Something clicked above. The Shadow had closed the secret entrance.
Weak though he was, Cliff managed to keep moving downward. He felt a hand supporting him from above. His feet touched a solid floor. He leaned against the wall and waited.
He knew that The Shadow was beside him. They were at the bottom of a short shaft, some fifteen feet in depth.
Cliff understood it all while he leaned there in the darkness. The Shadow, ever alert, had divined that Arnold Bodine would not dwell in a hideout that had but a single exit. The roof of the adjoining garage had been the clew.
The space between the closet and the wall served a definite purpose. It was a means whereby Bodine could leave his rooms unseen. The Shadow had discovered the lock of the secret door, formed by the wall of the closet. He had obtained the key from Bodine’s body. They were on their way to safety!
Cliff wondered why The Shadow was waiting. He did not believe that his rescuer could be at a loss.
Then he realized that the delay was made to give him time to recuperate his strength.
“I’m all right!” he whispered. “Let’s go!”
A click and the wall ahead moved outward. A firm hand gripped Cliff’s arm. With The Shadow, he stepped forward. They were inside the garage, on a narrow stairway. The tiny gleam of a flashlight appeared, and Cliff made out the stone flight of steps ahead.
Evidently, this was a seldom-used side stairway. They descended, while the flashlight showed the way.