Perhaps the hideousness of the idol had caused a sudden repugnance to seize The Shadow. Whatever had caused his twist of fancy, he had certainly not expected the result that followed.
THE bullet, instead of flattening itself against an ugly mass of bronze, found its mark in the forehead of a living creature.
With a sickening gasp, the motionless dwarf toppled forward. Instinctively the monster spread its thin, horrible arms as death overtook it, body sprawled and writhing for a brief instant after it had fallen.
The Shadow’s arm dropped. The black cloak seemed to sway as though its wearer had been dumfounded. The Shadow, who had never known the emotion of surprise, was momentarily overcome by the hideous reality.
Not for an instant had he suspected that the metal monstrosity had been a freak of humanity. In the amazement of the moment, that tall, unyielding man forgot his surroundings, his mind completely fascinated by the sight of the ugly thing that he had unwittingly slain.
Palermo seized his opportunity. With three stupendous leaps, he fell upon The Shadow before the avenger had lost his astonishment.
The attack brought back the reality of the situation. Palermo had seized the barrel of the revolver. The Shadow still clutched the butt. Their free arms were locked. Together they staggered in the center of the room.
The physician was the first to yield. His sudden weakness brought no material advantage to his antagonist. Palermo simply allowed himself to be forced backward across the room.
The Shadow pushed him against a screen, which fell to the side. Palermo knocked against a table. The Shadow pressed the trigger of the automatic, as it was turning toward Palermo. The other man stopped the motion of the barrel and the bullet grazed his body.
Another shot followed. Again Palermo escaped.