"No. Just a clip in the shoulder. He did a nosedive out of the cab, though, and he was cold when I saw him. He'll be around again in a few days."
Biff Towley was thinking as he walked back to his favorite table. A few days on the shelf put Pinkey Baird out of a job, so far as Biff was concerned. Furthermore, he did not like the idea of taking on a man who had participated in a recent feud.
In a way, Biff was glad that this had occurred tonight. It showed him that Pinkey would not do. Looking up from his table, Biff spied Cliff Marsland. He waved a greeting to his acquaintance. Cliff arose and came over to Biff's table.
"I want to talk to you," said Biff. "I've got something for you, Cliff. A job that's made for you. Want it?"
"Sure thing."
"All right, then. Listen."
In a low voice, Biff Towley began his story. Cliff Marsland listened, nodding his understanding. Both men were intent. Neither noticed another who was watching them from the seclusion of a table beside a pillar. It was the hawk-faced man who had returned from his encounter with Pinkey Baird. Quietly, he surveyed the chatting men. He waited, silent and austere, until the two arose and left the Club Savilla. Then, from his firm, straight lips came a low-whispered laugh that throbbed inaudibly. It was the soundless mirth of The Shadow. He had called the turn. Last night he had observed Biff Towley talking with two men — Pinkey Baird and Cliff Marsland. He knew that one of these was to be selected. He had eliminated Pinkey Baird.
There was a reason. Cliff Marsland reputed gangster, was a man who had a special mission. Presumably a free lance in the underworld, he was in reality an agent of The Shadow.
He had been summoned to make contact with Biff Towley, the very night that The Shadow had listened to the schemes of Glade Tremont and Doctor Gerald Savette.
A new man was being called in by the plotters; and that man was The Shadow's emissary.