“So you returned to crime!”
Carpenter quailed as he heard The Shadow’s whispered interruption. He nodded his bowed head slowly.
“I was through with crime,” declared Carpenter, in a quivering voice. “Through with it. Through” — his words rose to a firmer tone — “through — through forever! I was a crook — working with other crooks. They promised to stick by me if I took the rap. They were to protect my family. They double-crossed me!”
Slowly, Carpenter raised his head to face The Shadow’s glowing eyes. He saw that gaze, steady and merciless. He knew that he was speaking to a man of iron. Yet he no longer faltered.
“I came here,” he said, in a deliberate tone, “to demand funds for my family. I realized my hopelessness. I wanted money — money — so I could be free — for vengeance.”
“Upon whom?” came The Shadow’s whisper.
“Upon those four,” said Carpenter firmly. “Big Tom Bagshawe, Hooks Borglund, Shifter Reeves, and Wheels Bryant.”
The blackmailer’s lips fairly spat the last name. His own eyes were shining now — brilliant with fierce hatred. Carpenter had forgotten his own dilemma. His desire to gain revenge was growing to an inspiration.
“Let me get them.” His voice took on a pleading tone. “Let me get them. They double-crossed me. I know their ways. I was one of them. Big Tom had the gambling racket, up over the Club Catalina. Shifter Reeves had his dope joint out on the end of the Seaview Pier. I was knocking off the rich boys — here — in this hotel.
“They aren’t through yet, those double-crossers. Hooks Borglund has his game. He’ll play it yet. Wheels Bryant is still working. I’ve never seen him, the rat, but if I do—”