Savette was nerving himself for a quick action. This last suggestion interfered with his plans. He gave a sudden gasp, and began to stagger. Cranston turned to him in consternation.
"Let me help you, doctor—"
He held out his arms as Savette staggered against him. With his right hand, the physician clutched Cranston's shoulder. His left hand, unseen by the millionaire, crept stealthily from his pocket. Upward it moved, along Cranston's steadying arm.
A tiny metal object gleamed in the physician's hand. With a quick motion, he steadied himself and drove the point of a hypodermic needle into Lamont Cranston's right arm.
The millionaire uttered a sudden exclamation. His face took on a startled expression as Savette staggered away.
Then the millionaire saw the fiendish gleam that was spreading over the physician's face.
He came toward Savette, with an unexpected fury. His hands went for the physician's throat. The evil man had unmasked himself too soon.
Cranston's fingers caught the villain's neck. A ring pressed hard against Savette's throat.
Then the sudden hold began to weaken. Savette shoved Cranston away; the millionaire staggered backward, toppled, and fell, his shoulder striking the front edge of the box.
There he lay, helpless, without motion. Savette, his teeth together, and his fists clenched, stood above the prostrate body and spat low, furious oaths.