“No one suspects me of any crime. My past deeds were slight, compared with those that I intend to perform.
“Here, high above the city, I am living in a veritable Gibraltar— upon a mighty rock. No gangsters or mobsmen of your type can reach me. I am secure!
“While I speak — this, I know will interest you — a man’s life is slowly passing. Within a few minutes, Roger Crowthers, the well-known millionaire, will depart from this world.
“The proper treatment might save him, but his physicians do not realize that his malady is caused by a slow, subtle poison, and that the last dose will soon be administered with his usual medicine. You could save him, perhaps, if you were free.”
As though actuated by a sudden frenzy, The Shadow sprang from the Chinese throne and aimed an automatic toward the steel meshwork. The gun spat fire, and a bullet flattened itself against the metal screen. A second shot followed.
Doctor Palermo calmly turned the swiveled gun toward The Shadow’s body, and placed his finger against the trigger. As he exerted the pressure that was to loose the death shot, The Shadow fired again.
The bullet, guided by an unerring aim, reached an unexpected spot. It struck the muzzle of the swiveled gun. Palermo’s hand fell limp at his side.
THE SHADOW turned toward the circular staircase. Before he had gone a single step, he met with a new opponent. Hassan had arisen.
He caught The Shadow from the side, and pinned the arms of the man in black. Palermo, weaponless behind his steel screen, uttered a cry of satisfaction as he witnessed the Arab’s action.
The Shadow stooped, and gave his body a sudden twist. Hassan was hurled headlong to the floor. The huge bulk of the Arab overturned and smashed an ornamental Chinese table.