The calm activities of The Shadow's agents were the forerunners of approaching storm.
When The Shadow began such work, it meant doom to fiends of crime!
Chapter V — The Shadow Begins
A circle of light upon the smooth surface of a polished table. Long, slender fingers, moving like detached creatures of life. A resplendent fire opal, glimmering from its golden setting. The hands of The Shadow were at work!
Who was The Shadow?
That was a question none could answer.
Unknown even to his own operatives, The Shadow was a man of mystery. His very identity was a subject of unanswered speculation. To the hordes of the underworld, the very mention of The Shadow brought apprehension and terror.
Time and again, this dread figure had arrived from nowhere, to strike the foes of justice.
Brutal mobsters had died, with the name of The Shadow on their trembling lips. Men who called themselves masterminds of crime had quailed before an avenging figure clad in black, knowing him to be The Shadow. The police, too, knew of The Shadow, although they tactfully avoided mention of his existence. The Shadow, when he struck, did not remain to claim the glory.
Time and again, some shrewd detective had received credit for the capture of a desperate crook, with no one to dispute the honor. Experienced sleuths seldom talked of The Shadow.