Before the helpless man's blurred vision, the gleaming blade flashed sidewise and downward. A black-gloved fist had materialized from nowhere. It had landed against the face of the Filipino!
As Louie toppled sidewise, Stuart was freed. He rolled over in an effort to regain his feet.
As he turned, Stuart saw the white-coated Filipino rising before him. The murderous man was dodging the new antagonist. Once more, the gleaming knife flashed; then a mass of blackness blotted out the form of the Filipino.
The mask obscured Stuart's vision. As he pulled the handkerchief down to his neck, he saw Louie's form rise upward toward the ceiling, as though elevated by an invisible force! It was an amazing blur to Stuart's blinking eyes.
Then the Filipino hurtled headlong. The gleaming knife clattered to the floor.
Bewildered, Stuart saw Louie lying stunned. Looking back at the spot where the Filipino had been, he saw the answer.
In the center of the room stood a man in black — a tall figure clad in a flowing cloak. His face was obscured by the brim of a hat. From beneath, glowed keen eyes that viewed Stuart. The folds of the man's black cloak were swaying; and Stuart caught a glimpse of a bright, crimson lining. It was the mysterious man whom he had seen the night before! Here, in this mellow-lighted room, the tall figure seemed more mysterious than before. It was a shadow that had come to life — a solid being materialized from nothingness. Stuart's eyes were staring; his ears received the next weird impression. From that tall, sinister form came a mocking laugh. It was a cry of victory — the sardonic mirth of an avenger! Those burning eyes were staring toward the unconscious form of the murderous Filipino. The hidden lips were voicing the swift triumph!
This man had rescued Stuart; but was he friend or foe? Had he stopped the death thrust of the knife to deliver death of his own choosing?
Seized by a sudden fear, Stuart could think of but one course; to protect himself in case this being of the night should prove to be an enemy!
Across the room, he saw his revolver, lying beneath a chair. Stuart acted on impulse. He leaped for the spot where his gun lay, intending to gain the weapon as a protection.