Choose your mode of death. If it meets with my approval, I shall stand by to witness your suicide.”
“Suppose I choose no death?” retorted Palermo.
“There can be but one alternative,” replied The Shadow firmly. “I shall be forced to kill you!”
Palermo tried to consider the situation. For a moment his cause seemed hopeless.
Had The Shadow spoken of turning him over to justice, matters might have turned in his favor. But The Shadow had foreseen this. He had come as a grim agent of retribution, determined to end Palermo’s villainous career and bring protection to all intended victims.
Palermo’s mind refused to function until his eye chanced to observe the image of Chong. It gave him a sudden flash of inspiration. He determined to deceive The Shadow.
“You have won,” said Palermo to The Shadow. “I am willing to accept your terms. What do you wish me to do?”
“Draw up your confession,” said The Shadow sternly.
“There is no need of it,” said Palermo, in a dull voice. “Full evidence exists. It is more convincing than any death statement that I might make. You will find it all in that taboret in the corner. Your agent was searching there when I surprised him.”
The frankness of Palermo’s statement did not disarm The Shadow. Still, it made him hesitate. If Palermo spoke the truth, his confession would be a useless requirement.