Through his amazing genius and the cooperation of his trusted operatives, this mysterious presence had invoked mechanical aid to place himself where he could hear without being seen.
The serious counsel of certain men was being brought directly to The Shadow’s consideration. From the hidden depths of his sanctum, he could both consider and advise.
MASTER of the unknown, The Shadow had a purpose in this self-appointed task. His identity a secret, his strange habitation undiscovered, The Shadow, more than any other person, was equipped to battle crime.
That, alone, was the clew to The Shadow’s presence in this sanctum, and his actions tonight. When The Shadow prepared, it could be for one purpose only. The thwarting of master plotters was The Shadow’s work.
A voice was speaking from the invisible box upon the wall. Its tones were deliberate and precise. It was the voice of a man who had authority.
Other voices responded. One was friendly — another was gruff — a third was wheedling. A friendly laugh of greeting broke into the conversation.
A sudden lull followed. Then, amid subdued murmurs, came the rapping of a solid object upon a table. A meeting was in order. The buzzing died away.
A clock began to chime. Its slow strokes sounded nine. A few snatches of low conversation were interrupted by another warning series of raps.
With complete silence gained, the important-sounding voice began to speak. No one interrupted. Quiet listeners were intent.
Among those listeners was The Shadow!