsafety.
Clifftingledwithexcitementasthefootstepscamecloser.
Thenthemen’sformspassedbytheendofthepassage,andthemenacewasended.Afewmoments
later,Cliffheardthemgoingupthestairsthatledtothesecondfloorofthewing.
Theyhadtakentheveryavenuewhichhemustfollowtoeludethem!Cliffwasnowbetweentwo
dangers.Petriatthedoortothecenterofthehouse;OrlinovandTremontonthesecondfloorofthe
wing.
ThenitoccurredtothewaitingmanthatOrlinovandTremontmightintendto
ThenitoccurredtothewaitingmanthatOrlinovandTremontmightintendtostopatoneoftheroomson
thesecondfloor.TremonthadsaidsomethingaboutviewingOrlinov’swork.Cliffsawtheopportunityhe
needed.
Boldly,hecamefromhishidingplaceandapproachedthestairs.Hestolesoftlyupward.Thecorridor
abovewasdeserted.Hewasright;theyhadenteredanotherroom.
Cliffhurriedalongthepassageuntilhecametothedoorofthelittleturret.Heenteredandcarefully
lockedthedoorbehindhim.
Upintheturret,hesqueezedthroughtheslitandscrambledalongbehindtheprotectingbattlement.His
lasteffortwasaquickpulltotheturretwindow.
Thenthecoursewaseasy.Downthespiralstairway-adoorlockedbehindhim-thecentralstaircase.
Withintwominutes,Cliffwasglidingacrossthemainhallintothelivingroom.Hisclothesweredusty
fromthestone.Hebrushedthematthefireplace.Thenhedroppedintohischairandlightedacigarette.
Afterafewmoments,Cliffwascomfortablysettled.Hedrewasheetofpaperandanenvelopefromhis
pocket.
Withafountainpen,heinscribedacodedmessageinclearblueink-thefluidwhichwasusedinallThe
Shadow’smessages.Hesealedtheenvelopeandplaceditinhispocket.
CliffwasonhisthirdcigarettewhenheheardOrlinovandTremontreturning.Thetwoenteredtofind
Cliffstaringmoodilyattheembersofthefire.
“Mr.Tremontissleavingonthenexttrain,”informedOrlinov.“Weshallgowithhimtothestation.Yess.
YouandI,Marslandt.”
Orlinovpressedabuttononthewall.Afewminuteslater,theabrupthonkofahornwasheardfromthe
frontofthehouse.Orlinovarose,andbothTremontandClifffollowedhim.Alimousinewaswaiting
outside,chauffeuredbyoneofOrlinov’sconvertedgangsters.
CLIFFwaselatedastheyrodetowardGlendale.Thiswasagreatbreak.Hehadanticipatedno
difficultyingettingtothestationonthemorrow,forhehadpreviouslybeensent
difficultyingettingtothestationonthemorrow,forhehadpreviouslybeensentwiththechauffeurtoget
themail.Buttonight-intimeforthelasttrain-thatworkedindirectaccordancewithplanswhichhehad
beengivenbyTheShadow.Thebigcarpulledupbythestation.CliffalightedwithTremontandOrlinov.
Thetwomenwereconversingaboutminormatters.
Cliff,ashestrolledbesidethem,waspositivethatOrlinovwaswatchinghim,andthathewasalsounder
scrutinyfromthegangsterinthecar.Cliffsmiledtohimself.Hisopportunitywouldbeheresoon.He
waiteduntiltheheadlightoftheNewYorkexpresscameglowingdownthetrack.Hislefthandslippedin
hispocket.Itemergedholdingthefoldedenvelope.Cliff’sbodywasturnedsothatneitherOrlinovnor
themaninthecarcouldpossiblyspythemissive.
ItwasatthatmomentthatayoungmanidlingonthestationplatformaroseandmovedpastCliff.Their
handsmet,andasthestrangercontinued,itwashe-notCliffMarsland-whocarriedthefolded
envelope.
Calmlyanddeliberately,CliffMarslandhadpassedhismessagetoClydeBurke,whomTheShadowhad
stationedinGlendaleforthispurpose.Constantlyintheneighborhoodofthestation,Clydewasreadyfor
anyreportthatmightbeslippedtohim.
ButCliffdidmore.AsBurkemovedonward,Orlinov’snewsecretaryraisedhislefthandtohiship.His
outthrustelbowwasasignal.Clydesawitasthetrainwasstopping.
ThesignalmeantthatthemessagewasintendedforTheShadow,thatitshouldbetakendirectlytohim.
Clyde,withhishandsinhispockets,steppedaboardthetrain.
ThusitwasthattwopassengersleftGlendalethatnight-eachboundonamission.Cross-purposeswere
involved.GladeTremontwasonhiswaytoprepareforsomenewcrime.ClydeBurkewastaking
informationtoTheShadow.
CliffMarslandthoughtofthesituationasherodebacktoOrlinov’scastle,alongwiththesilentRussian.
Tonight,twomenhadplotted,notknowingtheywereoverheard.Theirplansweredoomedtofailure.
TheShadowwasduetointervene!
CHAPTERX.THESHADOW’SPLAN
ATINYspotoflightwasglowinginadarkenedroom.Theshadowofahandpassedoverthespotof
illumination.Atelephoneclicked.Thelightwentout.Alow,whisperedvoicespokethroughthe
darkness.
Lowwordscamefromthereceiver:
“Burbankspeaking.”
“Report,”saidthevoiceofTheShadow.
Short,terseinformationwasgiven.Theconversationended.TheShadowlaughed.
Althoughitwaspitch-blackinthiswindowlessroom,daylighthadnotyetwanedoutside.Theafternoon
wasjustdrawingtoaclose.TonightwasthetimewhenGladeTremontandMattHartleyweretomeetat
thelawyer’sLongIslandhome.
ThroughBurbank,theonlymanwhocontactedregularlywithhimbyphone,
ThroughBurbank,theonlymanwhocontactedregularlywithhimbyphone,TheShadowhadlearned
thatMattHartleywasstillinflightoutofMineola.Thefamousaviationexperthadleftatnoonforatest
ofoneofhisnewdevices.Hewasnotexpectedbackuntilafterdusk.
Nowalightappearedinthecorneroftheroom.Itrevealedasmalltableuponwhichrestedvarioussmall
articlesofmake-up.TheShadowseatedhimselfbeforethetable,butonlyhiswhitehandsappeared
withinthesphereoflight.Thehandsappearedwithwhatseemedtobeathinmaskofwiregauze,no
morethanaskeletonframeworkfilledwithafewsolidpatches.Theobjectdisappearedasitwasraised
intothedark.
Thehandsworkedwithotherarticles.Thenthetopofthetableswungupwardinthecenter,thevarious
objectsremainingatthesides.Amirrorcameintoview,ontheundersurface,whichwasnowvertical.
OnthehorizontalportionofthetableappearedalargepictureofGladeTremont.
Intotherangeofthelightcameaheadandastrange,weirdreflectionfromthemirror.Itwastheimageof
amanwhoseemedtohavenoface!Guisedwiththecolorlesssurfaceofthethinmask,onlyThe
Shadow’seyeswerevisibleastheyglowedthroughaplasticmassofgrayishblur!
Thehandscameintoaction.Thelongfingersmovedhereandthereaboutthetable,findingtheobjects
thattheyneeded.Upontheartificialbase,thesemblanceofahumancountenancewasslowlyforming.At
lastitresembledthefeaturesofthephotograph.
Still,theworkcontinued,theever-activefingersplyingattheirtask.Thencamethefinalresult.Staring
fromthemirrorwastheperfectlyformedfaceofGladeTremont!
TheShadow’slaughresounded.Hehadfittedhimselfwithaperfectdisguise-sodeceptivethateventhe
closestfriendsofGladeTremontcouldnotdetecttheimposture.
Themirrordisappearedasthetopofthetableswungdownward.Onthevacantsurface,TheShadow’s
handsplacedasheetofpaper.Itwasthelistofnamesthathadbeenpreparedbefore.
Money-AustinBellamy.
Television-PierreRachaud.
Television-PierreRachaud.
AtomicEnergy-ClarkMurdock.
Aeronautics-
Money-
Aftertheword“aeronautics,”thehandofTheShadowinscribedthenameofMattHartley.Thencamea
softlaugh.Thelightwentout.
ITwasafterdarkwhenafigureappearednearthehousewhereGladeTremontlived.Thelawyer’shome
wassituatedsomedistancefromanavenuethatranneartheshoreofLongIslandSound.Thehousewas
surroundedbyahighhedge.
Thestrangerwhohadarrivedinthisvicinitywasscarcelymorethanaphantomshape.Silently,almost
invisibly,heglidedalongthestreetinfrontofthelawyer’shome.Thenhistallformmergedwiththe
blacknessofthelawn.Itpausedbesideaclumpofshrubbery.
Twowhisperedvoiceswereengagedinconversation.Thespeakersdidnotknowthattheywerebeing
overheard.
“What’sthelaytonight,Biff?”
“There’saguywe’vegottoget,Jake.We’retakingnochancesonmissinghim.Yourspotisrighthere.If
youseeanybodysneakingaround,grabhim.”
“O.K.Whoelseiswatching?”
“Plentyofothers.They’reallposted,likeyou.That’swhyIdon’twantanyofyoutoleaveyourplaces.I’ll
beoutfrontinthecar.”
“Ifanybodycomesupthewalk?”
“I’lltakecareofthat.You’reaftersnoopers.That’sall.Grabthem-andgivethemtherodifyouhave
to.”
“Thecoppers?”
BiffTowleylaughedcontemptuouslyatJakeBosch’squestion.
“Notonewithinhalfamile,”hedeclared.“Forgetaboutthat.Thisisabigjobtonight.Getanybodythat
triestosneakinortosneakout.Ifacarcomesupthedrive,orifanyonecomesdeliberatelyupthewalk,
leavethemalone.That’smypart.”
Withtheseclosingwords,BiffTowleyemergedfromtheshrubbery,andmadehiswayacrossthelawn,
passingwithinafootofthespotwhereTheShadowcrouched.
JAKEBOSCHwatchedthehouse.Thefrontwalkwasonthisside;thedrivewayontheother.Hedid
notknowthereasoninbackoftonight’svigil,andhedidnotcare.Itwashisjobtobealert,andtoobey
orders.
Therewasapatchoflightclosebythesidewallofthehouse.Watchingit,Jakesawastreakof
blacknessflickerby.Hedrewhisrevolver.Thenthedarkshapedisappeared.
Jakedecidedthatitwasmerelythemovingshadowofatree.Hedidnotknowthathehadcaughta
fleetingglimpseofTheShadow!
Ahuddledgangster,crouchingnearthebackporch,sawthatsameshape.Hisviewwasacloserone
thanJake’s.Thistoughenedsentinelfanciedthathehadcaughtsightofahumanform.Herosebesidethe
wall,staringintothedarkness.
Then,outofthethicknightcametwosinisterhands.Onecaughtthegangster’swrist.Theother,swinging
sidewise,strucksharplyagainstthemobsman’sthroat.Withagurglinggasp,thewatchercollapsed.His
gundroppedonthegrassbesidehim.
Therewasacellarwindownotfourfeetaway.Itopenedinwardunderthepressureofanunseenhand.
Thebodyofthesenselessgangsterwasforcedthrough.Ithungsuspended;thenslumpedtothefloor
beneath.
Noiselessly,anotherformfollowedit.Thenthewindowclosed.
Atinyflashlightflickered,itsrayssubmergedwithinthedepthsofthecellar.A
Atinyflashlightflickered,itsrayssubmergedwithinthedepthsofthecellar.Asoftlaughsounded.Hands
inthedarkboundandgaggedthecapturedhoodlum.OneofBiffTowley’strustedwatchdogshadfailed
inhisvigil!
Therewasasoft,swishingsoundbythecellarstairs.Thedooratthetopwaslocked;butitslockgaveas
anunseenhandappliedatinymetalinstrument.Thedooropened.TheShadowadvancedthroughthe
silenthouse.
Therewasalightinthefronthall.Crouchinglow,TheShadowatlastcameintoview,buthecouldnot
beseenfromtheoutside.Hewasgarbedinhiscloakofblack.Uponhishead,heworetheslouchhat
thatobscuredhisfeatures.
Lookingrightandleft,TheShadowswungrapidlyupthestairs.Hiscloakswished,andforaninstantits
crimsonliningwasrevealed.Thenthemysteriousfiguredisappearedinthegloomofthesecondstory,
untilhereachedaroomwhereasinglelightwasburning.ThiswasGladeTremont’sstudy.Theroomwas
empty.
Again,TheShadowmovedincrouchingfashion.Hereachedacorneroftheroom,bythedoorofa
closet.Atallbookcaseprojectedtothespotwheretheedgeofthedoorwouldreachwhenopened.The
Shadow’scrouchingformraisedupward.Itmergedbesidetheendofthebookcase,untilitbecamea
motionlessshapethatnoeyecouldhavedistinguished.
TheShadowhadbecomeashadow!
Outofthenighthehadcome.Silentlyhehadpassedthroughtheoutergroupofwatchinggangsters.One
manhadfallenbyhishand.Now,atthedesiredplace,hewaswaiting,readytofrustratetheplansof
GladeTremont.
Tonight,heworearemarkabledisguise.Hisfacewasthefaceofthelawyerinwhosehomehenow
stood!Butthatduplicatedcountenancewashiddenforthepresent.
TheShadowwasdealingwithsupercrooks-menwholeftnotracesoftheirevildeeds.Besidethem,Biff
Towleyandhismobsterswerebutchildren.
Towleyandhismobsterswerebutchildren.
Itwouldbeagameofwitstonight-thebrainofTheShadowpittingitselfagainstthemindsofmaster
criminals.Forthefirsttimeinthisstrangestruggle,TheShadowwouldmeetoneofhisenemiesfaceto
face.
GladeTremontwouldsoonbehere.ThecraftylawyerhadarrangedaconferencewithMattHartley-an
intendedvictimofhisplotting.LikeDoctorGeraldSavette,hewasbentontheperpetrationofinsidious
crime.
Whatwashisplan?
Thatwastobelearned.
Buttonight,GladeTremontwastomeetwiththesurpriseofhislife.Beforethiseveningwasended,he
wouldseehisownface-wornbyanotherman!
ThatwastheplanofTheShadow!
CHAPTERXI.ORLINOVSPEAKSFACTS
SEATEDinthelivingroomofIvanOrlinov’scastle,CliffMarslandwasreviewingpastevents.Hismind
revertedtotheeventsoftwonightsago,whenhehadmadehiscraftyvisittothesidewingofthestrange
house.
Sincethen,Cliffhadbeenchafingbecauseofhisidleness.Hehaddonenothingsincehehadgivenhis
messagetoClydeBurke.Hecoulddonothinguntilhereceivedsomereply.Aboveall,hemustrestrain
himselftonight,foraman’slifemightbeatstake.
InNewYork,GladeTremontwastomeetMattHartley.Thatmeetingheldsomesinisterpurpose.The
Shadowhadbeenwarnedofit.Theoutcome,therefore,wouldbetoGladeTremont’sdisadvantage.
Meanwhile,Cliffmustplayhiswaitinggame.Itwouldbeunwiseforhimtorepeathistriptothe
forbiddenterritoryinthesidewingofthehouse.MuchthoughCliffdesiredtheexcitementofanother
expedition,hecouldnotaffordtotakechancesthatmightbringanencounterwithIvanOrlinovorhis
henchmen.
henchmen.
Cliffhadaverydefinitehunchthattherewasmoreofinterestinthishousethanamerelaboratoryor
workshop.Whencircumstanceswouldpermitit,heintendeddefinitelytolearnthesecretwhichIvan
Orlinovhadmanagedtopreservesowell.
HerecalledtheRussian’sfaceashehadseenitbythefirelighttwonightsago.Themererecollection
madeClifffeeluneasy.
WhileCliffwaspicturingOrlinov,themanhimselfsteppedintotheroom.Clifflookedupinquiringly.The
Russiansmiledpleasantly.Hesatdownandstaredmildlyathissecretary.Thenhebegantospeakina
pleasanttoneofvoice.
“Itissquiet,here,”hesaid.“Veryquiet.”
“Ienjoythequiet,”respondedCliff.
“ItissdifferentfromNewYork,nein?”
“Plentydifferent.”
“Plentydifferent.”OrlinovrepeatedCliff’sexpressionwithalaugh.“Youhaffbeenhereoneweek,
Marslandt.ItisstimenowthatItoldyoumanythings,sothatyoucanbeofmorehelptome.Yess?”
CliffMarslandaffectedadisinterestedattitude.
“ThereareplacesherethatIwouldlikeforyoutosee,”continuedtheRussian.“Come.Ishallshowyou
whereyouhaffnotbeen.”
Hebeckonedashearose,andCliffwalkedbyhisside.
Theyleftthelivingroomandcrossedthehall.Thedoortothewingwasopen.Withabow,thehuge
RussianusheredCliffintotheforbiddenterritory.
CLIFFrestrainedhisenthusiasm.Whilehehadbeenthinkingofavisithere,hehadnothopedtomakeit
sosoon.Helookedabouthimastheypassedtheseconddoor,andpretendedtoviewthecorridoras
thoughhehadcomeintoitforthefirsttime.
“Thereisssomethingstrangeforyoutosee,”declaredOrlinov.“Itissnothere.Itissonthefloorup
above.Come.”
Theyreachedthestairsandwentuptothesecondstory.ThereOrlinovstoppedbeforeacloseddoor.
Cliffnoticedsomethingnowthatbehadnotobservedbefore,whenhehadbeeninhastetotravel
throughthepassage.Thisdoor-aswellastheothersonthefloor-wasfittedwithacross-shaped
panelingthathadasquarecenter.
“Look.”
OrlinovpronouncedthewordlikethenameLuke.Cliffwastoointerestedtoevennoticethetoneofthe
voice.
TheRussian’sfingerwasonthesquarecenterofthepanel.Aslightpress,andthesquaredropped,
revealingasmallpaneofglass.AtOrlinov’sbidding,Cliffpeeredwithin.
Hesawabeautifullyfurnishedroom-apparentlyoneofasuite,fortherewasanopendoorbeyondit.
TheroomwascarpetedwiththickOrientalrugs.Ahugebookcasestoodfilledwithmassivevolumes.
Thefurniturewasofheavymahogany.
ThesefeatureswereofsmallinteresttoCliff.Hiseyeswerefocusedupontheinhabitantoftheapartment.
Anelderlymanwasseatedatawritingdesk,tracinglinesuponasheetofpaper.Heappearedtohave
nointerestinhissurroundings.Hisfacewaslongandsolemn,hiseyesdrearyanddull.
OrlinovdrewCliffawayfromtheopening.Heclosedthepanel.Hebeckoned,andClifffollowedhimto
anotherdoor.Hereapaneldropped,andCliffviewedanotherroom,lesselegantinitsfurnishings.
Thisroomalsocontainedanoccupant.Hewasaforeigner,alarge-headedmanwithabushybeardthat
bristledlikeablackbrush.
Hewaswearingapairoflargespectacles.Hewasseatedinfrontofachessboard,studyingthepositions
ofthepieces.HedidnotnoticeCliff’sfacepeeringthroughtheopening.
“Come.”
Athirdpanelwasopenedforinspection.Thisroomwasavirtualduplicateofthesecond.A
stoop-shouldered,gray-hairedmanwasponderingoveralargebook.Hewasmakingnotationsonapad
thatlaybesidehim.Hewasthefirsttorealizethathewasbeingwatched.Heturnedsuddenlyaboutand
lookedattheopenpanelwithsharp,piercingeyes.
Orlinovclosedthepanel,andconductedCliffalongthecorridor.Heallowedbriefinspectionsofother
rooms.TheseresembledtheonesthatCliffhadseen,buttheywerenotoccupied.
Orlinovmaintainedacrypticsilence.Cliffpondered.HefollowedtheRussiantothefirstfloor.
There,Orlinovopenedthedoorsofotherrooms.Thesewereworkshopsandlaboratories,eachfitted
outinexcellentstyle.Anotherapartmentcontainedavastarrayofbookcasesandfilingcabinets-a
veritablelibrary.
Finally,OrlinovledthewaytotheveryroomwhereCliffhadlistenedtothetalk
Finally,OrlinovledthewaytotheveryroomwhereCliffhadlistenedtothetalkbetweentheRussianand
GladeTremont.ThisprovedtobeasimplyfurnishedofficeOrlinovmotionedforClifftositdown.
THERussiantookastandingpositionattheothersideoftheroom.Cliffwatchedhim,wondering.He
wascompletelypuzzledbythestrangesightsthathehadwitnessed.HefeltsurethatOrlinovwasabout
togiveanexplanation.That,Cliffdecided,wouldbebothinterestingandofvalue.
“Theywerecomfortable?”cametheRussian’squestion.
“Theyappearedtobe,”respondedCliff,knowingthatOrlinovreferredtothemenupstairs.
“Itisswell,”saidOrlinov.“Theycanhaffcomfortiftheywishit.Iftheydonot,theycanhafftrouble.”
Cliffacceptedthisominousstatementwithoutmakingaresponse.HewasanxioustohearOrlinovtalk,
butwastoowisetoquestiontheRussian.
“Fewhaffseenthemthere,”declaredOrlinov.“Yess.Fewhaffseenthem.Thatwouldnotbewise.Do
wouldnotbewise.Do
youknowwhy?”
Cliffshookhishead.
“Because,”Orlinovwasspeakingsolemnly,“thosemenaredead.Dead!Yess!Theyaredeadmen.”
“Deadmen!”Cliffechoedthestatementinspiteofhimself.
“Yess.”Themanwascoldlyemphatic.“Theyaredeadmen.Deadmenwholiff!”
Deadmenwholive!
ThethoughtchilledCliffMarslandtothemarrow.Histeethclenched,andhisfacehardened,ashestared
atIvanOrlinov.HadthehugeRussiangonecrazy?Histonewasserious;hisexpressionhadbeen
positive.
Astrange,wildglowhadcomeintoOrlinov’seyes.Cliffbegantorisefromhischair,thinkingthathewas
dealingwithamaniac.ThentheRussianmotionedhimbackwithanimperiousgesture.Orlinov’sface
becamequiet.Cliffrelaxed.
“Whendeadmenliff,”declaredtheRussianslowly,“theremustbeareason.Yess?Ishalltellyouwhat
issthereason.Thosemenhaffbeenuseful.Issitnotnicetoknowthatbecauseyouhaffbeenuseful,you
canliffwhenyouhaffbeendead?”
CliffwasstaringhardatOrlinov.Hedidnotlikethepeculiaremphasisintheman’stone.Itseemedthat
everyremarkwasdirectedtowardhimself.Cliffsensedadangeroussituationdeveloping.Heremained
calminspiteofhisqualms.
“Ihafftoldyouwhatthosemenhaffbeen,”resumedOrlinov.“Ihafftoldyouthattheyhaffbeendead.
Youwouldliketoknowwhotheyhaffbeen?Giffmethatpenfromyourpocket.ThencanIwritethe
namesofthem-”
Cliff’shandwasmovingtowardhisvestpocket.Herealizedsuddenlythathisfountainpenwasgone.It
wasthepenthathehadusedinwritinghismessagetoTheShadow-thepenfilledwiththespecialink
filledwiththespecialink
thatvanishedafterithaddriedandbeenexposedtotheair!
REALIZATIONdawned.CliffknewthatOrlinovwastrickinghim.Hishandslippedawayfromhisvest
pocket,reachingforthehandyrevolver.SomethingcoldpressedagainstthebackofCliff’sneck.Itwas
themuzzleofagun.Heknewthatanothermovewouldmeaninstantdeath.Hepausedandwaited.
“Ah!”exclaimedOrlinov,withaleeringgrin.“Youaretoowisetomove.Thatissgoot-foryou.You
werenotsowisetositwithyourbacktowardthatdoor.ItissPetriwhoholdsthatgunagainstyou.
“Youtinkthatyouarewise,perhaps.Youhaffmadeagreatmistake.Rememberwhatyouhafftoldme-
thatonemistakecanbetoomuch.Whydidyouleavethatfountainpensocarelessly?”
TheRussian’svoicetookonatoneofsarcasticreproachashechidedhisvictim.
“Yess”resumedOrlinov,“Ihafffoundthatpenthismorning.Ihaffwrittenwithit.Thatissstrangewriting
thatgoesawaysoquick.Perhapsyouhafffoundouttoomuch.Perhapsyouhafftoldsomeone.Thatiss
toldsomeone.Thatiss
whyIhafftalkedtoyoutonight.Youhaffseenthosemenwhostillliff.Thatissbecauseyou,too,will
soonbeoneofthosemen.
“Whenamanissbadforus,wekillhim.Butnotifheisstobeofuse.Itmaybethatyouwillbeofuse.It
maybethatyouwillnot.Weshallsee,yess?”
Cliff’sfacewasobdurate.HeexpectedOrlinovtoquestionhim,nowthathewassuspectedofaplot.
TheRussian’seyeswereblazing,andCliffdetectedasuppressedfrenzythere.Letthemantry,thought
Cliff.HewouldlearnnothingofTheShadow!
OrlinovseemedtobereadingCliff’sthoughts.Helaughedasheroseandcamecloser.Hiseyesstared
towardCliff’sface.Hislipsformedawicked,evilgrin.
“Youwillsaynothing?Goot!Itdoesnotmatter.Ifyouhafflearnednothing,itcandonoharm.Ifyouhaff
heard-lastnight-thatwillbenogoot.Wehaffmadethingssothatitcannotmatter.”
HisshrewdeyeswerewatchingtoseeifCliffbetrayedalarm.Orlinovwould
HisshrewdeyeswerewatchingtoseeifCliffbetrayedalarm.Orlinovwouldgainnothingbyhissurveyof
Cliff’spokerface.Thebeardedmanshruggedhisshoulders.
“Youtinkthatyouarestrong?”hequestioned.“Youtinkthatyouarewise?Weshallseeofthat.You
haffbeensentherebysomeone.Thereissjustonemanthatitcouldbe.ThatissthemantheycallThe
Shadow.”
Clifffailedtoindicatethatthesurmisewascorrect.
“Youtinkthatyouwillnottalk,”laughedOrlinov.“Thatissnotneedednow.Thatchanceyouwillhaff
sometimeafterthis-ifitissneeded.YouwillknowthenhowIhafffoundthewaytomakepeopletalk.
“Thereissonethingthatcankeepyoufromtryingtobewise.Youhaffseenthemenwhohaffoncedied.
Theykeepquietnow.Yess,theyhaffknownwhatitisstodie.Soyoushallseethesame.Mygoot
friend,thedoctor,hehassgivenmeaway.”
Lackingunderstanding,Cliffexpectedtoreceivearevolvershotfromthemanstationedbehindhim.But
stationedbehindhim.But
asIvanOrlinovapproachedandstoodbesidehim,Cliffrealizedthatsomethingdifferentwastotake
place.
Orlinovwasspeakingquietly,now,exceptforgutturalchucklesthatinterruptedhiswords.
“Yess,”hewassaying,“ifthisman,TheShadow,hasstriedtomaketrouble,heisstoolate.Hewillfind
troubleforhimself.Soitmaybethatweshallnotfindyoutobeofusetous.Weshallsee.”
THEwordsmadeClifftightenhislips.HerealizednowthattherehadbeenampletimeforOrlinovto
communicatewithNewYork.
Byamerechance,theRussianhadpickedupCliff’spen.ThushadhedivinedthereasonforCliff’s
presencehere.Orlinov-Tremont-andathirdwhomtheRussiancalledthedoctor-allwere
superfiends.TheplotagainstMattHartleywasnotscheduleduntiltonight.CliffknewwellthatGlade
TremontwasnowcognizantofthenewturnthathadoccurredhereinGlendale.
TheShadowmustbewarned!
Buthow?
InstantdeaththreatenedCliffMarslandifhedaredtomove.Hewasstaringstraightahead,seeingneither
OrlinovnorPetri.HedidnotseethebeardedRussian’shandapproachhisarm,carryingatiny,shining
objectinitsgrasp.
ThesharppointofahypodermicneedlestungCliff’sarm.Hesatmotionless,stillstaring.Hefelta
strange,unexplainableweakness.Theroomwasgrowingblackabouthim.Hisbodyswayed.Heforgot
thepressureofthegunuponhisneck.Hisveinsseemedchilled-freezingwithinhisbody.
OrlinovlaughedasCliffMarsland’sbodyslumpedinthechairandbecamerigid.Cliffheardthatlaugh
fromthemidstofwhirlingblackness.Thenhisbrainceasedtofunction.
Orlinovstoodlookingattheforminthechair.ToallappearancesCliffMarslandwasdead.Thesame
fatehadbefallenhimasthatwhichhadbeenthelotofClarkMurdock,whenthechemisthadstruggled
withDoctorGeraldSavette.
AlaughcamefromtheRussian’sbeardedlips.Inhisnativetongue,hespoketoPetri,thestalwartservant
whostillstoodwithguninhand.Petrianswered.HeandOrlinovpickedupCliffMarsland’sbodyfrom
thechair.
Togethertheytooktheirburdenupthestairstothesecondfloor,HeavythoughCliffwas,theRussians
carriedhimwithease.
Orlinovorderedhismantosetthebodyonthefloor.ThenthebeardedRussianunlockedadoorthatled
tooneofthesmallerrooms.Thetwomencarriedtherigidformintotheapartmentandplaceditupona
couchbesidethewall.
TherewasnoindicationthatCliffMarslandstilllived.Acorpselikepallorhadsettledonhisface.But
IvanOrlinov,leeringhideously,showedmoreinterestinthatformthanhewouldhavewastedupona
merecorpse.Heknewthathisvictimwouldawakenlater.
CliffMarslandhadbecomeoneofthedeadwholived!
CliffMarslandhadbecomeoneofthedeadwholived!
CHAPTERXII.TREMONT’SVISITOR
Itwasnearlyteno’clockwhenatrimcoupeswungupthedrivewaybyGladeTremont’shome.Thelights
ofthecarwentout.GladeTremontsteppedtotheground,andenteredthesidedoorofthehouse.The
lawyerhadarrivedbeforethehourofhisappointmentwithMattHartley.
WhenTremontreachedhisupstairsstudy,heturnedonalightbythedesk.Helookedabouttheroom.
Thoughhisglancewaskeen,itdidnotdetectthatshadowyshapethatstoodbeyondthebookcase.
Thelawyerwalkedovertotheclosetandopenedthedoor.Insodoing,hepassedwithintwofeetofThe
Shadow;yethedidnotseetheformofthemaninblack.
Theclosetdoor,swingingwide,formedabarrierbetweenTremontandTheShadow.Thelawyerleftthe
doorhalfopen,andreturnedtohisdesk.Hesatthere,meditative.
Slowminuteswentby.GladeTremontwasapparentlywaitingforthearrivalofavisitor.Teno’clock
came.ThetelephoneonTremont’sdeskbegantoring.Thelawyerraisedthe
came.ThetelephoneonTremont’sdeskbegantoring.Thelawyerraisedthereceiver.
“Hello?”hequestioned.“Yes.ThisisMr.Tremont…Ah-MattHartley?…I’vebeenexpectingyou…
Fifteenminutes?Yes,indeed.Ishallbehere…Youhaveyourcar?Comerightupthedrivebythehouse.
Lookoutformycar.Youcanparkinbackofit…Good…Yes,Iamalone…”
Thelawyer’svoicedwindled.Hereplacedthereceiveronthehook,andhiscold,sternfeaturestookon
amaliciouslook.
Restingbackinhischair,Tremonthalfclosedhiseyesandfoldedhishandsacrosshischest.Heseemed
tobeenjoyingthethoughtofMattHartley’scomingvisit.
Thusunobservant,thelawyerdidnotnoticealongshadowthatstretchedacrossthefloortowardthe
outeredgeofthedesk.Aformfollowedthatstreakofblack.TheShadowglidedfromhishidingplace.
Tallandsilent,hestoodbeforethedesk-afigureofdoom.
GladeTremontopenedhiseyes.Helookedupwardandblinked.Beforehimstoodthemaninblack,a
fantasticbeingconjuredfromnothingness.Theflowingcloak,thebroad-
fantasticbeingconjuredfromnothingness.Theflowingcloak,thebroad-brimmedhat-theseformedthe
figureofthemysteriouspersonagewhohadcomeunseen.
Tremontsawtheglowoftwomenacingeyes.Heobservedthemuzzleofapowerfulautomatic,poisedin
ablack-cladhand.
Fiendsofcrimehadquailedbeforethatfigure.TheShadow,mysteriousavenger,hadbroughtshudders
tothestoutestframes.YetGladeTremontgavenosignofaperturbedspirit.Instead,hestaredboldlyat
TheShadow.
“Goodevening,”remarkedthelawyerquietly.“Ihavebeenanticipatingyourarrivalhere.”
THESHADOWmadenoresponse.GladeTremont,despitehisquietassurance,knewthatafalsemove
wouldmeanhisdoom.Thelawyerremainedinhispostureofaffectedcalm,leaningbackinhisswivel
chair,aforcedsmileuponhisparchedlips.
Hehadspokenthetruth.HehadexpectedTheShadowhere.But,though
Hehadspokenthetruth.HehadexpectedTheShadowhere.But,thoughpreparedforthemeeting,
thoughemboldenedbyasenseofbravado,TremontwasfindingTheShadowamoremenacing
personagethanhehadsupposed.
Itwaswithaneffortthatthelawyerpreservedhispretendedease.Hiswords,intendedtononplusThe
Shadow,werespokeninaraspytonethatclearlyindicatedhistrepidation.
“Yes,”declaredTremont,“Ihaveexpectedyou.Ihaveheardofyou,andIdecidedthatyoumightcome
heretonight.YouhavecometoprotectMattHartley.Inthat,Iassureyou,youhavefailed.”
ThesoundofhisownvoicegaveGladeTremontafeelingofreassurance.Hisforcedsmilebecamea
genuineone.AlthoughhefearedTheShadow,heknewthatthemaninblackwouldhearhimout-so
longashedidnotmakeafalsemove.
“Youhavesoughttopryintomyaffairs,”announcedGladeTremont.“Youhavesucceeded-toa
degree.Beyondthat,youhavefailed.Ifyouwish,Ishallbespecific.”
Thelawyerstaredintotheglowingeyes.Theywerefocuseddirectlytowardhim.Tremontknewthat
thoseburningopticswerekeenenoughtoferretoutafalsehood.Buttonight,Tremontwithmalicious
shrewdness,wasrelyingonthetruth.Hemetthefierystareandcontinuedhisspeechinalowtone.
“Ipreparedatrapforyou,”declaredthelawyer.“HowyoueludeditismorethanIcanunderstand.Butit
isatrapthatworkstwoways.Hadyoufallenintoitwhenyoucamehere,youwouldnowbeinmy
power.
“Isuspectedthatyoumightpassmysentinels.Idoubtthatyoucanescapethemagain.Youcannotleave
thishousewithoutmywillingness.Soitwillbewiseforyoutohearme.”
Subtly,thelawyerwasendeavoringtobaitTheShadow.Histonewasconvincing.Althoughhismind
wasdisturbedbyvaguequalms,TremontmanagedtoassurehimselfthatheactuallyheldTheShadow
withinhiscontrol.
Rightnow,thesituationlayinthebalance.Tremont,withhisartificialsmile,feltsurethatitwouldturnto
hisadvantageasheproceeded.
hisadvantageasheproceeded.
“Twonightsago,”thelawyersaid.“IannouncedmyplantoeffectthecaptureofamannamedMatt
Hartley.Itoldthatplantoonepersononly-amannamedIvanOrlinov,atGlendaleintheCatskills.
“WithOrlinovisamanwhocallshimselfCliffMarsland.Today,Orlinovdiscoveredamysteriousobject
inMarsland’spossession-afountainpenfilledwithinkthatvanishedafteritwasusedforwriting.
“Orlinovdidnotknowthesignificanceofthatfluid.Nevertheless,hecalledmeatmyoffice.Iunderstood.
IhaveheardofthemysteriousmessagesofTheShadow.Mycontactwiththeunderworldisnotaslight
one.”
Tremontpausedandmoistenedhisparchedlips.Hecontinuedwithhiscarefulstory,watchingThe
Shadowintentlyashespoke.
“Isuspected,”saidTremont,“thatMarslandmighthaveoverheardwhatwassaidatGlendale.SoImade
newplans.Thisafternoon,MattHartleytookoffonatestingflight.Inresponsetomysuggestion,he
landed,alone,atanobscurefieldintheCatskills.Thereheexpectedtomeetme.Heencounteredcertain
others,instead.
“Tomorrow,theworldwillknowthatMattHartleyisdead.Hisplanehasbeenblowntoatomsonthat
landingfield.Foolishly-sotheworldwillbelieve-hecarriedaloadedtorpedotomakeatest.It
loosenedfromhisplanewhenhewasforcedtomakehislanding.”
Encouragedbytheshrewdnessofhisremarks,Tremontgrinnedderisively.ThesilenceofTheShadow
indicatedthatthemaninblackwasperplexed.
“Ihavejustcomefrommyoffice,”addedTremont.“ThereIreceivedalong-distancecallfromIvan
Orlinov.Youragent-themancalledMarsland-isinhispower.Toallintents,Marslandisdead.Hewill
continuedead-forever-unlessyoulistentomyterms.”
TheShadow’slong,darkcloakmovedslightly.Itwasthefirstindicationofactionthatthemanofmystery
hadgiven.TremontdecidedthatTheShadowwasperturbed.
“Whytrytothwartourplans?”questionedTremont.“Iamnotalone.Wehavepowerwhichyoucannot
affordtocombat.Iofferyoufairterms.Wehavepreservedthelivesofcertainmen,becausewehave
founditadvantageoustodoso.Yourman-Marsland-isofnousetous.Norwilltheothersbeofuse,
ifweareforcedtotakethedefensive.
“Whileyouremaininactive,thosemenwilllive-yourmanamongthem.Butshouldyoumovesomuchas
afingeragainstus.Marslandwilldie-andtheotherswithhim.
“Ihavehearditsaid”-Tremontlaughedhuskily-“thattheagentsofTheShadowbearcharmedlives,
liketheirmaster.Thistime,oneisvirtuallydead.Hecancometolife,atmyorder.Itisforyouto
decide.”
ThelawyerwaitedforTheShadowtospeak.Themaninthecloakseemedtobeconsideringthematter.
“ShouldIdie,”addedTremont,asanafterthought,“youwilldefeatyourownaim.Mylifeisononeside
ofthescales.Marsland’slifeandthelivesoftheothermen-thereisthecounterbalance!
counterbalance!
“Icanassureyouthatallarewatchful;bothhereinNewYorkandatGlendale.Itisimpossibleforyouto
divinetheextentofourpreparations
“Orlinovisamanofsteel.Heisaspark,readytoigniteamagazine.Puff!Allcouldbegone-lives,
evidence,everything.
“Shouldyouoranyofyouremissariesdaretoapproachtheplacefromnowon,Orlinovwillnothesitate
tostrike.Ourplansarenearingtheirculmination.Letthemproceed,andyourmanMarslandwillbe
restoredtoyou,alive.Trytofrustrateourmethods,andhewilldie.Perhapsyou,too,willperish.”
THUSdidGladeTremontconcludehisoration.Asspokesmenfortwoothervillains,IvanOrlinovand
DoctorGeraldSavette,hehaddonehisworkwell.HisproposalwasonethatTheShadowcouldhardly
failtoaccept.
TremontfeltthathehadtakenthemeasureofTheShadow.Heknewthatthemanofthedarkwasnot
anagentofthelaw.Hewasdealingwithamanwhohadfreedomtoactortostandby,ashemight
prefer.
“Onepointmore,”addedTremont,asaquietafterthought.“Perhapsyoumayhaveawilddreamofkilling
meandmakingamadescapethroughthehumanwallthatprotectsthishouse.Thatwouldbefutile.
“Unlessmychiefcompanionseesmetonight,Orlinovwillbetoldtostrike.Imustleavethishouse.Imust
bealive.Imustkeepadefiniteappointment.WhenIreceivethephonecallforthemeetingIshallsetthe
time.”
TheShadowofferednoresponse.Hestoodunmoving,waitingastheminuteswentby.Tremont
wonderedforawhilethenrealizedthatTheShadowwastestingthetruthofhisstatement.TheShadow
waswaitingforthatcall!
Lethimwait,thoughtTremont.Theminutesnolongerseemedanxious.Whenthephonebellwould
sound,thetensionwouldbeended.TheShadowwouldbeforcedtoagree.
Thebelltinkled.WithaquietglanceatTheShadow,Tremontreachedforwardandliftedthereceiver.
HerecognizedthevoiceofDoctorSavette.
“Yes,thisisGlade,”saidthelawyer.“Heishere…ThemanIexpected…Allwillbewell…Yes,hehas
listenedtomyterms…Ishallseeyoubeforemidnight…Atyourhome…Becarefulandready.Youknow
theplan.”
TremonthungupthetelephoneandlookedatTheShadow.Hewaspositivethathisenemydidnotknow
whohadcalled.
Tremonthadweighedthesituationcarefully.Heknewthathewascovered;thatOrlinovhadbeen
watched.ButSavette,hefeltsure,wastoowellsecludedtobesuspectedofcomplicitybyTheShadow.
“Youhaveheard,”declaredTremontboldly.“Nowletmehearyouranswer.”
Asoft,shudderinglaughcamefromthemaninblack.Moreterrifyingthanhispresencealone,the
mockeryofTheShadowbrokeGladeTremont’snerve.Thelawyersensedthat
mockeryofTheShadowbrokeGladeTremont’snerve.Thelawyersensedthathehadoverplayedhis
hand.
“Iknowyourways,”cameawhispered,sinistervoice.“Ihavedealtwithcrookslikeyoubefore.”
Instinctively,TremontquailedasTheShadowspoke.Hesawhisplansfadingaway.
“Iknowwhocalledyou,”continuedTheShadow.“Savetteisyouraccomplice.Inallprobability,hehasa
codeddispatchtosendtoOrlinov,incaseyoudonotappearathishome.”
TheShadowlaughedagain,andhistone,thoughlouder,didnotemanatefromthatroom.Itcaughtthe
echoesofthewall.Itreverberated,andTremont’seardrumsthrobbedwiththeghostlysound.
“Tonight,”declaredTheShadow,“GladeTremontwillappearatthehomeofDoctorSavette.Later,
GladeTremontwillgotoGlendaleandorderthereleaseofCliffordMarsland.There,inaddition,Glade
Tremontwillendtheschemesofterrorthatnowexist.
“Youdoubtmystatement?Thatisbecauseyoudonotunderstandmymethods.Look!”
Withhislefthand.TheShadowsweptawayhisslouchhatandbroughtdownthecollarofhiscloak.His
headwasfullyrevealed.
Staringatthedisclosedface,GladeTremontgasped.Hewaslookingathimself-hisownfeaturesas
clearlyportrayedasthoughhehadbeenstaringinamirror.
ThelipsofthefalseGladeTremontmoved.TheShadowwasspeakingagainbuthisvoicewasaperfect
imitationofthelawyer’stones.
“IamGladeTremont!”declaredTheShadow.“Iamthemanwhowillacttonight!”
Asheheardthatvoice,therealGladeTremontwiltedinhischair.HehadsoughttocombatThe
Shadow.Hehadplanned,buthehadfailed.
Themastercrookslumpedhelplessly.Hesawdeathnow-deaththathecouldnotescape.With
notescape.With
keennessthatout-rivaledalltheschemesofTremont,andhiscompanions,TheShadowhadfounda
certainwaytofoilthemethodsofthebandoffiends.
Savettewouldbeduped!Orlinovwouldbeduped!Thegamewasended!ButTremont,cowering,
thoughtonlyofhimself.TheShadow’seyeswereflaringthroughhismasklikeface.Theybodednogood
forGladeTremont.
CHAPTERXIII.THESHADOW’SFLIGHT
GLADETREMONTwasinTheShadow’spower.Untilnow,themanofthedarkhadplayedawaiting
game,neveroncerevealinghishand.Fromthestart,hehadrealizedthathewasdealingwithanewgame
ofcrime.
Hehaddivinedthatalltheevidenceagainstthecrookswashangingbyasinglethread-readytobe
droppedintooblivion.Releasedoftheirburden,Tremont,Savette,andOrlinovwouldbebeyondthe
law.
Now,thrustingfromthedark,TheShadowhadcheckmatedthefirstofthe
Now,thrustingfromthedark,TheShadowhadcheckmatedthefirstoftheterriblethree.Hewasmaster
ofthesituation.AsGladeTremont,hemightdeceivethelawyer’scraftyconfederates.Buttodothis,he
mustleavethishouse.
Divestedofhiscloakandhat,TheShadowcouldeasilypassBiffTowleyattheoutergate.Buthemust
firsteliminateGladeTremont.
Thatwaswhythelawyercringedwithfear.HedidnotexpectTheShadowtofireashot-suchmightbe
interpretedasasignalbythemenoutside.ButthelawyerdidexpecttodiebyTheShadow’shand.
Ablowfromthatheavyautomatic-athrustwithanunseenknife-powerfulfingersclutchingathisthroat
-theseweretheharrowingthoughtsthatenteredthecowedlawyer’smind.
TheShadow,howeverdidtheunexpected.Calmly,hedrewhiscloakabouthisshoulders.Hisslouchhat
oncemorecoveredhisfeatures.ThefalsevisageofGladeTremontwasconcealedfromview
WhatwasTheShadow’spurpose?
Gradually,itdawneduponTremontthatthemaninblackintendedtotakehimfromthisplace.The
wisdomofsuchacoursewasapparent.Adeadbody,hastilyconcealed,mightbediscovered,
particularlyifBiffandhishenchmenenteredthehouseforanyreasonatall.Furthermore-thethought
broughtafainthopetoTremont-TheShadowmighthaveauseforhiscaptive.
Thatwasit!Tremont’swaveringpulsebeatsquickened.TheShadowwouldtakehimaway-offtosome
hiddenlair,toholdhimthereahostageasCliffMarslandwasheldatOrlinov’s.Thecheckmatewouldbe
stalemate.Neithersidecouldmove.
Tremontdidnotrelishthesituation;atthesametime,herealizedthattheplansofhisassociateswouldgo
on,uninterrupted.
TremontwasnonetoosureofSavetteandOrlinov.Crooklike,he,himselfwouldhavebeenwillingto
sacrificeacompanionforhisowngood.HefanciedthatSavetteandOrlinovwoulddothesame.
WhatifTheShadowshouldkillGladeTremont?Theywouldretaintheupperhand.Tremontcursed
hand.Tremontcursed
himselfforhisfollyincominghere.
THESHADOW’Sautomaticseemedtobeckon.Weakly,Tremontaroseandmovedinresponsetothe
command.Theblack-glovedhandthatheldtheautomaticwasclosetoTremont’sbody.Thebarrelofthe
gunwasagainstthelawyer’sribs.
Tremonttrembledashesensedthetouchofthemetal.Quivering,hewalkedfromtheroom,crouching
lowatTheShadow’swhisperedorder.
WelldidTremontknowthereputeofTheShadow.Heknewthatthemightyhandwouldnotfalterinthe
faceofdanger.Ashot,now,wouldnotbetoTheShadow’sliking;nevertheless,thatweirdpersonage
wouldnothesitatetousehisgunifhiscommandsweredisobeyed.TheShadowdidnotfearthehordes
ofgangdom.
Theyreachedthebottomofthestairs.Here,TheShadow’shissingwhisperformedoneword:
“Stop!”
“Stop!”
Tremontobeyed.HelistenedwhileTheShadowspokelowandwithemphasis.Thecommandwasplain.
Tremontwastoleaveandenterhiscar;towaitthereforTheShadow.
Itwasthemaninblackwhoopenedthedoor.Standinginthegloom,hisautomaticstillathreat,he
watchedGladeTremontwalkfromthehouse.Thenhistallformflittedthroughtheopening.Thedoor
closedalmostasifthelawyerhimselfhadshutit.
Tremontdescendedtothedrive.Hisfootstepscruncheduponthegravel.Thestepofthecarcreakedas
heenteredtheautomobile.
HecouldnotseeTheShadow-infact,Tremontdarednotlookbehindhim.Heenteredthecaronthe
sideoppositethedriver’sseat.Asheshutthedoor,hestaredpastthewheel.Hesawtheoppositedoor
closingsoftly.
TheShadowhadtrickedhim!Insteadofkeepinghimcovered,TheShadowhadsilentlyflittedpastthe
cartotheotherside.Noiselessly,invisibly,hehadentered.Tremontcouldsee
cartotheotherside.Noiselessly,invisibly,hehadentered.Tremontcouldseeonlyamassofblack.It
indicatedTheShadow-behindthesteeringwheelofthecar!
Thestarterpurred.Themotorthrobbed.Thelightsofthecarcameon-withtheexceptionofthedash
light.Thetwomeninthecarwereinvisible.
TremontsensedtheboldnessofTheShadow’splan.Ifanyonehadbeenseen,itmusthavebeenTremont
himself.Withthecarpullingawayopenly,BiffTowleymightbedeceivedintothinkingthatTremontwas
leavingofhisownaccord,atthewheelofhiscoupe.
Tremontsuppressedagroanasherealizedhishopelessness.WhyshouldBiffsuspectthatanythingwas
wrong?Heandhishoundsoftheunderworldhadbeenwatchingthishouseallevening.OnlyTremont
hadbeenseentoenter.TheydidnotsuspectthepresenceofTheShadow!
Deliberately,TheShadowdroveTremont’scartothecirclingendofthedrive.Heswungthewheel;then
backedthecarandstarteditforward.Heheadedoutalongthedrive,towardthesafetyofthestreet.
Tremontwastooalarmedtomove.Hewasbeingshanghaiedinhisown
Tremontwastooalarmedtomove.Hewasbeingshanghaiedinhisownautomobile,andhecouldnot
preventit!
AllseemedwellwithTheShadow’splan.Thecalmhandlingofthecargaveeveryindicationthatnothing
couldbewrong.Butasthefrontwheelsturnedleftfromthedrive,anunexpectedinterruptionoccurred,
Fromacarhiddenacrossthestreet,ablindingsearchlightturneditsraysdirectlyuponthecoupe!
BIFFTOWLEYwasmakingsure.HeknewthatifGladeTremontwereleaving,thesearchlight’s
momentaryglarecoulddonoharm.Thegangleader,withstouthenchmenbyhisside,waswatching
fromhisownmachine.
ThebrightlightrevealedGladeTremont.ButitshowedmorethanthattoBiffTowley.Itindicatedthat
thelawyerwasnotdrivingthecar.Anothermanwasatthewheel,andinthebrilliancethefullformof
TheShadowwasbroughttoview!
Inatwinkling,Biffsawthesituation.Ahardenedgangster,hehadheardmuchofTheShadow.Like
ofTheShadow.Like
everyotherevildoer,theswarthygangleaderhadsworntosomedayslaythemanwhohadsolong
terrorizedthedemonsoftheunderworld.
“TheShadow!”
BiffTowleyspatthewords.Hiswolfishsnarlroseasabattlecry.Swerving,almostatastandstill,the
coupewasdirectlyinthepathofTowleyandhisgorillas,aperfecttargetfortheirgunfire!
Splitsecondsbroughtresults.Thegleamofthesearchlight;BiffTowley’scry;GladeTremont’sreaction.
Hearingtheshout,thelawyerflunghimselflowatthewheel.HewasgrabbingatTheShadow’sright
hand,whichhelditsautomaticpoisedabovethewheel.Atthesametime,Tremonthaddroppedhishead
andshoulders,fearingthattheymightblockthepathofshotsfromtheothercar.
Inthissuddenturnofaffairs,TheShadowwasnotidle.Theglareofthatlightbroughtataunting,
whisperedlaughfromthegrim,unseenlipsofthemanofthenight.
AsTremont’sformflungtowardhim,TheShadow’sarmcameup.Thebarrelof
AsTremont’sformflungtowardhim,TheShadow’sarmcameup.Thebarrelofhisautomaticcaughtthe
lawyer’sdescendingchin.Tremont’skneesshotforward,hisbackcaved,andhecrumpledontheseat,
hisheadbelowthesidewindow.
TheShadowhadwastedneithershotnortimeinthisquickmeetingofthefirstattack.Hishandhad
swungupwardforadoublepurpose.First,toeliminateTremont;second,tobeattheothermentothe
openingshot.WhileTremont’sheadwasstillhurtlingbackward,TheShadow’sfingerpressedthetrigger
ofthebigpistol.
Therewerethreesimultaneousresults.Aloudreportsoundedwithinthecar.Thesearchlightwas
extinguished.Theclatterofshatteredglasswasheard.
Withsure,swiftaim,TheShadowhadbursttheblindingeyethathadrevealedhisform.Asingleshothad
donethedeed.
Themotorofthecoupesnorted.Aboveitsthrumcamethedefiantshoutsofthwartedgangsters.A
delugeoffireburstfromtheparkedcar.Spurtsofflameappearedfromtreesandbushesnearthehouse,
whereJakeBoschandothermenwerestationed.
Allwerefiringblindly.Thecoupe,gainingspeed,waswhirlingdownthenarrowstreet,afleeing,elusive
targetthatdefiedthemarksmanshipofgangland’sgunners.
Angrily,BiffTowleyhurledhiscarintogear.Hispowerfulmachineleapedforward.Gangsters,
scramblingfromthelawn,leapeduponitssteps.Otherscamerunning,tojointhemadpursuitinthewake
ofBiff’ssedan.
Gangsterswereleaningfromopenwindows,blastingawayatthezigzaggingcoupe.Shotswerewild.
Oathswerefutile.Thecoupehadgainedapreciousstart.
BiffTowley,leaningoverthewheel,leeredgrimly.Ordinarily,hewouldhavetoldhismentostaytheir
fireuntiltherangewascloser.Butnowthistorrentofleadenhailwasworkinginaccordancewitha
well-plannedidea.
Theheadlightsofthesedanshowedthefleeingcarhalfablockahead.Thenbeyond,Biffsawthesight
forwhichhehoped.
forwhichhehoped.
FROMasidelanecamealong,lowtouringcar.Itshottothemiddleofthenarrowstreetandstopped
there.Fromitsdarksidescamenewshots-abarragedirectedtowardtheapproachingcoupe.
TheShadowwastrappedbetweentwofires!Anticipatingsomesuchsituationasthis,BiffTowleyhad
stationedhiscarloadofreserveswithinstructionstoblockthepathofanyescapingenemy.
Hadthecoupecontinuedonitsmaddash,itwouldhaverunintocertaindoom.Haditstoppedinits
course,Biffandhisshooterswouldhavefounditeasyprey.
Asthefirstshotscamefromthemenhuddledintheblockingcar,TheShadowwasmomentarilyoutof
rangefrombothdirections.
ItwasonthatinstantthatTheShadowacted.Alone,betweentwoformidabledangers,hemadean
amazingefforttoeludethemboth.Ontheleftoftheroadwasalowwalllinedwiththetrees.Ontheright
wasahedge.
Thoseblack-cladhandsgavethewheelofthecoupeamightytwisttotheright.Thecarspunontwo
wheels.Itshotoverthelowcurb,andknifeditswaythroughthemattedthicknessofthebarberry
hedge!
Itstiresdiggingdeeplyinthesoftturfofabush-coveredlawn,thecarspedonward,TheShadow’s
amazingskillguidingitalongitslurchingway.
Itcrashedthroughshrubbery,andskirtedlow-branchedtrees.Itsgleaminglightsshowedanoddly
formedcoursetowardawoodenpicketfencethatborderedanextensionofthelane.
Thewoodenspikescrackledasthecardroveitswaythroughtosafety.Almosttopplingasitstruckthe
bumpypathbesidethelane,thecarrighteditselfasthedefthandswhirledthewheel.
WithGladeTremont’sbodybouncingcrazilyathisside,TheShadowpilotedthecardownthenarrow,
windingroadway,headingawayfromthecrossingwherethetouringcarhadawaitedhim.
Alongshoutarosefromtheslopebehind.Thegleaminglightsofthetouringcarhadspottedthereturnof
thecoupe.Thelow-bodiedcartookupthepursuitthatBiffTowleyhadlost.
Backonthesidestreet,Biff,hissedanstoppedpastthespotwhereTheShadowhadhurtledhiscar
fromview,joinedinthemadracetoovertakethemanwhohadfled.
Ashissedanturnedthecornerandspeddownthelaneafterthedistanttaillightofthetouringcar,
footstepspoundedalongthesidewalkbesideBiff’scar.Halfadozenrunninghoodlumswerebringingup
therear.
Byaswift,daredevilchance,TheShadowhadshotfromadeathtrap.Twocarsandmorethanadozen
desperategangsterswereonhistrail.Inthecoupe,grimlyclutchingthejostlingwheel,TheShadow
laughedashebumpedonthroughthenight.Hewasonanarrowwindingroadthatmightleadnowhere.
Whatwouldbetheoutcomeofthismadrace?
Hiscaptivewasbobbinghelplesslyathisside,butTheShadowgavenoheedto
Hiscaptivewasbobbinghelplesslyathisside,butTheShadowgavenoheedtothemanwhomhehad
taken.Hewasengagedinthethrillofthemoment,hismightyschemesandwell-laidplansdepending
entirelyuponwhatmighthappennow.
On,on,wentTheShadow,seekingsomeavenuewherehemightturn,guidinghiswayalongthetwisting
roadthatwascurvingitsrock-incrustedroutedownarugged,ramblingslope.Soonhewouldbeatthe
endofthispath.
Ahead,theremightbesafety.Ahead,mightlieatrapmoreformidablethantheonewhichTheShadow
hadescaped.Thethumpingoftherockyroadwasrackingtheframeofthecoupe.Lifeordeathhungin
thebalancewiththegreathazardyettocome.
Again,TheShadowlaughed.Hismockingmirthrangclearandboldthroughtheblackenedairofnight!
CHAPTERXIV.THESHADOW’SFIGHT
AFLATTENED,wideningstripintheroadahead.Thewheelsofthecoupeswishedasthefast-moving
carspurtedovertheshortstretch.
Thencameasharpturntotheleft-adownwardroadonalow-banked,treelessstretchofland.Beyond
that,somethingwhiteandlevelshonebeneaththeapproachinglights.
Thecoupe,respondingtoTheShadow’surge,hurtledtowardthewhitishmassahead.Thenitshood
tiltedupwardtoalevel.TheraisinglightshurledavividglareupontheblacknessofthewavelessSound.
Aquickfootpressedthebrake.Thecoupeskiddedsharplyuponthedampenedsurfaceofaswimming
wharf.Thecarswungtotheright.Itsrearwheelsskimmedalongtheedgeofthepier,almostdropping
overtheside.
Jammedtoastop,thethicktiresglidedsidewiseuntilthecarhaltedontheveryedgeofthedeepwater
attheendofthepier.
Awildfinishtoadesperateride.Butthethrillofthisamazingepisodewasyettocome.Mereseconds
afterthecoupehadhalted,thebrightlightsofanothercarplungeddowntheslope.
Thedriverofthetouringcarcouldseethedangerashespottedtheplightofthenearlywreckedcoupe.
Hejammedhisbrakesbeforehereachedthewharf.Hisskidwasshorter;hisstoppagewasmore
abrupt.
Thelightsofthesedanwerenowinview.Thesecondofthemob-mannedcarswascomingupwithits
hordeofdesperatekillers.Wildshoutswereheardfromthegunmen.
Coldly,calmly,TheShadowslippedthroughthedoorbesidethedriver’sseat.ThejoltedformofGlade
Tremontcrumpledcompletely,alongthefloorofthecar.Thedoorclosed.
Tremont,helpless,wastrappedwithin.TheShadowgavenothoughttohim.Therewasotherworkto
do.Flighthadended.Fightwastobegin!
Poisedonthestepofthecar,hisblackformclingingtothefartherside,TheShadowwasstandingalmost
abovethewaterydepthsattheendofthepier.Firstonehandrose;thentheother.Eachthinblackglove
wastightaboutanautomatic.
Anopeningshotcamefromthebodyofthetouringcar.Itcrashedagainstthe
Anopeningshotcamefromthebodyofthetouringcar.Itcrashedagainstthesideofthecoupe.The
Shadowgavenosignofareply.Anothershotsplinteredasidewindow.Still,TheShadowwassilent.
Now,emboldenedmenweredashingforward.Withgleamingrevolvers,twogangstersleapedfromthe
touringcar.Fivemore,headedbyJakeBoschscrambledofftherunningboardsofthesedan.Acrossthe
dockstheyraced,protectedbythemeninthecarsbehind,
Theywereanxioustoseizetheirquarry.TheyknewthattheyweredealingwithTheShadow.Where
washe?Hidinginthecar?Stunnedatthewheel?OrhadheleapedintotheSound?
Whereverhemightbe,thesemenwereouttogethimbyforceofnumbers.Awidespread,grimly
snarlingtribe,theywerewedginginlikethespokesofafan.
THENcamethereportofTheShadow’sright-handgun.ThesamedeadlyaimthathadshatteredBiff
Towley’sspotlightproveditsmeritagain;butthistimeitstargetwasahumanbody.
Adashinggangsterscreamedandleapedupward,handsclawinginair.Hisbody
Adashinggangsterscreamedandleapedupward,handsclawinginair.Hisbodyflattenedandsprawled
uponthedockslidingintoahuddledshape.Hisrevolver,skimmingonward,slippedfromthesideofthe
wharfandsplashedintothewater.
Nooneheardthatsplash.TheShadow’sgunwasdeliveringitssecondbark.Anothermanfell.He
sprawledlikeastarfish,hisrevolverstillinhisgrasp.
Theothersweredroppingtothewharf,lyinglowandspread,theirrevolversreturningtheattack.
BiffTowley,alertinthesedan,spottedtheexactplacefromwhichtheshotshadcome.Hesawthedim
topofablackhatabovetherearofthecoupe.
Hisyellgavethesignalashefired.Themeninthetouringcarblazedaway.
HadTheShadowremainedtoriskanotherpressofthetrigger,Biff’sbulletwouldhaveclippedhim.But
thehatwasdroppingtosafetyasthegangleaderfired.Theleadenmissileskimmedthecrownofthe
disappearingheadpiece.
Themenonthedockwerecrawlingforward.Biffandtheotherswhocoveredwerealert.TheysawThe
Shadow’schosenspot.Anothermoveonhispart,anddeathwouldbehislot.
ButTheShadowhadmadeasuddenchange.Crouching,heflunghimselfflatupontheouterrunning
board.Withincredibleswiftness,hewriggledhistallformbetweenthefrontfenderandthehood.Hisleft
armpausedbytheedgeoftheradiator.Hissharpeyespeeredforthunseen.
Twomenwerecrawlingforwardfromthatdirection.OnewasJakeBosch.Withlow,perfectaim,The
Shadowfired.Jakedroppedwithoutasound.
Beforetheotherstartledgunmancouldturnhisrevolver,asecondshotoccurred.Jake’scompanionfell,
writhing.
Nowgunsblazedinfury.Hardbulletscrashedthroughthesideofthehood.Theyneverfoundtheir
mark.BetweenTheShadowandhisenemieslaytheprotectingmotor.Itwasasolidbarrierthatbullets
couldnotpenetrate.
Fourmenhadfallen.Fourofnearlyadozen.Theothersonthepier,realizingthefact,surgedforwardin
amass.Thefirstoftheattackersreachedthehoodofthecar.Likeasoldiergoingoverthetop,heflung
himselfacrossthehood,hisgunarmforward,aimingforthehiddenfoe.
TheShadow,twistedonhisback,hisleftarmbythehood,hisrightagainsthisbody,sawthegleaming
revolverasitshotabovehim.Heheardthebrutalcursefromthegangster’slipsasthemantriedtostop
hisplungeandbringhisweapondownward.
TheShadow’sgunspatupward.Thegangster’seffortsfailedasthebulletcleavedhischest.Hisbody
hurtledforwardintothewaterbeyond.
Inthatwell-timed,preciseaction,TheShadowhadlostaprecioussecond.Anotherfoehadprofitedby
thedelay.Sneakingbytherearofthecar,thismanwasclingingtothebackfender,ontheveryedgeof
thepier.
HecouldseethespatterofTheShadow’sgun.Hangingbackward,holdingbyhislefthand,thisgangster
thrusthisrightarmacrosshisbodyandfired.
Helosthisaimintheeffort.Fromhiscrampedposition,hisshotwashigh.Anotherchancewasallhe
needed;buthedidnotgetit.
TheShadow,serenelyrestingbetweenthefenderandthehood,deliberatelyleveledhisrighthand.His
fingerpressedthetriggeroftheautomatic.Hisshotwastowardtheoneportionofthegangster’sbody
thatcouldnotmove-thewhitelefthandthatgrippedthefenderofthecar.TheShadow’saimdidnot
fail.
Withahideouscry,theman’sholdbrokeasthebulletcrunchedhisgrippinghand.Hisarmsflungup
abovehisheadasheseemedtoleapbackward.Hisbodysmackedagainstthewaterwitharesounding
splash.
ANEWenemymenaced.Hewasmorecautiousthantheothers.Prowlingforward,hehadopenedthe
doorofthecoupe.Hewasreachingthroughthewindow,bythewheel-forhehadfounditopen.He
wasstumblingovertheformofGladeTremont.TheShadowswunguptomeetthisgunman.Ahandand
thisgunman.Ahandand
aheadcameintoview.Apointingrevolvershimmered.BeforeitwasTheShadow’srisingfigure,withits
blackenedautomatic.
Itwasasplitsecondracebetweenhairtriggers,andTheShadowwon.Hisshotechoedlikeacannon’s
roar.Thegangster’sheaddisappeared.Hishandlaylimplyontheopeningofthewindow,thetrigger
guardoftherevolverdanglingfromanervelessfinger.
TheShadowlaughedashegrippedhisrightautomaticinthebendofhisleftelbow.Heextendedhislong
armandtheblack-glovedhandpluckedtherevolverfromthedyinghoodlum’sunresistingclutch.
Scowling,atthewheelofhissedan,BiffTowleyspatlowcurses.SevenmenhadadvancedtotakeThe
Shadow.Sevenbulletshadendedtheirattack.Themanwasademon!Hisworkhadbeenatclose
range,butneveroncehadhefaltered.
Biffnudgedthemanwhosatbesidehim-theonlyotheroccupantofthesedan.Together,they
clamberedfromthecarandfoundprotectionbesidethetouringcar.Thereweretwomenthere.
twomenthere.
“We’vegottogethim!”snarledBiff.“It’sTheShadow!”
InthebadlandsofManhattan,thatnamewouldhaveinspireditshearerswithterror.Here,withthe
echoesofgunshotsstillringingintheirears,theutteranceinspiredBiff’shenchmenwithanewandgrim
incentive.
TheyhadTheShadowwithintheirgrasp,iftheycouldbuttakehim.Theircompanionshadtastedhis
death-dealingbullets.Itwasagameofvengeance,now!
Thenoseofthetouringcarwaspointedatanangletowardthebullet-riddledcoupe.Biff’splanwasa
quickandsimpleone.
“Closeinonhim!”orderedthegangleader.“Driveuptotheendofthepier.”
Themanwhocrouchedatthewheelutteredatersegrunt.Thetouringcarshotforwardandjammedits
radiatorclosetothesideofthecoupe.
“Givehimtheworks!”
BiffTowley’scommandcamefromthesideofthecar.Thetwomenraisedtheirrevolvers.Biffandhis
companionpeeredfromthehoodofthetouringcar.
Fromthisspot,aquickattackwaspossible.YetBiffhesitated.Then,asthoughinanswertoasharpoath
thatsputteredfromthegangleader,ashoutwasraisedfromtheroadthatcametothepier.Fiverunning
gangsterswerearrivingasthelastreserve.
ItwouldbesuredeathforTheShadownow!Tostoptheapproachofthesemen,hemustshowhimself.
Otherwisetherewouldbeahordetoclamberasoneaboutthattiltedcoupe.
“Holdit!”exclaimedBiff,tothethreemennearhim.“Watchwhenheshowshishead-”
Beforethemencouldheedtheirleader’swarning,TheShadow’stallformappearedsuddenlyattherear
ofthecoupe,risingabovethetop-attheveryspotwherehehadmadehisearliestappearance.He,too,
hadheardtheshoutsandnowhiseyescouldseetheclusterofgangsterswho
hadheardtheshoutsandnowhiseyescouldseetheclusterofgangsterswhowerenearingthepier.But
thesewerenothisquarry.
THESHADOWhadoutguessedBiffTowley.Hehadrealizedtheverysituationthatwasspringing
throughtheswarthygangster’smind.Springingupward,almostontopofthecar,TheShadowwasa
mightymonsterofthenight.
Theheightofhisposition,theproximityofthetouringcar-bothgavehimanadvantagewhichBiff
Towleyhadnotanticipated.
Downsweptthehandsthatheldtheautomatics.Onlylong,spittingflamesrevealedthepresenceofthe
guns.Thequickshotsweredirectedatthetwomeninthetouringcar,oneinfronttheotherintherear.
Bothwereraisingtheirrevolvers,astheycrouchedbehindthedoors.
TheShadowclippedthefrontmanintheshoulder.Thegangstermanagedtoreturntheshot,buthisaim
wasfaulty.TheShadow’snextbulletsmashedtheman’sarm.Hedroppedhisgunandfelltothe
protectingfloor.
Theotherautomaticwasnotidle.Whiletheleftusedtwoshotstowoundthemaninfront,therighthand
swungtowardthemaninthebackofthecar.
Hewascrouching,thinkinghimselfsafe.Inthathewaswrong.TheShadowmadealivingtargetofhis
huddledform.
Biff’slonecompanionsawTheShadow,andmadeamaddashforward.HefiredwildasTheShadow’s
bodyswayed.Theanswerwasawhistlingshotthatfelledtheunwarygangster.
TheShadowdroppedflatuponthetopofthecar,andhisautomaticsslippedaway.Theywereempty.
Fromhiscloak,hepluckedtherevolverthathehadtakenfromthedyinggunman.
Thereservesofthegangsterhordewerepoundingacrossthedock,yellingwildly.Theydidnotknowthe
poweroftheirfoe.Theyfiredatthetopofthecarastheyran.
TheShadowignoredtheirfire.Coolly,calmly,heaimedwithperfectmarksmanship.Hewasadifficult
targetfortheapproachingmen.Theywereinfrontofthesedan’slights,which
targetfortheapproachingmen.Theywereinfrontofthesedan’slights,whichBiffhadleftburning.The
Shadowfoundthemeasyprey.
Hisfinalshotsweretimedtogoodadvantage.Mensprawledastheycameon.Two,seeingtheir
companionsfall,leapedbackanddivedbehindthesedan.TheShadowpressedthetriggerasheaimed
towardoneoftheescapinggangsters.Thehammerfelluponanemptychamber.
BiffTowleyhadnotbeenidle.Craftyaswellasbold,hehadseentoomuchofTheShadow’s
marksmanshiptoriskexposinghimself.Insteadofspringingintoview,thegangleadercrawledtotheside
ofthecoupe,andglidedalongthenearerrunningboard.
HeknewthatTheShadowwouldbewatchingforsomeoneontheouterside.Sneakingcautiously,Biff
raisedhimselfbesidethecar,readyforhissurprisethrust.
Hisheadandhandcameuptogether,overthetopofthecoupe.Biffhadintendedtobeclosetohisfoe,
buthehadnotexpectedtheproximitywhichheattained.Ashisfacecameabovethetopofthecar,Biff
foundhimselfstaringintotwoburningeyes,notafootfromhisown!
Biff’shandshotforward.Hisfingertuggedthetriggerofhisrevolver.
Onceagain,TheShadowwastooquick.Ashesawthegangleader’sfaceappear,heflunghisrevolver
squarelyintothatleeringvisage.Themetalmissiveflattenedthegangleader’sface.
BiffTowleytoppledbackwardashefired.HisbulletwhistledpastTheShadow’shat.Thegangleader
landedflatonhisback,besidethecoupe,andhisrevolverclinkedasitstruckthelightofthetouringcar.
TheShadowhadrisenwithhiseffort.Weaponless,now,hiswaveringformbecameatargetforthemen
bythesedan.Undercover,theyopenedfire
Atthesoundofthefirstshot,TheShadowflunghisarmswide.Aloudcrycamefromhishiddenlips.It
dwindledashisformlurchedbackward.Adullsplashfollowedasthefallingmaninblackplungedinto
thewaterbeyondthepier.
“Igothim!”growledthemanwhohadfiredtheshot.
“Goodwork!”exclaimedhiscompanion.“YougotTheShadow!”
THEtwomenhurriedforward.OnesawBiffTowley,groaningonthedockandstoppedtoaidhischief,
theothercontinuedtotheendofthedockandpeeredoutovertheSound.
Hewasstillstaringwhentheothergangsterjoinedhim.Thewatcherraisedhisgunandfiredaskimming
shotacrossthewater.
“What’stheidea?”growledtheotherman.
“ThoughtIsawsomethingfloatingoutthere,”repliedthefirst.
“Don’twastegoodlead.Yougotthatguythefirsttimeyoufired.Comealong.We’vegottohelpBiff.It’s
timewescrammed.”
Thesuggestionwasawiseone.Eveninthisisolatedspotthesoundofgunfirehadatlastbroughtvisitors.
Twocarswerestoppingonaroadway,acrossalittlecove.Themenonthedockcouldhearvoices.
couldhearvoices.
Hurriedly,theyrushedbacktoaidBiffandotherwoundedmen.Theypiledtheircompanionsintothe
carsandpreparedtoleave.Onemantookthesedan;theotherthetouringcar.Withtheirloadof
woundedgangsters,theypulledawayuptheroadthatledtothewindinglane.
Thesilenceofdeathprevaileduponthelittlepier.ThereTheShadowhadfoughthismightybattleagainst
terrificodds,onlytoendhisgloriousfightwithafarewellplungeintotheSound.
Peoplewerearrivingnow,auniformedpolicemanamongthem.White-facedmenwerepeeringatthe
sprawledformsofdeadgangsters.Theofficerpulledamotionlessmanfromthecoupe;thensawanother
bodybeneaththeformthathehadremoved.
Thismanwasalive.Hemanagedtoriseofhisownaccord.Hestaggeredashisfeettouchedthepier,
thensatdownontherunningboardofthecoupeandstaredabouthimwithabewilderedair.
ItwasGladeTremont.Hehadregainedconsciousnessduringtheendofthefray.Now,hecould
scarcelyrealizewhathadhappened.Peoplewerecrowdinguptotalkwiththislonesurvivorofthe
carnage
Menpilingvictimsintocarsthathadgone;deadmenonthedock;alivemanemergingfromthecoupe-
witnesseshadseenallthese.
Butnoone,eitheronthepierortheroadwayacrossthecove,sawthedrippingfigurethatcamefromthe
Soundandcrawledstealthilyamongtherocks,fivehundredyardsaway.
Noonesawthefigure-nordidanyhearthemockinglaughthatcamefromlipsthatwereobscuredby
theflappingbrimofawater-soakedslouchhat.
TheShadow,victorofthefray,hadreturnedfromthewaters.Hehadfeignedadyingplungewhenhe
haddivedtosafety.Thoughweaponless,hehadescapedunscathed.
CHAPTERXV.AFTERMIDNIGHT
ANautomobilepulleduptothedoorofGladeTremont’shome.Apolicemansteppedouttomeetit.
DoctorGeraldSavette,suaveandquestioninginglance,lookedatthemaninuniform.
“YouareDoctorSavette?”askedtheofficer.
“Yes,”repliedthephysician.“HowisMr.Tremont?”
“Allrightnow,sir,”saidtheofficer.“Hewasluckythathedidn’tgetkilled.Hegotcaughtinthemiddleof
ameangunfight.Theywerebattlinginandoutofhiscar.Gorightup,doctor.”
Savettewentintothehouseandascendedthestairs.HearrivedatGladeTremont’sbedroom,and
enteredtofindthelawyerproppeduponastackofpillows.
Nooneelsewasintheroom.Aglassandbottleofmedicineindicatedthatanotherphysicianhadleft.
Quietly,Savetteclosedthedoorandsatdownbesidethebed.
“Ireceivedyourmessage,”hesaid,inalowvoice.“Theytoldmeyouwantedmehere-asyour
physician.Thisisaprofessionalcall.”
Hesmiled,thenaddedreflectively:
“Itisfortunateyoumanagedtocommunicatewithmebeforemidnight.”
“Iamfortunatetobeheremyself,”returnedTremont.“WestruckaTartartonight,Gerald.Wefinished
him,though.That’sonesatisfaction.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
Briefly,TremontnarratedtheeventsuptothetimeofTheShadow’smadflight.Thatwasthepointat
whichthelawyer’sobservationhadceased.Skippingthestoryofthefightonthedock,Tremontcameto
whathadhappenedafterward.
“WhenIcameto,”hesaid,“theyweredraggingmeoutofthecoupe.Icouldn’tfigurewhereIwasatfirst
-thenIrealizedIwasonthelittledockattheendoftheoldlane.Thepolicemanrecognizedme.He
knewmycar,too.Itdidn’ttakemelongtothinkuptherightsortofstory.”
“Whichwas-”
“ThatIhaddrivendowntothedocktolookattheSound.JustasIwasturning
“ThatIhaddrivendowntothedocktolookattheSound.JustasIwasturningthecoupe.Twocars
cameswingingdownthelane,oneinpursuitoftheother.Thenthegunsstarted.Gangsters,battling.Two
ofthempiledintothecar.Somethinghitmeonthehead.Idropped-andthat’sthelastIknewaboutit.”
“Agoodalibi,”declaredSavette,nodding
“Aperfectone,”saidTremont.“Acceptedwithoutquestion.”
“Whyisthepolicemanhere?”
“JusttoseeI’mallright,”smiledTremont.“Hewillbeleavingsoon.IcalledBiffTowleywhileyouwere
onyourwayhere.”
“Yes?”Savette’seyebrowsbetrayedhiseagernesstohearaboutthegangleader’sreport.
“Hedidn’ttalklong,”declaredTremont,“buthetoldmeallIwanttoknow.OneofhismennailedThe
Shadow.Hewasontopofmycar.
“HesmashedBiffinthefacewithhisrevolver.Noshotsleft,evidently.ThenoneofBiff’smobfired
pointblank,andTheShadowfellfromtheendofthedock.”
“HowdidBiff’smobfare?”
“Badly.JakeBoschwaskilled.Someothers,too.Nearlyallwerewounded.Thatmanwasafighter-but
theoddsweretoogreat.”
“Amazing-hisschemeofposingasyou.Idon’tthinkitcouldhavedeceivedme,however.”
“Heenteredthroughacellarwindow,”observedTremont.“CapturedoneofBiff’smenandtiedhimup.
Thefellowmanagedtogetfree,justaboutthetimetheywerebringingmebackfromthedock.
“I’mgladaboutthat;itwouldn’tbewellforhimtobedowntherenow-oreveninthisvicinity.Hearrived
atBiff’sheadquartersandtoldhimallaboutit.”
DOCTORSAVETTEbecamepensive.Heseemedtobereviewingthescattereddetailsoftonight’s
events.Hewaspicturingthebattleonthepier.Henoddedslowlyasthougha
events.Hewaspicturingthebattleonthepier.Henoddedslowlyasthoughadefinitethoughtwas
comingtohim.
Hisreveriewasinterruptedbythesoundofraindropsthatbegantospatterontheslopingroofoutsideof
Tremont’swindow.Savettenoticedthatthewindowwasopenslightly.
Thenoiseoftherainfallbecameaheavytorrent.Ithadbeencloudyeversincetheafternoon;nowa
stormwasbreaking.
Savettegazedidlyattheblackenedwindow;thenheresumedhismeditation.Now,itwasTremontwho
interrupted.Thelawyeremittedalow,gleefulchuckle.
“Itworkedoutforthebest,”hedeclared.“Itwasastalemate;nowthegameisours.Wecantakeour
time.AsforthatfellowMarsland-”
TremontmadeagesturetoindicatethatCliffwouldbeobliteratedfromthehorizon.
Savetteshookhishead.
“Don’tacttooquickly,Glade,”headvised,inacraftytone.“Wecanneverbetoosure.Iagreewithyou
thatwecantakeourtime.ButIamnotyetsatisfiedthatTheShadowisdead.”
“There’snodoubtaboutit.Bifftalkedwiththemanwhoshothim.”
“Peopledonotalwaysdiewhentheyareshot.IfTheShadowisdead,Iwanttobesureofit.Waituntil
theyfindhisbody,driftingintheSound.”
“Theymayneverfindit,”answeredTremont.“Thereareheavycurrentsalongthispartoftheshore.You
cannotcountonthat.”
“Iamnotcountingonanything,”assertedSavette.“ThatistheverypointIamtryingtomakeyou
consider.Youarerightwhenyousaythegameisours.Wewanttokeepitours.”
“How?”
“BycontinuingtoholdMarsland.Wehavehimsafe.YougaveTheShadowyourultimatum.Solongas
Marslandlives,weareprotected,eventhoughTheShadowmayhaveescaped.”
Marslandlives,weareprotected,eventhoughTheShadowmayhaveescaped.”
“Thatisright,”acquiescedTremont.“Marslandcandonoharm;hemaybeusefulifwekeephim.We
havetoomuchatstaketoallowasingleloophole.Youtookchancestonight.Youareluckytobealive.
Beguidedbymyadvicefromnowon.”
TREMONTrealizedthewisdomofSavette’sremarks.Hesensedthathiscolleagueincrimewasabout
toproposeadefiniteplan.Helistenedintently.
“Youneedavacation,”declaredSavette,assumingaprofessionalair.“Isuggestthatyougoawayfora
trip.Destinationunannounced.Actually,itwillbeGlendale.
“TakeBiffTowleywithyou.Puthiminchargeofforcesupthere.ForgetNewYorkforawhile.
ConcentrateongettingresultsthroughOrlinov.
“Wehaveaccomplishedwhatwesetouttodo.Ourpastiscovered.Thereareonlytwowhohaveever
triedtointerfere-SharrockandTheShadow.Wedrovethefirstaway.Wehaveapparentlykilledthe
second.
second.
“IshallremaininNewYork.YouwillbewithOrlinov,makingsurethatallgoeswell.WithTowleyin
chargeoftheguardstherecanbenomutiny,noreasingofthewatch.ThenOrlinovcandrivethoseslaves
ofhis.Makethemproduce.”
TherewasasteelyglintinSavette’seyesasheconcludedhisstatement.Tremontchuckled.
“Orlinovknowshowtodrive”declaredthelawyer.“Heisgettingresultsaseffectivelyaspossible.Heis
handicappedbyonlyoneitem.Money.”
“Iknowthat,”saidSavettethoughtfully.“Iintendtorectifythatsituation.Icandoitbetteralone,at
present.Ourrealworkisended.Itwasdifficultwiththeothers,becausewehadsetourmindsonthe
oneswewanted.Butmoney-”
Helaughedknowingly.Tremontsawanewsparkleinthephysician’seyes.
“Sharrockcrossedus,”addedSavette.“Otherwise,wemightnothavestartedonournewventure.Ifwe
hadhimnow,wewouldbeallright.Butitwouldbedangeroustogoafterhim.Thereareeasierways;
andIcanfindone.”
“Theneedisimminent,”declaredTremont.
“Iunderstandthat,”saidSavette.“Nevertheless,wemustnotbehasty.Givemethreeweeks-perhapsa
month.BythenIshallhaveaperfectplan.Itmaytakemelesstime.WhenIneedassistance,Ishall
communicatewithyou.”
“Haveyoufoundanysuitablepersonsasyet?”
“Several,”saidSavette,“buteachonepresentsanobstacle.ThatiswhyIhavebeenwaiting.Itwouldbe
agravemistaketochooseone,thenfindanotherwhowouldprovemoreprofitable.Wewanttheone
whowillbeeasiesttowork.”
“Thatisuptoyou,”saidTremontinatiredvoice.“Doyourbest,andletmehearfromyou.Ishallleave
forGlendaletomorrow.”
Savettearoseandbadehiscompaniongoodnight.Hewentdownstairsanddonnedhisraincoat.He
steppedfromthedoor.Thepoliceman,aponchoonhisshoulders,wasstandingontheedgeofthe
porch.HesalutedthephysicianandSavettehastenedthroughthepouringrainandreachedhiscar.
Thepolicemanwatchedthephysician’sautomobiledriveaway.Theofficerhadbeeninstructedtoremain
hereduringthenight.GladeTremontwasanimportantresidentinthelocality.Theheadofthelocal
policeforceregrettedhisneglectinleavingthissectionunguarded.
UPontheroofabovethepoliceman’shead,ashadowyshapeappearedreflectedinthelightfrom
Tremont’swindow.AdrippingcloakglistenedasthefigureofTheShadowcrepttowardtheedgeofthe
roof.
EscapedfromthewatersoftheSound,themanofmysteryhadcometoTremont’shome,toanticipatea
visitfromDoctorGeraldSavette.Outsidethewindow,hehadlistenedtoeverywordthathadbeen
utteredbythetwoconspirators.
TheShadowreachedtheedgeoftheroof.Hisformbecameinvisible.Hislongshapeglidedeasilyover
theedge.Ithungsuspendedamidtherain.
HadTheShadowdroppedtothesoftgroundbeneath,hisfallwouldhaveattractedtheattentionofthe
policeman;butTheShadowdidnotresorttosuchanact.
Hehadchosenthisspotwithcarefuldesign.Loweringonehand,heencircleditaboutapillarbeneaththe
overhangingroof.Theotherarmfollowed.Clingingtothepost,TheShadowmoveddownwardinchby
inch,untilhisfeettouchedtherail.
Theofficerwasonlyafewfeetaway,ontheothersideofthepost.Hechancedtoturnandlooktoward
therailingoftheporch.Allthathesawwasrain.
TheShadow’sformwasmotionless.Theprojectingarmsandshoulderswereablackblotthattothe
officer’seyeswereaportionofthenight.
Thepoliceman’streadsoundedonthewoodenporch.Themanwentdownthestepsandpeeredalong
stepsandpeeredalong
thedrive.Hecamebacktohisposition,andpausedtolightacigarettebytheverypostwhereThe
Shadowhadbeenstanding.
Theblue-tippedmatchthrewaglareasthepolicemanscratcheditonthepillar.Thesuddenblaze
revealednothing.Quietly,stealthilythemanofnighthadglidedawayintothedarkness.
Hewastreadingthedrivenow,butnoteventhegravelgavesignofhispassing.Outtothestreet-then
theonlytokenofhispresencewasadriftingsilhouettethatmovedalongthesidewalkpastablurred
streetlamp.
WithcloakandhatsaturatedbySoundandrain,TheShadowtraveledonwithouttheslightestswishto
indicatehispresence.Invisible,hestoppedbesideadrivewaythatledtoanemptyhouse.Therehe
turnedtoapproachacoupeparkedofftheedgeofthedrive.
Thepatteroftherainontheroofofthecardrownedthenoiseoftheopeningdoor.TheShadowreached
thewheelofhisowncar.Thestartersounded;themotorthrobbed.Thelightscameonasthecarswung
cameonasthecarswung
clearofthedriveandheadedtowardNewYork.Soonitreachedabroadboulevard,andwaslostinthe
trafficoflate-boundcarsreturningtothebigcity.
WHENnextTheShadowappearedhewasinadarkenedroomwhereonlythespotlightofthe
green-shadedlampreflecteditsraysfromtheburnishedtopofabroadtable.
Hishandsalonewerevisible-dryhandsnow.Thoselong,slenderfingershadshowntheirmasterywith
theautomatic;nowtheywereengagedinopeninganenvelope.
Thegirasolglimmeredaboveatypedreport.TheShadowwasreadingwordfromRutledgeMann-
wordthatincludedarelayedmessagefromHarryVincent,theagentwhomTheShadowhaddispatched
abroad:
SharkNiceParisTally
TheShadowinscribedthetranslationofthiscondensedreport,whichconformedwithacodegiven
Vincent.
“Shark”meantSharrock.“Nice”referredtotheMediterraneanresort.“Paris”showedwhereSharrock
hadgone.“Tally”wasanabbreviationforsteamship‘Talleyrand’.
TheShadowwrote:
LocatedSharrockatNice.HeleftforParis.Sailedonthe
Steamship‘Talleyrand’.
EvidentlyVincenthadlostthetrailatNice.Sharrock,travellingtoParishadcontinuedfromthereto
Cherbourg,tocatchthesteamerforAmerica.TheShadow’shandswerestill,indicatingthathewas
ponderingoverthemessagethatlaybeforehim.
ThenthefingersfoundanotheritemsuppliedbyRutledgeMann.Itwasthe
ThenthefingersfoundanotheritemsuppliedbyRutledgeMann.ItwasthesailingscheduleofThe
FrancoLine.The‘Talleyrand’hadleftCherbourgthatday.ItwouldnotarriveinNewYorkforaweek.
TherewassignificanceinthereturnofthismanSharrock.SavettehadboastedthatheandTremonthad
drivenhimaway.Whywashecomingback?Whatwouldbetheoutcomewhentheplotterslearnedof
hisreturn?
Sharrock,stepbrotherofAustinBellamy,mightproveakeytothesituationthatexistedinGlendale.His
returnwasevidentlyunknowntoSavette.WoulditaidordisturbTheShadow’splans?
Onceagain,TheShadow’spropheticlistappeared.Thatpieceofpapergaveitscolumnofwords:
Money-Television-AtomicEnergy-Aeronautics-Money.Thefirstfourtitleshadthenamesofmen
attached.Atthebottomofthecolumnstoodthesingleword:
Money.
Thelistbeganwithmoney;itendedwithmoney.Whateverthepurposeofthethreestatementsin
threestatementsin
between,moneywasthedominatingmotive.MoneywasDoctorSavette’saimnow.
ThehandofTheShadowpausedbesidethatall-importantwordatthebottomofthelist.Itwaited,
lingering.Thencamealaughfromtheblacknessoftheroom.Itwasastrange,sardoniclaugh-atoken
ofmirththatpresagedthedownfallofevildoers.
Thehandwrote.Anothernamewasinscribedtothelist.Forabriefinstantthenamestoodplain,while
thegirasolonTheShadow’slefthandthrewforthitslustrousshaftsofmysticlight.
Thenallwasdarknessastheshadedlampclickedoff.Fromthestillnessofasolid,tomblikeroom,The
Shadow’ssinisterlaughflungagrimandmuffledtaunt.
Outofthedark,TheShadowhadcometonight.Intothedarkhehadreturned.Checkedinhisfirst
attack,driventobaybygangsterhordes,TheShadowhadfoughtagainsttremendousodds.His
presencehadbeenrevealed.Hisstalwarthandwasthwartedforthemoment.
Butwithuncannycleverness,TheShadowhadretiredfurtherfromthelight.His
Butwithuncannycleverness,TheShadowhadretiredfurtherfromthelight.Hisenemiesbelievedhewas
defeated.Theywerealmostconvincedthathewasdead.Theoneadvantagehehadgainedtonightwas
obscurity.
OnlythroughpreservingthepretenseofoblivioncouldTheShadowhopetowithholdthesescheming
fiends.Yethow,fromoblivion,couldhehopetowagethecombat?
Inthefaceofthisdilemma,TheShadowlaughed!Hisbrainhadevolvedsomesystemwherebyodds
suchasthesecouldbemet.Whatmeanscouldthishopelesssituationafford?
OnlyTheShadowknew!
TheShadowalwaysknows.
CHAPTERXVI.APERFECTSCHEME
DOCTORSAVETTEsmiledgrimlyasheleanedbackinhiseasy-chair.Hewasaloneinhisfrontroom,
reviewingthepast,andthinkingofthefuture.Attiredineveningclothes,hehadtheposeofagentleman
ofculture.
FourdayshadpassedsinceBiffTowley’smobhadmetandfoughtTheShadow.Theaffrayhadcaused
agreatstirinthenewspapers.Thegarbledandincorrectaccountshadbeenacceptedseriously.
Solemnsleuthshadsolvedthesituation-sotheysupposed.Itwasassumedthatacrowdofgangsters
hadgonetothedocktomeetrumrunnerscominginfromtheSound.Anothercrewofmobsmenhad
cometomusclein.Onebandhadbeenvictorious.
GladeTremont,prominentattorneyhadunfortunatelybeentrappedinthefray.Thevictorshadfled,
leavingthedeadandwounded.GladeTremonthadescapedwithonlyslightinjuries.
CertainofthebattlingmobsmenhadbeenidentifiedwithagangleadernamedBiffTowley.Hewasnotin
NewYork.Itwassupposedthathehadfled-perhapsbeforethefight-fearingthathewastobe
deposedaschief.Someeffortwasbeingmadetofindhim,buttheattemptwasnotwidespread.
GladeTremonthadgoneawayforarest.Hehadbeenthroughagrueling
GladeTremonthadgoneawayforarest.Hehadbeenthroughagruelingexperience.Hisdeparturefrom
NewYorkhadbeenvirtuallyunmentionedinthenewspapers.
AllthesereportsweregoodnewstoGeraldSavette.Buthehadstillanotherreasontobepleased.The
Shadowhadcompletelydisappeared.Unmentionedbythepress-fornoonehadsuspectedThe
Shadow’shandintheLongIslandaffair-theoneenemywhomSavetteandTremontfearedhadpassed
intooblivion.
Now,SavettehadbeguntoshareTremont’stheorythatTheShadowhadbeenkilled.Thereweregood
reasonsforsobelieving.
Itseemedincrediblethatthemancouldpossiblyhaveescaped.Themobsterwhohadfiredtheshotat
whichTheShadowtoppledhadgazedfromtheendofthedocktoseenoone.ThatwasBiffTowley’s
assurance.
Moreover,GladeTremont’sstatementaboutthecurrentsintheSoundweretrueones.Searchershad
discoveredthebodyofadeadgangsterwedgedbeneathanotherdockahalfmileaway.
away.
NobodyhadbeenfoundthatmighthavebeenTheShadow’s;buttherewaseverycausetobelievethat
hisform,too,hadfounditswaytosomeobscurespot.
MostconvincingofallwasthefactthatTheShadowhadnotrevealedhimself.Therewasnochance-so
Savettethought-thatTheShadowcouldknowofpresentplans.Checkmated,hisonlyhope-ifhelived
-ofsavingCliffMarsland’slifewastocommunicateandcometoterms.Savettewasconfidentonthis
point.Therefore,TheShadowmustbedead.
Nevertheless,thewilyphysicianhadnotchangedhisplanofholdingCliffasahostage.Withhisagent
captive,TheShadowcouldnotdaretostrike.Savette,despitehissmugness,waswellversedinthelore
oftheunderworld.HeknewthatTheShadowwouldneverabandonanunderlingtodestruction.
FORashortwhile,SavettehadentertainedthethoughtthatperhapsoperativesofTheShadowmight
carryon.That,hewassoonconvinced,wasnotonlyillogical,butalsoimpossible.
impossible.
Actually,TheShadowwasalonewolf.Hisspecialagentsweremerelymenwhoobeyedordersblindly,
coveringplaceswhereTheShadowcouldnotbe.Theseleaderlessoperativescouldnotevenknowof
CliffMarsland’splight.
Now,withfullsecurity,Savettewascontemplatinganothercrime.Moneywasneededforadefinite
purpose.Withhispastrecord,itwasonlynaturalthattheschemingphysicianshoulddecidetouseanevil
methodinthefurtheranceofhisdesire.
Reclining,witheyeshalfshut,thefiendmadementalnotationsofpersonswhomhehadinmind.Among
hispatientsweremanywealthypersons;butashehadtoldTremont,therewasanobstaclewitheach
thatpreventedsuretyofaction.
Savettetookchanceswhennecessary.Hehadnotbeensoparticularinthepast,whenhehadfirst
embarkeduponhisinsidioustrailofcrime.Now,withhiscareerbesmirched,andhismindschooledto
easeandperfectioninmethod,hewantedtoperformthecomingjobinthesafestandbestwaypossible.
andbestwaypossible.
Somemindsarenaturallycrooked.GeraldSavettedidnotpossessthequirksandtwistsofthenatural
criminal.Tohim,evilwasusefulonlyasameanstoadefiniteend.He,likehisassociates,hadlefta
bloodytrailbehindthem.Butinthelesserjobs,theyhadletBiffTowleyattendtothedirtywork.
GeraldSavettefelthimselfacriminaldeluxe.Hewasabouttomakehisfarewellbowtohissecret
profession.Fromthenon,hewouldbesecureasawealthy,retiredphysician.Thatwasthegoalhehad
set.
Tremontwantedactionsoon.SodidOrlinov.Bothcouldwait-amonthifnecessary.Unlessaperfect
schemepresenteditself,Savettewouldholdbacktothelimitbeforeperpetratinghislastevil.
Whilehewaited,hewasplayinghissuavepartofareputablephysician.Hewasstrictethically.Hewas
notoverdoinghimself.Hewasenjoyingsocialfunctions,extendinghisconnections,addingtohisprestige.
Awarymethodindeed!
Tonight,Savettewaskeepinganappointmentwithagroupofwealthymen.Glancingathiswatch,he
sawthatitwaspasteighto’clock.Nearlytimetobegoing.Herangabellandsummonedhisservant,
Hughes.
“Orderthecarfromthegarage,”saidSavette.“Bytheway,Hughes,letmehavethatenvelopewiththe
invitationthatIleftonthetableintheotherroom.Getthatfirst.”
Hughesbowedandlefttheroom.Hereturned,carryingtheenvelope;Savetteopenedit.Hesmiledashe
readthecontentsoftheletter.
Thishadcomeasafollow-uptoaphonecallwhichSavettehadreceivedfromLamontCranston,the
millionairewithwhomhehadformedanacquaintance.
Cranstonwasgivingaspecialpartytoafewchosenguests.Theaffairwassetfortonight.Savettehad
acceptedtheverbalinvitation.Thelettercarriedinstructions,tellinghowtoreachCranston’shomein
NewJersey.ItalsoexpressedpleasureinthefactthatDoctorSavettewouldbeabletoattendtheaffair.
WHENthecararrivedfromthegarage,Savettesetoutimmediately.HeheadedfortheHollandTunnel,
reachedtheJerseyside,andarrivedatLamontCranston’shomeshortlyafternineo’clock.
Mostoftheguestshadarrived.Savettewasgreetedbyhishost.Hewasintroducedtotheothermen,all
ofwhomwerewealthyandinfluential.
“Ihavenotseenyouforsometime,doctor,”remarkedCranston,asthetwowerestandingsidebyside.
“Wherewasitwelastmet?”
“Letmethink,”saidSavetteslowly.“Ah,yes.Iseemtorecallit.Weren’twebothatClarkMurdock’s?”
“ClarkMurdock.”Cranstonseemedpuzzled.“Nowitcomesbacktome.Ihadforgottenthenameof
thatchemistchap.Theonewhohadallthequeerexperiments.Veryinteresting.Iwonderhowheis
progressing.”
“Heisdead,”saidSavette,inatoneofsurprise.“Hislaboratoryblewup.Didn’tyouknowaboutthat,
Mr.Cranston?”
“Iseldomreadthenewspapers,”repliedCranston,inalaughingtone.Thenhiswordsbecamesolemn.“I
amsorrytohearthemandiedbyaccidentalcause.Agreatlosstoscience.Heappearedtohave
discoveredsomethingofvalue.Ithoughtthathewasstillatwork,tryingtodevelopthatmachineofhis.”
Anotherguestinterruptedtheconversation.
ITwasnearingmidnight.Refreshmentswereserved.Whileallwereeating,Cranstonmadean
announcement.
“Thisissomethingofafarewellparty,gentlemen,”hesaid.“Thewanderlusthasseizedmeagain.Iam
leavingfordistantregions,tomorrow.”
Abuzzofinterestarose.LamontCranstonhadagreatreputationasaglobe-trotter.Questionscame.All
wantedtoknowhisplans.
“Myplans?”Cranston’sstaidfacetookonacrypticsmile.“Ihavenone,gentlemen.Igowherethemood
gentlemen.Igowherethemood
seizesme.Africa-India-SouthAmerica.Allarealiketome.Idonotfollowthebeatentrail.
“Aloneandunattended,ImaywalkintothemidstofaSenegambiantribe.Thechiefwillrecognizeme.
Unheralded,ImayappearamongtheancientIndiansofPeru.There,too,mypresenceiswelcome.
“IhavebeentoLassa,theHolyCityofTibet.IhavetrekkedthroughtheSouthAfricanveldt.Ihave
exploredthefarreachesoftheAmazon.Igotoplaceswheremyverynameisunknowntothosewho
recognizeme.
“AlloftheprimitivepeopleswhomImeethavegivenmetheirownname.Translated,Iamknownas
‘ChildoftheMoon,’‘WhiteChief,’‘SmokeMan’-andahostofothercurioustitles.Icarryweapons,but
Iseldomusethem,exceptwhenIamtrackinggame.Isurprisemyprimitivefriendswithconjuringtricks,
tobaccosmoke,simplemedicalpreparations,andotherdeviceswhichIcarrywithme.
“IpossessanaptitudeforlearninganydialectalmostasIhearit.Inthisway,Igetalongwell-evenwith
cannibals,whohaveinvariablyconsideredmeofmorevalueasawisemanthanasakettleofstew.On
myprospectivejourney,Ishallencounteroldfriendsandmakenewones.”
“Youmustrungreatrisks,”observedsomeone.
“Ofcourse,”saidCranston.“Sometime,Ishallnotreturn.Noonewilleverhearofmeagain.Well,that
willbeaninterestingwaytoshakeoffthislife.Iprefertheunusual-indeathaswellasinlife.”
“Youwillbegonelong?”
“Longerthanusual.Icannottelltheexactperiodthatmytripwillcover.Thatdependsuponmyvarying
moods.Onthisoccasion,however,Iamdoingtheunusual.Ihavearrangedmyaffairsfortwoyears-
andIamclosingthisestablishmentforthefirsttime.Theservantsleavetomorrow.”
ThebizarrenotionsofLamontCranstonwerehighlyinterestingtothisgroup.Thesewealthymen
preferredthesecurityofNewYorktothedangersofthejungle.Someoneremarkedtothateffect.
Cranstonlaughedinresponse.
“OneisassafeinthejungleasinNewYork,”hesaid.“Ihavetoldyou,gentlemen,thatIamalways
preparedforastrangefate.Itcouldovertakemehere,inthishouse,aswellasinaforeignclime.Thatis
oneoftheodditiesoflife.
“Theparachutejumperdiesfromafalldownashortflightofsteps.Themanwhocatchesrattlesnakes,
diesfromthebiteofamadpoodle.Ithasbeensoalways.Achilles,famouswarrior,wasslainfroman
arrowshotintheheel.Pyhrrus,thegreatgeneral,perishedfromatilewhichawomandroppeduponhis
head.”
Astheconversationcontinued,DoctorSavettefoundhimselftakinganincreasedinterestinLamont
Cranston’sstatements.Themantalkedimpressivelyandmanyofhiswordswereinterpretedbythe
physicianinanunusualway.
Astheguestsbegantodepart,Savettelingered.Hehadbeenhearingmanychanceremarksthat
indicatedCranston’sgreatwealth.Hewasloathtoleave.
Atlast,Savettewastheonlyguestwhoremained.Reluctantly,heturnedtosendaservantforhishat.It
wasthenthatCranstonrestrainedhim.
“Iforgotthatyouarrivedlate,doctor,”hesaid.“Onthataccount,youwerenotherewhenIshowedmy
friendsmyden.Itwillbedisarrangedtomorrow.Canyouwaitafewminutes-longenoughtoviewit?I
canassureyouthatyouwillfinditinteresting.”
“Certainly,”saidSavette.
CRANSTONledthewaytoabackroomonthesecondfloor.Despitehissophistication,Savettewas
astonishedatthesightbeforehim.
LamontCranstonhadcollectedmanycurios.HuntingspearsfromtheAmazon;tigerheadsfromIndia;
oddtapestriesfromChina.Thedenwasaveritablemuseum;butitpossessedunusualfeatureswhich
impressedSavette.
Everyobjecthadahistory.ThistapestryhadhungintheimperialpalaceatPeking.Thislotabowlwas
Peking.Thislotabowlwas
thegiftofaHindufakirinBenares.ThatriflewasapresentfromasquatBoerwhohadcarrieditagainst
theBritishinSouthAfrica.Skins,rugs,silkenropes-allwerespreadabouttheroominabundance.
“Marvelous!”exclaimedSavette,ashelistenedtoCranston’sbriefexplanationsofwhattheobjects
signified.
“Marvelous,tonight-yes,”declaredCranston.“Tomorrow-justsomanymoreitemsinstorage.Thatis
myoneregret,doctor.Ihatetoseetheseobjectsputaway.”
“Idonotblameyou.”
Cranstondetectedaglowinthephysician’seyes.Hebecamethoughtful;thenspokeinaquiettone.
“Perhapsyouwouldliketokeepsomeofthesetrifles,”hesaid.“Ifso,youarewelcometoanyofthem
forwhichyoumayhaveaplace.”
“Icouldnotthinkofit!”exclaimedSavette.
“Whynot?”askedCranston.
“Iwouldberesponsiblefortheirsafety,”rejoinedthephysician.“Supposethatsomethinghappenedto
themwhile-”
“Whatofit?”Cranston’stonewascareless.“Somethingmighthappentotheminstorage.Particularlythe
skinsandrugs.Iwouldprefertoleavethemwithsomeonelikeyourself.Someonewhowould
appreciatethem.
“Ihavehadseveralfriendsinmind,but,unfortunately,allareoutoftown.Theseguestsofminetonight-
wealthy,butnotappreciative.Theybuywhattheywant.Letthem.Youaretheonlyonewhohas
expressedrealadmirationfortheseobjects.”
Cranstonpressedabuttononthewall.Hisvaletcametotheroom.
“Richards,”saidCranston,“wheredidyouleavethatlargeemptybox.Theheavyone,youknow-”
“Inthedownstairshallway,sir,”respondedthevalet.
“Comealong,”suggestedCranstontoSavette.“Ihavetheverythingweneed.”
HEledthephysiciantothehallbelow.There,attherearofthehallway,stoodalargeboxwitha
door-likefront,triple-lockedwithpadlocks.Cranstonthumpeditinandouttoshowitssolidity.
“Thisistheverything,”hesaid.“Iamserious,doctor.Iwouldconsideritbothafavorandanhonorif
youwouldprovideacomfortablehomeforsomeofmyrugsandskins.Addafewofthemoreinteresting
trophiesifyouwish.
“Iamgoingawayforalongtime.Imaynevercomeback.Iattachnostringstomyoffer.
“WhenIreturnfrommypresenttrip,Ishallhaveasupplyofnewcuriosthatwillbelargerthantheold
collection.Largerandofmorerecentinterest.”
“Youareleavingfortwoyears?”askedSavette.
“Possibly,”saidCranston.“Itmightinterestyoutoknowmymethod,doctor.Manypersonshave
wonderedhowImanagemyaffairswhileIamaway.Itisverysimple.”
Heleanedagainstthebox,andpointedupward,towardthesecondfloor.
“WhenIleavehere,”hesaid,“theonlyluggagethatIcarryisalarge,heavyportmanteausuitcase.Ido
notknowwhetherIamgoingtothetropicsorthefrozennorth.IbuythearticlesIneed-trunksandall-
whenIreachmydestination.IdisposeofthembeforeIreturn,soIhavenomorebaggagereturningthan
going.
“Mysuitcasecontainssomepetobjects,ofcoursemyfavoriterevolver,afewbooks,otherarticlesthatI
amsuretoneed,andmaynotbeabletoobtainwhereIamgoing.Moreimportant,however,aremy
draftsandnegotiablefunds.Icarryasupplyofgold,ofcourse.Allthatreferstomytravelingaffairs.
“ButmyaffairshereinNewYorkaresoarrangedthatIcanconductthemasIchoose.Myresources
areverylarge.Ihaveanoldfamilylawyer-alolling,stupidfellow-whoisjustthemanIrequire.He
themanIrequire.He
knowsnothing,excepthowtofollowdirections.
“IfImakeoutchecksandmailthemtoNewYorkorelsewhere,theyarehonoredasifIwerehere.I,
alone,knowwhereIkeepmyaccounts.IfInotifymylawyertodeliversecuritiesorothervaluables,he
doesasItellhim.ThusIcanwatchtheriseandfallofthemarket,nomatterwhereIam,andact
accordingly.”
“Thenyoureallyrelyonnoone,”saidSavette.“Thatis,uponnoonebutyourself?”
“No,indeed,”correctedCranston.“Isometimeswritetofriends.Forinstance,Imightwritetoyouandto
Bartram,mylawyer,atthesametime.Mylettertoyouwouldrequestyoutoobtainonehundredshares
ofacertainstockfromBartram,tosellthemonacertainday,andtodepositthemoneytomyaccountin
acertainbank.”
“AndBartramwouldgivemethestocks?”
“Certainly,whenyouidentifiedyourself.Mylettertohimwouldverifythat.He
“Certainly,whenyouidentifiedyourself.Mylettertohimwouldverifythat.Heisjustanofficeboy.I
keephim”-Cranstonlaughed-“chieflytobeonhandtosettlemyestateifIshoulddiewhileIam
away.”
“Remarkable!”exclaimedSavette.
“Remarkable,butverysimple,”saidCranston.“Iliketodothingsmyownway.Onetime,inSan
Francisco,Imetanoldschoolmatewhoneededtwenty-fivethousanddollars.Thebankwouldgranthim
theloanifhehadsecurity.SoIwiredBartramtosendhimfortythousanddollars’worthofcertainbonds.
Bartramhadneverheardoftheman.Thatdidnotmatter.Hesentthebonds.”
“Amazing!”saidSavette.“Ishouldthinkthatyouwouldbebesetbyswindlers-”
“Never,”saidCranston.“Idonotspeakofmyaffairstocrooks,doctor.Infact,youareoneofthevery
smallnumberofpersonswhoknowanythingatallaboutmymethods.Ihaveacompleterecordofmy
assetsinmysuitcase.
“Rightnow”-Cranstonspokecalmly-“Icouldraisethreemilliondollars,throughmybanksandthrough
Bartram.Allonthestrengthofmysignature,bymail.”
“Haveyouexperiencedanylossesthroughthisloosesystem?”
“Itisnotaloosesystem.Itisatightone.Iknowmyownaffairs.Ikeepmyownrecords.Ilendmoney,I
trustpeople.Iusegoodjudgment.
“Onemanfailedtorepayadebtoffivehundreddollars.Ilostothersmallamounts.Lessthanathousand,
alltogether.Thatprovesmywisdominmymethod.
“Icouldleavetonight.Walkupstairs,takemybag,andstepoutofthishouse.Allright.Notrouble.Asa
matteroffact,IshallnottouchthatbaguntilIleave,sometimetomorrownight.”
“Whattimeareyouleaving?”
“Idon’tevenknowthat.WhenIplease.Butletusgetbacktothecurios.Itistoolatenowforyouto
makeachoice.Theservantsareleavingtomorrowafternoon.Ishallbealonehereintheevening.Ifyou
wish,comeout,andyouandIcanpackwhatyouwant.Youwillhavetoprovidethetrucktocarry
awaythebox.Thatisall.”
“Good,”saidSavette,withatoneofsuddendecision.“Agreatidea,Mr.Cranston.Iacceptyourkind
offer.”
CRANSTONcalledRichards.“Whenareyoupackinguptheden?”heasked.
“Yousaiddayaftertomorrow,sir,”saidRichards.“Everythingelsegoesouttomorrow.Iamtoreturn
laterto-”
“That’sright,”observedCranston.“Ihadforgotten.Tomorrow,Richards,movethisboxupstairs.Doctor
Savetteiscoming.HeandIwillpacksomeofthecurios,andatruckwillcometotakeit.Youpack
whateverisleft,andsendittothatspecialstoragehouse.”
“Verygood,sir.”
“Let’ssee,now”-Cranstonbecamethoughtful-“youandalltheservantswillbeawaytomorrownight
-”
“AllexceptStanley,sir.Hewillbeheretodriveyoutothestation.”
“Icandothat,Mr.Cranston,”observedSavette.
“Surely,surely,”saidCranston.“TellStanleyhecango,also,Richards.Thatwillbeagreathelp,doctor.
Sendatruck.Weshallpacktheboxandletthementakeit.Thenwecanputmyportmanteauinyour
car.Atthattime”-helaughedashespoke-“IshalldecidewhattrainIintendtotake,whatrailroadit
willbeon,andwhereIamgoing.”
Thisarranged,Savettenoticedthelatenessofthehour,anddecidedthathemustbeleaving.Cranston
accompaniedhisvisitortothedoor,andwarmlybadehimgoodnight.
DrivingbacktowardManhattan,DoctorGeraldSavettesmiledinglee.Ashortchucklecluckedfromhis
leanlipsashereviewedallthatLamontCranstonhadsettledandsaid.
Savettehadfoundaperfectscheme.Hehadwaitedwiselybeforeformulatinghisfinalcrime.Soonhe
andhiscompanionswouldrollinunexpectedwealth.
NotevenTheShadowwasamenacenow!
CHAPTERXVII.THEPLANWORKS
ATnineo’clockthenexteveningDoctorSavetteagainarrivedatLamontCranston’shome-exactly
twenty-fourhoursafterhisfirstvisittothemillionaire’smansion.
Henoted,ashecameupthedrive,thatonlyasinglelightwasburninginthehouse.Savettechuckled.He
thoughtofawirethathehaddispatchedlastnighttoGlendale.
Thephysicianwasforcedtoringthebelltwicebeforethedoorwasopened.ItwasLamontCranston
whoanswered.Themillionairesmiledwanly.
“Iameverythingtonight,”hesaid.“IamtakingtheplaceofRichards.Iwasupstairsinthedenwhenyou
rang.Haveyouarrangedforatruck?”
“Itwillbehereinhalfanhour.”
“Good.Iwanttoleaveaboutten.”
Themenwentupstairs.Theyenteredtheden.Cranstonpuffedashenotedthattheroomwaswarm.
“Takeoffyourcoat,doctor,”hesaid.“Iamgoingtoputyoutowork.”
Savettecompliedwiththesuggestion.Cranstonremovedhisowncoat.Investsandshirtsleeves,they
walkedabout,lookingatthevariousobjects.Savettepointedoutdifferentrugsandskins.Healso
selectedafewotherobjects.
Together,themenpiledthearticlesintothebigbox,whichstoodjustwithinthedoor.Cranstonpeered
intotheinteriorasSavettewasarrangingit.
“Itlookslikeapaddedcell,”hesaidwithalaugh.“Haveyouhadanyexperiencewiththem,doctor?”
Savettechuckledandgruntedanincoherentreplyinresponse.Cranston’shandwasrestingonthechair
wherethephysician’scoatlay.Hehappenedtobringitintothelight.Thegleamofmetalshowed
ofmetalshowed
momentarily;thenCranston’shanddropped.
DoctorSavetteturnedfromthebox.Helookedabouttheroomwiththeairofaconnoisseur;then
strokedhischin,reflectively.
“Ithinkthatwilldo,”heobserved“Myroomisverysmall.Icertainlyappreciateyourkindness,Mr.
Cranston.”
“Don’tmentionit,”saidthemillionaire.
“Nowweareready,”declaredthephysician,puttingonhiscoat.LamontCranstonalsodonnedhisouter
garment.
“Imustgetmyportmanteau,”saidCranston.
Hewalkedacrossthehallwayanddisappearedforamoment.Hecameback,luggingaheavysuitcase
whichhesetdownwithathump.
“Allready,”heannounced.“Letusclosethebigbox;thenwecanseeifthetruckmenarehere.”
ThemillionairestoopedbeforetheboxSavettelookedattheman’sfaceinthelight.
Cranstonwascomparativelyyoung,buthisfaceseemedratherold.Itwasalmostmasklike,thephysician
noted,asthoughhisfeatureswereformedfromanartificialmold-asmoothsurfaceoveravisage
beneath.
Thephysician’shandswereinhiscoatpockets.Theymovedrestlessly;thenpausedasCranstonstepped
awayfromtheboxandturnedtowardhim.
“SUREyoudonotwanttotakemore?”questionedthemillionaire.“Thisboxwillholdagreatdeal-”
“Itisratherwellfilled,”saidSavette.
“Listen!”Cranstonhelduphishandforsilence.“Canthatbethetruckyouordered?”
“Iexpectso,”saidSavette.“Ileftwordforittopullupoutsideandwait.”
“Iexpectso,”saidSavette.“Ileftwordforittopullupoutsideandwait.”
“Perhapsyouhadbettermakesure,”saidCranston.“Wait-Icangodownstairs.”
Heturnedtowardthedooroftheden,butSavettestoppedhim.
“Wemightaswellclosetheboxfirst,”hesaid.“Doyouhavethekeysforthepadlocks?”
Cranstonfumbledinhispockets.
“Heretheyare.”Hebroughtoutabunchofkeysandtossedthemtothephysician.“Ishalltrythemto
makesure.”
Heunlockedeachoftheclosedpadlocks.Then,asanafterthought,hewalkedaboutthebox,thumpingit
heavily.
“Excellent,”hesaid.“Nochanceofbreakage,nomatterhowroughlyitmaybehandled.”
Savettewascomingcloser,asthoughtoassistintheexaminationofthebox.
Savettewascomingcloser,asthoughtoassistintheexaminationofthebox.Cranstonagainturnedaway
andwentoutintothehall.Hekickedhisportmanteauwithhisfoot.
“That’sallpacked,”hesaid.“Wearereadytogo.IjustwanttomakesurethatIhaveeverything.”
Hecamebackafterafewmoments’inspectioninanotherroom.Reachingtheden,hepickedupalight
taboretthatstoodnearthebox.Ithadadeeptop,anditsoctagonalinteriorwaslargeenoughtocontain
aconsiderablequantityofarticles.
“Areyousureyoudon’twantthis?”quizzedCranston.“Itwouldfitnicelyinthebox.Nochanceofits
breaking.Withthewaythosesidesarepadded,Icouldtakeatripintheboxmyself,withoutmindingit.”
“Well,”saidSavettethoughtfully,“Imighttakeit-no,Idon’tbelieveso.”
Cranstonplacedthetaboretbesidethebox.Again,Savettemovedcloser.Oncemore,Cranstonturned
away.Hiseyesweresteadyashestaredatthephysician.
“Whatisthematter,doctor?”hequestioned.“Youappeartobeatriflepale.Areyoufeelingfaint?I
youfeelingfaint?I
know-itisthestuffinessofthisroom.Come-letusgodownstairsandseeifthetruckisthere.Thefresh
airwilldoyougood.”
Savettewasnervinghimselfforaquickaction.Thislastsuggestioninterferedwithhisplans.Hegavea
suddengasp,andbegantostagger.Cranstonturnedtohiminconsternation.
“Letmehelpyou,doctor-”
HeheldouthisarmsasSavettestaggeredagainsthim.Withhisrighthand,thephysicianclutched
Cranston’sshoulder.Hislefthand,unseenbythemillionaire,creptstealthilyfromhispocket.
Upwarditmoved,alongCranston’ssteadyingarm.
Atinymetalobjectgleamedinthephysician’shand.Withaquickmotion,hesteadiedhimselfanddrove
thepointofahypodermicneedleintoLamontCranston’srightarm.
Themillionaireutteredasuddenexclamation.HisfacetookonastartledexpressionasSavettestaggered
away.
Thenthemillionairesawthefiendishgleamthatwasspreadingoverthephysician’sface.Hecametoward
Savette,withanunexpectedfury.Hishandswentforthephysician’sthroat.Theevilmanhadunmasked
himselftoosoon.
Cranston’sfingerscaughtthevillain’sneck.AringpressedhardagainstSavette’sthroat.Thenthesudden
holdbegantoweaken.SavetteshovedCranstonaway;themillionairestaggeredbackward,toppled,and
fell,hisshoulderstrikingthefrontedgeofthebox.
Therehelay,helpless,withoutmotion.Savette,histeethtogether,andhisfistsclenched,stoodabovethe
prostratebodyandspatlow,furiousoaths.
HewasrecallingstatementsthatCranstonhadmadelastnightandtonight.Heutteredthemnow,with
evilsatisfaction.Hecarednotthattheunconsciousmancouldnothear.
“Goingawayforalongtrip,eh?”snarledSavette.“Maynevercomeback.Dangersstrikeanywhere-
here,aslikelyasinthejungle.Fillthebox,eh?Withataboret-packedsoit
here,aslikelyasinthejungle.Fillthebox,eh?Withataboret-packedsoitcan’tbreak.Youwouldn’t
mindtakingatripinityourself.
“Wellyoucan.”Savette’svoicebecameahideouschuckle.“Yes,takeatrip.Youaredead,Cranston.
Dead.Forforty-eighthours,sofarasIamconcerned.Buttotheworld,youwillbedeadforever.Dead
-whenIchoosetosaytheword.Deadmensometimeslive-foratime.Youareonewhowilllive,until
yourusefulnessisended!”
SAVETTEexaminedthehypodermic.Satisfiedthathehadgivenhisvictimthefullcharge,hedropped
thesyringebackinhispocket.Stooping,hetumbledthemillionaire’sbodyintothebox.Theform
seemedstiffandinertasthefiendhuddleditamongthepaddingrugs.
Savettestoodbackandsurveyedhishandiwork.Heclosedthedooroftheboxandappliedthethree
heavypadlocks.Hepushedthetaboretalittletooneside.Thenheturnedtothehall.Hewent
downstairs,carryingCranston’sportmanteauwithhim.
Outontheporch,thephysiciangavealowwhistle.Twomencamefromatruckparkedinthedarkness.
parkedinthedarkness.
Savettegavethematerseorder.
“Upstairs,”hesaid.“Bringdownthebigboxfromthelightedroom.”
Whilethemenwereontheway,Savetteplacedtheportmanteauinhiscar.Hewaiteduntilthemen
broughtoutthelargeboxandplaceditonthetruck.Hewavedhishandasasignal,andthetruckmen
droveaway.
DoctorSavettewentbackintothehouse.Hewalkeduptotheden,andlaughedashelookedatthe
taboret.Itwasavaluablearticle,butnotsovaluableastheonethathehadtakeninitsplace.Hepicked
upthetaboretandsetitinacorner.Thetopfloppedopen.Savettenotedthattheinteriorwasempty.
Heturnedoutthelightintheden.Heextinguishedotherlightsonthesamefloor.Hedidthesamewhen
hereachedthedownstairshall.Heclosedthebigfrontdoor,latchingitbehindhim.
Richardswouldbehereinthemorning.Hewouldfindnothingoutoforder.Allofthefurniturehadbeen
removed;onlythefewarticlesthatwereinthedenremainedforthevalettoclearaway.
WhenDoctorSavettereachedhishomeinNewYork,hecarriedLamontCranston’sportmanteau
upstairswithhim.Heopenedthesuitcaseeagerly.Hewentthroughitscontentswithexcitedfingers.
Herewerethearticleshewanted!Checkbooks,lists,andotherobjectsofimportance.Savettefound
goldandnegotiablenotestothevalueoftwothousanddollars.Buthepushedthesevaluablesasidein
contempt.Whatweresuchtrifles?Thissuitcasewouldbethemeansofmakingmillions!
Money!Hewouldhaveitnow.ThefirmofSavetteandTremont,withtheirRussianpartner,Orlinov,
wouldteemwithsuresuccess.LamontCranston’swealthwouldbethebasisofmanymillionsmore!
Curbinghiscriminalemotions,Savetteclosedtheportmanteauandplaceditinacorner.Hebeganto
consideramildersubject,thesimplematterofashortvacation.Savetteleanedbackinsatisfactionashe
restedinhiseasy-chair.
He,too,wouldgotoGlendale.There,LamontCranston,underthesubtletreatmentofIvanOrlinov,
wouldbeinducedtodisgorgehiswealth,atthebiddingofhiscaptors!
CHAPTERXVIII.ORLINOV’STHREAT
ITwaslongpastmidnight.Orlinov’sgraycastlestoodbleakandbarreninthefloodingmoonlight.Its
stonewallsweredeserted;yetitssullenbattlementsandsturdytowersspokeofhiddenmen-at-arms,
readytoriseshouldtherampartsbethreatenedbyanenemy.
Aheavytruckglideduptothemassivegatethatborethehalf-defacedname“Glamartin.”Thelights
clickedoffandon.Inresponsetothesignal,thegateopened,andastockymansteppedoutandwalked
tothesideofthebigvehicle.
Thewatcherhadrecognizedthetruckmenwhowerebringinganewshipmenttothecastle.Allthree-
twotruckmenandonewatcher-werehandpickedgorillasintheserviceofBiffTowley.
Thetruckpassedon.Thegateclangedbehindit.Thetruckstoppedinfrontofthestonebuilding.Men
camefromthedoor.Stronghandsunloadedtheheavyboxfromthetruck.Throughthedoorwentthe
box,intothehallway,thentothesecurityofOrlinov’slivingroom.
Thehandlersnoticedtheheavyfasteningsofthebox,itslongpivothinge,itssolidpadlocks.Theburden
restedonthefloorastheysurveyedit.Thenthemenleft,lockingthedooroftheroom.
Therewasnolightinthelivingroom,savethedyingglowofembersinthefireplace.Themysteriousbox
loomedlargeinthevaguelight.Theonlytokensofactivityweretheflickering,changingshadowsthat
waveredacrossthefloorinresponsetothefaintglowfromthelargefireplace.
Strangeshadowsinastrangeroom!Shadowsthatvariedwiththedyingofthecoals.Shadowsthatflitted
likeghostly,goblinshapes.Shadowsthatwereunreal,yetshadesthatseemedpossessedofanuncanny
life.
Thefaintcracklingoftheembers;theoccasionalcreakingofthefloor;theseweretheonlysoundswithin
thatroom.Then,shadowsandsoundstookonamoreeerietrend.Theywerevagueanduncertainasthe
firelightdwindledalmostintonothingness.
firelightdwindledalmostintonothingness.
Onemighthavethoughtthatelfinfootfallswerecreepingthroughthatroom,thattheheavydoorthatled
tothehallhadopened,andthenclosed.
Inthemysterywingofthehouse,alonegangsterpatrolledthedim,lengthycorridor.Hisvigiltookhim
fromthesecondfloortothefirst;thenbackuptothesecond.
Ontheupperstory,hestoppedfrequentlytoliftupsquarepanelsinthecentersofcertaindoors,tomake
surethatnolightsglimmeredfromtheroomswithin.
Callousedandunimaginative,thiswatchmanwasunperturbedbythecreakingofthefloorbeneathhis
feet,andthestrange,grotesqueshadowsthatheencounteredinthegloomylight.Fantasticsilhouettesdid
notimpresshissordidmind.
Hewasalert,butcalmlyso,ashepatrolledhiscourse.Reachingtheendofthecorridor,heturnedand
wentbackovertheroutethathehadcoveredbefore.
WITHINaveritablecellroom,CliffMarslandlayhalfawakeuponacornercouch.Theflickerofdim
lightpassedoverhiseyesasthewatchinghoodlumliftedthepanelinthedoorthatledtothehall.Then
thepanelclosed.
Ashorttinelater,Cliffopenedhiseyes,fancyingthatanotherbeamofilluminationhadstrayedintothe
room.Thenhefeltthathemusthavebeenmistaken,forallremaineddarkbythedoor.
Cliffpitchedrestlessly.Hewasweariedbythiscaptivity.Hehadfoundhimselfinthisroom,weakand
pepless,afterhehadrecoveredfromtheeffectsofthehypojabbedintohisarm.
Hehadremainedherealongwhile-weeks,itseemed-andhisjailershadbeenuncommunicative.
Actually,Cliffrealized,hisconfinementhadbeenamatterofdaysonly;buttimehadpasseddully.
Hehadeatenthefoodthatwasfurnishedhim.Hedidnotfearpoisonforheknewhewascompletelyin
thepowerofhiscaptors.Hehadrealizedthathehadbeenreceivingamildopiateforhehadconstantly
lackedstrengthsincehiscapture.
Evennow,althougharousedanddisgruntled,Cliffcouldnotovercomethedrowsinessthatgrippedhim.
Hisrestlessnessended.Heslept.
Shaftsofmorninglightflungamelancholyglarethroughthehigh,glass-barredslitsthatservedas
windowsinCliff’sprison.Thecaptiveawokeandagain-asonpreviousmornings-realizedhisplight.
CliffwasinthesamepredicamentasthoseothermenwhomOrlinovhadshownhim.Hewasoneofthe
deadwholived.
Cliffraisedhisheadandadjustedhispillow,preparingforanotherdoze.Hishandstrucksomething.He
raisedthepillow;thenquicklydroppeditwhilehestaredtowardthedooroftheroomtomakesurethat
noonewaswatchinghim.
Beneathhispillowwasapocket-modelautomaticpistol!Halfdazed,Cliffrememberedavaguefitof
wakefulnessduringthenight,followedbyahazydreamthatsomeonewasintheroom.Herosequickly
fromhisbedanddressed.
Withanotherglanceatthedoor,heraisedthepillow,halfexpectingtofindnothingthere.Hehadnot
beenmistaken.Hishandclutchedagun.
Apocket.32,flatasabook,itsmagazineloadedtoeight-cartridgecapacity.Standingbythebed,Cliff
slippedthehandyweaponintohishippocket.Withtherevolverwasaboxofcartridges.Hedropped
thisintheotherpocket.Also,hesawanenvelope.
Withhisbacktowardthewall,Cliffremovedamessagefromtheenvelope.Itwaswrittenincode,inink.
Itborethesewords,asClifftranslatedthem.
Keyonledgeofwindow.Beinreadinesstonight.Actifshots
arefired.Otherwisewaituntilmidnight.Thentakecontrolofupper
wing.
AmessagefromTheShadow!Cliffwaselated.Somehow,hisleaderhadmanagedtopenetratetothis
isolatedspot;tobringhimaweapon;toleavehiminstructions.Cliffunderstood.
isolatedspot;tobringhimaweapon;toleavehiminstructions.Cliffunderstood.Heslippedhishandto
thewindowledge,foundthekey,andleftitthere.
Sometimetonight,TheShadowintendedtoopenanattack.Fiendsofcrimewouldmeettheirmatch,
elsewhereinthisstrange,castle-likeabode.Thiswingwouldbeunderguard.ItwasCliff’sappointed
tasktospringasurpriseattack,togaincontrolofthewing,andholditforwhateverpurposeThe
Shadowintended.
ThusTheShadowwouldstrikefromtwodirections.Hehimselfwouldcomefromwithout;Cliff
Marslandwouldhammerfromwithin.
Thisplacewasavitalspot.Cliff,byasortie,couldcontrolthewingforTheShadow,andthusprotect
theotherprisoners.
Cliffforesawastruggleagainstgiantodds,andthethoughtelatedhim.Heknewwellthathecouldhardly
hopetofighthiswaysafetyfromthisplace,withnearlyascoreofenemiestoblockhispath.Butwith
TheShadowbeatingdowntheopposition,matterswerequitedifferent.TheShadowalonewasmatch
Shadowalonewasmatch
forhalfahundredhoodlums.
CLIFFpondered.Apistolshotwastobethesignal.Hedoubtedthathecouldhearit.Thenhe
rememberedtheexactwordingofthemessage,whichhaddisappearedfromthesheetofpaperhehad
read.
Ifshotsarefired-
TheShadow,shouldheopenanattack,wouldmeetwithacannonadefromOrlinov’shenchmen.Cliff
wouldhearthat,surely.TherewasalsothepossibilityofTheShadowwaitinguntilmidnight.
Cliffknewtheexactnessofhismysteriouschief.Midnightwouldbethezerohour,ifnothingtranspired
beforethen.Cliffburiedtheenvelopewithinthepagesofabook.Hethrustthepaperwithsomeother
sheets.Hesatdowninachairandpuffedatanunlightedcigarette.Hewasallowednomatcheshere.
Thedooropened,andPetristeppedin,carryingatrayofbreakfast.Clifflookedstupidlytowardthe
solemn-facedRussian.HeknewthatPetriwasbackedbyamobsterinthe
solemn-facedRussian.HeknewthatPetriwasbackedbyamobsterinthecorridor.
HeatehisbreakfastafterPetrihadgone.Hedrankbutlittleofthecoffeefurnishedhim,forhewas
convincedthatitwasdoped.
Thedayworeon.Asecondmealatnoon.Cliffbusiedhimselfreadingvariousbooksthatwereinthe
room.Alongafternoondraggedby.Dinner.Thenevening.
Now,Cliffwastense.Herealizedwellthesecurityofhisposition.Therewasnothinginthisroomthat
couldbeusedasaweapon,savethegunthathehadobtainedwithouttheknowledgeofhiscaptors.It
wassafelytuckedinhispocket.OrlinovandPetriweretheonlyoneswhohadkeystothisroom.Any
searchoftheprisonerwouldbeunnecessary.
Duringtheday,CliffhadcometotheconclusionthatTheShadowmusthaveworkedthroughoneof
Orlinov’shenchmen.HedidnotbelievethatTheShadowcouldbehere;norwasitlikelythathehadsent
anotheroperativetothecastle.
Tonight,TheShadowwouldattackfromwithout,knowingthatCliffwouldbeonhandtotakechargein
thevitalsectionofthecastle.ItwouldnotbeaquestionofClifffightingfree;itwouldbeTheShadow’s
worktobattlehiswayinward.
Eighto’clockarrived,thennineneared.Cliffwasanxiousandonedge.Whilehewastryingtomaintain
hiscomposure,hesawthedoormove.Itopened.InsteppedIvanOrlinov
ItwaswithdifficultythatCliffrestrainedhimselffromaction.Hemighthaveoverpoweredthebearded
Russianbyaquickencounter,buthedeemeditbesttowait.HemustnotspoilTheShadow’swell-laid
plans.
ORLINOVwalkedtowardCliffandstoodglaringathim.Thebig,beardedmanwasamenacingfigure.
Cliffmethissparklinggazewithcalmness.Hesawoneofthemobsmeninthebackground,holdinga
revolverinreadiness.
Thiswasatimefortact.YetCliffwasperturbed.Hefearedthatsomethingmusthavegoneawry;that
Orlinovhadlearnedthateventswerescheduledfortonight.
“Marslandt,”growledOrlinov,inhisdeepbass,“Ihaffcomeheretospeakwithyou.Itisswisethatyou
shouldtellmetingsthatIhaffnotyetaskedtoknow.”
Cliffmadenoreply.Hestaredcoldlytowardhisinquisitor.Hewastemptedtodrawhisautomatic,but
knewthatsuchactionwouldprovokeacrisis.ItwasnotuntiltheRussianspokeagainthatClifffully
understoodtheimportofhisvisit.
“Youhaffcomehere,”Orlinovdeclared,“tomaketroublebecausesomeonehasssentyou.Weknow
whoitisswhohasssentyou.HeisscalledTheShadow.”
Thespeakerpaused,andhisharsheyesshonefuriouslyasheadvanced.
“Youwilltellus,”hehissed.“Youwilltellus,Marslandt.WhoissTheShadow?”
“IknownothingofTheShadow,”Cliffanswered.
“Weshallsee,”declaredOrlinov,inanominousgrowl.“Letmetellyouthis
“Weshallsee,”declaredOrlinov,inanominousgrowl.“LetmetellyouthisMarslandt.Wehaffways
herethatcanmakeyoutell!”
Heutteredloudwordsinhisnativetongue.ItwasacalltoPetri.ThesecondRussianappearedfromthe
corridor.Inhishandheheldarevolver.
AgainacommandfromOrlinov.Methodically,Petriapproachedandjabbedthemuzzleofhisguninto
Cliff’sback.Orlinovpointedtowardthedoor.PetrinudgedCliffinthatdirection.
Whatdidthismean?
Cliffrealizedthathewasbeingforcedintoapredicamentthatmightproveasdangerousasitwas
unexpected.Hisguardshovedhimintothecorridor;thereagangsterwaited,alsoarmed.Alongthe
corridor,pasttherowsofsilentdoorsthendownthestairstheywent,tothegroundfloor.
Itwastoolatenowtomakeabreakforsafety.TherewasnothingforClifftodobutwait.Atleasthis
captorsdidnotknowthathewasarmed,andtherewouldbenooccasiontosearchhim.
searchhim.
Cliff’searswerekeen,incasetheymighthearthereportofadistantgun-thesignalthatwoulddenote
thearrivalofTheShadow.
Orlinovpassedthelittlegroupwhentheyreachedthefirstfloor.Heunlockedapanelinthewall.The
barrierslidbacktoshowaflightofstairsdescendingintothecellar.
Cliffadvancedwhenheheardtheorder.Heenteredthegloomywellandwentdownthesteps,still
feelingthethreatoftherevolverthatpressedhisback.
PETRIwasavigilantcaptor.NotforoneinstantdidCliffhaveanopportunitytoreachforhisgun.
Hekeptonhiswayuntiltheyreachedastone-walledroomthathadthemustinessofadungeon.Itwas
lightedbyasingleincandescent.Throughadoortheywent,intoanotherroom,whichalsohadasingle
largelamp.
Cliff’slipspressedfirmlytogether.Herealizedthepurposeofthisjourney.They
Cliff’slipspressedfirmlytogether.Herealizedthepurposeofthisjourney.Theyhadreachedaveritable
torturechamber,belowtheground.Atonesidewasaflat,spike-studdedtable.Acrosstheroomstood
acoffin-likecontrivance,upright,withahingeddoor.
Herewasapost,withmanaclesattached;thereayawningpitinthefloor.Cliff’sdestinationwasaspot
againstthewall,wherefourmetalloopsdangledontheendsofropeswhichpassedthroughpulleys.In
anothermoment,Cliffwasbackedagainstthesideoftheroom,withPetri’srevolverpressingthepitof
hisstomach.
NowthegangstermemberofthetriowascoveringCliff.OrlinovstoodbywhilePetristoopedtoattach
thelowerbandstoCliff’sankles.Nextcamethewrists.
Petriwalkedtoonesideandturnedawinch.ItdrewCliff’sbodytowardtheright;astheropewent
upward,hisarmwasraisedabovehishead.
Methodically,Petristrodetowardtheothersideoftheroom,andturnedasecondwinch.Cliff’sleftarm
washoistedforcibly.Hestoodspread-eagledintheclutchesofthelockingbands,whileOrlinov’sblack
bands,whileOrlinov’sblack
faceremainedmotionless.Atlength,thebeardedRussianspoke.
“Yousee?”hequestioned.“Wehaffplacedyouwhereyoucantell.Thisisshowithassbeendonein
Siberia-manyyearsago.Peoplehavefounditwisetospeakwhenthetorturehassbeenclosetothem.”
Hemotionedthegangstertotheotherwinch.WithPetriatoneside,andthegunmanattheother,both
winchescouldbeoperatedsimultaneously.
“Ihaffgivenyouthechance!”hissedOrlinov“Speak!Tellme:WhoissTheShadow?Whathaffyou
knownabouthim?Speak!”
Cliffremainedobdurate.Orlinovsignaledhismen.Theyturnedthewinches.Clifffeltaterrificagonyas
hislimbsbegantodrawfromhisbody.AgesturefromthebeardedRussianstoppedthebarbarous
torture.
“Youhafftastedwhatisstofollow,”saidOrlinov.“Youshallhaffmore-unlessyouspeak-”
Cliff’sanswerwasafuriousscowl.Hewasdeterminedtowithstandthisbarbarity.Orlinovwatchedhim.
Redlipsleeredthroughthejet-blackbeard.AsignfromOrlinov,andthewinchesturnedfarther.
Asthestrainceasedasecondtime,Cliff’smaddenedbrainbegantoformulateaplan.Hewaswillingto
beartheagonyuntilitkilledhim;butthatseemedafutileplan.
HisdutytonightwastoserveTheShadow.Crippledandhelpless,hewouldbeofnouse.Itwasalong
timeuntilmidnight.Hisendurancehadnotyetbeenfullytaxed.Letthemturnthewinchesfarther;thenhe
wouldoffertospeak.
HecouldtellOrlinovofTheShadow-forCliff’sinformationwouldatbestbebarren.Liketheother
agentsofTheShadow,heknewlittleofthemysteriousman’sways.Yes,thatwasthebestcourse:to
holdout;thenpretendtocryformercy.
WhileCliffMarslandwasthusplanning,Orlinov,too,wasscheming.Hewasamasterofthealmost
extinctartoftorture.HeintendedtoletCliffMarslandsufferawhile;thentoeasehim,thathemight
easehim,thathemight
experiencethetemporaryreliefthatwouldmakethethoughtoffurtherbarbarityunendurable.
Itwasabattleofwits,withOrlinovthemaster.ThehugeRussianhadlookedforwardtothishour,ever
sinceCliffhadbeenmadeaprisoner.Athisurging,Tremonthadgivenhimfreerein.
WhetherTheShadowwasaliveordead,IvanOrlinovwouldforcestatementsfromthelipsofhis
helplessagent.Suchworkwasapleasuretothebeardedfiend.TheRussianspokeinhisnativetongue,
andPetrinoddedunderstanding.
Thegrimgamebeganagain.Thewinchestautenedtheropes.CliffMarslandsethislips.IvanOrlinov
grinnedinanticipation.Hesawsuccess.
Tonight,hewouldlearnthetruthaboutTheShadow!
CHAPTERXIX.THEMANFROMOUTSIDE
THElightswitchedoninthelivingroomofOrlinov’scastle.GladeTremontenteredandsatdownina
chair.Helightedacigarandstaredthoughtfullyatthelargeboxwhichstood
chair.Helightedacigarandstaredthoughtfullyatthelargeboxwhichstoodbesidethefireplace.
Thegray-hairedlawyerhadundergoneametamorphosisduringthestayatGlendale.Associationwith
IvanOrlinovhadcausedachange.Here,awayfromhisstaidofficeinNewYork,theattorneyhadlost
hismaskofrespectability.Helookedthescoundrelthathewas.
ItappearedfromTremont’sairthathewasexpectingthearrivalofsomeone.Hehadleftthedoorofthe
roomopen.Hiseyeswerewatchingtowardthehall.Thelawyerglancedathiswatch.Heroseandbegan
topacethefloor.
Footstepssoundedinthehall.Tremontwaited.Afigureappeared,andTremontrecognizedDoctor
GeraldSavette.Hewavedawelcometohiscompanionincrime.Therascallyphysicianentered,andthe
twoseatedthemselves.
“Ah!”exclaimedSavette.“Therearemytrophies.”
Hepointedsignificantlytothebox.
“Yes,”saidTremont,withanevilsmile.“Wehavekepttheboxhere,awaitingyourarrival.”
“Itmighthavebeenwisetoopenit.”
“Wediscussedthat,OrlinovandI.Wedecidedtowait,chieflybecausetheboxissuchastrongone.We
knewthatyouwouldhavethekeys.Thecontentsarevaluable,youknow.Itwouldnotbewiseto
damagethembydemolishingthebox.”
“That’strue,”saidSavette.“NousetoyouuntilIarrived.Igavetheusualdeathdose-forty-eighthours.
Thereisplentyoftimeyet.Wecouldwaitanothernight;butIthinkitwouldbebesttoopenthebox
now.”
Hebroughtthekeysfromhispocket;then,asanafterthought,heleftthelivingroomandreturnedwith
LamontCranston’sportmanteau.
“Thisisthemissinglink,”hedeclared.“Itscontentsareasvitalasthoseofthebox.”
box.”
Helaidthesuitcaseonthefloor,andopenedit.Tremontdrewclosetowatchtheexaminationofthe
importantarticlesthatthebagcontained.
“WhereisOrlinov?”askedSavette,ashestartedtoliftsomebooksfromthesuitcase.
“HeisquizzingthismanMarsland,”answeredTremont.“Theyaredownstairs-belowground-inthe
wingofthehouse.”
Savetteutteredasharpexclamationashedroppedabookuponthefloor.Hestoodupandfaced
Tremont,anannoyedlookuponhisface.
“That’samistake!”hedeclared“Abadmistake,Glade!Nothingcanbegained.Somethingmaybelost!”
“How?”
“Marslandwon’ttalk.Probablyhecan’ttalk.YouknowenoughofTheShadow’swaystorealizethat.
WeareonlykeepingMarslandherebecausewehavenotyetgainedpositiveevidencethatTheShadow
isdead.”
“OrlinovhasbeenanxioustotestMarsland,”declaredTremont.“Itoccurredtomethathemightlearn
somethingofvaluethatwouldenableustotraceTheShadow’slair-toassureourselvesthatthe
dangerousmanisreallydead.”
“Thefellowwillresist,”warnedSavette.“Orlinovmaycarrythetorturetoofar.Hewilllearnnothing,and
Marslandmaydie.ThenitwouldbeourillfortunetofindTheShadowaliveandactive.Ourhostage
wouldbegone;andwewouldhavearevengefulenemy.”
Tremontlaughed.
“Don’tworryaboutOrlinov,”hesaid.“Ivanisacraftsmanintorture.Hewillnotoverdoit.Hehandleshis
victimsasacatplayswithamouse.WhenheproposedtortureforMarsland,Iagreed.Iwantedtosee
howhewouldsucceedwithsuchaclose-mouthedfellow.
“Hetellsmethathewillworktobreaktheman’sendurance.Easily,slowly-
“Hetellsmethathewillworktobreaktheman’sendurance.Easily,slowly-thenaperiodofreliefthatis
worsethanthetortureitself.OrlinovswearshewillmakeMarslandtalk.Heisgoingaboutitbydegrees.
Sothereisnocauseforalarm.Ourprecioushostagewillnotdie-atleastnottonight.”
SAVETTEpondered,thenshruggedhisshoulders.Afterall,torturewasOrlinov’sstockintrade.Savette
recalledtheefficacyofthebeardedRussian’smethods.
“IfMarslandgivesout,”addedTremont,“Orlinovwillstopfortonight.Ifhegivesinunderthestrain,
Orlinovhaspromisedtoletmeknowimmediately.HewillcomeupherewhenMarslandexpresseshis
willingnesstospeak.Wecanbothgodownstairstohearthegrilling.”
“Here’swishingOrlinovluck,”declaredSavette.“It’sgoodpracticeforhim,afterall.Wehaveanew
customerwhomayneedtreatment”-Savettepointedoverhisshouldertothebigbox-“soifOrlinov
experimentswithMarslanditmaydogoodratherthanharm.I’lltakeyourwordforitthatheisusing
discretion.”
“Letmeseewhatyouhavehere,”saidTremont,pointingtotheportmanteau.
“Letmeseewhatyouhavehere,”saidTremont,pointingtotheportmanteau.
ForgettingMarsland’ssituation,Savetteagainstoopedbeforethesuitcaseandbegantopassvarious
articlestoTremont.
“Lookthemover,”grinnedtherenegadephysician.“Thisisagoldmine,Glade.Arealgoldmine.Better
thananythingwehavestruck.Itgivesusallthefundswewant.
“IcaughtCranstonjustashewasleavingforpartsunknown,tobegonefortwoyears.Heisnowadead
manwhowilllive-andpeoplewillnotknowitforawhile,solongashesignshischecksandsendshis
writtenordersforthedispositionofhisavailablewealth.
“Wecantakeitslowlyandwisely.Timeitwiththeprogressofourexperimentshere.Then,whenweare
throughwiththeothers,wewillbethroughwithCranston,too.Hewillgooutwiththerest.”
“Howwillyoucoverhisdeath?”
“Coverit?Bylettersthathehimselfwrites.Ishallgoabroad,Glade.WordwillcomebackthatCranston
comebackthatCranston
isinAfrica,goingtoadangerousregionofthejungle.Itwillbeeasytoplanttheevidence-especially
withCranston’sownletters.Hewillnotcomeback-thatisall.I’mgladIwaitedforthis.Itisthebest
andsafestpropositionthatwehaveyetencountered.”
“Sixmonthsatthemost,”saidTremontthoughtfully.
“Ah!”exclaimedSavette.“Youhavemadenewprogresshere?”
“Allthatcanbedesired,”declaredthelawyer.“Thetelevisionworkisactuallydone.Somethingnewmay
developinit-butithasalreadyexceededourexpectation.Theenergydevicewillrequiremoretimeto
getittothepointwewant.Itisasureproposition,however.Alittletroublewiththeairinventions.That
willbeironedout.”
DoctorSavettestoodup.Hisfacegleamed;helaughedharshly.Silently,hebegantodisplaythearticles
thathehadstolenfromCranston.Checkbooks,withbalancesmarkedinthem.Accountbooks,carefully
preparedindetail.EachitembroughtagruntofsatisfactionfromGladeTremont.
“Iknowthatlawyer,Bartram,”hesaid.“Asoftegg,ifevertherewasone.Helookslikeahuman
jellyfish.Therewillbeeasywaystoworkthis,Gerald.
“SupposeanunknowninventorshowsupinNewYork-amanwithanideaintelevision,forinstance.
Takingupworkthatanotherdropped-throughdeath.Bartramistheninstructedtogivethischapmoney
-”
“Agoodtie-up,”interjectedSavette,asthelawyerpaused.“Thatwillallcomelater.Itisjustacaseof
playingaperfectgame.Thecardsareinourhands.Everythinghasbeensmoothhere.Itwillcontinueto
be-”
Therewasathumpatthedoor.Savettedroppedtheloosearticlesbackintotheportmanteau.He
noddedtoTremont.
“Comein,”calledthelawyer.
BIFFTOWLEYentered.Thegangleaderwashardlyrecognizable.Abroadstripofadhesiveplaster
ofadhesiveplaster
wasacrossthebridgeofhisnose.Hisforeheadandhischeekswerepuffedandblackish.
Towley’sphysiognomywasnotahandsomeoneatbest.WhenTheShadowhadbasheditwiththe
revolverhehadchangedthecontourofthevilecountenance.BiffTowleyhadgoodreasontoremember
thatgunfightontheLongIslandswimmingpier.
Savettestaredcuriouslyatthegangleader.HehadknownofTowley’splight,anditwouldbehiswork
toremaketheshatteredfeaturesafterBiff’sfacehadmendedsomewhat.
“Whatisit?”questionedTremont.
“Justnabbedabozooutfront,”declaredBiff.
TremontlookedatSavette.Bothmenhadthesamethought.TheShadow!Coulditbepossiblethatthe
manstilllived?Orwasthissomeagentwhowastakinguphiswork?
“Bringhimin,”orderedTremont.
“Bringhimin,”orderedTremont.
Biffwentaway.SavettelookedatTremontwithapprehensiveeye.
“Maybeitisjustsomeprowler,”declaredthelawyer.“Wehaveputonstrictguard.Wearetakingno
chancesnow.”
“It’snotagoodideatobringthefellowin,then,”saidSavette.“Ifheisjustsomeonefromthevicinity,he
maytalk-”
“Don’tworryaboutthat,”repliedTremont.“Noonehasarighttrespassingonthisproperty.Ifthisman
appearstoknownothing,Ishallsimplyreprimandhimforenteringthegrounds.Orlinovhasdonethatto
trespassersfrequently.”
Thedooropened,andamanentered.BiffTowleywasrightbehindhim.Thegangleaderwasplayingthe
partofagroundskeeperontheestate.Savettecouldseethathewasholdingarevolverinreadiness.
“Hereheis,sir,”declaredTowley.“IthoughtIhadbetterbringhiminhere,Mr.Tremont,becauseI
foundthisonhim.”
Hetossedasmallautomaticintoachairbesidethelawyer.Tremontpickedupthegunandexaminedit.
Hecalmlyreleasedthesafetylock.Thusarmedwithaloadedpistol,hewasinreadiness,althoughhis
actionappearedtobeperfectlynormal.
ThemanwhomBiffTowleyhadbroughtinwasstandingwithbowedhead.Hisposedidnotmakehim
appearformidable.Tremontutteredaterseorder,biddingTowleytoleave.Thegangleaderretired,
leavinghisprisonerunderTremont’sguard.
“Well?”hequestionedharshly.
Themanraisedhishead.Simultaneously,gaspsofastonishmentcamefrombothTremontandSavette.
Thenthegray-hairedlawyerchuckled,andthephysicianjoinedwitharaspylaugh.
“HaroldSharrock!”saidthelawyer,inasarcastictone.“Justthemanwehavewanted.Walkedrightinto
seeus.Excellent!”
Sharrock,tallandweak-chinned,staredinastupefiedmannerashefacedhiscaptors.Heseemedtobe
makinganefforttobebold,withoutsucceeding.
GladeTremont’schuckletrailedintoadwindlinglaughthatbodednogoodforthisunexpectedvisitor.
HaroldSharrockhadcomefromtheoutside.Whatwashispurposehere?
Thathewouldpresentlyexplain.GladeTremont’sgrimgazeshowedthatheintendedtomakeSharrock
talk.
CHAPTERXX.THEMANFROMINSIDE
“WELL?”
GladeTremont’sshort,harshquestionwasutteredashestaredintoHaroldSharrock’seyes.Theywere
mild,light-grayeyesthatflinchedastheymetthelawyer’sgaze.Then,withaneffort,Sharrocktriedto
gaincomposure.
Aflushcametohispastyface.Hisweakeyesglistened.Hebithiscolorlesslips
Aflushcametohispastyface.Hisweakeyesglistened.Hebithiscolorlesslipsashelookedfrom
TremonttoSavette.Hismannershowedthatheknewthesemen,andunderstoodtheevilintheirhearts.
“I’vecomeback,”declaredSharrockhoarsely.“Comeback,foranaccounting.That’sall.”
“Thatisenough,”commentedTremont.
Sharrockflinched;thenstaredboldlytowardDoctorSavette.
“Ilandedthismorning,”hesaid.“Iwentuptowatchyourhouse.Ifollowedyouwhenyouwenttotake
thetrain.Ididnotknowwhereyouweregoing.Ididnotknowthatyouhadthisplacehere.WhenIsaw
youenter,Icameafter.Iwantedtogetyou-tokillyou-bothofyou!”
HatredflashedinSharrock’sfaceashedeliveredthisoutburst.TremontandSavettebothreceivedthe
statementcalmly.Theywerenotperturbedintheleast.
“Yourreturnisafortunateone,”declaredSavette.“Wecanusesomeofthosefundswhichbelongto
us.”
us.”
“Belongtoyou!”Sharrock’scrywascontemptuous.“Nothingbelongstoyou!Thereisnothingforyouto
get.IlosteverythingIhadatMonteCarlo!”
“Hm-m-m,”chuckledGladeTremont.“NowIsupposeyouwouldliketohaveusfinanceyou?”
“YoucanguesswhyI’mhere,”blurtedSharrock.“I’mgoingtofacethemusic,that’sall.Killme,ifyou
want.That’sbetterthanjail.I’vecomeheretoseeifAustinisstillalive-tomakeupfortheevilthatI
havedonehim.Itmeansjailforme.Idon’tcare.”
Tremontshookhisheadsadly.
“Whileyouhadthemoney,youforgotAustinBellamy,”hesaid.“Nowyouappeartohaveaconscience.
Averyuselesspossession-aconscience.Iwonderwhatitfeelslike-aconscience?”
HelookedatSavette,andthephysicianlaughed.LikeTremont,hewasconscienceless.
“SAYwhatyouwant,youcrooks!”saidSharrockhoarsely.“Youstartedthedirtywork.Youandthat
renegade,IvanOrlinov!”
“Whatofit?”questionedTremont.“Youareonlygivinguscreditforanexcellentidea.Ihappenedtobe
yourstepbrother’slawyer.DoctorSavettechancedtobehisphysician.Wesawthatyouhadbeen
wrongfullycutoffinhisnewwill.Sowequietlyarrangedhisdeath-withyourapproval-andkepthim
alive,withIvanOrlinovashiscapableguardian.”
“Yes,”retortedSharrock.“Youdidit-forhalfamillion.ThenyoukeptAustinBellamybecausehewasa
threat.YouhaditframedsoIcouldbethegoat.Alldonewithmyorder.
“Youbledme-ahundredthousanddollarsatatime-togettheentiretwomillion.Igotaway,to
France,withhalfamillionleft.Therearecrooksthere,too.Iwasinnomoodtowardthemoff.
“I’mbacknow,broke-allexceptafewthousands.I’mgoingtocomeclean.I’vecometotellyouthat.I
wantedtolearnifAustinwerestillalive-”
“Heisalive,”interposedTremont.“Aliveandwell.Thatmeanswestillhavethethreatwhichyouhave
mentioned.”
“Thatisnotall,”addedSavette.“Youspeakofuskillingyou,Sharrock.Thatisagoodsuggestion-one
whichweshalluse.Butwehaveafewotherdevicesthatarebetterthandeath.Wehaveprogressed
sinceourearlydays,whenwekeptyourdearstepbrotherdopedinacottageontheJerseycoast.”
“I’vefiguredthat,”saidSharrockbitterly.“Youboughtthisplacewithmymoney-”
“WithBellamy’smoney-”correctedTremont.
“Withanybody’smoneybutyours!”criedSharrock.“Youareuptonewmischief.Youhadacottage;
nowyouhaveacastle.Iknowyourgame!Youaretrickingothers-holdingnewprisoners-”
“Excellentreasoning,”declaredTremontironically,asSharrockpaused.“Youhavemadeaperfect
deduction,Sharrock.SoIthinkitwouldbeagoodplantorewardyou.
“Wearekeepingthisestablishment.Itiswellguarded.Itisnecessary.Sototerminateourdiscussionwith
you,weshallletyoutraveltheroutethatothershavetaken,sinceyourstepbrothermadetheprecedent.
“Howwouldyouliketobecomeoneofthelivingdead?”
Sharrock’sfaceblanched.Hetrembled.TremontandSavetteindulgedinvillainoussmiles.
“Tokillyouwouldbeapleasure,”declaredTremont.“Unfortunately,wedonotknowwhatfoolishthings
youmayhavedonebeforeyoureachedhere.Itwouldbebesttohaveyoualive-sothatyoucanspeak
-underOrlinov’spressure.
“Soyoushalltasteofdeath.Itwaskindofyoutocomehere.Othershavenotbeensoobliging.That
box”-hepointedtotheheavyobjectbythefireplace-“containsonenewmemberforourcolony.We
wereforcedtoshiphimhereasweshippedothers.Youhavesavedusthattrouble.
“Whatdoyousay,doctor?Weareverybusyatpresent”-TremontwassmilingtowardSavette-“and
wecannotbeannoyedwithourgoodfriendSharrockatthismoment.Shallwe
wecannotbeannoyedwithourgoodfriendSharrockatthismoment.Shallweputhimawayforthe
deathperiodoftwodays?”
“Anexcellentidea,”returnedSavette.
“Areyoupreparedtoperformtheoperation?”questionedTremont.
Withasuavesmile,Savetteremovedahypodermicsyringefromhispocket.Sharrockquailedashesaw
theobject.ThenthethreatoftherevolverheldbyTremontbecameimminent.Sharrockstoodtrembling,
fearingboththegunandtheneedle.
DoctorSavetteapproachedthehelplessman.HethrewbackSharrock’sarms,andwrestedhiscoat
fromhisbody.Hetoreawaythesleeveoftheman’sshirt.Heraisedthesyringeandpreparedtothrustits
needleintothevictim’sflesh.
PALE,tottering,Sharrockbegantoedgeaway.AshortwordcamefromTremont.Sharrocksawthe
threatoftherevolver.
Hefacedtwodeaths:thatoftheneedlewouldbetemporary;thatofthegunwouldbepermanent.He
knewthathemustacceptone.HelookedfromTremonttoSavette.Therewasnomercyineitherof
thoselividfaces.
“Wait!”exclaimedSharrock,infutiletone.“Letmetalk.MaybeIcan-canforgetwhatIknow-”
“Youwillforgetit,”declaredTremontcoldly.“Certainly.Wearearrangingthatatpresent.Igiveyou
warning,Sharrock.Wedonotintendtowastemoretimewithyou.Youhaveyourchoice-theneedleor
abullet.
“Youhavenofriendshere.Ifyouflinchorrefusetotakethehypodermic,Ishallshootyouthroughyour
yellowheart.Wearenotafraidofanythingyoumayhavedone.DonothopethatIshallspareyou.”
SharrockknewwellthatTremontwasspeakingfacts.Motionless,hestaredweaklyatthelawyer.
Tremontheldthegunleveledtowardtheintendedvictim’sbreast.
Savette,nearertoTremontthanSharrockwas,stoodawayfromthelineofthelawyer’saim,calmly
holdingtheneedleinreadiness.HewasfacingTremont.
Thethreemenformedastrangetableau,theirprofilestowardthefireplace,wherenoembersglowed
tonight.SavettewasawaitingasignalfromTremont-anindicationwhetherheshouldgoaheadwiththe
injectionorwhetherthelawyerintendedtoshoottokill.
Noeyeswereuponthehugebox.Somethingwashappeningthere.Thelonepivothingeononesideof
theboxwasmovingnoiselesslyupward,actuatedbysomemechanismoperatedfromtheinterior.The
motionofthehingestopped.
Nowthedooroftheboxwasopening,slowlyandsilently-openingatthesidewherethehingehad
lifted.Thestrongpadlocks,withtheirfirmhaspsandstaples,wereservingasahinge!Thedoorwas
openingthewrongway!
Clearofthetrickyhinge,releasedbyslotsthatwerenowfreed,thedoorswungwide,pushedopenbya
handfromwithin.Thenoiseofthatopeningturnedsixeyestowardthebox.Tremont,Savette,and
Tremont,Savette,and
Sharrockgazedinstinctivelyinthatdirection.
Movingforwardfromtheboxwasthecrouching,huddledformofamancladentirelyinblack.Hewasa
blottedform,hisbodyshapelessunderitsblackcloak,hisfeaturesinvisibleundertheprotectingedgeof
abroad-brimmedhat.Hishandswerethrustforward.Theyaloneseemedalive.Black-cladhands-in
eachanautomatic!
OnegunwastrainedonTremont;theothercoveredSavette.Theblackformcontinueditsemergence.It
roseandtooktheshapeofatall,sinisterbeing.
“TheShadow!”
ThecrycamefromSavette’slips.ItwasechoedbyTremont’sweakgasp.Theanswerwasasinister,
whisperedlaughfromlipsthatthecloakcollarcovered.ThelaughofTheShadow!Thelaughofaman
whomTremontandSavettebelieveddead!
Neithervillaindaredmove.Fiendsthattheywere,theytrembled.Sharrockstooddumfoundedatthe
dumfoundedatthe
sightofthisstrangeavenger.
Again,TheShadowlaughed.Hehadcaughthisarchenemiesbyawell-timedruse.Thedreadavenger
washere,tosettlescores,intheverylairofhisfoe.Withguardingmobsmenoutside,protectedbythe
wallsofaveritablefortress,thefiendswerehelpless.
TheShadow’slaughwasthesardonicmirthofvengeance.Itwasalaughthatbodeddeath!
CHAPTERXXI.CLIFFFINDSACHANCE
“I’LLspeak!I’llspeak!”
Thewordsweregaspedbyfoam-fleckedlips.CliffMarsland,intheagonyofexquisitetorture,was
callingpleadinglytoIvanOrlinov.
“Youwilltellall?”
TheRussian’squestionwasagrowledretort.
“Yes!”Cliff’svoicequavered.“Letmeloose-I’ll-I’ll-”
“Yes!”Cliff’svoicequavered.“Letmeloose-I’ll-I’ll-”
Hischokingvoicecouldsaynomore.Thestrainofthemaddening,limb-wrenchingwincheswastoo
greatforhimtostand.Cliff’sheadtoppledforwardonhischest.
Orlinovgavetwocommands.Bothwerethesame.OnewasinRussian,andtheotherinEnglish.Slowly,
thewincheswerereleased.Cliff’sarmsdropped.Theropesbecameslack.Hecrumpledtothefloorand
laythere,inert.
IvanOrlinovstaredlongatthemanwhomhehadtortured.ItwasapparentthatCliffMarslandhadheld
outuntilcompleteanguishforcedhimtoyield.Hehadlosthissensesnow.Orlinovwassorry.Itmightbe
sometimebeforethemanwouldspeak.
Cliffhadindeedsuffered;butnotsomuchasOrlinovsupposed.Allthroughthetorture,hehadplayeda
part.Hehadwincedwithoutanoutcry,feigningpainsoeffectivelythatOrlinovhadimaginedhisanguish
fargreaterthanitactuallywas.
Now,too,Cliffwasplayingapart.Hehadtriedtodelaythistortureuntilhefelt
Now,too,Cliffwasplayingapart.Hehadtriedtodelaythistortureuntilhefeltthatitwasbringinginjury
fromwhichhecouldnoteasilyrecover.Thewrenchinghadreachedthatstate.Then,Cliffhadutteredhis
pleadingcry.
Onthefloor,heresembledamanwhohadlostconsciousness.Orlinovleanedoverhimandshookhis
bodyroughly.Cliffmadenoresponse.TheRussianwasconvincedthathisvictimwassenseless
Orlinovbecamethoughtful.Thistorturehadtakensometime.Itwaslateintheevening,now.Bythis
time,DoctorGeraldSavettewouldbehere.BothheandTremontwouldwanttoseethevictim;tohear
CliffMarslandspeak.
TheRussianknewhisgame.Hehadlearnedthatthecombinedremembranceofpasttorture,coupled
withthethreatoffuture,wasaweaponthatcouldforcethemosthardenedmantospeak.Inaddition,
presentease-asapleasantlapsebetweentworackingsessions-wasalsoawaytomakeobdurate
personsreasonable.
CliffMarsland,weakened,unconscious,andweaponless,couldmakenotrouble
CliffMarsland,weakened,unconscious,andweaponless,couldmakenotroublehere.Orlinovsignaled
toPetriandthegangster.ThemenapproachedwhilethebigRussianundidthefettersthatheld
Marsland’sarmsandlegs.
THEunderlingsraisedCliffMarsland,andcarriedhishelplessbodytoacouchinanobscurecornerof
theroom.Theyplacedhimsohisheadwasproppeduponapillow.Hisarmsandlegsweresprawled.
Cliff’seyeswereclosed;butwhenheopenedthem,hewouldseetheroombeforehim.Hewouldview
thepulleyedropesthathadcausedhisformertorture.Hewouldobservetheotherimplementsofbrutality
whichbodedotheragonies.
Itwouldnotbeapleasantthought-thepossibilityofrunningthegamutofIvanOrlinov’sgrimdevices.
Thebedofspikes,theironcoffin,theblackenedpit-allwereformidable.
Severalminuteswentby.Orlinovwaswaiting.HedidnotcaretosummonTremontandSavetteuntilthis
manwouldbereadytospeak.Orlinovintendedtoputonanexhibitionofhisskill,themethodsthathe
hadlearnedsowellinthedaysofczaristRussia
hadlearnedsowellinthedaysofczaristRussia
CliffMarslandstirred,buthiseyesdidnotopen.Hisheadrolledtooneside.Heseemedtosensethe
agonythathehadsuffered.Heraisedhisarmsandpressedthemagainsthisbody.Heturnedonhisright
side,hisarmbeneathhim.Hisheadslumped,andheremainedinert.
Acleverruse!OnethatwasnaturalenoughtodeceiveIvanOrlinov.ItplacedCliff’srighthandoutof
view,closetohishippocket.Atthatinstanthecouldhaveyankedouthisgunandstartedabattlefor
safety.BothPetriandthegangsterhadrevolvers;butneitherwasinreadiness.
ThereweretworeasonswhyCliffdesisted.Onewasbecausehehadsufferedgreatlyandwasweak.
Eachminute,heknew,wouldhelphimtorecuperate.Thesecondwasbecausetimewasmoving.Any
minute,now,mightbringtheshotsthatwouldbeTheShadow’ssignal!
OrlinovstudiedCliffclosely.Itappearedasthoughthevictimhadagainlapsedintounconsciousness.
Nevertheless,hecouldeasilyberevived,sincehehadshownmomentarysignsoflife.Orlinovspoketo
Petri;thenrepeatedtothegangster,inEnglish:
“Waithere.WaituntilIreturn.Ifhehassbeguntoawake,watchhimclose.Haffyourrevolferready.”
“Surething,”growledthegunman,drawinghisrevolverandbrandishingitsignificantly.
Orlinovdeparted.Clifflaymotionless.Hedidnotallowhiseyelidstoeventremble.Hecouldhear
Orlinov’sfootstepsdyingaway.HewouldknowwhentheRussianreturned.
Cliff’sfingers,hidden,clutchedthehandleoftheautomatic.Atanymoment,now,hecouldbegina
surpriseattack.Heintendedtoactquickly.
Asuddenleap,adrawngun-thatwashischancetocatchhisadversariesoffguard.Hewouldhaveto
beattwomentotheshot.Hewasconfidentthathecoulddoit.
Listening,Cliffcouldhearsignsthatindicatedwhereeachofhisenemiesstood.EvenshouldOrlinov
return,Cliffcouldact,forhefeltsurethatthebeardedRussianwouldhavenoguninreadiness.
Thetimeforactionmightbeimminent.Cliff’sonefearwasthatthiswould
Thetimeforactionmightbeimminent.Cliff’sonefearwasthatthiswouldprolonguntilmidnight.How
wouldheknowthathour?SupposeTheShadowwaswaitingforhimtoact?
Thiswasadilemma.Theminutesontherackhadbeentorturousonesthathadseemedmuchlongerthen
theyreallywere.
Itmightbeteno’clock-eleven-evenpastmidnight-forallCliffknew.Hisnaturalcravingforaction
urgedhimtodrawhisgunnow,whilehehadtheopportunity.Butthatmightmeanactionbeforethe
arrivalofTheShadow.
Withoutthemaninblacktohelphim,Cliff’seffortstoescapecouldbenomorethanfutile.Therewere
toomanymobsmenonthesepremises.Hastyactionwouldspoilall.Patientwaitingmightbringsuccess.
SoCliffMarslandwaited.Possum-like,hefeignedunconsciousness,waitingforthesignalthatwould
meanTheShadowwasathand!
CHAPTERXXII.THESHADOWSPEAKS
THEechoesofasinister,whisperedlaughdiedaway.TheShadow,masterinthelairofvillains,madea
downwardmotionwithhisautomatics.
Understanding,GladeTremontloweredhishandandreluctantlydroppedtheweaponwhichheheld.
GeraldSavetteloweredhishandalso,butdidnotreleasethehypodermicsyringe.
TheShadow’sburningeyesglaredatthemenwhomhehadtrapped.Theywerehelpless,andtheyknew
it.TheShadowhadthemathismercy.Whatdidheintendtodo?
“Pickupthepistol,Sharrock,”saidTheShadowinalow,strangewhisper.
Thetallmannodded.Hewastryingtorecoverhiswits.Mechanically,heobtainedthegunwhich
Tremonthaddroppedonthefloor.HestoodbetweenthetwomenwhomTheShadowdominated.
“Youthoughtmedead,”whisperedTheShadow.
HelaughedasheaddressedthesewordstoTremontandSavette.Thestrangeemphasisoneachuttered
emphasisoneachuttered
syllablemadethevillainstremble.Menwithoutmercy,theyexpectednonenow.TheShadowwasa
superman.Thefactthathestilllivedmadehimmoreamazing,intheirminds,thanbefore.
“Youthoughtmedead,”repeatedTheShadow.“ButIlive-asyouhavelearned.Iknowyourschemes
infull.Iknewyourwaysofplotting.Money.Youneededit,Savette.Youwerelookingforavictim.You
foundLamontCranston.”
TheShadowpaused,andSavetteunderstood.Theechoedmockeryofanotherlaughcameasahateful
soundtohisears.TheShadowspokeagain.
“WhatlittleofyourworkIdidnotknow,”resumedTheShadow,“Ihavelearnedtonight.Ishalltellyou
ofyourcrimes,thatyoumayknowwhyIproposegraveconsequences.
“AustinBellamywasyourfirstvictim.Lawyerbetrayedhisclient;physician,hispatient.Yourdeath
serum,Savette,workedthenforthefirsttime.YouspiritedBellamyfromyoursanitarium,afewyears
ago.Thencamethefire-inwhichanotherbodywasrecognizedbyyouasBellamy’s.
Bellamy’s.
“WithwealthgainedthroughyourpactwithSharrock,youtwoplacedOrlinovinthiscastle.Youbecame
brainthieves.ProfessorPierreRachaudwasyourfirstvictim.HeneversailedontheAlbaniawhenitleft
NewYork,cruisebound.
“Youhadtrappedhimbeforethat.Hewasonhiswayhereinabox.YouposedasRachaud.Allthat
wentoverboardwereclothesandfalsewhiskers-throughtheportholeofyourcabin.ThensmugDoctor
Savettewasmerelyapassengerfortherestofthetrip”
SavettelookedatTremontasTheShadowpaused.Themaninblackhadspokenthetruth.Hehad
detectedthemethodbehindSavette’sgame.
“CLARKMURDOCKwasthenext,”resumedTheShadow.“Iwasathishousethatnightwhenyou
seizedhimandleftthebodyofadeadmaninhisplace.IheardMurdockspeaktohisservantaboutthe
box.
“Atthattime,IsuspectedthatsomeonemighthavedesignsonMurdock’slife,
“Atthattime,IsuspectedthatsomeonemighthavedesignsonMurdock’slife,butIdidnotbelievethat
dangerwasduetostrikesosoon.Youwerecleverthen,Savette.
“You,Tremont,havetoldmehowyousnaredMattHartley.Youwouldneverhavesucceeded,hadyou
nottrappedMarsland,mymanhere.Fromthenon,youthoughtyouhadmehelpless.Therewasnoway
wherebyIcouldstrike.Soyouthought.Yettherewasaway.”
TheShadow’slaughwasmockingasitcreptsoftlythroughtheroomandreverberatedeerilyfromevery
corner.
“LamontCranstonwastheway,”announcedTheShadow.“LamontCranston,becausehewasThe
Shadow.Thisboxwaswaitingforyou,Savette.YoucametoCranston’shomewithyourfaithful
hypodermic.YoudidnotseeCranstonplaceanotherinthepocketofyourcoat,andtakeyoursinits
stead.
“Youdidnotchoosetotakethetaboret.SoCranstonusedit,afteryouhadgonetosummonthe
truckmen.Heopenedthehingeofthisbox.Fromthehollowtaborethetookcertainarticleswhichhe
required.Inthebox,LamontCranstonbecame-TheShadow!”
ArealizationdawnedonSavette.Herememberedhowlightthetaborethadseemed,whenhehadlifted
itafterpushingitbefore.Nowonder.IthadcontainedtheweaponsandthegarbthatwereapartofThe
Shadow-articleswhichLamontCranstonhadchosentocarrywithhimonhisjourney.
“Tonight,”continuedTheShadow,“youshallknowthedeaththatyouimposeduponothers.Thedeath
fromwhichmenawake.Withinthisbuildingdeadmenlive.Theywillbereleasedtonight;youshall
remain.
“Thatsyringewhichyouhold,DoctorSavette,willdonicelyforGladeTremont.Ishallletyoumakethe
injection.Ihaveanotherinmypocket.Youwillreceiveaninjectionfrommyhand.Whenyouawake,
youtwo,affairswillbedifferenthere.IvanOrlinovandhishordewillbegone.Ishallsettlewiththem.”
TheShadowpronouncedthesewordswithamazingcalmness.Hespokeasthoughtheconqueringofa
crowdofgunmenwassimpleinaccomplishment.
Savettetriedtosneer.Tremontwaspale.Herememberedhisawakeningafterthebattleonthedock.
TheShadowhadfoughtthentoprotecthimself.Tonight,hewouldhavetheadvantageofasurprise
attack.
“Weshalldelaynolonger,”gibedTheShadow.“Go,Savette.Usethathypodermicwhichyouhold.
Tremontistobeyoursubject.Go!”
MECHANICALLY,thephysicianapproachedGladeTremont.HedarednotdisobeyTheShadow.The
tableswereturned,andSavetteknewwellthatTheShadowwouldnothesitatetostarthisbattlehereby
firstshootinghimandTremont.
Grimretribution!Thesemonstersweretotastethatstateofoblivionwhichtheyhadforceduponothers.
Theyweretoexperiencethatwhichtheyhadtermedtemporarydeath.
Noalternativeoffering,GeraldSavettewrenchedawayTremont’scoatandtoreoffthelawyer’ssleeve.
HewastreatinghisaccompliceashehadtreatedHaroldSharrock,whonowstoodpaleandtense,
watchingthisstrangeturnofevents.
GladeTremontofferednoresistance.LikeSavette,hewasabeatenman.Neitheronecouldstand
againstTheShadow.Evengloweringlooksweregone.Hopelessnesshadreplacedanimosity.Thefiends
weredemonstratingtheircowardice.
TheShadowhadspoken.Hiscaptiveswereforcedtoobey.Savetteraisedthehypodermic.Tremont
quailed.TheShadowspokeagain.
“Proceed.”
Thatsinglewordsoundedliketheknellofdoom.Therewasnoescape.Savettepreparedtomakethe
injection.Then,suddenly,hestoodstill,andhiseyesregainedtheirshrewdness.Foramoment.Theyhad
lookedbeyondHaroldSharrock,towardthedoorofthissecludedlivingroom.
Quickly,SavettedroppedhiseyestowardTremont’sarm.Heappearedtobebusywiththehypodermic.
Butinthatmoment,hehadbetrayedhimself.
TheShadow’squickeyesdartedtowardthedoor.There,awickethadopened.And,noiselessly,a
panelhaddropped.
Peeringthroughtheholeinthedoorwasthefierce,beardedfaceofIvanOrlinov!
Somethinggleamedbesidethatblackenedcountenance.Orlinovwasbringingthemuzzleofarevolver
intoplay,turningittowardthefigureofTheShadow!
Thegamehadbeendiscovered.Orlinov,comingtoconducthisconfederatestothetorturechamber
below,hadbeenwary.Hehadheardthesoundofvoices.Hehaddecidedtolookintolearnwhathad
transpiredsincethearrivalofDoctorSavette.
NowhewaspreparingtoslayTheShadow.Hehadarrivedinthenickoftimetosavehiscompanions
fromthesentencethatTheShadowhadimposeduponthem!
CHAPTERXXIII.THEATTACK
THESHADOWandIvanOrlinovactedsimultaneously.
Theirchancesofsuccesswereequal.TheRussian,withhisgunbesidehisface,hadadifficultaimto
make,butthetallformofTheShadowformedanexcellenttarget.
Orlinov’scountenance,framedintheopenpanel,wasasmallmark,butonewhichTheShadowcould
coverwithaquickswingofoneautomatic.
HadOrlinovattemptedtobeatTheShadowtotheshot,hemighthavesucceeded.ButtheRussian
playedaquicker,moreinstinctivegame.Hedroppedawayfromtheopenpanel.Thelittlebarrierslid
downtoreceiveTheShadow’sshot.
TremontandSavettewereactingeretheautomaticroared.SosureweretheythatOrlinovwouldnotfail
thattheysawonlyonemenacebeforethem-HaroldSharrock.
SavettedroppedthesyringeasheandTremontsprangforward.AlloddswerewithSharrock.Hehad
onlytodrawawayandpumphisenemieswithbullets.Butheactedtoolate.Hedidnotshootuntilthe
menwereuponhim.
Hisgunsoundedamuffledreportasthethreetumbled.ThenTheShadow’sautomaticspoketorescue
him.Savette,theupperofthethree,receivedabullet,andfellawayfromthestrugglingforms.
MuffledshotswererepeatedasSavettedropped.Sharrockrolledover,andTremontstaggeredaway
fromhim,holdingthepistolinreadinessforanothershot.TheShadow’swell-timedaimwasagain
effective.Hisautomaticroared.GladeTremontfell.
Now,TheShadowwassweepingtowardthedoor.Justashereachedit,thebarrierwashurledinward.
RevolversgleamedasBiffTowleyandthreemobsmendashedintotheroom.
Theyhadheardtheshots.TheyhadcomeatOrlinov’sbidding.Theyweremakingamassattacktotrap
TheShadowbeforehecouldescape.
Herehewasuponthem,hisautomaticspumpinglead,histallformswingingawaybehindthedoor.Afew
wildshotsresponded.Theywereall.Themobsmenhadbeentoosureofthemselves.Theyhadwalked
intoaclose-rangeattackfromtwopowerfulguns.TheShadowhadlostnotime.
Hehadnotsavedasinglebullet.Inthisemergency,hedischargedeverycartridge.Hisenemieswereon
thefloor.TheShadowwasunscathed.Laughing,loudandfiercely,heflungawayhispistolsanddrew
twonewweaponsfrombeneathhiscloak.Hehadcomehereprepared,ahumanarsenal.
IntothehallstrodeTheShadow.Threegunnerswereenteringthefrontdoor.TheShadow’sautomatics
jerkedbackandforthashestruckdownhisnewgroupofenemies.
Twoshotsfromeachgun.Fourbullets-onemorethanneeded.Threegangsterslaywithinthedoor,their
bodiescrumpledindeath.
Ahandflashedfromtheslidingdoorthatledtothewing.Orlinov’srevolveranswered.Abulletswished
throughthecollarofTheShadow’scloak.
Oneofthoseautomaticsansweredasthehandslippedaway.Theshotwasperfect.IvanOrlinovuttered
acryofrage.Therevolverclatteredtothefloor,outsidethedoor.
TheRussiandidnotwait.Hedidnotattempttofastenthebarrier.Hefledalong
TheRussiandidnotwait.Hedidnotattempttofastenthebarrier.Hefledalongthecorridor,The
Shadowinpursuit.Themaninblackfiredoneshotthatwastoolate.Orlinovwasturningthecorneras
TheShadowaimedfromtheslidingdoor.
THEN,fromtheotherendofthecorridor,appearedawild,disheveledmanwithupraisedautomatic.
TheShadowlaughedandstretchedhisarms,toshowhisflowingcloak.
ItwasCliffMarsland,comingfrombelow,hissmokingpistoltellingoftheworkthathehaddone.
ThesoundofTheShadow’scannonadehadreachedthetorturechamber.Cliffhadacted.BothPetriand
thegangsterhadfailedtostophim.Hehadtakenthegunmanfirst;thenPetri.
Sweepingforward,TheShadowpointedtothebarrierthroughwhichhehadcome.Cliffunderstood.He
wastoguardbelow,whileTheShadowfollowedOrlinov.
Theypassedatthecenterofthecorridor,Cliffhasteningtothedoor,TheShadowheadingforthestairs.
Themaninblackbecamesuddenlyalertashereachedthesteps.
Thestairsweregloomy,andTheShadowbecameacreatureofthedarkasheglidedupward,stepby
step.Lostinadarkenedcorner,hisgleamingeyesdetectedacrouchinggangster-Orlinov’smanwho
guardedtheupstairscorridor.
Thewatchersawaslightmotion-themovementofaphantomshape.Asheaimedhisrevolverinthat
direction,aburstofflamecamefromthespot.Thegunmanfellheadlongdownthesteps,anothervictim
ofTheShadow.Theroaroftheautomaticwasterrificinthatlow-roofedspace.
TheShadowwasmovingupwardnow.Hesteppedacrossthegangster’sbody.Hepausedbythe
corner,andpeeredalongthecorridor.
IvanOrlinov,arevolverinhisunscathedhand,waspeeringtowardthestairs.Hesawnohumanform;
butacrossthefloorofthecorridor,hediscernedalong,silhouettedpatchofblack.Hefired.
Itwasahopelesseffort.TheShadow’sautomaticbarked.Orlinov’sonegoodwristwascrippled.
NowTheShadow,likealivingmonster,approachedthecringingRussian.YetOrlinov,despitehisfear,
wasgrinningdefiantly,hiswhiteteethglitteringthroughtheblackenedclumpofhairthatformedhis
beard.
“Youhaffcometoolate!”snarledtheRussian.“Youhaffnotstoppedme.Ihaffreleasedthegas.The
deadmenwhohaffliffednowliffnolonger!”
AdanglingcordtoldwhatOrlinovhaddone.TheShadowlaughedsoftly.Thiswasthethreat;theway
wherebyallprisonersinthoselittleroomscouldbedisposedofinemergency.SoOrlinovhadplanned.
Withnomorethoughtofhishelplessenemy,TheShadowreachedbeneathhiscloakanddrewfortha
key.Heinserteditinadoorandturnedthelock.Hewenttoaseconddoor;thenathirdandafourth.
Orlinovwatchedhimbewildered.
Then,onebyone,fourmencameforth,eachfromadifferentroom.AustinBellamy,aworn,haggardold
man,staredspeechless,wonderingwhatthisfreedommeant.
ClarkMurdock,keenandshrewd-eyed,staredatTheShadow;thenglaredtowardOrlinov.Professor
PierreRachaud,aquiet,beardedFrenchman,appearedperplexed.MattHartley,astalwart,
middle-agedman,stoodwitharmsakimbo,alookofcompletesurpriseuponhisfirm-setface.
TheShadowspoke.
“YOUarethedead,”heannounced.“Thedeadwholivedtodothebiddingofthisfiendandtwoother
monsterswhonowliedeadbelow.”
ThevoiceofTheShadowwasaweird,creepywhisper,thatseemedunreal.Itwasasthoughthewallsof
thatstrangecorridorhadspoken,withthemaninblackamerefigureintheirmidst.Althoughthose
wordsmeantfreedomtothemenwhoheardthem,nonecouldrepressashudderattheeerievoice.
“Thatcord”-themuzzleofTheShadow’sright-handgunindicatedthedanglingrope-“wasdrawnby
Orlinov.Itwouldhavereleasedapoisongastokillyouall.Lastnight,however”-TheShadow’seyes
burnedtowardOrlinov-“Idetachedtheinfernalmechanism.”
Orlinovsnarledinhelplessfury.TheShadowstoodabovehim,thesuppressedsoundoftauntingmirth
comingfromhisinvisiblelips.
Suddenly,themockingfigurebecamemotionlessanderect.Shotswereechoingfromthefloorbelow.
Turning,TheShadowsweptaway,hiscloakswishingaudiblyashemovedrapidlytowardthestairs.A
secondlater,hewasgone,leavingfourstupefiedmenglaringatthecrippledfiendwhowassittingonthe
floor.
Thencameawild,high-pitchedcry.AustinBellamy,whoforyearshadsufferedatthehandsofOrlinov,
leapedforwardinmaddenedfury.HisclawinghandstoreattheRussian’sbeard.Hislong,bonyfingers
dugintoOrlinov’sthroat.
TheRussiansoughttoresist.Withbothhandscrippled,hecouldnotmanagetocontrolthemanwhohad
attackedhim.
Likeamongoosebattlingapoisoncobra,AustinBellamy,withallthepent-up
Likeamongoosebattlingapoisoncobra,AustinBellamy,withallthepent-uprageofunhappymonths,
hurledthehugeRussianbackandforth,chokinghim,beatinghisheadagainstthefloorandwalls.
Noneoftheothersmovedtostophim.They,too,hadsuffered.PrimitivethoughBellamy’svengeance
was,theydidnotchoosetoreason.
Whenthefierceoldmanfellexhaustedonthefloor,Orlinov’sheadwastilted,asthoughunhingedfrom
hishugeframe.Thebeardedfiendhadmethisdoom.
Moreshotswereheardfrombelow.Therescuedmenmovedinafile.HartleypickedupOrlinov’s
revolver.Murdockfoundthedeadgangster’sgunonthestairsandchoseitashisweapon.
Inthecorridor,onthegroundfloor,themenfoundstillanothermobster,woundedanddying.Thesliding
barrierwasopen.Theypassedthrough,Hartleyfirst,Murdocknext.
PierreRachaudwasthird;behindhim,AustinBellamydraggedwearilyalong.Morebodiesinthehall.
Thefrontdoorwasopen.Amansteppedinandhelduphishand.ItwasCliffMarsland.
Marsland.
Theothersrecognizedthathewasafriend.Silently,Cliffledthemtothelivingroom.There,onthefloor,
heshowedthemthebodiesofthreemen.
GeraldSavetteandGladeTremonthadperished.BulletsfromTheShadow’sgunandtheshotsfiredby
HaroldSharrockhadcombinedtoridtheworldofthesemonstrousplotters.
ThethirdmanwasSharrock,himself.Hewasdying,fromawoundreceivedwhenTremonthadwrested
therevolveraway.Sharrock,themanwhohadsoughttomakeamends,staredglassilyatAustin
Bellamy.
Theoldman’sface,hardenedfromhatredforOrlinov,softenednow.HeknewthatSharrockhad
betrayedhim,andhadspenthisfortune;buthefeltasenseofpity.
Bellamystoopedtothefloorandraisedhisstepbrother’shead.Thus,withfriendlyeyesuponhim,with
friendlyhandsgraspinghim,HaroldSharrockdied.
CliffMarslandbeckonedtheotherstothehall.Solemnly,theywenttotheporch.
CliffMarslandbeckonedtheotherstothehall.Solemnly,theywenttotheporch.Theretheystoodin
darkness,lookingacrossthemoon-bathedlawn,nolongerdominatedbygangsterhordes.
“ANalarmwillberaised,”explainedCliffMarslandquietly.“Policewillbehereshortly.Iwasaprisoner
here,too.IwasOrlinov’ssecretary.HetrappedmewhenhelearnedthatIwasinvestigatingmatters
here.”
“Whowasthemanupstairs?”questionedMattHartley.“Themaninblack-theonewhoshotthe
Russian.Themanwholaughed-”
“Hewastheonewhorescuedus,”saidCliff.“Theyhadmeinthetorturechamberwhenheattacked.I
methiminthecorridor,whenIwasescaping.”
“Whoishe?”askedClarkMurdock,
“TheycallhimTheShadow,”answeredCliff.
“TheShadow!”
Thenamepassedlikemagicfromonetoanother.ThefameofTheShadowwasknown.Therescued
menunderstood.
Cliffsteppedfromtheporch,andstooduponthelawn,staringuptowardtheoldgraycastle.Theother
menwerewithhim,surveyingthosewallsthathadheldthemprisoners.
ThehugemasonryofGlamartinwassilentnow-silent,wheregunshadthundered.Thelastsurgingwave
ofmobstershadenteredwhileCliffwasguardingthecorridor.TheShadowhadarrivedintimetomeet
them.
Offintheshrubbery,scatteredbythewalls,inotherspotsoftemporarysafetylaywoundedmenand
dying-thoseremnantswhohadstaggeredawaybeforeTheShadow’slastattack.
GladeTremont,GeraldSavette,IvanOrlinov,andBiffTowley.Allfourweredead.Nomanwhohad
claimedleadershipofanyportionofthegangstercrewremainedalivenow.Cliffcouldclaimasharein
thevictoriousstruggleforright;butitwasTheShadow’smasterythathaddominatedthebattle.
dominatedthebattle.
Adistantshotrangacrossthelawn,andechoedfromthecoldgraywallsofthecastle-likebuilding.The
rescuedmenlookedatoneanother.OnlyCliffknewwhatitmeant.
TheShadowhadmetthehenchmanatthegate.Thelastofthemobofevildoershadmethismatch.
Swallowedinthemountainnight,TheShadowhadfinishedtheonlyenemywhoremainedtomenacethe
safetyofthefreedprisoners.
Clifffanciedthathecouldhearthefainttonesofafar-awaylaugh-along,gibingpealofweirdmirththat
blendedintonothingness.
TheShadow’striumphwascomplete!
Deadmenwerelivingnow!
THEEND