The door of the apartment was unlocked, and Delmuth listened intently for its click. He realized that his fancies might be caused by anticipation. Perhaps The Shadow had not yet arrived. Delmuth was ready to face the mystery man. He knew The Shadow's ways. He had heard that The Shadow never killed except when attacked, or when it was necessary to save a life. Therefore, Delmuth was ready. Let The Shadow hide in the dark; let him come into the light. So long as he remained here, he could not combat the fiends of crime who were forth on Delmuth's work tonight!
A slight sound came to Delmuth's ears. He listened intently. It was the latch of the door!
Someone was entering the apartment. Delmuth could hear the sound of soft footsteps.
He turned quickly from the window, and stood beside his chair. The man was in the hall of the apartment, and the foot steps were coming onward!
The door was ajar. It began to open. Delmuth, his hands in the pockets of his dinner jacket, waited tensely. He saw a figure in the darkness beyond the door. It hesitated there, then entered. Denby Chadwick stepped into the room!
Sidney Delmuth stepped forward. His eyes sparkled angrily. His apprehensions were gone. What was this fellow doing here tonight? Delmuth had thought that he was in Philadelphia.
He had never expected this visitor.
"Chadwick!" exclaimed Delmuth.
Chadwick was within the door. He slipped to one side and stood with his back against the wall, his hands opening and closing nervously.
"You wanted to see me," he said. "Here I am!"