The cab was stopped near a traffic light. Leaning forward. Sidney Delmuth quickly scanned the written lines that appeared on the paper, checking all with care. Looking from the windows, he made sure that no one was observing him from a near-by vehicle.
Then, leaning back in his seat, Delmuth tore the paper to pieces. The tiny fragments fluttered from the window as the cab rolled along.
Sidney Delmuth was bound for the Cobalt Club. He had given that address to the driver when he had entered the cab. The vehicle stopped at its destination and Delmuth alighted. He entered the club and gave his hat and overcoat to an attendant. In the smoking room, Sidney Delmuth sat in a corner chair and noted the various members who were there. Among them was Rutledge Mann.
Meanwhile, Delmuth's overcoat was hanging in the check room, near the counter. The attendant was reading a newspaper. Had he glanced up, he would have witnessed a startling sight. A hand, apparently coming from nowhere, was approaching the pocket of a dark-gray overcoat. The hand paused and went away, carrying a manila envelope. Half a minute passed.
The hand returned and replaced the envelope as it had found it.
The attendant, had he witnessed the event, would have been astonished. Sidney Delmuth, had he been present to see, would have been pleased. For he had anticipated the occurrence, and had prepared for it.
The hand of The Shadow had stretched forth to grasp a prize. It had gained only an empty envelope!
Chapter XII — Stuart Encounters Trouble
It was the second night of Stuart Bruxton's sojourn in Greenhurst. So far, nothing had occurred to disturb the tranquillity.
Of all places, this peaceful summer resort seemed a most unlikely one for strife. It was for that very reason that Stuart was now alone in his room at the hotel, making his plans for this night. Stuart had been sent here to Massachusetts to conduct an investigation. He had been advised not to act decisively without first reporting to Harry Vincent.