“It’s likely to be a good haul,” replied Palermo. “Make your deal with Seligman. Pay off the gorillas. After that, it’s fifty-fifty.
“If The Shadow is bumped off — well, there’ll be lots for both of us after that. You must be on this job, Macklin.”
“Me?” The gangster’s question was uttered in a weak voice.
“Yes, you. Across the street from Hoetzel’s house is an open space where a few cars are parked. Drive up in your car, and back in there.
“You can watch the front and side of Hoetzel’s place. If The Shadow appears there, give him the rod.
You won’t be mistaken if you see him.”
Macklin thrust the envelope and the addressed paper in his pocket. He rose clumsily and started from the room.
FIFTEEN minutes after the departure of Gunner Macklin, another person called on Doctor Palermo. The new visitor was Thelda Blanchet.
Hassan ushered the young woman into the apartment, and led her to the Chinese room on the third floor.
There Doctor Palermo was seated in his Oriental throne, as silent and impassive as the bronze image of Chong that rested in the corner.