"This, burra sahib," he added, "is why I came to you last night. It fell out of the pocket of the old man when he came to see you at your house."
Duncan read the paper and whistled. He turned to question Abdul, but the Hindu had departed.
Harry Vincent came over and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Duncan," he said, "I'm going to tell you a few facts. In return, I want you to be frank with me. Last night I made a phone call after we arrived. I called from my room, to a number from which I had received instructions to assist you. I am permitted to tell you certain things concerning my own operations. But in return I am to find out all you know. I suspect that you had some secret reason for your visit to that house last night. I think we can help each other. Does that seem fair?"
Bruce Duncan thought a moment. Then he decided. After all, it was Vincent's intervention that had saved his life. Without that, his secret would have perished with him.
"I agree," he said.
The waiter arrived with their breakfast. While they were eating Harry told his story briefly.
"I am the agent of a being called The Shadow," he said. "I can't tell you who he is or what he is, because I don't know. He saved me from suicide, and I've worked for him ever since. He saved your life last night. He expects your cooperation in return, and you are to keep secret what I tell you."
"Agreed," said Duncan. "Go on."
"I was watching Isaac Coffran's house," said The Shadow's agent. "We believe that the old man is mixed up in some shady business, involving the mysterious disappearance of three persons. I was told that you were coming.