"One time more will be the last. That is my warning. Three times will mean your doom."
Steve's eyes were half shut.
"Your doom," repeated the voice.
Still Steve Cronin was powerless. He did not move, even when a long arm came slowly upward and stretched forward until a black-gloved finger showed directly in front of the gangster's eyes.
"You have heard my warning," said the voice. Its tones were sinister. "I seldom give a warning. This is the only one — for you."
There was a sibilant hiss to the voice. Then came a single, emphatic word:
"Go!"
The figure seemed to dwindle as it merged into the darkness. Two burning spots glowed dull and disappeared. Steve Cronin's limbs gained a sudden strength of frenzied fear. A low, gasping scream escaped his lips as he yanked the door open and half flung himself into the hall. A sound followed him from the room — it was a mirthless, mocking laugh!
He had seen The Shadow! It was real! It had spoken! It had looked at him with its eyes of fire!
At the stairway Cronin paused in his flight. He steadied himself against the rail. He set his suitcase on the floor and drew a revolver from his pocket.