The dim glow of the courtyard was blotted out by a blackish mass that spread over an opened window. The mass became a human form — a man garbed in a cloak, his features hidden by the brim of his hat.
The Shadow stooped forward. He removed two circular devices from his hands and slipped his feet free from two more. Upon the floor lay four rubber suction cups, each six inches in diameter. With these, the man in black had clung to the wall, moving along it like a fly.
THE man in black was clear of the window; hence he could not be seen by Flash Donegan and Dip Riker as they made their observation from the lookout post at the head of the stairway.
The Shadow’s keen ears heard a sound from the hallway. Sliding the rubber cups beneath his cloak, he made for the half-opened door. Then his spectral form blended with the darkness of the small entry. He became almost a part of Dip Riker’s coat, which was hanging from a hook.
Flash Donegan was returning. He moved by the hidden form without seeing it. He walked to the window in his apartment. He peered out and signaled to Dip Riker. Then Flash closed the windows, locked them, and drew the shades. Dip Riker came into the apartment, after closing the door behind him.
“Satisfied, Flash?” he asked.
The racketeer nodded, and his eyes sparkled grimly. He took his accustomed chair and sat back, with a slight frown upon his face.
“It may seem funny, Dip,” he said, “but I’m taking no chances. You’re right — I’m playing a game. But keep that to yourself, and don’t ask questions. Get me?”
“O.K. by me.”
“This game is so safe,” declared Flash, “that it’s too good. Did you ever figure anything that was too good? It’s got me woozy at times, Dip. I’ve been waiting — waiting — waiting — just for something to happen. It would ease me up a bit, Dip, if we had to unload a few gats!