Prison would be Carpenter’s fate; but before he returned there, he would have his chance to work against crime. That was The Shadow’s one concession.
Grimly, Herbert Carpenter picked up the revolver. He thrust the bills into his pocket. Like a new man, he strode into his own room, and locked the door behind him.
He had work to do — and he must begin tonight. He was an instrument of vengeance — governed by The Shadow!
CHAPTER XV
THE MEETING
ANOTHER night had come to Seaview City. Herbert Carpenter was at the Club Catalina, seated at the table in the obscure corner. He was thinking — and watching.
Three nights ago, he had met The Shadow, and had listened to his judgment. Now, he was free, apparently unguarded. He was working on his own; yet he knew that somewhere, the specter in black was hovering.
After The Shadow had left him on that fateful night, Herbert Carpenter had known a new enthusiasm. Provided with money, unrestricted in action, he had obtained the opportunity for vengeance. Yet with that opportunity had come a sudden sense of caution.
Carpenter had started out, prepared to beard Big Tom Bagshawe in his lair. He had gone no farther than this table. Here, he had stopped, to ponder. Since then, this table had been his nightly observation post.
Herbert Carpenter was playing a waiting game. That, he realized, was the best way in which he could serve The Shadow. He had sent four thousand dollars to Jerry Stevens; he had kept the other thousand for himself. Relieved by the fact that his family was well provided with cash, sure of his own financial status, Carpenter was ready for determined action.