He realized what had happened. He had entered this alleyway to find a man lurking in the darkness. Despite his alertness and the caution of his approach, he had been attacked and overpowered.
He could still remember the sickening sensation which he had experienced. He had been whirled like a windmill, catapulted in a gigantic somersault that had brought him prone upon his back. It was fortunate that he was not severely injured.
Zull saw now the mistake that he had made. Entering the cul-de-sac, he had not realized that a slight light had formed a background behind him.
He could see the dim glow of the entrance to the alleyway. It had been to the advantage of the hiding man. Lurking in a dark corner, he had been able to watch the outline of Zull’s form.
Thus had the trapper been trapped.
Groping in the darkness, the inspector suddenly discovered his flashlight. He turned it on and rose unsteadily to inspect his surroundings.
He was alone in the alleyway. His adversary had gone. He turned his light toward his watch.
An exclamation of surprise came from his lips. He had been lying in this place for nearly an hour!
Confusedly, Zull reached in his pocket and brought out the pad that he found there. He exclaimed in satisfaction as he observed it.
The top sheet bore slight indentations. The man who had overpowered him had not taken this pad of paper. Zull flicked out the light.