Palermo must have suddenly noticed it. He became motionless, standing in the attitude of a listener. A few seconds passed. Palermo inclined his head to proceed.
An instant later he looked up, an expression of profound astonishment upon his features.
THE French doors swung inward with a crash. Out of the black night appeared a tall figure clad in black.
Its arms were spread, and the hanging folds of the cloak appeared like the wings of a huge, monstrous bat.
Bright eyes glittered beneath the encircling hat rim. They were eyes that glowed with unsuppressed rage.
Like some great flying mammal, this being had come from the inky heavens to wreak vengeance upon the white-clad criminal who stood with knife in hand.
The Shadow, master of the darkness, had arrived just in time to stay the hand of the murderer!
CHAPTER XX. PALERMO’S THRUST
THE incredible appearance of The Shadow had thrown Palermo completely off his guard.
The master criminal had fully believed that he had captured The Shadow when Harry Vincent had fallen into his hands. He had taken every precaution necessary to assure the success of his nefarious plans. This denouement had been totally unexpected.