THE SHADOW’S WORK
EARLY the next evening, a gentleman in evening clothes was reading a newspaper in the tomblike library of the Cobalt Club. The few members who happened to pass by recognized the calm, dignified features of Lamont Cranston, multimillionaire.
When he was in New York, which was only occasionally, Lamont Cranston spent much of his time at the Cobalt Club.
He also appeared frequently at the Merrimac Club, which was less exclusive, and one which had a larger and less select membership than the Cobalt Club.
Even those who had seen Cranston most often knew very little about him. The man was a great traveler. A trip around the world was a mere jaunt for him, and he would set out on a long journey in a moment’s preparation.
He had a large mansion in New Jersey, where he entertained on rare occasions. He came and went as he pleased. When he was away, no one — not even the servants at his pretentious home — knew where he was.
Thus Lamont Cranston was a puzzling personage, and most of his acquaintances considered him a mystery. But none had ever fathomed the amazing secret that shrouded his identity.
It was one that surpassed belief — so incredible that even Cranston’s own servants did not suspect it.
There were two Lamont Cranstons: one, the genuine; the other, an impostor, who boldly appeared as the multimillionaire whenever he so chose.
The real Cranston was a traveler, indeed. At the present time, he was in India. The false Cranston was a man unknown — The Shadow!